Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM/EHRD) Travel Guide: Flights, Services & The Ultimate Randstad Gateway
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) stands as a crucial international hub, offering a seamless and efficient alternative to Amsterdam Schiphol. As the third-busiest airport in the Netherlands, RTM efficiently connects the highly populated Randstad region, serving both Rotterdam, a major port and architectural marvel, and The Hague, the country’s political capital. Predominantly catering to leisure travellers, holiday routes, and crucial European city breaks, RTM is focused on delivering a streamlined passenger experience.
Airport Overview & Essential Key Facts for RTM Travellers
Rotterdam The Hague Airport is strategically positioned to minimise travel time to the cities it serves, making it an ideal choice for both business and tourist arrivals.
- Official Codes: IATA: RTM | ICAO: EHRD
- Prime Location: Conveniently situated just 5.6 km (approximately 3.5 miles) northwest of Rotterdam city centre.
- Regional Significance: Serves as a vital artery for the entire Randstad conurbation.
- Passenger Volume: The airport continues to demonstrate robust growth, handling 413,600 passengers in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a significant 2.5% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, solidifying its role in Dutch air traffic.
- Key Carrier Base: RTM is a central operational base for the Dutch low-cost carrier, Transavia.
- Future Development Note: Passengers should be aware of a planned 12-week closure scheduled for 2028 to facilitate essential and comprehensive runway renewal work, ensuring the airport’s long-term operational integrity.
Airlines & Diverse Flight Destinations from RTM
RTM specialises in short- and medium-haul routes, providing direct access to over 50 destinations across Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and key UK business hubs. This focus makes RTM a preferred option for quick sun holidays and productive business trips.
- Major Carriers Operating: Transavia (most frequent routes), TUI Fly (popular holiday charter flights), British Airways (connecting to London), Pegasus Airlines, and Corendon.
- Extensive Route Network (2025): The airport currently connects to over 50 destinations across 12 countries, including major holiday spots like Málaga, Faro, and Tenerife, alongside crucial city links such as London City and Istanbul Sabiha.
- Longest Flight Route: The longest non-stop service operates to Tenerife (TFS), taking approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes, operated by TUI Fly.
- New Strategic Routes:
- Marrakesh (RAK): TUI Fly commenced direct services to this exotic Moroccan destination in May 2025.
- The Innovation Route: Transavia launched the Rotterdam-Faro (FAO) route in February 2025, specifically designed to test and implement new measures aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of flights.
- Most Frequent Routes: High-demand routes by weekly frequency include London City (LCY), Málaga (AGP), Alicante (ALC), and Faro (FAO).
Modern Terminal Facilities & Enhanced Passenger Services
RTM features a single, efficiently designed passenger terminal which underwent a major renovation in 2023 to modernise and streamline the travel process. The focus is on speed and comfort.
- Cutting-Edge Security: As of May 2025, RTM utilizes advanced CT scanner technology, meaning passengers no longer need to remove electronics or liquids from their hand luggage during security screening. This dramatically speeds up the pre-boarding process.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal under the network name “RTM_Free_WiFi”.
- Retail & Dining: The terminal offers a select range of duty-free shops and dining options, including the popular La Place café, providing quality food and beverage choices.
- Relaxation & Viewing: A dedicated, complimentary Lounge Area is available for passenger comfort (food and drinks not included). Aviation enthusiasts can enjoy the panoramic Viewing Deck for excellent aircraft spotting opportunities.
- Accessibility: The terminal provides comprehensive disabled access and assistance services.
- Ancillary Services: Car rental desks (Sixt, Avis, Hertz, Europcar) are conveniently located, and baggage wrapping is available (approx. €5).
- Local Hotels: For early departures or late arrivals, the ibis budget Rotterdam Airport and the Best Western Plus are within immediate proximity, with the latter just a 5-minute distance from the terminal building.
Seamless Ground Transportation & Parking Solutions
Rotterdam The Hague Airport boasts excellent connectivity, offering fast and affordable public transport links to both major cities.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Travel Time (Approx.) | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| Bus (Line 33) | Meijersplein Metro Station | 10 minutes | Approx. €2 | Direct, frequent, and affordable connection to the Metro Line E. |
| Bus (Line 33) | Rotterdam Central Station | 25 minutes | Approx. €3–€4 | Direct link to the city’s main railway and transport hub. |
| Metro (Line E) | The Hague Central Station | 30 minutes (via Meijersplein) | Varies | Quick connection to The Hague’s political and administrative centre. |
| Taxi/Uber | Rotterdam City Centre | 15 minutes | €20–€30 | Fastest and most convenient option. Services include Uber and local providers (+31 10 262 0406). |
Parking at RTM: The airport provides various parking options to suit different travel durations:
- P1: Designated for short-term parking and immediate pick-ups/drop-offs.
- P2: Reserved for secure, long-term parking.
- Tip: Significant discounts are available for travellers who book their parking reservations online in advance.
Exploring the Region: Location and Key Travel Notes
RTM is the optimal gateway for exploring the diverse cultural and architectural landscape of the Netherlands’ west coast.
- Rotterdam Access: Easy access to key attractions like the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the vibrant Markthal, and the striking architectural designs of the city centre.
- The Hague Access: A short journey connects travellers to world-renowned sites like the Mauritshuis Museum (home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring) and the political heart of the Netherlands, the Binnenhof.
- UNESCO Site: The Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 19 historic windmills, are easily reachable from the airport.
Airport Contact Information
For direct inquiries regarding flights, services, or facilities, please use the official contact details below:
- Address: Rotterdam Airportplein 60, 3045 AP Rotterdam, NEDERLAND
- Phone: +31 10 446 3444
- Official Website: www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl