Hamburg

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Ticketing

Details on Hamburg's unified ticketing system for buses, ferries, trains, and light rail, including apps, machines, and passes.

Sections

1. Types of Tickets Available

HVV offers a variety of ticket options to suit different needs. Here are the main categories:

Single Tickets

  • Single Ticket (Einzelkarte): Valid for one journey in one direction, including transfers, within the selected fare zones.
  • Short Trip Ticket (Kurzstrecke): For short distances (up to 2 km on buses or 4 stops on trains, with a maximum of 2 U-Bahn/S-Bahn stops).
  • Costs:
    • Single Ticket (within Hamburg AB zone): โ‚ฌ3.90 (adults), โ‚ฌ1.50 (children aged 6โ€“14).
    • Short Trip Ticket: โ‚ฌ2.00 (adults), โ‚ฌ1.20 (children).

Day Tickets

  • Day Ticket (Tageskarte): Unlimited travel within the selected zones for one day until 6:00 AM the following day.
  • 9 AM Day Ticket (9-Uhr-Tageskarte): A discounted day ticket valid after 9:00 AM on weekdays (no time restrictions on weekends or public holidays).
  • Costs:
    • Day Ticket (Hamburg AB zone): โ‚ฌ8.40 (adults), โ‚ฌ2.60 (children).
    • 9 AM Day Ticket: โ‚ฌ6.90 (adults).

Group Tickets

  • Group Day Ticket (Gruppenkarte): For up to 5 people traveling together. Valid for unlimited travel within the selected zones for one day.
  • Costs:
    • Group Day Ticket (Hamburg AB zone): โ‚ฌ13.40.

Weekly and Monthly Tickets

  • Weekly Ticket (Wochenkarte): Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days.
  • Monthly Ticket (Monatskarte): Unlimited travel for a calendar month.
  • Costs: Prices vary depending on the zones selected. For Hamburg AB, a monthly ticket costs approximately โ‚ฌ116.40.

Special Passes

  • Hamburg Card: A tourist pass that includes unlimited travel in the HVV network and discounts on attractions, tours, and restaurants.
    • Costs: Starts at โ‚ฌ10.90 for a 1-day pass (single) or โ‚ฌ19.90 for a group pass.
  • Senior Tickets: Discounted tickets for seniors aged 63 and above.
  • Student and Apprentice Tickets: Special rates for students and apprentices with valid ID.

2. Where and How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets can be purchased through various convenient methods:

Ticket Machines

  • Located at all U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations.
  • Machines accept cash (coins and small bills) and debit/credit cards.

HVV App

  • Download the HVV App (available for iOS and Android) to purchase digital tickets.
  • Offers real-time updates, route planning, and ticket purchases.

Online

  • Tickets can be purchased on the HVV website and printed or stored digitally.

Service Centers

  • HVV service centers are located at major stations like Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Jungfernstieg.
  • Staff can assist with ticket purchases and provide advice.

Onboard

  • Single and short trip tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers (cash only, exact change preferred).

3. Discounts and Special Offers

  • Children: Reduced fares for children aged 6โ€“14. Children under 6 travel free.
  • Groups: Group Day Tickets are cost-effective for families or groups of up to 5 people.
  • Tourists: The Hamburg Card offers excellent value for visitors who plan to explore the city extensively.
  • Frequent Travelers: Weekly and monthly tickets are ideal for those staying longer or commuting regularly.

4. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Zones: The HVV network is divided into fare zones (A, B, C, etc.). Most tourist attractions are within the Hamburg AB zone, so a ticket for this zone is usually sufficient.
  • Validation: Tickets purchased from machines or service centers must be validated before boarding. Look for the blue or yellow validation machines at stations.
  • Transfers: Single tickets allow transfers within the validity period, but you cannot backtrack or interrupt your journey unnecessarily.
  • Ferries: HVV tickets are valid on public ferries, such as the popular Line 62 to Finkenwerder, which offers scenic views of the harbor.
  • Peak Hours: Trains and buses can get crowded during rush hours (7:00โ€“9:00 AM and 4:00โ€“6:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
  • Accessibility: Hamburgโ€™s public transport is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps at most stations. Check the HVV app for real-time updates on accessibility features.

5. Example Costs for Common Scenarios

  • Single trip within Hamburg AB zone: โ‚ฌ3.90.
  • Day of unlimited travel (after 9 AM): โ‚ฌ6.90.
  • Family of 4 exploring Hamburg for a day: โ‚ฌ13.40 (Group Day Ticket).
  • Tourist visiting for 3 days: โ‚ฌ29.90 (Hamburg Card for 3 days).

6. Useful Resources

  • HVV Website: www.hvv.de (available in English).
  • HVV App: Download for route planning, ticket purchases, and real-time updates.
  • Customer Service: Call +49 40 19449 for assistance in English or German.

By understanding the ticketing system and planning ahead, you can navigate Hamburgโ€™s public transportation with ease and make the most of your visit!