![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/56162a32f33f01f4c872c5bcf522fe17.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nGermany\u2019s public transport system is famous for its efficiency and quality, and rightly so. But it can still seem like an absolute riddle to foreigners!<\/p>\n
We\u2019re here to guide you through and demystify the way public transportation in Germany is structured and operated.<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/public-transportation.jpg” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”60%” width_tablet=”85%” width_phone=”95%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”10px” box_shadow_vertical=”10px” box_shadow_blur=”12px” box_shadow_spread=”1px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” alt=”public transportation in germany” title_text=”public transportation”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Waben” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Germany\u2019s efficient public transit network integrates trains, buses and trams under a zoning system: Your ticket within a given travel zone (Waben), can be used across numerous forms of transport, as they all work together in the same network.<\/p>\n To understand the public transport system, we\u2019ll first need a quick crash course in the concept of travel zones.<\/p>\n Central to the system and one of the first things to get your head around is the Waben, or zoning which is the foundation upon which ticket charges are based.<\/p>\n The whole system is integrated, meaning that each transit company operates within an alliance (or Verkehrsverbund<\/em> in German).<\/p>\n They each offer and accept the same types of tickets across the network. So the ticket you buy on a city bus is therefore also valid for completing your journey on a tram or underground train.<\/p>\n IMPORTANT: This only true as long as you remain within the zone for which the ticket is valid. The maps of the transit system at bus and tram stops and train stations will display the zones and each station within them.<\/p>\n When you buy a single ticket, it is typically valid for a 60 or 90 minute period and you are free to use any type of public transport available within the network to complete your journey.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Verkehrsverbunde” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Each area of Germany is represented by a Verkehrsverbund. Within each of these integrated public transit alliances, buses, trams and trains all operate within the network, often through different companies or municipal networks, all working under the same tariff rules, governed by the alliance.<\/p>\n The Verkehrsverbunde covering the major metropolitan areas are linked to below. Where they have an English web page, I have linked to this.<\/p>\n However, in almost all cases the German site is more comprehensive and contains much more information. Just click to German on the page if you can\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How to buy a ticket” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Automated ticket machines can be found at major bus stops \/ intersections and at all tram, U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. These usually have instructions English, as well as sometimes other languages. Paying by (German) debit card is usually possible.<\/p>\n Some German public transport ticket machines will not take credit cards or contactless payments<\/a>, although this is gradually changing.<\/p>\n Luckily, most of the Verkehrsverbunde also have downloadable apps. These enable electronic ticket purchases online which are then debited at the end of each month. Tickets are also cached in the app as proof that you have a valid ticket in case an inspector boards your train.<\/p>\n Great if you live there, but not so practical if you\u2019re just visiting.<\/p>\n Ticket machines will take cash up to \u20ac20 notes but will only give you change in coins. Often 1, 2 and 5 cent coins are not accepted.<\/p>\n Depending on the Verkehrsverbund, some of the tickets will require a validation before, or upon, boarding a bus, tram or train. There\u2019s no hard and fast rule for this and it\u2019s regulated by the individual transport authorities. It can also be dependent upon where you purchase your ticket.<\/p>\n The best advice here is if in doubt, ask. You\u2019ll usually be able to find somebody in the ticket office who speaks English, at least if you\u2019re at a train station.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Ticket types” _builder_version=”4.5.7″]<\/p>\n Usually only valid for 3 or 4 stops on a bus or tram. Not valid on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn.<\/p>\n Single ticket valid for a set time period, in most cases 90 minutes. Unlimited transfers are permitted within this time as long as you stay within the zone(s) for which the ticket is valid. Check the network map to be sure of the zones in question.<\/p>\n This ticket is valid for either the day in question, or a 24 hour period, depending on the network. It usually states this on the ticket (Tageskarte or 24-Stunden-Karte).<\/p>\n Some day tickets are also valid for services which run until the early hours of the next morning, to ensure that night owls can get home from an evening out without having to purchase a new ticket.<\/p>\n Same as the day ticket, but valid for 7 days.<\/p>\n For tickets with a longer validity than a week, you generally need to show ID and purchase these from an official ticket office. These are not transferable and the public transport operators do this to prevent fraud, with multiple people sharing the same ticket.<\/p>\n Group day ticket which is valid for up to 5 people travelling together. Otherwise these are largely similar to day tickets. These tickets often represent great value for money if you\u2019re travelling in groups of 3 or more.