Rotterdam residents can travel for free by bus, tram and metro if they are aged 4 to 11 or are AOW eligible. This guide explains who qualifies, when the free travel applies, where it is valid, and how to arrange it.
Who qualifies
- Children aged 4 to 11 who are registered in Rotterdam and hold a personal OV-chipkaart. Children travel free only when accompanied by a paying adult, all day, every day.
- AOW-eligible residents registered in Rotterdam with a personal OV-chipkaart.
Where it is valid
- All RET buses, trams and metro lines A, B, C and D within the RET network.
- On metro line E, validity runs between Slinge and Berkel Westpolder.
- Not valid on RET night buses (BOB bus).
When you can travel
- Children: all day, every day, with a paying adult.
- AOW-eligible residents: on weekdays from 09.00, and all day at weekends and on national holidays.
How to arrange it
- Children: apply through the municipality’s page for free public transport for children, then load the product onto the child’s personal OV-chipkaart at a top-up point.
- AOW-eligible residents: apply through the municipality’s page for AOW free travel, or use the invitation letter if received. Load the product onto a personal OV-chipkaart at a top-up point.
Rules that are easy to miss
- Always check in and check out with your OV-chipkaart, even if the journey is free.
- The children’s product cannot be combined with travel-on-account services such as NS Flex.
- Accompaniment means a paying adult must be travelling with the child.
Extra arrangements for rozenburg
Rozenburg has additional measures operated by EBS.
- Children can use a free Rozenburg child day ticket valid on lines 105 and 115, and on all EBS buses in Voorne-Putten and Rozenburg.
- AOW-eligible residents in Rozenburg receive a free travel product for all EBS buses in Voorne-Putten and Rozenburg.
Practical examples
- A family trip on metro E from Slinge towards The Hague is free for eligible children up to Berkel Westpolder.
- A Saturday visit across town on lines A, B, C or D is free for children with a paying adult, and for AOW-eligible residents all day.
- Late-night travel on BOB buses is excluded, so a regular fare applies.
Quick checklist before you go
- Are you registered in Rotterdam and do you have a personal OV-chipkaart?
- If travelling with children, is the accompanying adult paying for their own ticket?
- Have you loaded the free travel product onto the card at a top-up point?
- Will your route stay within the valid network, including the Slinge–Berkel Westpolder limit on line E?
Frequently asked questions
Can a child travel alone for free?
No. A paying adult must accompany the child.
Do I still need to check in and out if the journey is free?
Yes. Always check in and out with your OV-chipkaart.
Is the free travel valid on night services?
No. BOB buses are not included.
What time can AOW-eligible residents start travelling for free on weekdays?
From 09.00. At weekends and on national holidays, free travel is valid all day.
