I’ve always been intrigued by Rotterdam. This city, not only one of Europe’s most important ports, is also famous for its modern architecture, avant-garde art, and multicultural spirit. When planning my trip, one of the key things I looked into was how to get to Rotterdam conveniently and efficiently from my city—and from other major European cities too. After all, flight options, schedules, and airport accessibility can greatly affect the comfort and success of the entire journey.
Drawing from my own experience, I’ve compiled a detailed guide to direct flights into Rotterdam, including routes from major European cities, plus practical tips and pre-travel advice.
1. Overview of Rotterdam Airport: Europe’s Most Convenient “Small but Mighty” Hub
Rotterdam’s main airport is Rotterdam The Hague Airport (IATA code: RTM), the third-largest airport in the Netherlands after Amsterdam Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport. Located just 6 kilometers north of Rotterdam’s city center, it takes only 15–20 minutes by car to get there. Though small in size, the airport operates efficiently and smoothly.
Compared to the bustling Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam’s airport handles fewer passengers, meaning quicker passport control, faster security checks, and shorter wait times for luggage. Especially for short getaways or weekend trips, entering or exiting through RTM saves a lot of time and effort—definitely one of the biggest advantages during my trip.
2. Direct Flights from Major European Cities to Rotterdam
As I planned my trip to Rotterdam, I researched and compiled a list of direct flights from several European cities, including airlines, flight durations, and frequency. The following routes are based on spring/summer 2025 schedules (subject to change; please check official booking platforms for real-time updates):
1. London
- Airlines: British Airways, Transavia
- Airports: London City Airport (LCY) or Gatwick (LGW)
- Flight Time: ~55 minutes
- Frequency: 3–5 flights per day
- Tip: Departing from LCY is fastest due to smaller terminals and quicker security checks—ideal for business or weekend travelers.
2. Paris
- Airlines: Transavia, Air France (seasonal)
- Airport: Paris Orly (ORY)
- Flight Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Frequency: 3–4 flights per week, sometimes daily during high season
- Suggestion: Book early to find good deals. Leave enough time for traffic when traveling to Orly.
3. Madrid
- Airline: Transavia
- Airport: Madrid Barajas (MAD)
- Flight Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
- Frequency: 3 flights per week (Mon, Wed, Fri)
- Tip: Less crowded route; book early to avoid price spikes.
4. Barcelona
- Airline: Transavia
- Airport: Barcelona El Prat (BCN)
- Flight Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Frequency: 4 flights per week
- Tip: Flights usually depart early morning or evening—great for flexible itineraries.
5. Berlin
- Airlines: Eurowings, Transavia (seasonal)
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg (BER)
- Flight Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: 1 flight per day
- Practical Advice: Morning flights allow a full day to explore Rotterdam.
6. Milan
- Airline: Transavia
- Airport: Milan Bergamo (BGY)
- Flight Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
- Frequency: 3 flights per week
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers.
7. Budapest
- Airline: Wizz Air
- Airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD)
- Flight Time: ~2 hours 10 minutes
- Frequency: 2 flights per week
- Tip: Be mindful of baggage policies—buy checked luggage in advance.
8. Copenhagen
- Airline: Transavia
- Flight Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Frequency: Seasonal route, 2 flights per week
3. Booking Tips: How to Choose the Best Flight to Rotterdam?
After going through this travel planning process, I gathered a few practical tips when booking direct flights to RTM:
1. Book Early for the Best Prices
Low-cost carriers like Transavia often release their cheapest fares around two to three months before departure. If you’re flexible, booking during this window can get you round-trip flights for as low as €50–€60. Waiting until the last minute—especially during school holidays, summer, or around Christmas—can result in significantly higher prices. In my case, I noticed fares doubled just three weeks before departure. For the best rates, consider signing up for the airline’s newsletter to be the first to know about flash sales and early bird promotions.