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Ticket inspection” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The network of public transportation in Germany runs on an honesty principle, meaning that there are no station barriers as are commonly found in other countries, for example on the London Underground and Paris Metro.<\/p>\n There is nothing physically stopping you from boarding a bus, tram or train without a valid ticket (although buses may only allow passengers through the front door, and the driver may ask you to show a ticket upon boarding).<\/p>\n Getting caught is not much fun though.<\/p>\n The term for being caught without a valid ticket is Schwarzfahren<\/em> and it usually comes with a \u20ac60 fine.<\/p>\n If you are unable to pay this to a ticket inspector on the spot, you will have to show ID and give your address, and you will receive a summons if you rather stupidly decide to ignore the fine.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”City Transport” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Buses are the mainstay of public transportation in Germany once you get out into more rural areas, often being the only link between 2 towns. In the major urban areas, buses cover the less busy routes which are not on the tram or U-Bahn (underground) network.<\/p>\n Bus routes within a city will have stops approximately every 300 metres. Bus (and tram) stops are signified by signs with a green circle with the letter H, which stands for Haltestelle, literally translated: stopping point.<\/p>\n Trams are kind of a mix between a bus and a U-Bahn.<\/p>\n They carry a higher volume of passengers, the stops are typically a bit less frequent than for buses (approximately every 500 metres) and obviously they run on rails. Trams run on tracks but often share the street with regular traffic, thus progress is at a similar pace as buses and more prone to delays than a U-Bahn.<\/p>\n Some of the newer tram lines run on separate lines away from traffic, making them more similar to U-Bahn trains.<\/p>\n The name U-Bahn is a German abbreviation for Untergrundbahn, and is what Brits would call the Tube and Americans the Subway.<\/p>\n In reality, many U-Bahn lines actually run above ground once you get outside of the inner city. In that regard, there is little which separates them in terms of functionality from trams running on purposely built tracks.<\/p>\n The stopping frequency is similar, at about every 500 metres, although this becomes less frequent as the U-Bahn radiates out of town.<\/p>\n Often a U-Bahn line will run to further flung suburbs than a tram does, in many cases going beyond the city limit, albeit not as far out as an S-Bahn line.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Suburban Transport” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The S-Bahn is an abbreviation for Schnellbahn and is a faster suburban rail service, primarily aimed at commuters and residents of satellite towns and suburbs on the edge of major urban areas.<\/p>\n S-Bahn trains run on the federal rail network belonging to Deutsche Bahn and routes typically run up to about 50km outside of an urban core, which is usually centred around the main train station (German:\u00a0Hauptbahnhof<\/em>).<\/p>\n The S-Bahn Rhein-Main, for example, radiates out of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and the stations within the central loop of the Frankfurt rail system. All S-Bahn services passing through the centre of the city serve these stations and the network branches out from here. The lines then run to key towns elsewhere within the Rhein-Main metropolitan region.<\/p>\n S-Bahn trains also have dedicated sections for bikes, usually in the front or rear carriage. Although, during peak commuter times these areas are often taken up by passengers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning to commute to work by bike with the help of the S-Bahn, I\u2019d recommend you first do a dummy run to make sure it\u2019s viable.<\/p>\n The RegionalBahn (RB) and RegionalExpress (RE) trains typically travel longer distances than the S-Bahn, serving further outlying areas.<\/p>\n This is not necessarily the case though; especially away from the major urban centres, where the RB also covers much shorter distances.<\/p>\n These routes can also be operated by private franchises, in which case they might not be described as RB or RE services on timetables and departure boards.<\/p>\n The private operators use their own descriptions for the services but for all intent and purpose they are operating a RB or RE service under a private franchise.<\/p>\n Trains may be a different colour than the ubiquitous Deutsche Bahn red – but your ticket will still be valid. Ticketing rules and regulations, as well as any Deutsche Bahn-issued day tickets or flat rate tickets are all valid on these services.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Long distance” _builder_version=”4.5.7″]<\/p>\n Long-distance (intercity) travel is a separate topic in itself.<\/p>\n Here, I can highly recommend this post by California Globetrotter<\/a> which gives a fantastic, clear explanation of how intercity train travel in Germany works.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Long distance” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Public transportation in Germany is a great way to get around. In most cities, a car is unnecessary. It just takes a while getting used to how it works and some of its nuances.<\/p>\n Figuring it out may take a few journeys – but it really isn’t that complex, once you’ve read our guide and taken your first bus or train ride!