Rotterdam Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal)

The basics

City sightseeing and architecture tours generally include a stop at Rotterdam’s iconic Central Station, a highlight and symbol of this architecture-driven metropolis. The city’s central railway station and one of the most important transportation hubs in the Netherlands, the building is groundbreaking and functional, funneling more than 100,000 passengers in and out of the city daily. A recent renovation has updated the design from the 1950s to bridge the largely residential area to the south with the commercial district to the north and increase the natural light and green spaces inside.

Things to know before you go

• Architecture enthusiasts will be particularly interested in this futuristic station, but its dramatic design impresses all visitors.

• Most sightseeing and architecture tours are on foot or by bike, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

• The station has shops, cafes and other eateries, and public restrooms.

• The station is open all year round daily, making it easy to pop by to look at any time of day or night.

• The building and plaza outside are fully accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.

How to get there

Almost all visitors to Rotterdam will pass through its Central Station on their way in or out of the city—or while getting around within the city limits, as the station is also a stop for trams, buses, and metro lines. Trains from cities across the Netherlands and the rest of Europe connect daily through this busy station.

When to get there

Visit during the daylight hours to fully appreciate the spectacular design of Rotterdam’s architectural headliner, but avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours when the station is overrun with commuters. The station is least busy on weekdays during the midday hours, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Top things to do near Rotterdam’s Central Station

If you’re passing through Rotterdam and have enough time to explore but don’t want to stray too far from the station, you’re in luck. There are several top-tier city sights within just a few minutes walk, including City Hall (Stadhuis) and St. Lawrence Church, two of the city's only surviving historic buildings. Traveling families can instead stop by Miniworld Rotterdam to admire its extensive models of the city and surrounding countryside with working model trains.