Hamburg boasts an extensive public transport system including underground trains, a light-rail network, buses and ferries.
Whether you prefer walking, driving or cycling ─ getting around in Hamburg is easy. The city boasts an extensive public transport network of rapid transit and regional trains, buses and harbour ferries, operated by Hamburg's public transport organisation HVV.
See this brief introductory video:
Public Transport in Hamburg
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Tickets
A range of single, daily and weekly tickets that are valid for all buses, trains and ferries are available at HVV ticket machines. For frequent travellers, monthly or annual tickets are the cheapest options. Also, be sure to ask your Hamburg-based employer if the company takes part in the ProfiCard-programme. The Hamburg CARD is recommended for tourists, as it grants discounts on various cultural and leisure activities in addition to free transportation. Note: Day-passes are cheaper after 9:00 a.m.
Additionally, since 1 May 2023, the federal Deutschlandticket is available, offering unlimited access to local and regional mobility all over Germany for only €49 per month. Please note that this ticket comes as a subscription service, and not as a one-off ticket. Still, for visitors staying a week or longer, this may be a worthwhile alternative. For more information, see our Deutschlandticket page.
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
The key element to Hamburg's public transport system is the network of rapid transit and regional rail services that connect the city centre to the greater region. As of December 2023, Hamburg has four U-Bahn underground lines, four S-Bahn suburban lines and nine regional rail services that link Hamburg to other cities in the region, with
and two additional S-Bahn lines
by the end of the decade.
Bus
The rail network is complemented by an extensive range of bus services with metro buses (frequent services), express buses, sprinter buses and regional buses (connecting to stations and surrounding towns).
Ferry
There are six ferry lines serving the harbour and the River Elbe. These routes have two-digit numbers starting at 61. You can use your HVV ticket to 'set sail' and even go on a little trip around the harbour. All ferries stop at Landungsbrücken.
Zones
The public network is structured into five rings centred around the Alster Lakes. Rings A and B (called Großbereich) cover the City, and if you are travelling further, Rings C, D, E will take you up to 60 kms away from the city. Some regional trains are also included in the fare (Gesamtbereich).
Operating hours
On weekdays, U/S trains operate from 4:30 a.m. to 0:30 a.m. the next morning, with night buses running on main routes after midnight. On weekends (Fri through Sun), U/S trains run 24 hours. Bus services operate on similar schedules.
Assistance
If you require assistance, just ask the staff at one of the information desks on the platform of larger stations or the Service Point at Central Station or find your closest Service Point on www.hvv.de. Hamburgers ─ if not in too big of a hurry ─ are also happy to help. For information on accessibility visit the HVV-Service.
Public Transport
Hamburg has big plans to alleviate traffic congestion and connect commercial and residential areas with the city centre by expanding public transport.
Since 1 May 2023 travelling around Hamburg and the metropolitan region by public transport is easier and cheaper thanks to the hvv Deutschlandticket.
Bike-lovers can explore Hamburg on two wheels when they sign up for the city's public bike system: StadtRAD Hamburg.
With several car sharing companies to choose from, your car is always parked just around the corner.
To avoid unexpected travel expenses, beware of speed cameras in and around Hamburg!
Hamburg has several taxi companies that operate within the city. Find out how to contact them and what rates you can expect.
Nothing beats Hamburg by bike!Join a city cyclingtouror take your bike on the train to explore the suburbs on two wheels.
Take tothe water and discover a new side of Hamburg. Paddle through romantic canals or sail the beautiful Alster lake.
Hop on and off the red double decker sightseeing bus or join one of the many themed bus tours, from architecture to comedy.
Go sightseeing at your own pace with one of the eight popular walking routes to explore different areas of Hamburg on foot.
Keen to explore Hamburg by train? The network will get you anywhere in the city and to the most beautiful sights around Hamburg.
