IN THIS SECTION:
Ticketing
Metro
Trains
Tram
Bus
Taxi
Bicycle
Strippenkarts used to be the accepted currency required to use the metro, trams and buses. This system is still in use in other parts of the Netherlands but has been phased out in Rotterdam. You will need to have a card which is a hard plastic card, resembling a credit card in size and thickness. This card is called an "OV kaaart" - OV is the Dutch abbreviation for openbaarvervoer, public transportation. You must swipe the card when you enter the vehicle (tram, bus, metro) and again before you exit. Here you will find more details in English about how to use the OV kaart properly.
There are three different types of OV kaarts depending on how frequently you will use the system. If you want the cards to automatically credit funds from your bank account, you must have a personalized card, rather than an anonymous or disposable. Children and senior citizens ride at reduced tariffs
The metro is the Nederlands underground transport system but is limited to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It is clean and reliable service to use and links with the intercity train network. The metro entrances are indicated by RET signs with large yellow M logo above all metro station entrances. The current metro system runs with two main lines, north-south (D & E) and east-west (A,B,C) and runs from 5.30am to midnight. The metro now extends all the way to The Hague. Service is frequent, especially in the city center when the lines overlaps. Service is more frequent during rush hours.
Trains are run by the national Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Trains run between all major Dutch towns and cities. You must purchase your ticket before boarding the train, a conductor will check your ticket once on the train. You will find ticket machines that take chip and pin cards at the station platforms. To reach Schipol airport, you can take an "Intercity" train directly from Rotterdam Centraal station.
You will find tramlinks all over Rotterdam and where they don't travel, buses will. Be sure to swipe the OV kaart when you enter the tram, and again before you exit. You can swipe your card before exiting once the doors have closed at the stop before your exit. During rush hours, there can be a backlog at the door to exit as everyone tries to swipe their cards, so this is a handy trick to know to avoid any stress.
Caution: Trams have right of way at every occasion and will take it. At intersections they have their own sets of lights, in all other instances, let the tram go first.
The city is laced with an impressive network of bus routes.
Caution: As with trams, buses have automatic right of way and will use it on all occasions. This is their legal right, always let them pass first no matter where you are in the overtaking process. The bus does not have to wait for traffic to clear or for safe entry into traffic, it can pull in front of you with little or no warning or crowd you in. They are legally protected and entitled to do so. Nervewracking but there is no good outcome in this scenario if you take one on; be warned!
Official taxis have a blue numberplate and often won't accept short fares. For local companies check the Goudengids under "Taxibedrijf". The main company in Rotterdam is Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale.
Despite international trends, taxis are not a common form of transport and are expensive here. There are only a few taxi ranks around the city and it is quite normal not to see a taxi waiting. It is forbidden to flag a taxi down if you see one driving along, you are required to go to either a taxi rank (if you can find one), or call and book one. However, some drivers will overlook this rule.
Cycling is a national past-time and thanks to the unrelenting flatness of the country, the locals find it the perfect way to get around. Cycle lanes are well maintained (often better than pavements/sidewalks) and generally have their own lane (in addition to tram, car and only in some instances, pavements), and cycle racks are abundant.
At intersections, cyclists have their own sets of lights to obey, they do sometimes try to test this particular rule. Outside of this situation, they have automatic right of way and will take it. Cyclists do tend to take a lot of liberties and will often ride three abreast (two or more) when there are no cycle lanes apparent and even when there are. You will have to wait behind them until it is safe to pass as they will not move aside.
Cyclists are not obliged to follow road rules of other traffic and you will find them cycling down one way streets in the opposite direction (they may expect you to pull over and let them through). Be careful when crossing pedestrian crossings, cars and other traffic (except trams) will stop for you but cyclists won't.