Train to Rotterdam - Book cheap tickets online with NS International | IC Brussel

About trains to Rotterdam

Discover pocket-friendly train options to Rotterdam on Omio and secure the most budget-friendly offers for your journey. Trains to Rotterdam are hailed as efficient by travelers. In Rotterdam, you will be able to enjoy the stunning architectures of the Markthal, a futuristic food market, the iconic Erasmus Bridge that spans across the River Maas, and the unique Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom. The average temperature in Rotterdam is around 11°C (52°F), making it a comfortable destination all year round. However, the best time to visit is during spring when the city comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant festivals. Travelers are enthralled by the city's rich maritime history, the largest port in Europe, and its bustling cultural scene that boasts impressive museums and galleries. Rotterdam Central Station, a modern architectural masterpiece, is the main arrival place providing excellent connectivity to the city. For those seeking a cost-effective way to explore this dynamic city, a cheap train to Rotterdam is the ideal choice, allowing you to experience the best of Rotterdam.

How to get cheap trains to Rotterdam

If you're looking to buy a cheap train ticket to Rotterdam, there are several ways to save money and ensure you spend as little as possible on transportation. One option is to take advantage of discounts that may be available. Many train operators offer special promotions or reduced fares for specific groups such as students, seniors, or families, so it's worth checking if you qualify for any discounts. Another way to cut costs is by booking your train ticket in advance. By planning ahead, you can often secure lower prices as opposed to buying tickets on the day of travel when prices tend to be higher. Additionally, try to avoid peak times for trains, as these are typically more expensive. Opting to travel during off-peak hours or during the week can often result in significant savings. A cheap train ticket to Rotterdam not only allows you to save money but also offers the opportunity to explore this vibrant city. Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant cultural scene. With a wealth of museums, stunning waterfront promenades, and a lively nightlife, Rotterdam has something for everyone. By taking advantage of discounts, booking in advance, avoiding peak times, and traveling during the week, you can buy a cheap train ticket to Rotterdam and enjoy all that this exciting city has to offer.

Points of interest & landmarks in Rotterdam

Explore the city of Rotterdam, known for its innovative architecture and vibrant cultural scene. With a well-connected transportation system, you can easily hop from one point of interest to another.

• Experience the iconic Euromast, a towering observation tower offering panoramic views of the city and its stunning skyline.
• Visit the Markthal, a remarkable horseshoe-shaped market hall that houses a variety of food stalls and restaurants, perfect for indulging in local delicacies.
• Marvel at the extraordinary Cube Houses, a cluster of unique and unconventional homes designed by architect Piet Blom, known for their tilted structure.
• Get lost in Delfshaven district, known for its picturesque canals, charming old houses, and fascinating maritime history.
• Explore the Rotterdam Zoo, where you can encounter a diverse range of animal species and enjoy educational exhibits and interactive experiences.
• Step into the future at the Kunsthal Rotterdam, a contemporary art museum showcasing a wide range of thought-provoking exhibitions.
• Immerse yourself in Dutch maritime history at the Maritime Museum, featuring impressive collections of ships, artifacts, and interactive displays.
• Stroll along the Erasmus Bridge, an architectural masterpiece connecting the northern and southern parts of the city, offering scenic views of the River Maas.
• Explore the lively cultural hub of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, home to an extensive collection of art, including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
• Experience the bustling Witte de Withstraat, a vibrant street lined with trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and nightlife hotspots.

Train to Rotterdam

With the nickname "Gateway to Europe," Rotterdam has a massive transportation infrastructure with a heavy emphasis on railway. It is the largest seaport in Europe and has connections to both the Dutch railway network and international rail lines. There are six train stations throughout the city, with the primary station being Rotterdam Centraal railway station. You can ride with Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) on domestic intercity lines to destinations such as Amsterdam, Gouda, and Schiphol. The Rotterdam stations also serve international lines, reaching major cities like Paris, Brussels, and London. If you are looking to get around the city of Rotterdam via train, there are local lines connecting to the six stations and the RandstadRail metro system.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen to Rotterdam

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), also known as Dutch Railways, is the busiest rail network in the European Union. The primary station it uses in Rotterdam is Rotterdam Centraal railway station, operating several lines that connect across the Netherlands. This includes the Amsterdam–Haarlem–Rotterdam railway, the HSL-Zuid railway, the Utrecht–Rotterdam railway, and the Breda–Rotterdam railway.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen provides additional services at Rotterdam Alexander railway station, Rotterdam Blaak railway station, Rotterdam Lombardijen railway station, Rotterdam Noord railway station, Rotterdam Zuid railway station, and Rotterdam Stadion railway station. Nederlandse Spoorwegen also operates international travel via train to Rotterdam, with lines such as InterCity Direct on HSL-Zuid railway from Amsterdam to Brussels. Any international lines that are operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen are technically under Nederlandse Spoorwegen International, which is owned by Nederlandse Spoorwegen and specializes only in international travel.

Thalys to Rotterdam

If you are taking an international train to Rotterdam, you might find yourself riding with Thalys. This is a French and Belgian company that operates high-speed trains between Paris and Brussels on the LGV Nord line. It stops in Rotterdam at Rotterdam Centraal railway station before continuing to either Schiphol or Antwerp.

Eurostar to Rotterdam

Another company that operates international trains with stops in Rotterdam is Eurostar. This is a joint international high-speed railway company that operates across Europe. The line stopping in Rotterdam is the Amsterdam-London line. After stopping at Rotterdam Centraal railway station, it either completes the line at Amsterdam Centraal railway station or continues on towards London St Pancras railway station with stops at Brussels-South railway station and Lillie-Europe railway station.

Rotterdam Harbour : Shutterstock

Main train stations in Rotterdam

There are six train stations throughout Rotterdam, with the largest and primary station being Rotterdam Centraal railway station. It is located at Station Square, and serves over 100,000 travelers per day. The station was recently opened in 2014, as the old station was demolished in order to build a new station that could accommodate the growing demand for train services through South Holland.

The station has 13 platforms, with three additional tracks that do not have a designated platform. The other stations in Rotterdam are Rotterdam Alexander railway station, Rotterdam Blaak railway station, Rotterdam Lombardijen railway station, Rotterdam Noord railway station, Rotterdam Zuid railway station, and Rotterdam Stadion railway station. Rotterdam Alexander railway station is found in the eastern part of the city with access to the nearby Alexandrium Shopping Mall.

Rotterdam Blaak railway station is near the city centre, close to the famous cube houses designed by Piet Blom. Rotterdam Lombardijen railway station is located in South Rotterdam in the IJsselmonde borough. Rotterdam Noord railway station is in North Rotterdam, on the border between the municipalities of Noord and Hillegersberg-Schiebroek. Rotterdam Zuid railway station is at the end of the Willemspoort Tunnel, located in South Rotterdam within Feijenoord district. Rotterdam Stadion railway station only operates during events at Stadion Feijenoord (best known as its nickname De Kuip), the home of Feyenoord Rotterdam, a professional football club.

Onboard facilities Rotterdam

During your journey by train to Rotterdam, the support from Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Thalys and Eurostar will offer convenient amenities and helpful facilities. This includes Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment, electrical sockets, restrooms, quiet zones, and baby-changing facilities. If you are riding a long-distance train, you can enjoy drinks and meals in dining cars, personal seats, or overlooking the scenery in lounge cars with artwork throughout the coaches. Complimentary meals and refreshments are often included in long-distance tickets. If you need to work on the go, work cars for business and silent reading are available on long-distance coaches.

Train tickets to Rotterdam: useful to know

Whether you want to print a hard copy of your ticket or use an electronic ticket on your phone or mobile device, you control the ticketing style during your journey to Rotterdam. When you present your ticket and scan the QR code, you will be able to pass through the ticketing gates and provide proof of ticketing aboard the train itself.

