Cologne

1. Types of Tickets

The VRS offers a variety of ticket options to suit different needs. Here are the main types:

Single Tickets (Einzeltickets)

• Short Trip Ticket (Kurzstrecke): For short distances (up to 4 stops on trams/buses or 2 stops on regional trains).
  • Cost: €2.10 (adults), €1.30 (children aged 6-14).
• Regular Single Ticket (Einzelfahrkarte): For one-way trips within a specific zone.
  • Cost: €3.10 (adults), €1.90 (children aged 6-14) for Zone 1b (Cologne city area).

Day Tickets (Tageskarten)

• 1-Person Day Ticket (24-StundenTicket): Unlimited travel for one person within the selected zone for 24 hours.
  • Cost: €9.10 for Zone 1b (Cologne city area).
• Group Day Ticket (24-StundenTicket 5 Personen): Valid for up to 5 people traveling together.
  • Cost: €13.60 for Zone 1b.

Weekly and Monthly Tickets

• Weekly Ticket (WochenTicket): Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days within the selected zone.
  • Cost: €27.00 for Zone 1b.
• Monthly Ticket (MonatsTicket): Unlimited travel for a calendar month.
  • Cost: €105.00 for Zone 1b.

4-Ticket Bundles (4erTicket)

• A discounted option for purchasing 4 single tickets at once.
  • Cost: €12.10 for Zone 1b (adults).

Student and Discounted Tickets

• Students enrolled at universities in Cologne often receive a SemesterTicket as part of their tuition fees, allowing unlimited travel in the VRS network.
• Children under 6 travel for free.

Tourist Tickets

• KölnCard: Offers unlimited travel within Cologne and discounts on attractions, restaurants, and tours.
  • Cost: €9.00 (24 hours) or €19.00 (48 hours).

Regional Tickets

• If you plan to travel outside Cologne, consider the SchönerTagTicket NRW for unlimited travel across North Rhine-Westphalia for a day.
  • Cost: €31.00 for one person, €46.00 for up to 5 people.

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2. Where and How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets can be purchased through several convenient methods:

Ticket Machines

• Found at tram stops, train stations, and major bus stops.
• Machines accept cash (coins and small bills) and debit/credit cards (with PIN).

KVB App

• Download the KVB mobil app for Android or iOS to purchase digital tickets. The app supports English and allows you to buy single, day, and group tickets.

Onboard Purchase

• You can buy tickets directly from bus drivers, but only single tickets are available, and you must pay in cash.

KVB Customer Centers

• Located at major hubs like Neumarkt and Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Staff can assist with ticket purchases and provide advice.

Retail Outlets

• Tickets are also sold at kiosks, convenience stores, and newsstands displaying the KVB or VRS logo.

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3. Validation Procedures

• Trams and Buses: Tickets purchased from machines or kiosks must be validated before boarding. Look for the small yellow or red validation machines at tram stops or inside buses. Insert your ticket into the machine, and it will stamp the date and time.
• Digital Tickets: If you purchase a ticket via the KVB app, it is already valid for the selected time and does not require further validation.
• Fines: Traveling without a valid ticket (Schwarzfahren) can result in a fine of €60, so always ensure your ticket is valid before boarding.

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4. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

• Zones and Boundaries: Cologne is in Zone 1b of the VRS network. If you plan to travel to nearby cities like Bonn or Düsseldorf, you’ll need a ticket that covers multiple zones.
• Punctuality: Public transportation in Cologne is generally punctual. Arrive at stops a few minutes early to avoid missing your tram or bus.
• Peak Hours: Trams and buses can get crowded during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM). Plan accordingly if you’re traveling with luggage or a stroller.
• Bicycles: You can bring bicycles on trams and trains, but you’ll need an additional Bicycle Ticket (FahrradTicket), which costs €3.10 for a single trip.
• Accessibility: Most trams and buses are wheelchair accessible. Look for the wheelchair symbol on vehicles and stops.
• Language: Ticket machines and the KVB app offer English as a language option, but announcements on public transport are typically in German. Familiarize yourself with key terms like "Nächster Halt" (next stop).

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5. Practical Example

If you’re a tourist planning to explore Cologne for a day, the 1-Person Day Ticket (24-StundenTicket) for €9.10 is a cost-effective option. It allows unlimited travel within the city, so you can hop on and off trams, buses, and regional trains as you visit landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral, the Chocolate Museum, and the Rhine River promenade.

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By understanding the ticketing system and following these tips, you’ll find it easy to navigate Cologne’s public transportation network. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city!