Plizio Visual Lab
Rotterdam Central Station
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Rotterdam Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal) is a vital transportation hub in the Netherlands, inaugurated in 2014 after an extensive redevelopment. Designed by a collaboration of architects from Benthem Crouwel, MVSA, and West 8, the station is defined by its striking, wedge-shaped roof that points toward the city center. The grand glass-fronted entrance hall creates a seamless connection between the railway and the urban landscape, allowing ample natural light into the passenger areas. Notably, several historical elements from the original 1957 station were preserved, including the clock and the iconic 'Centraal Station' lettering. Environmental sustainability was a key focus of the design, with the roof housing over 130,000 solar cells, making it one of the largest solar rooftop projects in Europe. Serving over 110,000 passengers daily, the station stands as a symbol of Rotterdam's modern and innovative spirit.
- Location: South Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Roodkapje · Miniworld Rotterdam · de Doelen
- Nearby: Schiedam (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Rotterdam Central Station is a public transport hub and accessible at all times. You can admire the modern architecture and the shops in the main hall.
Typical hours
The station is open 24/7, but shops and restaurants have varying hours. They are typically open from 6:00 to 22:00.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the station building. The impressive roof structure with its curved lines provides excellent photo subjects.
Time needed
A visit to the station usually takes 15-30 minutes if you only want to admire the architecture. If you explore the shops, allow an hour.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk to the nearby Markthal or the Euromast tower. The Witte Huis and Cube Houses are also nearby.
Getting there
The station is Rotterdam's central transport hub, reachable by metro, tram, and bus. From Rotterdam Airport, a shuttle bus runs to the station.
Insider tip
Take a moment to view the roof structure from the pedestrian bridge. The best view of the building is from the opposite side of the street.
Geography
Facts
- The current station building was officially opened on March 13, 2014.
- The roof is fitted with approximately 130,000 individual solar cells.
- The roof's distinctive angular point is directed toward the city center.
- Features the clock and 'Centraal Station' letters from the 1957 building.
- Handles an average daily traffic of about 110,000 passengers.
- Provides direct high-speed train services to Paris, Brussels, and London.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rotterdam Central Station (10)
Studio 2 | de Doelen Art
Gallery inside de Doelen, showcasing contemporary art.
🌐 dedoelen.nl🕒 Mo-We off; Th-Sa 14:00-20:00; Su 14:00-18:00
Studio 5 | de Doelen Kids Corner
Creative space for children in de Doelen, with art workshops.
Michaëlkerk
Church building in Rotterdam, used for worship services.
't Kapelletje
Theatre in Rotterdam, presenting performances and events.
Prinsekerk
Church building in Rotterdam, serving as a place of worship.
Oude Luxor theater
Theatre in Rotterdam, known for musicals and shows.
Hofpleinfontein
Public artwork by Cor van Kralingen at Hofplein square.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the station's design so special?
The striking, pointed roof construction is often locally referred to as the 'Shark's Fin'.
Are there shops in the station?
Yes, there are numerous food shops, cafes, and boutiques.
Is the station far from the center?
No, it is located right on the edge of the city center, just a few minutes' walk away.
Can you park bicycles here?
Yes, there is a huge underground bicycle station for over 5,000 bikes.
When was the new building opened?
The new station was officially opened in 2014.
Rotterdam Central Station: where is it located?
Rotterdam Central Station is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Rotterdam Central Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roodkapje, Miniworld Rotterdam, de Doelen.
Rotterdam Central Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Rotterdam Central Station: why is it worth visiting?
Rotterdam Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal) is a vital transportation hub in the Netherlands, inaugurated in 2014 after an extensive redevelopment.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Netherlands →
Nearby cities
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a dynamic metropolis in South Holland, known for its impressive modern skyline and Europe's largest seaport.
The Hague
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and the royal family, although it is not the capital.
Leiden
Leiden is a magnificent city in South Holland, famous for the oldest university in the Netherlands and as the birthplace of the legendary…
Dordrecht
Dordrecht, often affectionately called 'Dordt', is the oldest city in the province of South Holland.
Zoetermeer
Zoetermeer has evolved from a small village into one of the largest cities in South Holland.
Delft
Delft is a historic city in South Holland whose name is worldwide associated with the traditional blue porcelain, 'Delft Blue'.
Roosendaal
Roosendaal is a major railway hub in the province of North Brabant, near the Belgian border.
Schiedam
Schiedam is located west of Rotterdam and is world-famous for its Jenever production.
Spijkenisse
Spijkenisse is located on the island of Voorne-Putten in South Holland.
Vlaardingen
Vlaardingen is a major port city on the Nieuwe Maas in South Holland.
Gouda
Gouda is a historic city in the province of South Holland, world-famous for its namesake cheese.
Alphen aan den Rijn
The city is located on the Old Rhine in the 'Green Heart' of the Netherlands.
Capelle aan den IJssel
Capelle aan den IJssel is a city east of Rotterdam on the Hollandse IJssel river.
Zwijndrecht
Located in South Holland at the busy 'three-river point', Zwijndrecht is a hub for shipping, industry, and horticulture.
Ridderkerk
Ridderkerk is located in South Holland.
History & landmarks
Rotterdam City Hall
Rotterdam City Hall is one of the few buildings that survived the Second World War.
Leiden City Hall
Leiden City Hall has an impressive Renaissance facade.
Lisse
Lisse is the heart of the Dutch bulb-growing region and the proud home of the Keukenhof gardens.
Keukenhof
The world's largest flower garden, showcasing millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils every spring.