Rotterdam The Hague Airport
You can check-in online at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. It is also possible to check in at the airport. If you are flying with Transavia, you can also check your luggage in yourself by using the Scan & Fly terminals at the airport.
If you travel to a non-Schengen country, you’ll need to go through additional security and passport checks which might take 30-50 mins.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol airport can be fairly busy, therefore plan your arrival time to the airport well. In most cases, you should arrive there at least three hours ahead of a flight. If you travel to a non-Schengen country, you’ll need to go through additional security and passport checks which might take 30-50 mins.
Please check the waiting times before your planned journey
Tourist information
Rotterdam Tourist information Central Station
Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ, Rotterdam
Hours: Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 18:00
Local information for visitors
Currency Exchange
The Dutch currency is the Euro. You can change money in most banks. The GWK Travelex Exchange Bureau at Rotterdam Centraal (the central station) offers a good exchange rate. Changing your money at hotels and some other foreign exchange shops is more expensive. Online currency converter banks are open on weekdays from 09:00 – 17:00. Some banks are also open on Saturdays from 10:00 – 16:00, and on Thursday evenings from 17:00 – 20:00.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. Supermarkets frequently do not accept credit cards. Apple Pay is accepted in many shops and supermarkets. Some shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa addresses. These cards are also accepted by all GWK Travelex locations and other exchange bureaus. You will find the GWK Travelex locations at Rotterdam Central Station and Schiphol Airport. Having some cash in euros on hand can help just in case. If you’re wondering where the nearest ATM near you is, search for ABN AMRO, ING or Geldmaten: yellow-coloured ATMs that accept almost all bank cards.
Business Hours
Most shops and banks are open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 – 18:00, although many places remain closed until after lunch on Mondays. On Friday evenings, many shops in the city centre stay open later.
Eating Out
Even if you plan on going out to a restaurant it’s best to reserve a table. Many establishments are so popular they don’t have room for walk-in seating.
Time Zone
In May, the Netherlands operates on Central European Summer Time (CEST) or UTC+2.
Electricity
EU standard: 220V 50 Hz – round two-pin plugs.
Weather
May is late spring and temperatures can range from cool to warm: expect average daytime temperatures of between 12° C and 18° C. The Netherlands is quite a rainy country so make sure you have an umbrella or a raincoat.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance: 112
- Police (non-emergency): +31 (0)900 8844
- Doctor services: +31 (0)88 00 30 600
- Dental emergencies: +31 85 105 1760
Public transport in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has a 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. There are various types of public transport cards:
- RET 1 day: for sale at RET service shops and service centres, Rotterdam Tourist Information at Coolsingel, Central Station and Hoek van Holland.
- RET 2 hours: for sale at Rotterdam Tourist Information, sales desks, ticket machines in metro stations, for sale from the bus driver (only card, no cash) and for sale in the trams (card and cash).
- RET Tourist Day Ticket: One day unlimited travel throughout South Holland (bus, tram, metro & waterbus): for sale at RET service shops and service centres, Rotterdam Tourist Information (Coolsingel, Central Station and Hoek van Holland) or vending and recharging machines in metro stations.
Check the prices of the public transport card on RET.nl 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 their own letter (A-E), their own colour and with their final destinations. 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 centre. All trams converge at Rotterdam Centraal Station, the perfect place to get on the tram.
Bus
The RET provides several bus routes which connect the centre with several city districts, neighbourhoods and the greater metropolitan area. Check the RET website for further information about routes and stops.