2. Avoid Friday Evenings and Sunday Nights
These time slots are typically popular with business travelers and weekend trippers returning home, making them both crowded and expensive. Airports can be hectic, and delays are more likely due to the high volume of traffic. Instead, aim to fly midweek—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have fewer passengers, quicker security lines, and better seat availability. Not only is the experience more relaxed, but you’ll also likely pay less for the same route. I saved about €40 by simply shifting my departure from Sunday night to Wednesday morning.
3. Check the Luggage Policy
Budget tickets usually come with strict luggage rules. On my flight with Transavia, the basic fare only included a small personal item (like a backpack that fits under the seat). If you bring a wheeled cabin bag or need checked baggage, you’ll need to pay extra. Buying this online during the booking process is much cheaper than paying at the airport—up to 50% less in some cases. Also, pay attention to the weight limits; even carry-on bags have strict restrictions, and overweight fees can be costly.
4. Use Price Alerts and Track Trends
One of the smartest ways to save money is by setting up price alerts on comparison websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights. These tools monitor fare fluctuations and notify you when there’s a price drop on your selected route. I used Google Flights and watched the price for two weeks—it dropped by €18 in one day, just in time for me to book. Some tools also show fare trends over the last few months, helping you decide whether to book now or wait a bit longer.
4. Getting from the Airport to the City Center
Despite being a relatively small airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) offers very efficient and convenient transport links to the city center. After testing a few options myself, here’s what I recommend:
1. Bus + Metro Combo (Budget-Friendly and Efficient)
This is the most cost-effective and surprisingly quick way to reach downtown. Once you exit the terminal, walk about 2 minutes to the designated stop for Bus 33. This bus runs frequently and takes around 10 minutes to reach Meijersplein station. From there, you can transfer to Metro Line E, which connects directly to Rotterdam Centraal in approximately 15 minutes. The entire journey takes about 30–35 minutes door to door and costs around €4.50. You can use a contactless debit/credit card, an OV-chipkaart, or buy a ticket at the kiosk. For a budget traveler, this option offers both speed and reliability.
2. Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Best for Groups)
If you’re traveling with multiple people or carrying bulky luggage, taking a taxi is a comfortable and convenient option. Official taxis line up right outside the arrivals area and are metered, so you know what to expect. The ride to Rotterdam city center takes roughly 20 minutes and usually costs between €25–€30, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are also available at RTM and may offer slightly better rates, especially during non-peak hours. I found Bolt to be €5 cheaper on a rainy weekday evening.
3. Car Rental (Perfect for Exploring the Region)
If your itinerary includes exploring beyond Rotterdam—like The Hague, Delft, Kinderdijk, or the windmill routes—then renting a car makes a lot of sense. Major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Sixt have counters at the airport terminal. Booking ahead online gives you access to better prices and a wider choice of vehicles. Make sure to opt for full insurance coverage and a GPS system (or use your phone with a local SIM). Driving in the Netherlands is relatively stress-free, and having your own car gives you the flexibility to visit lesser-known destinations at your own pace.
5. Suggested Itineraries: Rotterdam + 1 Nearby City
Many travelers use Rotterdam as a starting point to explore the southern Netherlands. From my experience, the following combos work beautifully:
- Rotterdam + The Hague: Just 40 minutes by metro. Visit the Peace Palace and Dutch Parliament.
- Rotterdam + Delft: A 20-minute train ride brings you to this charming, ceramic-rich town.
- Rotterdam + Utrecht: About 50 minutes by train. A literary and artsy city full of canal-side cafes and second-hand bookstores.
These cities are well-connected and culturally distinct—perfect for a 3- to 5-day itinerary.
6. Why Choose Rotterdam? Efficiency and Charm in One
After all the research and actual travel, I can say that Rotterdam is a “small metropolis” in Europe that combines convenience, modernity, and charm. Its airport is efficient, its public transport is seamless, and its direct flight network covers most of Western and Southern Europe.
Though not as busy as Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers a more relaxed, efficient, and urban travel experience. If you plan well and book early, you’ll have no problem finding a great direct flight—and you’ll enjoy a smooth arrival into a city that feels futuristic yet grounded in culture.
