The Rotterdam Marathon (NN Marathon Rotterdam) is one of the fastest marathon courses in Europe, known for its flat terrain and fast times. The course winds through Rotterdam's striking modern architecture, along the Maas River, and through the Kralingse Bos park. Rotterdam's innovative spirit, bold skyline, and welcoming atmosphere make it a favourite among runners chasing personal bests.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Rotterdam Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, April 12, 2026 |
| Venue | Coolsingel (Start/Finish) |
| Address | Coolsingel, 3011 AD Rotterdam |
| Airport | Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) / Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
April brings mild conditions with temperatures around 8–14°C (46–57°F) and the possibility of wind and rain. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
The city centre around Coolsingel and Blaak puts you right at the start/finish area. Rotterdam Centraal station area is also convenient with direct train connections. The Kop van Zuid neighbourhood across the Erasmus Bridge offers waterfront hotels with skyline views.
Getting There
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Train (Intercity) | 50 min | ~$16–22 | Frequent service to Rotterdam Centraal |
| Taxi/Ride-share | 60–80 min | ~$98–130 | Convenient but expensive |
From Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 33 | 20 min | ~$4.30 | To Rotterdam Centraal |
The train from Schiphol is the best option for most international travellers, as Schiphol has far more flight connections.
Where to Eat
Rotterdam's food scene is diverse and innovative, reflecting the city's multicultural population. The Markthal (Market Hall) is a must-visit — a stunning horseshoe-shaped building filled with food stalls. Witte de Withstraat is the go-to street for restaurants and bars.
Local Food to Try
- Bitterballen — Deep-fried, crispy meatball ragout bites served with mustard, a Dutch pub classic
- Stroopwafel — Two thin waffle layers sandwiching warm caramel syrup, best eaten fresh from a market stall
- Haring (raw herring) — Fresh raw herring served with onions and pickles, a traditional Dutch delicacy
Essential Tips
Currency. Euro (EUR). Cash vs card. The Netherlands is one of the most card-friendly countries in Europe. Many places are card-only. Tipping. Not mandatory; rounding up or 5–10% for good service is appreciated. Language. Dutch. Almost everyone speaks excellent English. Weather. Mild but potentially windy, 8–14°C (46–57°F). Safety. Rotterdam is very safe. Standard city precautions apply.
What to See
- Erasmus Bridge — Rotterdam's iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning the Maas River, nicknamed "The Swan"
- Markthal — Spectacular arch-shaped market hall with colourful ceiling murals and dozens of food vendors
- Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) — Piet Blom's famous tilted cube apartments, one of Rotterdam's architectural icons
- Kinderdijk Windmills — UNESCO World Heritage site with 19 historic windmills, a 30-minute trip from the city
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | AMS (~50 min by train) or RTM (~20 min by bus) |
| Venue | Coolsingel (Start/Finish) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Cash needed? | No |
| Language | Dutch / English |
| Weather | 8–14°C (46–57°F) |
| Emergency | 112 |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2026.