ROTTERDAM, 23 April 2025 – Free public transport will be offered to weekend visitors at select P+R locations in May, as part of a municipal campaign encouraging the use of park-and-ride services as a practical alternative to city-centre traffic and parking.
Free public transport at Rotterdam P+R sites this May
Four promotional weekends have been announced by the municipality of Rotterdam to encourage more visitors to make use of the city’s park-and-ride (P+R) facilities. On the weekends of 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, and 24–25 May 2025, visitors to P+R Meijersplein and P+R Alexander will receive free public transport tickets valid for that same weekend.
These actions are intended to promote the convenience of combining parking with public transport as a stress-free way to visit the city. Normally, parking is free at P+R sites only when travellers continue their journey by public transport. During the campaign weekends, the entire journey — parking and public transport — will be free of charge.
Tickets will be distributed on-site between 11:00 and 16:00.
Expansion of P+R network underway
The municipality aims to increase the appeal and capacity of the P+R system in coming years. A total of 2,500 new parking spaces are planned across Meijersplein and Kralingse Zoom. Additionally, a feasibility study is being conducted to evaluate the possibility of opening a new P+R facility in Blijdorp.
Further efforts include the development of combination tickets, new subscription formats, and consultation with public transport operator RET to explore increases in service frequency.
The city council has received an update from the mayor and aldermen on these developments.
Encouraging weekend use
While weekday usage of P+R sites has steadily increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, weekend and evening use remains relatively low. The municipality hopes that targeted actions such as the May promotions will help change this pattern.
Alderman Lansink, responsible for mobility, explained:
“We want to keep the city accessible for those who really depend on cars. The more people find their way to our P+R sites, the less pressure there will be on city-centre traffic — especially now, with so many roadworks. There’s no need to avoid Rotterdam. Come to shop, work or enjoy the city, but do consider how you travel. If you can, take public transport or park at one of our P+R facilities.”
Positive response to past campaign
A similar campaign held in November and December 2024 resulted in an 18% increase in use of Meijersplein compared to the previous year. Surveys indicated that users were satisfied with the cost, ease of transfer to public transport, and overall experience. Approximately 70% of respondents recommended P+R travel.
Additional features such as decorative lighting and designated spaces for women and families were trialled to enhance comfort and safety — measures which were received positively and may be repeated.
Supporting a growing city
Rotterdam’s population continues to grow, increasing the demand on transport infrastructure. The city is also facing spatial challenges, needing to accommodate housing, greenery, and improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
Ongoing developments such as the transformation of Hofplein into a greener, pedestrian-friendly area are part of this broader urban vision. The municipality views P+R as a key part of the strategy to maintain accessibility without adding to inner-city congestion.
Location and directions
P+R Meijersplein is located near Rotterdam The Hague Airport and is accessible via the RandstadRail Metro line E. P+R Alexander lies adjacent to Rotterdam Alexander railway station and shopping centre Alexandrium. Both sites are located outside the congested city core and are well connected by public transport.
These locations offer a practical alternative for visitors wishing to avoid inner-city traffic and parking costs.
P+R Meijersplein
P+R Alexander
