Stuttgart
Buses
General information on the bus network in Stuttgart for local and regional travel.
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Comprehensive Guide to Using Buses in Stuttgart, Germany
Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Wรผrttemberg, has a well-organized and efficient public transportation system, including an extensive bus network. The buses are part of the Stuttgart Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (VVS), which integrates buses, trams, S-Bahn, and regional trains into a unified system. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the bus system in Stuttgart.
1. Overview of the Bus Network
- Coverage: The bus network in Stuttgart connects the city center with surrounding neighborhoods, suburbs, and rural areas. It complements the S-Bahn (suburban trains) and U-Bahn (light rail/trams) systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Operators: Buses are operated by various companies under the VVS umbrella, ensuring consistent ticketing and schedules.
- Types of Buses:
- Standard Buses: Operate on regular routes within the city and suburbs.
- Express Buses (X-Buses): Faster routes with fewer stops, connecting key areas.
- Night Buses (Nachtbusse): Operate during late-night hours, typically on weekends and public holidays.
- Regional Buses: Connect Stuttgart with nearby towns and villages.
2. Ticket Types and Costs
The VVS system uses a zone-based fare system, and ticket prices depend on the number of zones you travel through. Stuttgart city center is in Zone 1, and the surrounding areas are divided into additional zones.
Ticket Types:
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Single Ticket (Einzelticket):
- Valid for one trip in a specific number of zones.
- Prices (as of 2023):
- 1 Zone: โฌ2.90 (adults), โฌ1.40 (children aged 6โ14)
- 2 Zones: โฌ3.80
- 3 Zones: โฌ5.00
- Valid for 3 hours in one direction (no round trips).
-
Day Ticket (TagesTicket):
- Unlimited travel for one day within the selected zones.
- Prices:
- 1 Zone: โฌ6.00
- Entire network: โฌ14.80
- Group Day Ticket (up to 5 people): โฌ19.50 for the entire network.
-
Weekly and Monthly Tickets:
- Ideal for longer stays or frequent travel.
- Prices vary based on zones (e.g., โฌ60โโฌ100 for a monthly pass).
-
Stuttgart Card:
- A tourist pass offering unlimited travel in the VVS network and discounts on attractions.
- Prices: โฌ19 for 24 hours, โฌ29 for 48 hours.
-
Short Trip Ticket (Kurzstrecke):
- For very short distances (up to 3 stops).
- Price: โฌ1.70.
-
9-Euro Successor Ticket (Deutschlandticket):
- A nationwide ticket for unlimited travel on local and regional public transport, including Stuttgart buses.
- Price: โฌ49/month (subscription required).
3. How to Purchase Tickets
Tickets can be purchased through several convenient methods:
-
Ticket Machines:
- Found at major bus stops, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn stations.
- Machines accept cash, debit, and credit cards.
-
Mobile Apps:
- VVS Mobil App: Purchase and store tickets digitally.
- DB Navigator App: Also supports VVS tickets.
-
Onboard Purchase:
- Some buses allow ticket purchases directly from the driver (cash only, small denominations preferred).
-
Retail Outlets:
- Tickets are available at kiosks, convenience stores, and VVS service centers.
-
Subscription:
- For the Deutschlandticket or monthly passes, you can subscribe online via the VVS website or app.
4. Schedules and Timetables
- Frequency:
- Buses typically run every 10โ20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak times.
- Night buses operate hourly on weekends and public holidays.
- Timetables:
- Available at bus stops, on the VVS website, and in the VVS Mobil App.
- Use the app or website to plan your journey and check real-time updates.
5. Accessibility
Stuttgartโs buses are designed to be accessible for all passengers:
- Low-Floor Buses: Most buses have low floors for easy boarding, especially for wheelchairs, strollers, and those with mobility challenges.
- Priority Seating: Designated seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
- Audio and Visual Announcements: Stops are announced both audibly and visually inside the bus.
- Assistance: Drivers are generally helpful if you need assistance boarding or alighting.
6. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations
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Punctuality:
- Buses in Stuttgart are known for their punctuality. Arrive at the stop a few minutes early to avoid missing your bus.
-
Boarding and Exiting:
- Enter through the front door and exit through the rear doors.
- Show your ticket to the driver if requested.
-
Validation:
- Tickets purchased from machines or kiosks must be validated (stamped) at the machine inside the bus or at the stop before boarding.
-
Quiet Atmosphere:
- Keep conversations low and avoid loud phone calls. Germans value quietness on public transport.
-
Cash for Onboard Purchases:
- If buying a ticket from the driver, have small bills or coins ready.
-
Night Buses:
- Night buses are marked with an "N" and are a safe and reliable way to travel late at night. Check schedules in advance, as they run less frequently.
-
Environmental Awareness:
- Stuttgart is a green city, and public transport is a preferred mode of travel. Using buses is an eco-friendly way to explore the city.
7. Other Relevant Information
- Lost and Found:
- If you lose something on a bus, contact the VVS customer service or visit their lost and found office.
- Customer Service:
- VVS Hotline: +49 711 19449 (available in English).
- Integration with Other Transport:
- Your bus ticket is valid on all VVS modes of transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and regional trains) within the selected zones.
8. Planning Your Journey
- Use the VVS Mobil App or the DB Navigator App to plan your trip, check schedules, and purchase tickets.
- Google Maps also integrates Stuttgartโs public transport system for easy navigation.
By following this guide, youโll find it easy to navigate Stuttgartโs bus system and enjoy a smooth, efficient, and eco-friendly way to explore the city and its surroundings.