ROTTERDAM, 8 August 2025 – Regular users of Rotterdam’s public transport can cut their travel costs with RET discount subscriptions. The 20% and 40% plans offer monthly savings and can now be loaded onto personal debit or credit cards.

RET discount options

Commuters who frequently use the RET network can choose between two subscriptions. A 20% discount costs €7.90 per month, while the 40% discount costs €28.70 per month. The discount applies to journeys on RET buses, trams and metro services and reduces each fare by the respective percentage.

Adding discount to your debit or credit card

The discount subscriptions are personal products that can be linked to a bank card or credit card. They are sold through the RET web shop and app, and not at ticket machines or service points. Once purchased, the discount is activated immediately, with no need to collect it from a machine. Users can combine the discount with existing age-related concessions for children aged 4–11 and people over 65. When transferring to services operated by other public transport companies, passengers do not pay the initial boarding fee again.

To add a discount to a bank card, travellers must have used the card for a public transport journey at least 24 hours previously, as the details of that transaction are required for verification. The feature does not yet function at park‑and‑ride sites, though the RET is working on a solution.

When a discount subscription makes sense

The RET advises that a 20% discount subscription may be worthwhile for travellers spending more than €39.50 per month on fares. The 40% discount could be cost‑effective if monthly spending exceeds €104. Subscribers can monitor their trips and spending through the OVpay app.

For Rotterdam residents and visitors who regularly commute, these discount plans offer a way to reduce the cost of public transport while keeping the payment process straightforward.

ROTTERDAM, 3 July 2025 – RET will operate a summer timetable from 21 July to 31 August, affecting metro, tram and bus services throughout Rotterdam. Separate works on the metro line near Rotterdam Centraal will also impact travel between 19 July and 10 August.

RET introduces summer timetable from 21 July

From Monday 21 July until Sunday 31 August, RET will operate its annual summer timetable (vakantiedienst), affecting multiple metro, tram and bus lines across Rotterdam. Travellers are advised to consult journey planners to avoid delays.

Adjusted metro services

During weekdays and Saturdays, fewer metro trains will run during the day. Evening and Sunday frequencies will remain unchanged. Metro line B will continue to operate four times per hour between 11:00 and 19:00 to Hoek van Holland Strand.

Tram changes during weekdays

Weekday daytime services will be reduced on tram lines 1/11, 3, 5 and 7. Weekend and evening tram services will follow the regular schedule.

Reduced bus frequencies on several routes

Multiple bus lines will see reduced service during daytime or evening hours. The following changes will apply:

Buses operating once per hour during the day:

• 31, 51, 63, 64, 126, 145 (Drievliet–Dordrecht), 174, 567, 602, 603, 606, 607, 608, 609

Buses operating once per hour outside peak hours:

• 40

Buses operating once per hour in the evening:

• 35, 61, 62, 77

Buses operating twice per hour during the day:

• 67, 69, 71

Buses operating twice per hour in the evening:

• 66, 68, 70

New route for buurtbus 607

Buurtbus 607 in Capelle will operate a new route starting 21 July. The bus will no longer pass through Capelle Centrum. The following stops will be discontinued: Rembrandtsingel, Meeuwensingel and Kerklaan. A new stop will be added at metro station Slotlaan.

Metro line disruptions near Rotterdam Centraal from 19 July

Maintenance work on the metro tracks near Rotterdam Centraal will take place in two phases between 19 July and 10 August. Travellers should expect diversions and consider alternative routes.

Phase 1: 19–27 July

During this period, no metro services will run between Rotterdam Centraal and Blijdorp. A replacement tram service, tram line 18, will operate between the two stations.

Phase 2: 28 July–10 August

From 28 July, metro services between Rotterdam Centraal and Beurs will be suspended. Travellers can use tram lines 1/11, 3 and 5 as alternatives during this phase.

ROTTERDAM, 8 August 2025 – Travelling around the city in a group or with family has become more straightforward thanks to the RET group ticket (RET Groepskaart). The digital pass lets up to five people travel on buses, trams and the metro for one day and is available exclusively via the RET app.

Unlimited travel for groups and families

The RET group ticket is designed for groups or families of up to five people travelling together on Rotterdam’s buses, trams and metro. It is issued as a digital barcode via the RET app and must be activated within one day of purchase. Once activated, the ticket remains valid until the end of that day’s service.

Two ticket types with clear pricing

There are two versions of the group ticket. The RET 1‑day family ticket is intended for families with children aged between 4 and 12. It costs €20 regardless of the group composition.

The RET 1‑day group ticket, for groups of people aged 12 and above, offers tiered pricing: €19 for two people, €25 for three, €27.50 for four and €30 for five. Children aged 12 and above are treated as adults when calculating eligibility and pricing.

Advantages and practicalities

A single organiser can arrange travel for the entire group, and only one ticket is needed. For families, the fixed price provides predictability, and the cost per person decreases as the group size increases. Once on board, passengers scan the barcode once on buses and trams or for each person at metro gates.

Where to obtain the group ticket

Travellers can only purchase the RET group ticket through the RET app. After payment, the digital ticket appears immediately in the app and does not require collection from a machine. The pass offers a straightforward way for families and friends to explore Rotterdam’s attractions without worrying about multiple tickets or individual fares.

ROTTERDAM, 9 June 2025 – Train services throughout the Netherlands, including those in Rotterdam, will be suspended on Tuesday, 10 June, due to a nationwide strike by NS personnel. The action follows an expansion of industrial unrest originally limited to the southwest region.

No NS trains across the Netherlands on 10 June

Train travel in the Netherlands will come to a halt on Tuesday, 10 June, as a result of a nationwide strike by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) employees. Initially announced as a regional action limited to Zuid-Holland, Zeeland, and parts of West Brabant, the strike has now expanded to include most of Noord-Holland, impacting key transport nodes such as Amsterdam, Alkmaar, Schiphol, and Haarlem.

NS has confirmed that no domestic trains will run across the country on Tuesday. The expanded strike zone makes it impossible to offer a reliable and safe service, as nearly all train routes are affected.

Limited international train services

While a small number of international trains will continue to operate on 10 June, services will be significantly reduced. Only passengers holding international tickets will be permitted to travel on these routes. Travellers can consult nsinternational.com for up-to-date information.

A narrow exception: Amsterdam–Schiphol

Despite the widespread disruption, a minimal Sprinter service will remain in place between Amsterdam Centraal and Schiphol Airport. Trains will run four times per hour in both directions, including service from Hoofddorp.

Wednesday recovery expected

NS aims to resume its regular timetable on Wednesday, 11 June, although travellers may experience residual delays during the morning rush. Passengers are advised to consult the NS app shortly before departure and to enable notifications for real-time updates.

Negotiations still open, says NS

The strike is the result of ongoing conflict between NS and the unions FNV, CNV and VVMC concerning collective labour agreements (cao-onderhandelingen). Although no final offer was made by NS, unions argued that industrial action had become unavoidable.

NS stated that it remains open to further negotiations and regrets the inconvenience to passengers:

“All parties are needed to conclude a new agreement,” NS said. “We remain willing to resume negotiations, should the unions also be open to that.”

For further information or to file a claim, affected passengers are directed to ns.nl/staking.

More strikes on the horizon

Additional regional strikes have been announced for the coming weeks. Due to the evolving nature of the situation, the extent and impact of future disruptions remain uncertain.

How to get there: rotterdam centraal station

Rotterdam Centraal remains accessible via metro, tram, bus, and bicycle. However, on the day of the strike, the station will not be served by NS trains. Travellers are encouraged to use local and regional transport alternatives or postpone travel where possible.