The Netherlands is known for its picturesque countryside, with windmills and endless fields of tulips that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. However, The Netherlands is also home to two of the busiest cities in all of Europe, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. If you’re fortunate enough to get to visit The Netherlands, a trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is the perfect way to view the beauty of the countryside and experience all that these two cities have to offer.
How can you get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam? You can travel via train, car, bus, or even a boat, depending on how much time you want to devote to your Amsterdam to Rotterdam journey. The distance between the two cities is only 80.9 kilometers or about 50.2 miles.
Are you looking for a day trip that allows you to sneak a peek at both cities, with some traditional scenery in between? Or are you looking to fully immerse yourself in each city and absorb all that they have to offer? If you answered yes to either of these questions, keep reading. There’s a way for you to see it all, no matter how much time you have.
Getting From Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Train
Even when choosing a train, you’ve got choices within choices. There’s a train that’ll work fit into whatever time you have. Although there are several options available for train travel, RailEurope is the most user-friendly and simplest source for train bookings.
Considering the time you’re allotting to your Amsterdam to Rotterdam trip, the amount that you’d like to spend, and what you’re hoping to see, there are different trains to choose from, and RailEurope is basically a one-stop-shop.
What to Expect
RailEurope offers plenty of trips between Amsterdam and Rotterdam all day long. In fact, there are about 46 trips each day. Trains start at about 6:30 am and will stop running around 11:30 pm.
Just like airplane travel, travel on RailEurope offers different classes. You can choose to save money on your train ride and splurge when you get off, or you can indulge in one of the more luxurious seats available for train travel.
This train option is great if you’re making decisions at the last minute, since purchasing a ticket ahead of time isn’t necessary. The trains are clean, and if you’re traveling during a non-peak time, the trains aren’t as busy.
Time
The trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam will take just over an hour, on average. The actual average time is one hour and five minutes. This is, of course, perfect if you’re looking to have all the scenic views en route.
Also available is Thalys, which is a European speed train line. It can get you from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in less than an hour, 36 minutes, to be exact.
If you’re on a strict schedule and looking to squeeze in the trip, the Thalys train is probably your best bet. However, if you would like to experience the speed train, you might want to investigate, as sometimes these bookings do need to be made in advance.
Cost
Train tickets for an adult start at $24 USD from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, one way. This, of course, depends on the time of day and the dates, since peak times will be more expensive. There are additional fees for snacks and beverages on the train ride.
Pros
Train travel is, as mentioned, perfect for seeing the sights. It allows you to take in all of the scenery without the worry of distracted driving. And, depending on the kind of seat you choose, someone will even bring you a snack or a drink while you’re enjoying the views. The train stations themselves are also sights to be seen:
- The architecture of Rotterdam Centraal can be your first glimpse into the modern aesthetic of what is Rotterdam
- Amsterdam Centraal is very traditional but unique in its location, situated on three man-made islands.
Both stations are also located right in the middle of their respective cities, making it so easy to just hop off the train and start experiencing the cities. The Amsterdam station is just a quick fifteen-minute trip from the airport, so ease of access is a huge bonus.
Cons
With any kind of mass transportation, trains do have unexpected delays or cancellations from time to time. This can cause serious inconveniences for anyone traveling on a tight schedule. But, frequently checking the train schedules can help prevent any surprises, as they’re updated often.
Also, those that travel by train often do recommend not carrying any more luggage than you can handle on your own. This can be a challenge for anyone that’s traveling more than one bag or with children.
Getting from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Bus
Public transportation via bus is another inexpensive and timely option for getting from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. Omio can help you lock down bus tickets from one of several companies that run from Amsterdam to Rotterdam each day.
What to Expect
You’ll be able to get on a bus at one of the several bus stations in Amsterdam and catch a ride to Rotterdam. Tickets don’t need to be purchased in advance, but if time and schedule are important, you will want to look into which stations offer direct routes. Buses used for travel from Amsterdam to Rotterdam are very tidy and convenient.
Time
Depending on the station that you’ll depart from, the bus ride can be anywhere from about 90 minutes to just over two hours. Some buses will require a transfer, where you will have to get off one bus and onto another, but you’ll be notified when purchasing a ticket. This is also factored into the trip time.
There are typically two buses a day that run from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, nonstop. However, it’s possible to find those routes with a transfer that run more frequently. Bus schedules are subject to change and are contingent upon road conditions.
Cost
Bus travel is the most affordable option. Fares start at just $11 and top out at $15. Even when factoring in a possible ride to the bus station, depending on your location, this is still a very inexpensive option.
Pros
Similar to a train ride, the bus option allows you to sit back and relax while someone else does the driving. Also, there are a few different bus stations to choose from, so getting to the station itself might be a tiny bit easier.
Cons
Space is limited on buses, so large amounts of luggage are a no go. This makes bus travel best for those that can pack light or short trips. As mentioned, bus schedules do change, oftentimes from week to week, so it can be tough to plan in advance.
Also, if you’re not able to snag a ticket on one of the nonstop bus routes, you’ll have to navigate a transfer from one bus to another, which isn’t recommended unless you’re really confident in your own traveling skills.
Amsterdam to Rotterdam Via Ridesharing or Carpools
Although these are relatively new options within the US over the past few years, especially in smaller cities, ridesharing and carpooling have been options in Europe for quite a while.
With so many countries all within driving distance, it just makes sense. It’s such a brilliant way to travel while helping out Mother Nature by cutting down on emissions and oil usage. That’s a win-win.
What to Expect
While there are the usual ride-sharing options that are already widely used, Europe does have a few that are not available in the US, such as BlaBlaCar. This is a company that prides itself on “trusted carpooling” and offers a fun rating scale, based on the chattiness of the driver.
