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German transport associations (Verkehrsverbünde)

German transport associations (Verkehrsverbünde)

In most large cities in Germany, all forms of public transport are operated by a single transport association (Verkehrsverbund).

What is a transport association (Verkehrsverbund)?

A transport association (Verkehrsverbund) coordinates public transport in and around a city. It usually involves several different companies (e.g. the different operators of S-Bahn, U-Bahn, bus and tram networks) operating under the same integrated system to ensure:

  • A single fare system
  • A standardised range of tickets recognised by all transport companies
  • Coordinated timetables

In practice, this means that your ticket for the tram is also valid on the bus and the S-Bahn. It does not, however, usually extend to long-distance modes of transport such as trains and coaches.

Public transport networks in Germany

Listed below are the contact details for the transport associations in the largest cities in Germany. Through the websites you can access route maps, timetables, fare details and even buy tickets.

Although most have websites in English, in general, the information provided by the German websites tends to be much more comprehensive.  

Berlin - Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG)

Using public transport in Berlin

Cologne - Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB)

  • Customer centre: U-Bahn Neumarkt, Cäcilienstraße 48, 50667 Cologne
  • Call: 0221 547 3654 (enquiries) or 01806 50 40 30 (timetables & prices)
  • Visit the KVB website (English)
  • Your tickets are also valid in many areas of southern North-Rhine Westphalia, as part of the greater Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg network.

Düsseldorf - Rheinbahn

Frankfurt - Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main (VGF)

Using public transport in Frankfurt

Hamburg - Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV)

Munich (München) - Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV)

Using public transport in Munich

Stuttgart - Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS)

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