Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is the gateway to the Netherlands’ most modern region — a small airport just 6 kilometres from the city centre that serves one of Europe’s most architecturally innovative cities. Rotterdam is a city that was completely rebuilt after being bombed in World War II, and the result is a skyline of daring modern architecture — the Cube Houses, the Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The airport is close to the city, making it an ideal entry point for exploring Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft, and the Dutch coast. Hiring a car here lets you explore the modern architecture, the historic towns, the tulip fields, and the cities of Amsterdam and Antwerp.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Compact cars start around €18/day. The airport is 60 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam.

Why Hire a Car at Rotterdam Airport

• Rotterdam: The most modern city in the Netherlands, with the Cube Houses (tilted cubes on a hexagonal base), the Markthal (a food market in a horseshoe-shaped building), the Erasmus Bridge (a cable-stayed bridge known as “The Swan”), and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (a mirrored art storage building).
• The Hague: 30 minutes north. The seat of the Dutch government, with the Binnenhof (the parliament), the Mauritshuis (home to Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”), and Scheveningen beach.
• Delft: 20 minutes north. The city of Vermeer and Delftware (the famous blue-and-white pottery), with a beautiful old town, canals, and the New Church where William of Orange is buried.
• Kinderdijk: 30 minutes east. A UNESCO World Heritage site of 19 windmills, built in the 18th century to drain the polder. It is one of the most iconic images of the Netherlands.
• Amsterdam: 1 hour north. The canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, and the Jordaan neighbourhood.
• The Tulip Fields: 1 hour north. The Keukenhof Gardens and the surrounding bulb fields are a spectacle of colour from late March to early May.
• Antwerp: 1 hour south. The diamond capital of the world, with the Cathedral of Our Lady, the MAS museum, and the historic old town.

Driving from Rotterdam Airport

The Netherlands drives on the right. The A13, A4, and A16 motorways connect Rotterdam to Amsterdam, The Hague, and the rest of the country. The roads are excellent. A vignette is not required. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in towns.

Parking at Rotterdam The Hague Airport is in front of the terminal. In Rotterdam, parking is in multi-storey car parks — expect €10–€15 per day. In Amsterdam, use the Park & Ride.

Booking Tips for Rotterdam Airport

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer.
• If visiting the tulip fields, check the bloom forecast — timing is everything.
• Use Park & Ride for Amsterdam.
• If combining with Amsterdam, the drive is 1 hour north.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Rotterdam Airport

How far is Rotterdam Airport from the city centre? 6 kilometres — 15 minutes by car.

Is Rotterdam worth visiting? Yes — it is the most modern and architecturally daring city in the Netherlands, with excellent museums, food, and easy access to the rest of the country.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for all Dutch roads.

Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in the Netherlands.