Hamburg: How Many Interegrated Transportation Options Are Available?

Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city with around 1.8 million people living in its metropolitan area. As a major hub of the German economy, it often attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its historical culture, picturesque harbor and modern, vibrant city life. There is no dearth of attractions and activities for those visiting Hamburg, and its expansive public transport system allows for easy access to practically any part of the city.

Public transportation in Hamburg is provided by the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV). This intermodal transport network offers a multitude of options to both its residents and visitors. Public transport users can also purchase various discount cards depending on their needs and preferences. Here we breakdown the different modes of transportation options available to Hamburg’s visitors and discuss the different types of discount cards available.

Integrated Transportation Options

Hamburg offers an integrated transportation network where passengers can opt for a combination of different transport options, including buses, ferries, trams, and trains.

Buses

Buses are an affordable way to get around Hamburg and are widely used by locals. The buses are operated by HVV and cover over 400 routes that span the entire city as well as nearby places. Bus timetables vary from one route to another and the same applies for fares. However, travellers can purchase special tariff cards such as day tickets or group tickets for discounted fares. Additionally, certain types of bonus cards can also be used to purchase tickets at discounted rates.

Ferries

The city of Hamburg is a port city, located on the River Elbe. The city is connected with neighbouring cities such as Cuxhaven, Geesthacht and Glückstadt by Ferry. The ferries are operated by HVV and cover over 75 routes that span the entire city as well as nearby places. Ferry timetables vary from one route to another and the same applies for fares. However, travellers can purchase special tariff cards such as day tickets or group tickets for discounted fares.

Trams

Trams are also a popular mode of public transport in Hamburg as they are efficient and convenient. The Trams are operated by HVV and cover over 200 routes that span the entire city as well as nearby places. Tram timetables vary from one route to another and the same applies for fares. However, travellers can purchase special tariff cards such as day tickets or group tickets for discounted fares.

Trains

Trains are perfect for long distances as they are faster than buses or trams. The trains in Hamburg are operated by Deutsche Bahn, not HVV. They cover over 175 routes that span the entire city as well as nearby places. Train timetables vary from one route to another and the same applies for fares. However, travellers can purchase special tariff cards such as day tickets or group tickets for discounted fares.

Discount Cards

To make their journey even more convenient, tourists can purchase discount cards for discounted fares on all integrated mass transit in Hamburg. There are multiple types of discount cards available to suit different needs and preferences:

Short Trip Cards

The short trips cards are ideal for short rides like from the airport to the city centre or from one place of attraction to another. These cards come in different denominations (1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day etc) and offer discounts on all integrated transport options: buses, ferries, trams and trains (Deutsche Bahn).

Group Cards

The group cards offer discounts on all integrated transport options: buses, ferries, trams and trains (Deutsche Bahn). This is great for those travelling in larger parties such as families or tour groups who will be using public transportation a lot while in Hamburg.

Abo Card

The HVV Abo Card offers reduced-price travel on all integrated transports: buses, ferries, trams and trains (Deutsche Bahn). It is valid for single trips and monthly passes up to 1 year with monthly billed payment options.

Student Discounts

Students travelling within Hamburg can get a special discounted fare on all integrated transports: buses, ferries, trams and trains (Deutsche Bahn) with a HVV Studenten Abo card. The card is valid up to 2 years and offers discounts up to 50%. In order to qualify, students need to present a certificate of enrolment at their university when applying for this card.

Overall, Hamburg’s public transport system is perfectly suited to meet the needs of both tourists and locals alike. With multiple options when it comes to integrated transport options and discounted fares available, Hamburg’s public transportation makes it easy and affordable to get around the city. For more information on HVV’s services you can visit their official website www.HVV.de.