Rotterdam is one of the most accessible cruise ports in Europe. The cruise terminal at Wilhelminakade sits directly on the waterfront in the modern Kop van Zuid district, surrounded by striking architecture and within easy reach of the city’s main sights. Unlike many industrial cruise ports, you step off the ship and straight into the city.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting to, from, and around Rotterdam as a cruise passenger.
Cruise Terminal Address
Cruise Terminal Rotterdam Wilhelminakade 699 3072 AP Rotterdam Netherlands
The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, tourist information, seating areas, a bar, and public transportation access approximately one minute away.
Metro — Fastest & Cheapest Option
The easiest way into Rotterdam city centre is the metro from Wilhelminaplein station, a short walk from the terminal entrance.
| Route | Journey Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wilhelminaplein → Rotterdam Centraal | ~6 min | ~€1–2 |
| Wilhelminaplein → Blaak (Markthal/Cube Houses) | ~4 min | ~€1–2 |
Metro services run every 10 minutes and connect directly to Rotterdam Centraal station, Blaak, and other city centre stops.
How to pay: Use a contactless debit or credit card, or purchase an OV-chipkaart (travel chip card) at the station. Plan your route at 9292.nl — free and available in English.
Taxi & Uber
Taxis are available directly outside the terminal. A ride to the city centre or Rotterdam Centraal typically takes 10–15 minutes. Uber also operates throughout the city. Adventour Begins
| Destination | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam city centre | 10–15 min | €17–22 |
| Rotterdam Centraal Station | 10 min | €15–18 |
| Euromast / Parkhaven | 10 min | €15–18 |
| Rotterdam The Hague Airport | 25 min | €35–45 |
Taxi companies:
- Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale: +31 10 462 6060
- PrimoTaxi: +31 10 262 2540
Water Taxi — Most Scenic Option
Rotterdam’s iconic yellow-and-black water taxis zip across the Maas River at speeds of up to 50 km/h, providing not just efficient transport but also a spectacular perspective of the city’s waterfront. The water taxi stop is directly in front of Hotel New York on Wilhelminapier.
The water taxi connects the cruise terminal area with the Euromast, Kinderdijk ferry connections, and various points across the Maas — a genuinely fun way to travel that doubles as a mini-sightseeing experience.
📱 Book via watertaxirotterdam.nl or call +31 10 403 03 03
On Foot — Closer Than You Think
The Markthal, Cube Houses, and the Old Harbour area are roughly 2–3 km from the port and reachable in about 25–30 minutes on foot across the Erasmusbrug. Cruise Crocodile
The walk itself is one of Rotterdam’s highlights — cross the iconic Erasmus Bridge (nicknamed “The Swan”), pass through the Blaak area, and arrive at the Markthal. Flat terrain, well-signed, and completely walkable even on a warm day.
Walking distances from terminal:
| Destination | Distance | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel New York | 500 m | 5 min |
| Foodhallen Rotterdam | 400 m | 4 min |
| Erasmusbrug (The Swan) | 800 m | 10 min |
| Markthal & Cube Houses | 2.5 km | 25–30 min |
| Rotterdam Centraal Station | 3.5 km | 40–45 min |
By Car — Arriving Before or After Your Cruise
There is ample paid parking directly around the cruise terminal building, with additional garages nearby.
Navigation address: Wilhelminakade 699, 3072 AP Rotterdam
Use Parkmobile for street parking payment: parkmobile.com
Day Trips by Train from Rotterdam Centraal
Rotterdam Centraal is one of the best-connected stations in the Netherlands. From here, you can reach:
| Destination | Train Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delft | 12 min | Vermeer, Delft Blue, city centre |
| The Hague | 25 min | Mauritshuis, Binnenhof |
| Amsterdam Centraal | 40 min | Multiple trains per hour |
| Schiphol Airport | 50 min | Direct service |
| Gouda | 20 min | Stroopwafels & cheese market |
Metro from terminal to Centraal: 6 minutes from Wilhelminaplein.
💡 Pro tip: Buy train tickets in advance via ns.nl or the NS app to avoid queues at the station on busy cruise days.
Kinderdijk by Waterbus
Kinderdijk — Rotterdam’s famous UNESCO windmill site — is best reached by Waterbus, which departs from near Rotterdam Centraal. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and drops you directly at the windmill village.
👉 Book a Kinderdijk Shore Excursion
Getting to/from Schiphol Airport
Many cruise passengers fly into Schiphol and transfer directly to Rotterdam.
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Schiphol → Rotterdam Centraal) | 50 min | Direct, frequent departures |
| Private transfer | 60–75 min | Book in advance, door-to-door |
| Taxi | 60–75 min | Traffic dependent |
⚠️ Travelling with heavy luggage? A private transfer or taxi is strongly recommended over the train when embarkation luggage is involved.
FAQ
Is there a shuttle bus from the cruise terminal to the city centre?
Some cruise lines provide their own shuttle buses — check your cruise line documentation before arrival. Public metro from Wilhelminaplein is a reliable and affordable alternative.
Can I walk from Rotterdam cruise terminal to the Markthal?
Yes — it’s approximately 2.5 km across the Erasmusbrug, around 25–30 minutes on flat ground. The walk is scenic and recommended if the weather is good.
What is the nearest metro station to Rotterdam cruise terminal?
Wilhelminaplein station is the closest, a short walk from the terminal. It connects directly to Blaak and Rotterdam Centraal.
How do I get from Rotterdam to Amsterdam as a cruise passenger?
Take the metro from Wilhelminaplein to Rotterdam Centraal (6 minutes), then a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal (approximately 40 minutes). Trains run multiple times per hour.
Is Uber available at Rotterdam cruise port?
Yes — Uber operates in Rotterdam and can be ordered directly from the terminal area via the app.