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”60%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”How to Articles” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”0vw|auto|0vw|auto|true|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|2vw|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”LIFE IN GERMANY” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/life-in-germany.png” alt=”life in germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Life in Germany” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEALTHCARE” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/healthcare.png” alt=”health insurance in Germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Healthcare” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOUSING” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/housing.png” alt=”apartments in Germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Housing” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Germany\u2019s public transport system is famous for its efficiency and quality, and rightly so. But it can still seem like an absolute riddle to foreigners! We\u2019re here to guide you through and demystify the way public transportation in Germany is structured and operated. We\u2019ll cover: How this system is set up; How the zoning principle […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47792,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\u00a0\r\n An example in my local area is that a day ticket purchased from a bus driver does not require validation because it comes with the date and time stamp of issue pre-printed on it. However, if you have a strip of 5\u00a0tickets which are blank and require validation before travel, you have to stamp these in the machines either on the buses or on the train station platform.<\/p>\r\n The best advice here is if in doubt, ask<\/i><\/strong>. You will usually be able to\u00a0find somebody in the ticket office who speaks English. Bus and train drivers less likely so.<\/p>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\n
How does public transportation in Germany work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Integrated Transit Systems (Verkehrsverbunde)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/li>\nHow to buy a ticket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ticket Types<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Short Trip (Kurzfahrt \/ Kurzstrecke)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Single Ticket (Einzelfahrt)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Day Ticket (Tageskarte)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Week Ticket (Wochenkarte)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Group Day Ticket (Gruppentageskarte)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Ticket Inspection<\/strong><\/h3>\n
City Transport<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Buses<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Trams (Stra\u00dfenbahnen)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Underground \/ Subway \/ Metro (U-Bahn)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Suburban \/ Hinterland Transport<\/strong><\/h3>\n
S-Bahn<\/strong><\/h4>\n
RegionalBahn (RB) & RegionalExpress (RE)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Long-Distance Travel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Trying it out is the only way to get comfortable…<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
How Does German Public Transport Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nDoes the local transit system here in Germany seem like a riddle to you?\r\n\r\nWe'll guide you through\u00a0answering the question\u00a0how does German public transport work?<\/strong>\u00a0We demystify the\u00a0whole concept for those whom it is completely alien and confusing. The public transport system here\u00a0is, on the whole, extremely efficient,\u00a0safe and reliable with well-maintained, clean vehicles and a very\u00a0logical ticketing system. At least\u00a0once you know the vagaries of how it works!\r\n\r\nHow is the system is set up? How does the zoning principle work which governs ticket costs and validity. How to buy a ticket, the different ticket types and provide a brief overview of how buses, trams and trains all fit into the system in an integrated way, each complementing one another as they seamlessly work within the same network.\r\n\r\nCheap it most certainly isn\u2019t, nonetheless,\u00a0some of the day tickets and special offers certainly offer exceedingly good value for money, especially the regional group tickets which deserve a call-out on their own.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Travel Zones (Waben)<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo begin to answer how does German public transport work requires a quick crash course in the concept of travel zones.\r\n\r\nCentral to the system and one of the first things to get your head around is the\u00a0Waben<\/i>, or zoning\u00a0<\/strong>which is the foundation upon which ticket charges are based. The whole system is integrated, meaning that one of the basic principles when considering how does German public transport work is that\u00a0each transit company operates within an alliance (or Verkehrsverbund<\/i>\u00a0in German). They must each offer and accept the same types of tickets across the network. Pricing and ticket types are\u00a0determined by the alliance. The ticket you buy on a city bus is therefore also valid for completing your journey on a tram or underground train (IMPORTANT: As long as you remain within the zone for which the ticket is valid. If you venture outside of the zone for which the ticket is valid, you could be fined if you are caught). The same goes for different bus or train operators within the same zone (or zones, if you have a ticket which crosses into another zone).\r\n\r\nWhen you buy a single ticket, it is typically valid for a 60 or 90 minute period and you are free to use any type of public transport available within the network to complete your journey.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n
