Public Transport in Germany - Complete English Guide [2024]

Want to know about public transport in Germany? Here you go! As per study, the public transportation system is very good in most German cities due to which almost 30 million passengers use it to travel from one place to another. Larger German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have transport associations to deal with public transportation matters.

Kinds of Public Transportation

Germany’s modern infrastructure have made it easy to travel through five basic public transportation types in Germany;

1. U Bahn
2. S Bahn
3. Bus
4. Regional Trains
5. Tram

U Bahn

The German version of metro has many lines above the ground and a few in subways and tubes which symbolize through a white S on a blue-colored sign. U-bahn operates at night during weekends in large German cities.

S Bahn

Fastest public transport in Germany which is like the urban and suburban rail system providing transport services to the metropolitan region by connecting suburbs and other regions with the city’s central point and linking them with the main rail station. The symbol of S Bahn is a white S on a green-colored background. It operates at night during weekends in large German cities.

Bus

Bus stops are the mainstays which you can use anytime in day or night when other services are closed. Bus stops are usually at a distance of 300 meters and identified by a green-colored letter H (Haltestelle-stopping point) on a yellow background.

Regional Trains

Deutsche Bahn operates most of the train services in Germany. There are many other networks and groups that have regional trains of two kinds; RB (multiple stopping points) and RE (faster and fewer stopping points).

Tram

Streetcars performing a role between U Bahn and a bus is a tram that travels on rails while stopping at multiple locations. These locations are combined with the other bus stops. Tram symbol is the word tram written on a red-colored background.

Kinds of Travel Tickets

Travel ticket is necessary to travel through public transport in Germany. Here are the kinds of travel tickets;

1. Single ticket
2. Short trip
3. Day ticket
4. Group day ticket
5. Week ticket

Single Ticket

These tickets are time-bound and valid for a specific period (minutes). Change of transport to complete your journey is possible but return journeys and round trips are not allowed.

Short Trip

Short trip ticket is used to travel from one stop to another as this ticket is valid for only two or three stops. Short trip ticket is used on a single public transport so you cannot change your transport.

Day Ticket

Day ticket will give you an enhanced travel experience if you want to travel across various zones. The validity of this ticket is 24 hours which is mentioned on your ticket. You can travel the whole day with this ticket.

Group Day Ticket

These tickets are expensive as they offer best service to their customers. To travel in a group, buy a group day ticket. Remember that the maximum five persons can travel in a group with this ticket. The validity is 24 hours within the specified zone.

Week Ticket

If you are frequent traveller, week ticket is best for you which are valid for full week but within specific travel zones. You can also buy ticket for longer period or have month passes that are valid for one month.

Travel Zones in A City

All public transport systems are linked through different travel zones. The price of the ticket depends upon the number of travel zones you need to travel. Zone A is the city’s central point, zone B is little away, and zone C is further away. Whenever needed, you can change your transport to complete your travel as your ticket is valid within a zone for all kinds of transports. If your valid is valid for different zones, you can travel across zones with your same ticket.

Valid or Invalid Travel Tickets

Your travel ticket must be stamped and validated with a validator machine next to the ticket machine. When you buy it, it is not stamped, so get it stamped before you enter your transport. If you are buying tickets in advance, get them stamped whe you travel as a stamp must be with a date of use otherwise, it will be invalid.

Travel Without A Ticket

It is well said that honesty is the best policy so do not travel without buying a travel ticket. If you do so, you will be fined for up to 60 Euros.

Buying A Travel Ticket

Buying a ticket from an automated ticket machine is very easy and simple even if you do not know German. All stations have a ticket counter and many have generated e-tickets.

Mobile Apps for Public Transportation

Mobile applications have made it more easy to buy tickets online. These applications are;

Google Maps has integrated timetable, route planning, and schedule, available application for Android, iOS, and your browser.

FAIRTIQ works with local public transport systems, available for Android and iOS.

Offi operates for all local and regional transport networks, available only for Android.

Citimapper is available in major German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and Dortmund. It is available for Android, iOS, and your browser.

Many companies have their own mobile application to plan route, schedule travel, buy ticket, check timetable, see the fares, maps, and more.

Trains in Germany

Trains are the busiest mode of transportation in Germany. The main German railway company (Deutsche Bahn) is a private company with high-speed, intercity, regional, and urban trains to travel throughout the city and across borders.

You will find many other private train companies and regional train services offering tickets in different rates in Germany. The municipal public transport authority runs the U Bahn and the Trams. Prices are usually fixed so you do not need to buy or book tickets in advance.

Buses in Germany

Various authorities are running buses for public transportation in Germany managed by each German state within its borders. Ticket price is set by the local authority who manages the bus transportation system. Night buses are common in urban areas.

taxis in germany

Germany have a wide range of taxis and ride-sharing services by different providers. These services are bit expensive but you can hire a taxi at hotels, malls, hospitals, and stands easily. Applications are also available if you want to call a taxi driver to your street. When hiring a taxi, you have to make payments in cash. If you hired a taxi through mobile app, you can use your card to make payment.

Pros of Public Transport in Germany

Here are the good points about public transport i Germany;

• Efficient, simple, and convenient.
• Save cost and time.
• Availability of assistance if you need help to book your ticket.
• Elevators and priority spaces for special people.
• Sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Safety Measures Passengers Must Follow

Passengers must follow necessary safety precautions.

• Wear FFP2 masks.
• Keep an eye on your luggage.
• Dogs and pets must be on leads and in buckets.
• Stay on the right while using escalators.
• Have Euro currency when you travel.
• Buy a ticket in advance for a long trip.
• Validate your ticket before boarding.
• Alert the transport authority immediately in case of any emergency.

Conclusion

Germans use public transportation to enjoy several benefits. Trains, buses, trams, and coaches are available everywhere in Germany, still bikes are increasing daily. Booking your ticket and travelling across Germany is easy now.  When you need to travel, carefully check if the travel card is a cost-saving option for you or if several single tickets are a better option.