Rotterdam Cruise Travel Alert: No Trains via Rotterdam Central (13–14 June)
Important Information for Cruise Passengers
Visitors travelling to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal via Schiphol Airport should be aware of major railway disruptions on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June.
Due to engineering works carried out by ProRail, there will be no train services to, from or via Rotterdam Centraal Station throughout the weekend.
nd all cruise calls continue as scheduled. Only rail connections are affected.
More information → Travel Disruptions Rotterdam
The Easiest Way to Travel from Schiphol Airport to Your Cruise Ship
Arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and travelling directly to the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal?
For most cruise passengers, the easiest, fastest and most affordable option is to take the train from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Centraal and continue by metro to Wilhelminaplein. From there, the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal is only a short walk away.
Dutch public transport is modern, reliable and easy to use, even if you are travelling with large cruise suitcases. Most stations offer elevators, escalators, step-free access and clear English signage.
This route is used by thousands of cruise passengers every year travelling to ships departing from Rotterdam.
Why Take the Train from Schiphol to Rotterdam?
Compared with taxis or private transfers, the train offers several advantages:
✅ Fast connection between Amsterdam Airport and Rotterdam
✅ Comfortable trains with luggage space
✅ Lower cost than a taxi
✅ No traffic delays
✅ Easy payment using contactless bank cards
✅ Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility
The Intercity Direct train usually takes approximately 30 minutes between Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal.
Step 1: Walk to Schiphol Airport Train Station
After collecting your luggage, follow the signs for:
Trains (NS)
The railway station is located directly underneath the airport terminal inside Schiphol Plaza.
You do not need to leave the airport building.
Simply follow the yellow train signs and take the escalator or elevator down to the platforms.
Schiphol Plaza with signs to the train station
Alt text: Schiphol Airport train station entrance for passengers travelling to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal.
Step 2: Check In for Your Train Journey
Before boarding your train, you must check in.
International visitors can easily use:
- Contactless debit cards
- Credit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- OV-chipkaart
Look for the yellow NS check-in gates or card readers at the entrance to the platforms.
Simply tap your card or mobile device once to check in.
Important
Always use the same card or device throughout your journey.
If you check in with one card and attempt to check out with another, the system may charge an incorrect fare.
NS check-in gates at Schiphol Airport
Alt text: Checking in for the train at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Step 3: Take the Train to Rotterdam Centraal
Most trains to Rotterdam depart from tracks 5 or 6.
The fastest option is usually the:
Intercity Direct (IC Direct)
The Intercity Direct uses the high-speed railway between Amsterdam and Rotterdam and is especially popular with cruise passengers.
Benefits include:
- Modern trains
- Wide doors
- Spacious luggage areas
- Comfortable seating
- Step-free boarding
- Fast travel time
The train floor is almost level with the platform, making boarding much easier for passengers with heavy luggage, wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Intercity Direct train at Schiphol Airport
Intercity Direct train from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Centraal.
Important: Intercity Direct Supplement
If you use the Intercity Direct train between Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal, an additional supplement is required.
Before boarding, locate the red Intercity Direct supplement pole on the platform.
Tap the same card, phone or OV-chipkaart you used to check in.
If you prefer not to pay the supplement, regular Intercity trains also operate between Schiphol and Rotterdam. These trains take slightly longer but do not require the additional charge.
Step 4: Check Out at Rotterdam Centraal
Upon arrival at Rotterdam Centraal Station, do not forget to check out of the train system.
Many visitors accidentally miss this step.
Use the same card, phone or payment method that you used to check in at Schiphol Airport.
Why Checking Out Matters
If you forget to check out:
- You may be charged the maximum fare.
- Your journey may remain incomplete.
- Refund requests can be time-consuming.
Always check out before continuing to the metro.
NS check-out gates at Rotterdam Centraal
Alt text: Checking out after arriving at Rotterdam Centraal from Schiphol Airport.
Step 5: Transfer to the Metro
After checking out from the train, follow the signs for:
Metro
The metro station is located inside Rotterdam Centraal Station.
If you have luggage and feel the elevator is safer, then take the elevator to the metro platform, see red arrow in the photo, or the escalator, that is to walk around the escalator to the front glass elevators
To enter the metro system:
- Check in again using the same card or device.
- Proceed to the metro platform.
Take:
- Metro Line D (De Akkers)
or - Metro Line E (Slinge)
Exit at:
Wilhelminaplein
Travel time is approximately 5 minutes.
Photo Suggestion
Metro platform at Rotterdam Centraal
Alt text: Rotterdam Metro towards Wilhelminaplein for cruise passengers.
Step 6: Check Out at Wilhelminaplein
When arriving at Wilhelminaplein Station, do not forget to check out of the metro.
Use the same card or mobile device used during check-in.
After leaving the station, the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal is only a few minutes away on foot.
The walk is flat, straightforward and well signposted.
Walking from Wilhelminaplein to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal
From Wilhelminaplein Station:
- Follow signs towards Hotel New York.
- Walk along Wilhelminapier.
- Continue towards the cruise terminal building.
Most cruise passengers reach the terminal within 5 minutes.
Along the route you will enjoy views of the Erasmus Bridge and the River Maas.
Walking route from Wilhelminaplein to the Cruise Terminal
Alt text: Walking from Wilhelminaplein Metro Station to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal.
Can You Use Debit Cards and Credit Cards?
Yes.
Dutch public transport accepts:
- Contactless debit cards
- Credit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Mobile wallets
There is no need to purchase a separate transport card for most visitors.
Simply remember:
Check in → Check out → Check in → Check out
Always use the same card or device.
Summary: Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal
The easiest route for cruise passengers is:
- Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Walk to the train station
- Check in for the train
- Take the Intercity Direct or Intercity to Rotterdam Centraal
- Check out from the train
- Check in for the metro
- Take Metro D or E to Wilhelminaplein
- Check out from the metro
- Walk to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal
More Cruise Travel Information
Before travelling, you may also find these guides useful:
- Cruise Terminal Rotterdam
- Hotels Near Cruise Terminal Rotterdam
- Transportation from Rotterdam Cruise Terminal
- Cruise Ship Arrivals Rotterdam
- Wilhelminapier Walking Route
These guides will help you plan a smooth arrival and stress-free start to your cruise from Rotterdam.
A Stress-Free Start to Your Cruise
For most international cruise passengers, travelling by train from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Cruise Terminal is the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective option.
With modern trains, excellent accessibility, simple contactless payment and direct connections, you can be at your cruise ship within about one hour of arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.