Rotterdam The Hague Layover Guide (RTM)

What are you looking for in RTM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Rotterdam Airport (RTM) is an international airport located in the city of Rotterdam, South Holland. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Rotterdam. The airport officially opened in 1956. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene. It’s also famous for being a major port city and for offering a wide range of leisure and business opportunities.

Can you leave Rotterdam Airport (RTM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), you can leave the terminal and explore provided you have at least 90 minutes before your next departure and clear Dutch immigration and recheck baggage after immigration control. Passengers from non-EU/Schengen countries generally need a short-stay Schengen C visa unless exempt. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Markthal Rotterdam Markthal Rotterdam is a stunning indoor market hall featuring local food stalls, vibrant murals, and unique shops. Enjoy Dutch delicacies from artisanal cheese to stroopwafels, fresh coffees, mini sweet pancakes. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), tram 10 to Blaak (10 min) or taxi (20 min))
• Cube Houses The iconic Cube Houses by architect Piet Blom showcase tilted, bright yellow cubes balancing atop concrete pillars. Explore the show home museum and quirky interiors for architectural insight and perspective. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), metro D/E to Blaak (5 min) or taxi (20 min))
• Erasmus Bridge Named ‘The Swan’, the Erasmus Bridge spans the Maas River connecting Kop van Zuid with the city center. Enjoy panoramic views, riverfront walks, and modern skyline photography opportunities dramatic nighttime. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), tram 7 to Willemsplein (15 min) or taxi (20 min))
• Euromast Euromast is a 185-meter observation tower offering rotating gondola rides and panoramic views over Rotterdam. Dine in the brasserie or brave the edge walk for adrenaline-fueled city vistas at sunset. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), tram 20 to Parkhaven (15 min) or taxi (25 min))
• Kunsthal Rotterdam The Kunsthal features rotating exhibitions spanning contemporary art, photography, design, and world cultures. Innovative displays in a striking modernist building designed by Rem Koolhaas. Enjoy the café and educational workshops. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), tram D/E to Leuvehaven (12 min) or taxi (20 min))
• Historic Delfshaven Delfshaven is a picturesque 17th-century harbor district with cobblestone streets, charming canals, and traditional Dutch architecture. Discover Pilgrim Fathers’ departure site, quaint cafés, and artisan shops immersed in maritime history. (Time required: 1–1½ hours. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), tram D to Delfshaven (15 min) or taxi (25 min))
• Spido Harbor Cruise Spido offers a 75-minute boat tour around Rotterdam’s major ports, bridges, and architectural landmarks. Narrated commentary provides insights into the city’s maritime industry, urban development, and iconic waterfront skyline highlights. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), walk to Cruise Terminal (5 min) or taxi (20 min))
• Witte de Withstraat Witte de Withstraat is a vibrant cultural street lined with avant-garde galleries, trendy bars, and eclectic boutiques. Experience Rotterdam’s nightlife, street art, live music venues, and culinary pop-ups and festivals. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal (20 min), tram 10 to Eendrachtsplein (12 min) or taxi (20 min))

Things to Do in Rotterdam Airport (RTM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Rotterdam The Hague Airport’s Prima Vista premium lounge sits on the first floor after security. It spans 150 m², seats 20 guests and offers complimentary snacks, hot buffet, soft drinks, house wine, beer and liquor. Air-conditioning, flight monitors, TV, baggage storage and free Wi-Fi ensure a tranquil pre-flight retreat. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Adjacent to RTM, Fletcher Hotel Rotterdam-Airport features 126 rooms, studios and apartments with breakfast, mini-market and fitness options. Ibis Budget Rotterdam The Hague Airport, next door, provides simple rooms, free in-room Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast and a 24-hour bar. City centre hotels like Marriott and Hilton lie within 7 km, accessible via public transport. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
RTM lacks dedicated sleep pods; passengers must use gate seating and public benches. The terminal closes shortly after the last departure (around 19:00), so overnight stays in public areas aren’t guaranteed. Travelers should plan alternatives if arriving late and keep belongings secure, remaining near security or information desks for safety.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi covers all public areas at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Connect to “Airport_Free_WiFi” without a password and enjoy basic browsing and messaging. Charging stations are located near gates post-security. Speeds may vary during peak times, so download large files before arrival or use mobile data for uninterrupted connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: You can purchase prepaid SIMs (KPN, Vodafone, Odido) at Airport Telecom in the terminal. Shops open 09:00–17:00 and require passport registration. eSIM plans are available online pre-departure for instant activation. Data bundles range from 1 GB to unlimited, with prices between €20 and €50. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi rank stands immediately outside arrivals. Standard rides to Rotterdam city centre cost around €30–€35 and take 15 minutes. Taxis operate 24/7, accept cash and cards, and can be pre-booked via the airport’s official taxi service. Night-time surcharges may apply after 22:00.

Train: Rotterdam The Hague Airport has no on-site station. Take bus 33 from the terminal to Meijersplein, then transfer to metro E for Rotterdam Centraal and Den Haag Centraal. Journey time is about 25 minutes. more info: more info

Bus: Bus 33 links RTM with Rotterdam Centraal, Meijersplein and Den Haag Centraal every 10 minutes. Tickets cost €4 single and can be bought via RET’s app or onboard. Buses run from 05:00 until midnight. more info: more info

Shuttle: Several airport hotels, including Fletcher and Ibis Budget, offer free shuttle transfers to RTM on request. City-centre properties may provide paid shuttle services; book at least 24 hours in advance. Private shuttle companies can be booked online for door-to-door transfers across the Rotterdam region.

Car rentals: Major providers (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) operate desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles can be reserved online or on-site, with collection from the airport car park. Minimum driver age is typically 21 years; credit card and driving license are required. Rental agencies offer daily and hourly rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: RTM features P1 (short-term) and P2 (long-term) lots. P1 costs €5 per hour; P2 starts at €3 per hour with daily caps around €30. Both operate 24/7 under CCTV surveillance. A free shuttle from P2 runs every 10 minutes to the terminal entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no automated lockers at RTM. A left-luggage service is run by Smartecase in the departure hall post-security. Fees begin at €5 per bag per day. Luggage trolleys are available near check-in. For longer stays, consider off-site storage in Rotterdam city centre. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks