Rotterdam

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Rotterdam
<map lat='51.92' lng='4.452' zoom='12' view='3'/>
Information
Country:
Flag of Netherlands
Netherlands
Province:
Flag Zuid Holland.png
Zuid Holland
Population: 584,046
Major roads: A13, A15, A16, A20, A29
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Rotterdam (often abbreviated R'dam, which makes for nicer signs) is a city in the Netherlands in the province of Zuid Holland.

Hitching Out

East towards Utrecht, Arnhem, Apeldoorn, Amersfoort, Germany (A20) E 25

There is a great spot directly north of the central Station. It is about a 25 minute walk or take tram #25 in the direction of Schiebroek get off the tram the stop before it climbs over the motorway. Continue walking in the same direction on the right-hand side. There is a reasonably sized stopping area. During peak hours the traffic is very heavy and is slowed down by traffic lights feeding the traffic onto the motorway at intervals. I have used this point three times at different times of the day (9:00am - 5 minute wait, 10:00am - 5 minute wait, 3:30pm - 20 minute wait).

Most cars are heading to Utrecht. To get to Germany you could try your luck with a D sign or first try towards Arnhem for Köln and Frankfurt from a service area (the border service areas are large with high traffic volume). To get to Hannover, Berlin or for Denmark try Apeldoorn/A1 for a service area on the A1.

Tip: Stand in a position where the street sign does not come between you and the drivers' view.

West towards Hoek van Holland and ferries to England

Information required

South towards Dordrecht, Breda, Antwerp, Lille (A16) E 19

Take tram line 21 (direction De Esch) to the Woudestein stop. Once in Woudestein you need to follow the big road in front of you. Keep walking in the direction of the Erasmus university. If looking for rides at traffic lights is your thing, then there's plenty of opportunity on the way. But if not, keep on going until you reach the motorway which crosses in front of you. It's about a 15 minute walk.

The spot is the motorway sliproad which has an additional lane for cars to safely pull over. As far as this type of spot goes it isn't bad, and there's also possible shelter under the bridge. Traffic density is quite high but unfortunately so is the speed of the traffic. It's best to have a sign here because although traffic can only be going north or south, there are plentiful exits on the way.

Riding the tram for free

About 99.99% of trams will have a ticket inspector. However for most of the journey they are too busy chatting to the conductor or enjoying the view. Board the tram at the rear and have 1.60 euro ready to pay. The inspector (wearing an ugly yellow and black jacket with green, red and purple stripes) will have to walk the length of the entire tram checking tickets before he/she reaches you. Hopefully you have reached the stop by this time, if not just give the inspector the 1.60 euro for the ticket as though you were waiting to buy one from them. This is common practice. trash:Rotterdam