The concept is based on matching drivers and passengers that are going to similar spots, then allowing them to work out the rest of the trip. BlaBlaCar basically took the concept of hitchhiking and made it safe and secure, as well as environmentally friendly. Not to mention, it’s very easy on the bank account.
If you’re not willing to chance your seatmate on a bus or train, choosing a travel companion this way might be something you’d like to look into. Similar to Uber or Lyft, there are multiple options per trip, along with different pricing.
A major difference with BlaBlaCar is that there’s more communication between the driver and riders while setting up the ride. This gives more of an opportunity to ask any questions or clarify any concerns. However, unless you’re fluent in Dutch, it might be a good idea to keep your translator app handy to avoid any confusion.
Time
Just like bus travel, carpool and rideshare apps are sharing the road with other traffic, so that will impact travel time. Ridesharers and carpoolers report an average of 68 minutes per trip, so that’s just over an hour in the car.
Cost
Again, the final price will depend on the type of car, the number of additional passengers involved in the rideshare or carpool, as well as the exact pick up in Amsterdam and drop off in Rotterdam locations. Anyone that chooses this option should expect to spend anywhere from $110 to $350.
Pros
Again, with any rideshare or carpool app, you’re able to get a quick glance at the person that will be driving you. With BlaBlaCar, you’ll even get a sneak peek into their personality before you get in the car. If you choose a larger vehicle, luggage space won’t be an issue, quite like it is on public transportation.
Cons
Naturally, as with any road travel, traffic is unpredictable, which can make any kind of road travel equally unpredictable. While the average trip is just over an hour, that doesn’t account for any incidents that could occur. That means this isn’t the best choice for anyone on a strict schedule.
Also, when carpooling, it’s tough to predict who exactly you’ll be riding with. While some apps offer a short profile of other riders, not all do. Therefore, there’s no way to tell whether or not one of the other passengers has a liver and onion sandwich stashed in their backpack that you’ll have to smell for the entire trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam.
Traveling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Taxi or Car Service
While rideshare and carpooling apps have largely taken over, there are still chauffeur services and taxis available to transport passengers from place to place.
What to Expect
Taxis and car services are often the first choices for those that like to prearrange car or van travel and schedule an exact pickup time. With rideshare and carpool apps, there may be a little bit of a wait while finding a driver. Booking a taxi or vehicle from a car service allows you to choose a certain time.
You’ll also be able to predetermine the kind of vehicle that you’ll be riding in, which takes any guesswork out of the amount of luggage you can bring, as well as how many passengers can fit. Car services also have strict cleaning policies, so if you’re at all concerned about the cleanliness of a vehicle and budget isn’t an issue, this would be a good choice.
Time
Cars, vans, and taxis all share the same road as the ridesharer and carpool cars. The timing is the same, just over an hour for the average trip. But again, the average trip time goes out the window with any change in road conditions, weather, or traffic incidents.
Cost
Reserving a car or van from a car service, or even a taxi, comes with a higher price tag than most of the other options. Traveling via this private transportation method typically starts at $200 and goes up from there depending on car size and booking company.
Pros
Private vehicle transportation does offer the same ability to let someone else do the driving, but unlike other methods, you don’t have to share a vehicle with anyone you don’t know. You’ll be able to bring as much luggage as you like, as well as dictate the exact pickup time and location.
There’s little guesswork to be done with private transportation, including schlepping your luggage around. Drivers with these services will usually help load and unload any luggage.
Cons
The most major drawback is the large price that comes with booking a private ride. However, you’re reserving a driver and vehicle. The fee also allows for gas used and maintenance fees on the vehicle itself.
Also, the extra price paid for private travel in a vehicle, unfortunately, doesn’t come with a private road to travel. As we already briefly mentioned, these vehicles share the same road as the other methods of transportation (minus trains, of course).
Therefore, they’re exposed to the exact same road conditions. So even when booking a private automobile that will no doubt be on time to pick you up, there’s no way to guarantee the trip time itself.
Getting from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Guided Tour
This is the way to go if you want to see all the sights and learn all there is to know. Someone else will figure out the travel means, and you’ll just pay for your spot on the tour.
What to Expect
If you like sightseeing and culture, without having to put together your own itinerary, and you want to cover everything from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, book a guided tour. You’ll pay a flat fee, depending on the length of time you’ll be with the tour, as well as what will be included.
With guided tours, there are all kinds of different themes available for travel from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. There are tours for just seeing the sights or for sampling local fare. Some tours will have you remain on the bus for the majority of the ride, while some allow passengers to get off and walk or bike around.
Time
Professional tours are available for various lengths. There are day trips that start in the morning and end in the evening or trips that run overnight. These will typically include hotel stays in the booking fee. Whatever amount of time you have set aside for getting to Rotterdam from Amsterdam, there’s most likely a tour that’s ready and waiting for you.
Cost
Basic tours that include transportation and a guide can start as low as $45 for a day tour. This will reserve a spot on a tour bus, and a schedule of different sites to see. Longer tours can go for upwards of $100, depending on whether or not meals, hotel stays, and museum admissions are included.
Pros
Tours can be fun because they’re full of people who also paid to ride, meaning they’ll want to see or do the same things you’re interested in. That can make for quite a fun adventure. Guides are also very knowledgeable, so you’ll be learning while riding, which is always a plus.
Cons
If you’re looking for a quick and peaceful journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, the guided tour is not for you.
It’s also not uncommon to run into one or two inconsiderate people on a guided tour who don’t respect the rules or timeline, which can make the entire tour run late and in some cases, the tour might even miss out on a scheduled event due to closing time. Therefore, if you don’t like following a schedule or struggle with being on time, this is probably not your best bet.