This is how the Rotterdam Metro works. Download the Metro Rotterdam Map.

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The metro is the best choice if you want to cover distances quickly in Rotterdam. The disadvantage, however, is that it runs underground in the city center, so you can't see much of iconic sights such as the cube houses, the Erasmus Bridge and the Euromast.

Despite this, the metro is often faster than traveling by car, especially during busy times. Since its founding in 1968, the Rotterdam Metro now has five lines, which are designated with a letter (A-E) and serve a total of 70 stations. Line E connects Rotterdam and The Hague. Line B takes travelers to the beach of Hoek van Holland.

The metro stations in Rotterdam are marked with a large 'M', different from what you are probably thinking of right now. These stations have escalators or stairs that take you to the platforms, where clear signs will direct you to the correct train.

Metro lines

The Rotterdam metro consists of several lines that connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas.

• Metro line A: This metro line starts at the Binnenhof metro station in Rotterdam's Ombloed district and ends at the Vlaardingen West metro station.

• Metro line B: This line runs from Rotterdam Nesselande metro station to Hoek van Holland Strand metro station.

• Metro line C: This line runs from metro station De Terp in Capelle aan den IJssel to metro station De Akkers in Spijkenisse.

• Metro line D: This line runs from Rotterdam Central Station to De Akkers metro station in Spijkenisse.

• Metro line E: This line runs from The Hague Central station to Slinge station in South Rotterdam.

Metro Rotterdam Map

You can download a handy Rotterdam Metro map from the RET website. This map shows all metro lines in different colors. Each line is labeled with a letter and a color, making it easy to find your way. In addition, the map shows which stops each metro line serves, so you can see exactly where you need to go.

Official metro map of Rotterdam - click for a larger image - © RET

Major metro stations

Important metro stations to remember during your stay in Rotterdam are:

• Rotterdam Central Station: the city's main train station.
• Exhibition: Located in the city center, close to many shops and restaurants.
• Blaak: Here you will find the Markthal, the Cube Houses and the Laurenskerk.
• Wilhelminaplein: Close to the famous Erasmus Bridge.
• Zuidplein: Near the famous Rotterdam Ahoy conference center.
• Corner of Holland Haven: This is where the Stena Line ferry docks from Harwich, UK (from where you can catch a train to London).
• Hoek van Holland Beach: Access to the beach in Hoek van Holland.
• Meijersplein: Here you can transfer to a fast shuttle bus to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) or use the same shuttle to travel to this station for an easy transfer from Rotterdam Airport to Rotterdam city center.

Buy ticket

To travel on the Rotterdam metro, you can use an OV chip card, both anonymously and personally. An anonymous OV chip card is available at a Sales & Charging Machine in a metro station, or for a surcharge at a RET Service Point. A new way of paying is with OVPay, where you check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile phone.

Here's how it works:

1. Hold your debit card, credit card or mobile phone against the card reader or gate and you are checked in.
2. When disembarking, repeat the process using the same pass or mobile phone you checked in with.
3. The payment is made automatically and the next day you will see the amount in your payment overview with the description NLOV. The price is the same as if you were to travel with your OV chip card.

You can check in and out with various debit cards from banks such as ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, etc., as well as with contactless credit cards from Mastercard or Visa. A mobile phone that is linked to contactless payment is also suitable. In addition, you can check in and out with foreign contactless debit cards or credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard or Visa.

It is good to know that you must enable contactless payment on your mobile if you want to check in or out with it.

Servicescheme

The Rotterdam metro timetable varies per line, but in general metro connections are available from 6am to 1am. During the late night hours, when most people are sleeping, there is almost no subway traffic. This means that travelers can take advantage of the metro for their journeys within the city during most of the day and evening.

To conclude your journey with the Rotterdam metro, it is advisable to keep some useful tips in mind. Plan your trip ahead using the RET's travel planner to avoid delays, pay attention to broadcast messages for up-to-date information during your trip, avoid traveling during peak hours if possible to avoid crowds, and always be polite and respectful to fellow travelers and staff. With these simple guidelines you can make your experience with the Rotterdam metro as pleasant and efficient as possible.