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Integrated Transit Systems (Verkehrsverbunde)<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nEach area of Germany is represented by a Verkehrsverbund<\/i>. Within each of these integrated public\u00a0transit alliances, buses, trams and trains all operate within the network, often through by different companies or municipal networks, all working under the same tariff rules. which are governed by the alliance. The Verkehrsverbunde covering the major metropolitan areas are linked to below. Where they have an English web\u00a0page<\/strong>, I have linked to this. However, in almost all cases the German site is more comprehensive and contains much more information<\/strong>.\u00a0Just click to German on the page if you can\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBerlin<\/a>\r\nHamburg<\/a>\r\nCologne \/ Bonn<\/a>\r\nDusseldorf and Ruhrgebiet Cities<\/a>\r\nFrankfurt \/ Mainz \/ Wiesbaden \/ Darmstadt (Rhein-Main)<\/a>\r\nMannheim \/ Heidelberg \/ Ludwigshafen (Rhein-Neckar)<\/a>\r\nStuttgart<\/a>\r\nMunich<\/a>\r\nNuremberg<\/a>\r\nLeipzig (in German only)<\/a>\r\nDresden<\/a>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
How to buy a ticket<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAutomated ticket machines<\/strong> can\u00a0be found at major bus stops \/\u00a0intersections and\u00a0at all tram, U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. These usually\u00a0have instructions\u00a0English, as well as sometimes other languages. Paying by (German)\u00a0debit card is usually possible. Like most things in this country, most German public transport ticket machines will not take credit cards or contactless payments<\/strong>. This will change over time but at the moment it is a hangover from the banking system being very antiquated in comparison to most developed countries, coupled with an infuriating stubbornness amongst German business owners to only accept cash<\/a>.\r\n\r\n
![\"scratching](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/dreamstime_xs_38497249-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\r\n\r\nLuckily, most of the Verkehrsverbunde<\/i>\u00a0nowadays have a downloadable app for iPhone and Android which enables ticket purchases online which are debited at the end of each month and are cached in the app as proof that you have a valid ticket in case an inspector boards your train. Ticket machines will take notes up to \u20ac20 but will only give you change in coins. Often 1, 2 and 5 cent coins are not accepted.\r\n\r\nDepending on the Verkehrsverbund, <\/i>some of the tickets will require a validation before, or upon, b<\/strong>oarding a bus, tram or train<\/strong>. There is no hard and fast rule for this and it is regulated by the individual transport authorities. It can also be dependent upon where you purchase your ticket.\r\nTicket Types<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nHere is a rundown of the most common types of ticket available for instant purchase:\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Short Trip (Kurzfahrt \/ Kurzstrecke)<\/em><\/h4>\r\nUsually only valid for 3 or 4 stops on a bus or tram. Not valid on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Single Ticket (Einzelfahrt)<\/em><\/h4>\r\nSingle ticket valid for a set time period, in most cases 90 minutes. Unlimited transfers are permitted within this time as long as you stay within the zone(s) for which the ticket is valid. This will be clear to see if you have a look at the network map displayed on the bus or train you are travelling.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Day Ticket (Tageskarte)<\/em><\/h4>\r\nSame as the single ticket except the ticket is valid for either the day in question or a 24 hour period, depending on the network. It will usually state this on the ticket (Tageskarte or 24-Stunden-Karte). Some day tickets are also valid for services which run until 1 or 2 a.m. the next morning to ensure that passengers can get home from an evening out without having to purchase a complete new ticket.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Week Ticket (Wochenkarte)<\/em><\/h4>\r\nSame as the day ticket but valid for 7 days. For tickets with a longer validity than a week, generally you will need to show ID and purchase these from an official ticket office. This is to avoid family members or housemates sharing the same ticket.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Group Day Ticket (Gruppentageskarte)<\/em><\/h4>\r\nGroup day ticket which is valid for up to 5 people travelling together. Otherwise is governed by the same terms and conditions as the regular Tageskarte<\/i>. These tickets often represent great value for money and make sense if you are travelling in groups of 3 or more.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Ticket Inspection<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe German public transport network runs on an honesty principle,\u00a0<\/strong>meaning that\u00a0there are no station barriers<\/strong> as are commonly found in other countries, for example on the London Underground and Paris Metro. There is nothing physically\u00a0stopping you from boarding a bus, tram or train without a valid ticket (although buses may only allow passengers through the front door at night and the driver may ask you to show a ticket upon boarding).\r\n\r\nGetting caught is not much fun though.\r\n\r\nThe term for being caught without a valid ticket<\/strong> is\u00a0Schwarzfahren<\/i><\/strong> and it usually comes with a \u20ac60 fine<\/strong>. If you are unable to pay this to a ticket inspector on the spot, you will have to show ID and give your address so as they know where to send the summons if you decide to ignore the fine....Ask yourself, what is the point risking a \u20ac60 fine for the sake of purchasing a ticket which probably only costs around \u20ac3?\u00a0We\u2019ve all done it on the odd occasion\u00a0for 2 or 3 stops when it starts raining and you realise you have no change for the ticket machine. Sooner or later though, you\u2019ll get caught, I can guarantee, especially if you do it regularly to cheat the system.