Rotterdam Airport (airport code RTM) is a tiny airport in Holland which is also known as Rotterdam The Hague Airport. As well as serving the city of Rotterdam in South Holland it is also close to Den Haag in the west of Holland.
Just over one million passengers use Rotterdam Airport on an annual basis and they can fly to places such as Spain, Italy and the UK. With car hire in Rotterdam Airport it is only a short five and half kilometre journey to Rotterdam city centre so book your vehicle now to ensure availability.
Rotterdam Airport Mini Guide
What is Special About Rotterdam?
The city is the largest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It’s a very modern city having been rebuilt after World War II. Some say that to understand the development of architecture over the second half of the 20th century you only need walk around the centre of the city. Taking pride of place is the Erasmus Bridge with its stunning tower and named after the famous philosopher son of the city. Rotterdam is a very multicultural city and this gives it a varied cultural scene. For more of an understanding of the city and its people visit the Rotterdam Blitz Museum which details the wartime bombing and its effect on the modern day city.
How do I get to Rotterdam?
From the UK you can get ferries to the Hook of Holland but most choose to fly into the city’s Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Just over three miles outside the city, the airport welcomed well over a million passengers last year. Transavia are the largest operator with many flights from all over Europe but the only route from the UK is via CityJet from London City Airport. Transport links into the city are easy from the airport.
What is the Airport Like?
Nearly half a century old, the terminal is getting a little tired looking and is in need of a revamp. Business stagnated at the airport for over thirty years as plans were made, then scrapped for a replacement airport. With the boom in low cost airlines, it came to life again in the 90s but is a poor relation to Holland’s main airport, Schipol.
What Can I Expect When I Land There?
Unusually for a major city’s airport, you’ll have to walk to the terminal or be bussed from stands further out. Once inside the compact terminal, passports will be checked and you’ll be directed to baggage reclaim. After you’ve got your bags you will enter the arrivals hall and there find a very helpful information point if you need any advice on onward travel, lost baggage or airport matters. To exchange currency or withdraw funds from your bank account you can go to the branch of Travelex which has an ATM.
For mothers with babies, there are changing facilities in the arrivals hall. Sorting out your hire car is easy, just look out for the illuminated company signs and head for their desks. Once the usual final checks are complete you’ll be shown to your car and can depart for your accommodation. If using public transport, route 50 on the RandstadRail train will get you to Rotterdam centre and to The Hague. There are also local buses and taxis.
What About Upon Departure?
The facilities are reasonable but not great. After check in there are a few restaurants serving hot and cold food plus drinks but it’s typical airport food. There are also a couple of take away outlets for those in a hurry. Before security the only shop is a bookstore which also sells magazines. After security there’s a large duty free outlet with the usual range of products. Wi-Fi is free in the departure lounge but chargeable before security. There are PC terminals available for those without laptops.
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