Rotterdam Metro Information
When it began operations way back in the year 1986, it was among the smallest metro networks in the world. Now, the Rotterdam metro runs on 5 lines, serving a massive number of 62 stations. From measuring not more than 6 km in length, the system now covers more than 78 km. This metro system has been growing. It started off as the first metro network in the entire city of Netherlands and now it has an annual ridership of 86 million (2015). The RET are the responsible owners and operators of this important network in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The Rotterdam Metro is a significant component of the city’s transportation system, serving 300,000 passengers each day. However, it does not offer 24-hour operation, instead, it operates from 5:00 to 00:00 (M-D).
Unfortunately, the Metro does not provide air conditioning and does not allow passengers to walk between platforms. Additionally, there are no driverless trains and screen doors on platforms.
The fare system is managed via gates and a nationwide smartcard, with a standard fare of €3 per journey. The Metro operation is managed efficiently by RET.
For additional details, you can visit the Rotterdam Metro Official Website.
Rotterdam Metro Map
Map ofRotterdam Metro showing its lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or downloadRotterdam Metro Map in PDF.
Transportation Overview
The Rotterdam Metro, encompassing a vast network, consists of five active lines. The subterranean segment spans 17.5 kilometers (10.9 miles) while the surface level segment, regarded as a light rail, covers 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles). Each of these lines is briefly described below:
Line A
Line A, also known as the Erasmus Line, was the first line to be established and was initially referred to as the North-South line. Covering a total length of 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles), it is the shortest line in the system. It currently includes 20 stations but has plans for an extension to Vlaardingen West, which will increase the number of stations to 24. Its signature color is green, with Binnenhof and Schiedam Centrum being its terminal stations.
Line B
The second line, Line B, originally known as the East-West line, was later renamed the Caland Line. It extends 20.1 kilometers (12.5 miles) with 23 stations. The terminal stations are Nesselande and Schiedam Centrum. It is distinguished by its yellow color. A 2018 extension and a proposed one for 2020 will elevate the number of stations to 32.
Line C
Line C, marked by the color red, holds the distinction of being the longest line, stretching 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). It consists of 26 stations, the highest in the system, with De Terp and De Akkers being its terminal stations.
Line D
Line D emerged from the 2009 reorganization. Colored light blue, it has 17 stations over a distance of 21 kilometers (13 miles). The line originates from Rotterdam Centraal station and terminates at De Akkers station. This line boasts the least number of stations.
Line E
Line E, the last line to be constructed following the 2009 reorganization, is characterized by its dark blue color. It includes 23 stations along its 27 kilometers (16.8 miles) length, making it the second-longest line in the system. Its terminal stations are Den Haag Centraal and Slinge.
Integration with Other Transportation Modes
Being one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam boasts a diverse range of transportation options. Besides the metro, the city’s extensive and historic tram system is noteworthy.
The trams have been in service since 1879, transitioning from animal-powered vehicles to electric ones in 1905. The system incorporates nine tram lines with a total of 322 stations. Additionally, there are three special lines. Trams, after the metro, are the most frequently used means of transportation, and there are numerous intersections between the tram and the subway system.
Furthermore, the city’s bus network, comprising 55 lines spanning 432.7 kilometers (268.9 miles), offers another effective transportation solution. These buses facilitate direct transportation for the residents, supplementing the metro and tram services.
Water buses, primarily ferries, also contribute to the city’s transport system with their seven operating lines. Given the Dutch affinity for cycling, the transportation system even provides for bicycles, extending up to Dordrecht.
Medium and long-distance trains form another crucial part of Rotterdam’s transportation infrastructure. The city has seven railway stations, the most significant being Rotterdam Centraal, which connects with metro lines D and E. The Rotterdam Alexander station in eastern Rotterdam links to lines A and B, while the Rotterdam Blaak station near the city center connects to lines A, B, and C.
Access to the Airport
Rotterdam The Hague Airport serves as the air transport hub for the Dutch cities of Rotterdam and The Hague. Situated 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northwest of Rotterdam, it is the third busiest airport in the Netherlands, surpassed only by Eindhoven Airport. In 2014, it exceeded one and a half million passengers annually. The airport primarily hosts domestic and European flights.
Since there is no direct metro link, Bus line 33 must be used to reach the airport. This bus line facilitates a direct connection to the Rotterdam Centraal station, which is on metro lines D and E, as well as to the Meijersplein station on line E.
Schedule and Frequency
Each line of the Rotterdam Metro operates on a different schedule. Although the specific operating times vary by line, the overall operating hours extend from 5:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The first train on Line A departs from Kralingse Zoom station at 5:42 a.m. Its frequency is initially around every ten minutes, which continues throughout the day until about 7:25 p.m., when it changes to every 15 minutes. Post-midnight, the frequency increases to every 20 minutes. The final train reaches Alexander station at 12:41 a.m.
The first train on Line B also departs from Kralingse Zoom station but at 5:46 a.m. Initially, the trains run every 15 minutes until 7:00 a.m. This frequency then decreases to every 10 minutes, gradually increasing to every 15 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. At 12:30 am, the frequency becomes every 20 minutes. The final train reaches Alexander station at 12:59 a.m.
The first train on Line C starts from De Terp station at 5:48 a.m. Like the previous lines, it initially runs every 15 minutes but quickly changes to every 10 minutes. From 6:45 p.m. until closure, the frequency reverts to every 15 minutes. The last train arrives at Kralingse Zoom station at 12:26 a.m.
Line D begins its service at 5:47 a.m. with the first train departing from Rotterdam Centraal station. The frequency starts at every 15 minutes but quickly changes to every 10 minutes. At approximately 7:15 a.m., the frequency changes to every five minutes. Throughout the day, the frequency fluctuates, sometimes changing to every seven minutes, and at other times, reducing to just a couple of minutes. At 9:30 a.m., it returns to every 10 minutes. From 3:15 p.m., the frequency reduces to about every 4 or 5 minutes, returning to every 10 minutes starting at 6:15 p.m. From 7:00 p.m. until closure, the frequency is every 15 minutes. The final train reaches Slinge station at 1:04 a.m.
The service on Line E begins at 5:56 a.m. from Den Haag Centraal station. Trains run every 15 minutes until 7:00 a.m., when the frequency is reduced to every 10 minutes. From 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., the frequency is every 15 minutes, briefly returning to every 10 minutes until closure. The last train arrives at Rotterdam Centraal station at 1:23 a.m.
Ticket Pricing and Types
A range of fares and cards is available to cater to the diverse needs of passengers. The Rotterdam Metro offers time-based tickets designed for frequent riders. The simplest option is a two-hour round trip ticket costing 3.50 euros ($US 3.97). For those planning all-day travel, tickets can be bought for 8 euros ($US 9.06), with a reduced fare of 4.50 euros ($US 5.10) available.
The fare system in Rotterdam also supports card usage. Passengers can purchase an unregistered OV-chipkaart or a personalized one, exclusive to the cardholder. The basic fare for either card is 0.90 euros ($US 1.02), with a reduced fare of 0.59 euros ($US 0.67). Each additional kilometer outside of Rotterdam’s metropolitan area costs 0.139 euros ($US 0.157), with a reduced price of 0.092 euros ($US 0.104).
A regional monthly subscription is also offered, based on a star-rating system. The cost for one star is 49 euros ($US 55.52), two stars is 80 euros ($US 90.64), three stars is 119 euros ($US 134.83), four stars is 158 euros ($US 179.02), five stars is 197 euros ($US 223.20), and six stars is 237 euros ($US 268.52). Reduced rates are available for children aged between 4 and 18 and adults aged 65 and above. Similar annual subscriptions can be purchased.
For tourists using the Rotterdam Metro, a Tourist Day Ticket priced at 13.50 euros ($US 15.30) can be bought, which provides unlimited access to almost all public transportation in South Holland province for the day.
System Rules
To maintain harmony among passengers, RET, the operator of the Rotterdam Metro, has implemented a series of regulations:
- Passengers must always have a valid ticket. Failure to comply can lead to a fine of up to 38.50 euros ($US 43.05).
- A heavy penalty of 90 euros ($US 101.97) can be levied for vandalizing the system.
- Strollers are allowed on board, but wheelchairs are given priority.
- Dogs can travel on the metro at no extra cost, but they are not allowed to occupy seats.
- Bicycles are allowed on board during non-peak hours, i.e., between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited on system facilities.
Future Developments
Despite beginning as the world’s smallest metro, the Rotterdam Metro has undergone considerable expansion and is expected to continue evolving. There are plans to expand Lines A and B in the coming years, with various projects set for completion by 2020. The system is currently awaiting a significant reorganization as RET has integrated the Schiedam-Hoek van Holland railroad services with the metro. This will lead to modifications in the terminal stations on Lines A and B.
Useful Tips
To make your journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible on the Rotterdam Metro, keep the following tips in mind:
- Station names and signs are in both Dutch and English. Even a basic understanding of these languages should be enough to navigate the metro without issues.
- Remember the specific mode of transportation you’re using. While all are operated by RET, the process of boarding a ferry varies greatly from boarding a tram, bus, or metro.
- Ensure your ticket covers the duration needed to reach your destination to avoid costly fines.
Fascinating Facts
- At its inception, with a length of just 5.9 kilometers (3.7 miles), it held the title of the world’s smallest metro system.
- It was the first metro system to be launched in the Netherlands. Today, there are two metro systems in the country, with the other one operating in the capital city, Amsterdam.
- The system has gone through multiple reorganizations and renaming. It was notably named Erasmus and Caland, after the renowned figures Desiderius Erasmus and Pieter Caland.
Touring Rotterdam via Metro
Rotterdam, known for its ports, sea, rivers, commercial activity, and transportation infrastructure, has always been recognized as the financial heart of the Netherlands. However, the city’s myriad attractions are increasingly drawing tourists. The Rotterdam Metro serves as a superb means of transportation for both locals and tourists who wish to explore the city. Some notable attractions accessible via the metro are listed below:
- Sonneveld House: Architecture enthusiasts can delight in exploring this quintessentially Dutch house. Crafted by architect Leendert van der Vlugt, the house is recognized as a national monument. Visitors are allowed inside to appreciate its functionalist style. The Sonneveld House is accessible from the Eendrachtsplein station, served by lines A, B, and C.
- Markthal: This market hall offers a deeply immersive experience for tourists. Breaking from the traditional Dutch markets, the Markthal was transformed into the country’s first covered market following its inauguration by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in 2014. Besides food stalls, the Markthal hosts restaurants featuring diverse global cuisines. To reach this market, one needs to take the metro to the Rotterdam Blaak station, served by lines A, B, and C.
- Vroesenpark: As a green city, Rotterdam offers numerous parks and public spaces for enjoyment. Situated near the Rotterdam Zoo, Vroesenpark is one such location. During the summer months, the park transforms into a hub of activities thanks to the “Duizel in het Park” festival, catering to a diverse audience. To reach Vrosenpark, one simply needs to ride to the Rotterdam Blijdorp station, served by line E.
