Flights to Rotterdam

A flight from London to Rotterdam Airport takes approximately 55 minutes.

Rotterdam is an affordable city break destination all year round, with a packed cultural calendar running from January all the way through to December. However, November to February is a particularly good time to visit for those travelling on a budget. Late May to early October are ideal months for a warm-weather trip with lots of outdoor activities, including cycling in the countryside and visits to the beaches on the outskirts of the city. Use our low fare finder to find the cheapest time to visit Rotterdam.

You won’t need to push the boat out to have a great trip in this port city – you can experience much of Rotterdam’s charm simply by walking through the city and marvelling at the architecture. 

Stroll the 7km Street Art Route through the city for free, and visit Witte de Withstraat on Friday evenings for Kunstavond, a weekly event when contemporary art galleries open their doors for free.

You’ll also find a calendar of free festivals and events held throughout the year including The International Film Festival in January and July’s Rotterdam Unlimited, a popular summer carnival where you can enjoy street parades and music performances.

The Fenix Food Factory is a great option for eating on a budget. Located right on the water, there are plenty of takeaway options which you can bring to the waterfront or take to many of Rotterdam's parks and open spaces. 

The bus and the metro are the most budget-friendly ways to get from Rotterdam Airport to the city centre, particularly if you’re travelling light. They both take you to Rotterdam Central Station in 30 minutes. A private taxi will take as little as 15 minutes.

Rotterdam city centre is easy to explore on foot, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another. Renting a bicycle is another convenient and cheap way to get around while still being able to take in all the sights at your own pace.

If you want to go beyond the city’s boundaries, Rotterdam is served by an excellent rail network. The Hague is on the local metro line, while the picturesque and medieval city of Utrecht is just half an hour away by train. Rotterdam is also served by water-taxis from around 50 docks along the Maas River, and which can be booked in advance online.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out of the city and see more of what Rotterdam and the surrounding area has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental. 

The Netherlands’ second city deserves to be a number one choice for a city break. Less than an hour’s flight from London, you can sightsee, sunbathe and indulge in some selfie-snapping next to some of Europe’s most striking monuments – all in the same day. Rotterdam was also once home to the world’s busiest shipping harbour. Oude Haven, or Old Port, is now the city’s premier nightlife district and home to cocktail bars and trendy eateries.   

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Rotterdam. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to on our visa information page. 

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome. 

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.