Heidelberg

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Buses

Overview of the bus network, including local and regional services.

Sections

1. Ticket Types and Costs

The ticketing system in Heidelberg is integrated into the VRN (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar), the regional public transport network. This means tickets are valid across buses, trams, and regional trains within the VRN area.

Ticket Types:

  • Single Ticket (Einzelfahrschein):

    • Valid for one trip in one direction, including transfers.
    • Cost: Approx. โ‚ฌ2.80 for adults within Heidelberg (price may vary slightly depending on zones).

  • Short Trip Ticket (Kurzstrecken-Ticket):

    • For short distances (up to 3 stops, no transfers).
    • Cost: Approx. โ‚ฌ1.80.

  • Day Ticket (Tageskarte):

    • Unlimited travel for one day within the selected zones.
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ6.90 for Heidelberg city (1 adult) or โ‚ฌ10.50 for a group ticket (up to 5 people).

  • Weekly Ticket (Wochenkarte):

    • Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days.
    • Cost: Approx. โ‚ฌ24.50 for Heidelberg city.

  • Monthly Ticket (Monatskarte):

    • Unlimited travel for a calendar month.
    • Cost: Approx. โ‚ฌ68.00 for Heidelberg city.

  • Job Ticket or Semester Ticket:

    • Special discounted tickets for employees and students. For students, the Semester Ticket costs around โ‚ฌ180 for 6 months.

  • Childrenโ€™s Tickets:

    • Reduced fares for children aged 6โ€“14. Children under 6 travel for free.

Where to Buy Tickets:

  • Ticket Machines: Found at major bus stops, tram stops, and train stations. Machines accept cash, debit, and credit cards.
  • Onboard the Bus: You can buy single tickets directly from the driver (cash only, small denominations preferred).
  • RNV/VRN App: Purchase and store digital tickets on your smartphone.
  • VRN Service Centers: Located at Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and other key locations.

2. Schedules and Routes

Heidelbergโ€™s bus system is well-organized, with frequent services connecting the city center, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas.

Key Bus Routes:

  • Bus 32: Connects Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Altstadt (Old Town) and Universitรคtsplatz.
  • Bus 33: Runs from the Hauptbahnhof to Ziegelhausen, passing through the Neckar River area.
  • Bus 34: Covers the southern parts of Heidelberg, including Rohrbach and Emmertsgrund.
  • Bus 35: Connects the city center to Kรถnigstuhl, a popular tourist destination with scenic views.

Schedules:

  • Weekdays: Buses typically run from 5:00 AM to midnight, with peak hours (7:00โ€“9:00 AM and 4:00โ€“6:00 PM) offering more frequent services.
  • Weekends and Public Holidays: Reduced frequency, but key routes still operate.
  • Night Buses: Limited night bus services (marked as "Moonliner" or "Nachtbus") are available on weekends, running until around 2:00โ€“3:00 AM.

Timetable Access:

  • RNV Website: www.rnv-online.de provides detailed schedules and route maps.
  • VRN App: Offers real-time updates and route planning.
  • Google Maps: Integrated with Heidelbergโ€™s public transport system for easy navigation.

3. How to Use the Bus System

  1. Plan Your Route:

    • Use the VRN App, RNV website, or Google Maps to find the best route and bus number.

  2. Buy a Ticket:

    • Purchase your ticket before boarding (via app or ticket machine) or directly from the driver if necessary.
    • Validate your ticket if required (some tickets purchased at machines need to be stamped at validation machines).

  3. Boarding:

    • Enter through the front door and show your ticket to the driver if requested.
    • For buses with multiple doors, you can board through any door if you already have a valid ticket.

  4. Exiting:

    • Press the stop button in advance to signal the driver to stop at the next station.

4. Apps and Websites for Navigation

  • VRN App: The official app for the VRN network. It provides route planning, ticket purchasing, and real-time updates.
  • RNV App: Similar to the VRN app but focused on the RNV-operated areas.
  • DB Navigator App: Useful for regional train and bus connections.
  • Google Maps: Reliable for planning routes and checking schedules.

5. Local Tips and Considerations

  • Punctuality: Buses in Heidelberg are generally punctual. Arrive at the stop a few minutes early.
  • Exact Change: If buying tickets onboard, carry small denominations of cash.
  • Language: Most ticket machines and apps are available in English, but bus drivers may only speak German. Learn basic phrases like "Ein Ticket nach [destination], bitte" (One ticket to [destination], please).
  • Accessibility: Most buses are wheelchair-accessible and have space for strollers.
  • Peak Hours: Buses can get crowded during rush hours, especially on routes serving the university and Hauptbahnhof.
  • Bike Transport: Some buses allow bicycles, but space is limited. Check with the driver before boarding.
  • Environmental Awareness: Heidelberg is a green city, and public transport is an eco-friendly way to explore it.

6. Exploring Beyond Heidelberg

The VRN network extends to nearby cities like Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Schwetzingen. If you plan to travel outside Heidelberg, consider purchasing a ticket that covers multiple zones or a regional day pass.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll find it easy to navigate Heidelbergโ€™s bus system and enjoy the cityโ€™s charm and efficiency. If you have any further questions or need help planning a specific route, feel free to ask!