Düsseldorf

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Ticketing

Sections

1. Types of Tickets Available

The VRR ticketing system offers a variety of ticket options to suit different travel needs. These include single tickets, day passes, group tickets, and long-term passes. Here’s a breakdown:

a. Single Tickets (Einzeltickets)

  • Description: Valid for one journey in a specific fare zone.
  • Cost (as of 2023):
    • Price Level A (within Düsseldorf): €3.10 (adults), €1.80 (children aged 6-14).
    • Price Level B (short regional trips): €6.20.
    • Price Level C (longer regional trips): €12.00.
  • Validity: Time-limited based on the distance and fare zone (e.g., 90 minutes for Price Level A).

b. Short Trip Tickets (Kurzstrecke)

  • Description: For very short journeys (up to 4 stops on buses/trams or 2 stops on U-Bahn/S-Bahn).
  • Cost: €1.90 (adults), €1.60 (children).
  • Validity: 20 minutes.

c. Day Tickets (Tageskarten)

  • Description: Unlimited travel for one day within the selected fare zone.
  • Cost:
    • Price Level A (Düsseldorf only): €8.10.
    • Price Level B: €13.50.
    • Price Level C: €20.70.
  • Validity: Until 3:00 AM the following day.

d. Group Day Tickets (Gruppentageskarten)

  • Description: Valid for up to 5 people traveling together.
  • Cost:
    • Price Level A: €12.30.
    • Price Level B: €19.80.
    • Price Level C: €30.90.
  • Validity: Same as the Day Ticket.

e. Weekly and Monthly Tickets

  • Description: Ideal for frequent travelers.
  • Cost:
    • Weekly Ticket (Price Level A): €30.20.
    • Monthly Ticket (Price Level A): €90.20.
  • Validity: Unlimited travel within the selected fare zone for the duration of the ticket.

f. 4-Trip Tickets (4er-Tickets)

  • Description: A discounted option for four single trips.
  • Cost:
    • Price Level A: €11.60 (adults), €6.60 (children).
  • Validity: Same as single tickets but more economical.

g. 10-Minute Ticket (10-Minuten-Ticket)

  • Description: A digital ticket for short trips up to 10 minutes.
  • Cost: €1.80.
  • Availability: Only via the Rheinbahn app.

h. NRW Ticket

  • Description: For travel across the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
  • Cost: €31.00 (day ticket for one person).
  • Validity: Unlimited travel for one day.

2. Where and How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets can be purchased through various convenient methods:

a. Ticket Machines

  • Found at all U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram stations.
  • Accept cash, debit cards, and sometimes credit cards.
  • Available in multiple languages, including English.

b. Rheinbahn App

  • Download the Rheinbahn App (available for iOS and Android).
  • Offers digital tickets, including single, day, and 10-minute tickets.
  • Payment via credit card, PayPal, or direct debit.

c. Onboard Purchase

  • Tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers (cash only).
  • Note: On trams and trains, tickets must be purchased before boarding.

d. Kiosks and Service Centers

  • Tickets are available at kiosks, newsstands, and Rheinbahn customer service centers (e.g., at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof).

e. Online

  • Tickets can also be purchased via the VRR website or app.

3. Discounts and Special Passes

a. Children

  • Children under 6 travel for free.
  • Reduced fares for children aged 6-14.

b. Students

  • Many universities in Düsseldorf provide a Semester Ticket for students, allowing unlimited travel within the VRR region.

c. Senior Citizens

  • Special discounted monthly passes are available for seniors (60+).

d. Job Tickets

  • Employers can offer subsidized monthly tickets for employees.

e. Deutschland-Ticket (49-Euro-Ticket)

  • A nationwide ticket valid for unlimited travel on local and regional public transport across Germany.
  • Cost: €49 per month (subscription-based).
  • Valid on all VRR services, including buses, trams, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn.

4. Local Tips and Considerations

  1. Validate Your Ticket: If you purchase a paper ticket, ensure you validate it at the yellow or red stamping machines before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a fine of €60.
  2. Plan Your Journey: Use the Rheinbahn App or the DB Navigator App to plan routes, check schedules, and avoid delays.
  3. Peak Hours: Public transport can get crowded during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
  4. Accessibility: Most stations and vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Look for elevators and ramps at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations.
  5. Bicycles: You can take bicycles on S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, but not during peak hours unless you have a bicycle ticket (€3.60).
  6. Zones and Fare Levels: Düsseldorf is in Price Level A, but trips to nearby cities like Cologne or Essen may require Price Level B or C tickets. Always check the fare zone before purchasing.
  7. Inspectors: Ticket inspections are frequent, and fines for traveling without a valid ticket are strict (€60). Always have a valid ticket with you.

5. Additional Resources

  • Rheinbahn Customer Service: Visit the service center at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof for assistance.
  • VRR Website: www.vrr.de (available in English).
  • Rheinbahn App: Download for real-time updates, ticket purchases, and route planning.

By understanding the ticketing system and following these tips, you’ll find it easy to navigate Düsseldorf’s public transportation network efficiently and affordably. Safe travels!