Cosmopolitan Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in Holland and unlike any other Dutch city. With its impressive skyline, Rotterdam is also called ‘the Manhattan on the Meuse’. Rotterdam’s international port is Europe’s biggest harbor and among the world’s top five biggest harbors. It is an architectural and cultural metropole with countless attractions, events, and museums. The city has a lively, young urban culture. Rotterdam used to be a laborers’ city, which has lived on in its way of thinking characterized by honesty and hard work.

 

Visas for the Netherlands

We highly recommend that you read the related information about your country’s visa requirements before arranging your travel to the Netherlands. If you travel to the Netherlands, you may need a visa. Whether you need a visa and which visa depends, among other things, on your nationality. And whether you want to stay in the Netherlands for shorter or longer than 90 days. More information about Visas for the Netherlands can be found at the Netherlands Worldwide website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Getting There

The city can be reached easily from across the country and abroad. Whether you come by train, bus, car, plane, boat, or possibly even by bike, Rotterdam offers excellent connections in and around the city.
Train – One of the fastest and easiest ways to get to Rotterdam is to travel by train. Intercity trains hailing from every corner of the Netherlands make a stop at Rotterdam Central Station, including the high-speed train. You can find information about routes, departure times and prices on www.ns.nl (domestic travel), www.NSinternational.com (from and to destinations abroad), www.thalys.com (Thalys), and Eurostar.
Flight – An increasing number of European cities provide direct flights to Rotterdam The Hague Airport. From Rotterdam The Hague Airport, you can reach the very heart of Rotterdam very quickly, traveling by car, taxi, or public transport. More information www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl or 010 446 34 44. Another option is to fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and from there, you can reach Rotterdam Central Station in 25 minutes by direct train (ICE, only with a supplement ticket) or in 50 minutes (with regular fare).
Car – Rotterdam can easily be reached by car, using the A4, A13, A15, A16, and A20 motorways. Exits to Rotterdam Centrum are clearly marked on signs. You can find up-to-date information about traffic, congestion, and accidents from the ANWB national motor association (Dutch). Or check VanAnaarBeter (Dutch) for the latest news on roadworks in this region.

 

Getting Around

Rotterdam has an excellent public transport system provided by the RET. You can get all over the city by bus, tram, and metro. In order to travel by public transport, use a valid public transport card. Check the prices of the public transport card on the RET website.
Metro – The metro system lets you travel quickly and easily in Rotterdam and the surrounding areas. There are five lines (routes), each marked with its own letter (A-E), its own color, and its final destination. Beurs station is the biggest metro hub, where all the lines intersect. Line E (RandstadRail) connects Rotterdam with The Hague.
Tram – Tram lines 8, 7, 21, 23, 21, 23, 24, and 25 all travel through the center. All trams converge at Central Station, the perfect place to get on the tram.
Bus – The RET provides several bus routes which connect the center with several city districts, neighborhoods, and the greater metropolitan area. Check the RET website for further information about routes and stops.