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Buses, Trams & U-Bahn<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Buses<\/h4>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBuses are the mainstay of German public transport in more rural areas, often being the only link between 2 towns. In the major\u00a0urban areas, buses cover the less busy routes which are not on the tram or U-Bahn (underground) network<\/strong>. Bus routes within a city\u00a0will have stops approximately every 300 metres. Bus (and tram) stops are signified by signs with a green circle with the letter H, which stands for Haltestelle<\/i>, literally translated as stopping point.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Trams (Strassenbahnen)<\/h4>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nTrams are kind of a mix between a bus and a U-Bahn. They carry a higher volume of passengers, the stops are typically a bit less frequent than for buses (approximately every 500 metres) and obviously they run on rails. Their American name, Streetcar<\/i>, actually describes perfectly what they are. Trams run on tracks but often share the street with regular traffic<\/strong>,\u00a0 thus progress is at a similar pace as buses and more prone to delays than a U-Bahn. Some of the newer tram lines and those further out from the urban core\u00a0will often run on separate lines away from traffic, making them similar to U-Bahn trains.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
U-Bahn<\/h4>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/ubahn-station-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>The name U-Bahn is a German abbreviation for Untergrundbahn, and is\u00a0what Brits would call the Tube<\/i> or the Metro<\/i> and Americans the Subway<\/i><\/strong>. This, however, is something of a misnomer, as many U-Bahn lines actually run above ground outside of the city centre. In that regard, there is little which separates them in terms of functionality from trams running on purposely built tracks.\r\n\r\nThe stopping frequency is similar, at about every 500 metres, although this becomes less frequent as the U-Bahn radiates out of town. Often a U-Bahn line will run to further flung suburbs than a tram does, in many cases going beyond the city limit, albeit not as far out as an S-Bahn line. The major difference then between a U-Bahn and a tram is the passenger density. Some cities only have either a tram (Dresden, Leipzig) or a U-Bahn (Stuttgart) in addition to their bus network and the S-Bahn.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nS-Bahn<\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/sbahn-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>The S-Bahn is an abbreviation for Schnellbahn<\/strong><\/em> and is a faster suburban rail service<\/strong>, primarily aimed at commuters and residents of satellite towns and suburbs on the edge of major urban areas. S-Bahn trains run on the federal rail network belonging to Deutsche Bahn and routes typically run up to about 50km outside of an urban core<\/strong>, which is usually centred around the main train station, or Hauptbahnhof<\/i> of the major city of the urban area which it serves.\r\n\r\nThe S-Bahn Rhein-Main, for example, radiates out of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and the stations within the central loop of the\u00a0Frankfurt rail system.\u00a0All S-Bahn services passing through the centre of the city serve these stations and the network branches out from here. The lines then run to key towns elsewhere within the Rhein-Main metropolitan region.\r\n\r\nS-Bahn trains also have dedicated sections of usually the front and rear carriage for bicycles, although these areas during peak commuter times are often taken up by passengers who make use of the flip-down seats. If you\u2019re planning to commute to work by bike with the help of the S-Bahn, better do a dummy run to understand how viable it is to find somewhere to stow your bike on the way to work, especially if you are using a\u00a0busy route.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nRegionalBahn & RegionalExpress<\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe RegionalBahn (RB) and RegionalExpress (RE)\u00a0trains typically travel longer distances than the S-Bahn or they serve further outlying areas<\/strong>. This is not necessarily the case though; especially away from the major urban centres,\u00a0the RB\u00a0also covers much\u00a0shorter distances.\r\n\r\nThese routes are also run by private operators, in which case the traditional RB and RE declensions from Deutsche Bahn may not be applicable when you look at the service description from a departures board or platform real-time information. A good\u00a0example of this\u00a0close to where I live is the regional train service along both sides of the Rhine between Mainz\/Wiesbaden and Koblenz. The private operators use their own descriptions for the services but for all intent and purpose they are operating a\u00a0RB or RE service under a private franchise.\r\n\r\nThe trains may be a different colour than the ubiquitous Deutsche Bahn red but that doesn\u2019t mean you need a specific ticket.\u00a0The ticketing rules and regulations, as well as any Deutsche Bahn-issued day tickets or flat rate tickets are all valid on these services.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Long-Distance Travel<\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nLong-distance (intercity) travel is a separate topic which is beyond the scope of this post. We look at alternatives to the train<\/a> for long-distance trips for those interested in exploring beyond local transport.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span>\r\n\r\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[30,98,24],"class_list":["post-88","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guides","tag-german-public-transport","tag-how-does-german-public-transport-work","tag-public-transportation-in-germany"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48260,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88\/revisions\/48260"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}