Public transport in Germany - costs, description, types of transport

Modes of transportation in Germany

The public transportation system in Germany is well-developed and runs like clockwork. It includes metro, suburban trains, buses, and trams. You can check the schedules directly at the transportation stations, but generally, there are no significant delays here.

Cars in motion jam on the highway, in Germany

Types of Public Transport Tickets

Monthly pass for all transport types (Deutschlandticket) — 49 EUR
Single ticket valid for all transport types for 2 hours after purchase — 3.50 EUR
Kurzstreckentarif ticket allowing travel up to 3 metro or 6 bus stops — 2.20 EUR for one ticket or 6.60 EUR for four tickets
One-day ticket — from 8.80 EUR (depending on the region)
Group ticket (two adults and three children) for one day — from 16 EUR
Group ticket (two adults and three children) for a week — from 39 EUR
WelcomeCard, allowing one adult and up to three children to use all transport types and visit museums, theaters, and tours for free or with up to 50% discount — from 14 EUR for one day, from 21 EUR for two days

When paying for transportation in Germany, keep in mind that:

All tickets can be purchased at special ticket machines at transportation stations.
Tickets should be validated in the red machines on the platform.
The metro starts operating at 4:00 am and ends between midnight and 1:00 am.
Enter the bus through the front door and pay the fare to the driver.
Schedules for suburban and long-distance trains are integrated into one system. Details can be found on the website.

Taxi services are widespread in Germany and can easily be hailed right on the street. You can also find one at a taxi stand or order by phone. The standard minimum fare ranges from 4.50 to 6 EUR depending on the city. Each kilometer usually costs between 2 and 2.50 EUR, plus around 3.50 EUR for the base fare (starting the meter). Trips shorter than two kilometers or under five minutes are charged a fixed fare of about 6 EUR. In some cities, women receive discounts after 8 PM or can request a women-only taxi (Frauentaxi) at a reduced rate.