Be sure to have a valid form of identification that matches the name on your ticket. Regardless of who you travel with, where you depart, and the station where you arrive, you can save tickets on your Omio account to keep them safe and secure. No need to worry about keeping all your papers together or adding the electronic tickets to your digital wallet - just keep them stored in Omio and pull them up quickly when you need them. Use the filters and search tools on Omio to ensure that you find the best tickets available for your journey, with the budget and schedule that matches your travel plans.

Rotterdam Couple : Shutterstock

To Rotterdam by train—travel tips

Once you arrive in Rotterdam, you can utilize the extensive public transit to get around the municipality. RandstadRail is a metro, tram, and bus line that provides transportation as far as The Hague and Zoetermeer. There is a metro stop located within Rotterdam Centraal railway station that you can use to explore the city center and beyond.

The tram lines are operated by HTM Personenvervoer NV and use Alstom Citadis streetcars. The bus lines are nicknamed ZoRo-bus lines because they connect between Zoetermeer and Rodenrijs RandstadRail station. Regardless of how you choose to get around, be sure to find time for a visit to Markthal. This is a massive food market with over 50 food stalls. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with more than 200 residents who have windows looking into the market.

Once you enter, gaze up at the ceiling and admire the artwork that has been nicknamed The Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam. If this whets your appetite for interesting architecture, hop on RandstadRail for a visit to the cube houses. Built in the 1970s, these residencies are meant to represent a grouping of trees with the peak of each house looking like a pine tree.

With history dating back until 1270, Rotterdam has everything from a vibrant arts culture to historical landmarks for you to enjoy. The Kinderdijk windmills are a great way to explore the Dutch countryside and feel immersed in the history of Rotterdam. If you are looking to explore the artistic culture of the municipality, visit Witte de Withstraat.

This neighborhood is filled with museums, street art, and vibrant nightlife. Take a step back in time with a trip to Delfshaven, a historic neighborhood with quaint brick houses, shops, and restaurants. For a bird’s eye view of the city, look no further than the top of the Euromast. This is one of the tallest structures in the municipality and will offer panoramic views of the entire skyline, including the Erasmus Bridge and Hotel New York.

Free things to do near Rotterdam Centraal in Rotterdam

With its central location and excellent transportation connections, Rotterdam Centraal serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the city. Here are some free things to do within easy reach of Rotterdam Centraal:

• Stroll along the iconic Erasmus Bridge, just a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the bustling harbor.
• Visit the Rotterdam Centraal Station rooftop garden, a hidden oasis located on the top of the train station. Take a leisurely walk amongst the greenery and admire the cityscape.
• Explore the vibrant Markthal, a unique indoor food market filled with an array of fresh produce, international delicacies, and local delights. Located just a stone's throw away from Rotterdam Centraal, it's a feast for the senses.
• Discover the Cube Houses, an architectural marvel designed by Piet Blom. These unconventional houses, tilted on their sides, are a must-see attraction and are situated near Rotterdam Centraal.
• Take a stroll through the historic Delfshaven district, a picturesque neighborhood with charming canals and traditional Dutch architecture. It's just a short tram ride from Rotterdam Centraal.
• Visit the Kunsthal Rotterdam, a renowned contemporary art museum located near Rotterdam Centraal. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month, offering a chance to experience world-class art without spending a dime.
• Marvel at the impressive City Hall, a striking modern building situated within walking distance of Rotterdam Centraal. Admire the unique architecture and enjoy the public art installations in the square.
• Explore the bustling street markets of Rotterdam, such as the Binnenrotte Market and the Blaak Market. Indulge in the lively atmosphere, browse the stalls, and sample local delicacies.
• Take a leisurely bike ride along the Maas River, which flows near Rotterdam Centraal. Enjoy the scenic views, stop by the various parks along the route, and soak up the city's natural beauty.
• Visit the Groothandelsgebouw, a historic building located next to Rotterdam Centraal. Take the elevator to the top floor and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace.