Stuttgart

๐ŸŽซ

Ticketing

Guidance on purchasing and using transportation tickets and understanding fare systems in Stuttgart.

Sections

1. Overview of Stuttgartโ€™s Public Transportation System

  • Modes of Transport:
    • S-Bahn: Suburban trains connecting Stuttgart to surrounding areas.
    • U-Bahn: Light rail/tram system operating within Stuttgart city and nearby suburbs.
    • Buses: Cover areas not served by trains or trams.
    • Regional Trains (RB, RE, IRE): Connect Stuttgart to other cities and towns in the region.
  • Zones: The VVS system is divided into fare zones. The cost of your ticket depends on how many zones you travel through. Stuttgart city center is in Zone 1, and the zones expand outward.

2. Ticket Categories

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

a. Single Tickets (Einzeltickets)

  • Description: Valid for one trip in a specific number of zones.
  • Duration: Typically valid for 2-3 hours, depending on the zones covered.
  • Pricing (as of 2023):
    • 1 Zone: โ‚ฌ2.90 (adults), โ‚ฌ1.40 (children aged 6-14)
    • 2 Zones: โ‚ฌ3.80
    • 3 Zones: โ‚ฌ5.10
    • 4 Zones: โ‚ฌ6.40
    • Full network: โ‚ฌ8.00
  • Tip: If you plan to make multiple trips in a day, consider a day ticket instead.

b. Day Tickets (TagesTickets)

  • Description: Unlimited travel for one day within the selected zones.
  • Pricing:
    • 1 Zone: โ‚ฌ6.00
    • 2 Zones: โ‚ฌ8.00
    • Full network: โ‚ฌ15.20
  • Group Day Ticket: Valid for up to 5 people traveling together. Costs โ‚ฌ19.50 for the full network.
  • Tip: Ideal for tourists or families exploring the city.

c. Short Trip Tickets (KurzstreckenTickets)

  • Description: For very short trips (up to 3 stops on U-Bahn/bus or 1 stop on S-Bahn).
  • Cost: โ‚ฌ1.70
  • Tip: Perfect for quick errands or short commutes.

d. Weekly and Monthly Tickets

  • Description: For frequent travelers, these tickets offer unlimited travel within selected zones for a week or a month.
  • Pricing:
    • Weekly Ticket: Starts at โ‚ฌ20.80 for 1 zone.
    • Monthly Ticket: Starts at โ‚ฌ80.90 for 1 zone.
  • Tip: If youโ€™re staying in Stuttgart for an extended period, these tickets are cost-effective.

e. Student and Senior Discounts

  • Student Tickets: Students can purchase the StudiTicket for โ‚ฌ215 per semester (6 months) for unlimited travel in the VVS network.
  • Senior Tickets: The 65Plus Ticket offers unlimited travel for seniors aged 65+ at โ‚ฌ55.90 per month.

f. Special Tickets

  • Airport Ticket: Regular tickets cover travel to Stuttgart Airport (Zone 2). No special ticket is required.
  • Event Tickets: Some events in Stuttgart include free public transport with your event ticket. Check with the event organizer.

3. How to Purchase Tickets

There are several convenient ways to buy tickets in Stuttgart:

a. Ticket Machines

  • Found at all S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and regional train stations.
  • Machines are multilingual (German, English, French, etc.).
  • Accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

b. Mobile App

  • Download the VVS Mobil App (available for iOS and Android).
  • Features:
    • Purchase and store digital tickets.
    • Plan routes and check schedules.
    • Pay via credit card, PayPal, or direct debit.
  • Tip: The app often offers discounts on certain ticket types.

c. Onboard Purchase

  • Tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers (cash only).
  • Note: Not available on trains or trams.

d. VVS Customer Centers

  • Located at major stations like Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
  • Staff can assist with ticket purchases and provide travel advice.

e. Retail Outlets

  • Tickets are sold at kiosks, convenience stores, and some supermarkets.

4. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Validation: Tickets must be validated before boarding. Look for the blue or yellow validation machines at station platforms or inside buses/trams. Tickets purchased via the app are pre-validated.
  • Fines: Traveling without a valid ticket (Schwarzfahren) incurs a fine of โ‚ฌ60. Always ensure your ticket is valid and properly stamped.
  • Peak Hours: Public transport can get crowded during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
  • Accessibility: Most stations and vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Elevators and ramps are available at major stations.
  • Bike Transport: Bikes are allowed on S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains outside peak hours. A separate bike ticket (โ‚ฌ2.50) may be required.
  • Dogs and Pets: Small pets travel for free in carriers. Larger dogs require a child ticket.

5. Additional Resources

  • VVS Website: www.vvs.de (available in English).
  • DB Navigator App: Useful for regional train schedules and ticket purchases.
  • Tourist Information: Visit the Stuttgart Tourist Information Center at KรถnigstraรŸe 1A for maps and advice.

By understanding the ticketing system and planning your travel accordingly, you can easily navigate Stuttgartโ€™s public transportation network. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!