Getting Around Nuremberg: Guide to Public Transportation (2024)

Your Trip to Nuremberg: The Complete Guide

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Your Trip to Nuremberg: The Complete Guide

Overview

    Europe

    Germany

    By

    Krystin Arneson

    Krystin Arneson

    University of Edinburgh

    Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy.

    TripSavvy'seditorial guidelines

    Published on 12/07/20

    Getting around Nuremberg is pretty easy—if you’re coming for the Old Town, pretty much everything you need to access is within walking distance. However, if you’re exploring more far-flung corners of the town, the Ver­kehrs­ver­bund Groß­raum Nürn­berg (helpfully abbreviated to VGN) is both comprehensive and easy to to navigate in the city and within the region. Best of all, tickets work across the region, so you can use the four-pack of tickets you bought in Nuremberg as well as regional cities you might day trip to, like Bamberg. After all, the VGN has 746 routes, so chances are high it’ll get you where you’re going.

    As long as you know where you’re going—and even if you don’t, there’s a VGN journey planner to help—public transit is pretty easy to navigate, with flexible pricing structures for whomever you’re traveling with. In Nuremberg proper, there are three underground lines (U1, U2, U3), three tramways, four S-Bahn (local train) lines, and plenty of bus routes to take you where you need to go. The U2 line runs to the airport every 10 minutes with a journey time of 12 minutes.

    In general, the validity of a ticket is determined by the amount of time a ticket has been “active”—and that starts the moment the ticket is purchased. For most tickets within Nuremberg, they’ll be valid for 90 minutes (some are 60), and that means you can travel as much as you want, with as many stops as you want, in one direction for an hour and a half (you just can’t use the ticket as a return fare). While there’s no guarantee someone at a sale point will speak enough English to assist you with questions, travelers can download the VGN app or buy tickets online, either of which are available in English and also offer a slight discount over buying an in-person fare.

    If public transit isn’t an option, or if you’d rather use a cab, Free Now is a safe way to call a cab, manage a journey, and pay.

    How to Ride the VGN

    You can buy tickets on your mobile browser or with the VGN app, as well as at vending machines, from bus drivers, and other sale points—just keep enough cash on you for in-person transactions (if buying from a bus driver, have exact change). Tickets are good for buses, trams, the underground, and the S-Bahn, or local train.

    Visitors commonly have a few options to choose from with their tickets (all of which are priced below for travel within Nuremberg):

    • Einzelfahrkarte: This is the one-way ticket, and it’s 2.75 euros for adults and 1.37 euros for children if you buy online, 3.20 euros and 1.60 euros respectively otherwise. It’s good for one person going one direction, with as many stops along the way as you’d like (you just can’t use the same ticket as return fare to get back again).
    • Four-trip ticket: This fare, good for within local city limits, combines four single rides into one ticket.
    • All-day ticket: The “solo” version of this ticket is good for one person for a full day or weekend and costs 8.30 euros. If you’re traveling in a group, you can take up to five more people with you for 12.30 euros.
    • Hotel ticket: Available from the reception desks of many hotels in the region (though not all), this 10.80-euro ticket is good for unlimited rides for one person over two consecutive days—perfect if you’re just spending a night or weekend in Nuremberg. It’s only valid with a room key though, so be sure not to leave that behind.

    You’ll also want to keep the following in mind:

    • While night buses and late-night S-Bahns and U-Bahns do run until late, not all branches of the transit system are available around the clock. Use the VGN journey planner (or download the app) to be sure that the route you’re looking for is available at the hour you need it.
    • Day tickets are valid until either the last bus or train or until 3 a.m.
    • If you have a paper ticket, you must validate it at machines (usually orange) or face a fine. Ticket controllers are not known for giving special dispensations for tourists who forget this.
    • Children ride for free until they turn 6; be sure to look for discounted fare rates if they’re older than that but not of adult age.
    • Accessibility: Every underground station (designated by “U”) has at least one lift that goes from ground to platform level. Wheelchair users, if possible, should get in the first door behind the driver: On the U1 line, they can assist with boarding/departing the train; on the U2 and U3, there are automatic ramps at each door. Buses are low-floor busses and can “kneel” to one side. Wheelchair users should use the middle door and press the button marked with a wheelchair symbol so the driver can pull out a folding ramp for departure.

    To make sure you’re getting the right ticket for your journey, download a map and plan your route on the VGN website before you go.

    Getting to and From the Airport

    It’s easy to get from the airport into the city center—just hop on the U2, which goes through the main parts of town and pulls into the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) in just 13 minutes. From there, you can change to the U1 (direction “Fürth Hardhöhe”) and get off at "Lorenzkirche" or "Weißer Turm” to be right in the middle of it all. (All of this can be done on Fare Zone A.)

    Traveling Out of Town

    The VGN runs both in the city center as well as to surrounding areas like Erlangen and Bamberg via the S-Bahn and R-Bahn. Be sure to check what fare zone you’ll be traveling to before your journey as these are generally far outside Fare Zone A (local travel) boundaries. Use the VGN app to plug in your starting point and destination, then purchase the correct ticket on there.

    BlaBlaBus and FlixBus, two reputable and popular cross-country bus companies, have domestic rounds within Germany that extend to major cities like Munich and Berlin, as well as smaller cities along the way. Each company has three departures daily and also have international routes available.

    Taxis

    Free Now is one of the most popular apps for taxis in Germany, and it’s great for getting around Nuremberg if walking or transit aren’t options. You can download the app for free and book your ride. Then, select your vehicle type, tip the driver, and pay using the app as well.

    Taxis are available around the clock from the airport, and the approximate fare to get into the city is about 21 euros. Drivers are generally trustworthy and will have the meter visibly going, but if you have doubts, don’t be afraid to ask.

    Bicycle Rentals

    Nuremberg is generally not very hilly, and if you don’t mind bumping along over cobblestones, it’s quite cycleable—in fact, the city has eight great bike rides planned for tourists that are clearly signposted and available in a brochure from the BürgerInformationsZentrum in the town hall in the central market square. Bikeshare programs are fairly inexpensive ways to go about sightseeing if it’s taking you from one part of town to another and you’d prefer fresh air to public transit.

    VAG-RAD has more than 1,500 bikes with about 32 standing locations around Nuremberg and its outer areas (you can use major credit cards to pay for your rides), with bikes bookable via its app. NextBike, another popular bike-sharing company in Germany, also offers a similar concept with the plus of being able to drop off and pick up the bikes anywhere you’d like versus having to return them to stands (it also accepts credit card or PayPal).

    Car Rentals

    While public transit can likely take you many of the places you’d like to go in Nuremberg and its surrounds, car rentals are available through a standard array of reputable companies like Hertz, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, and Sixt, with prices starting around 20 to 25 euros per day. Starcar, a German-born company operating domestically, is also trustworthy, and offers discounted rentals that also include electric cars. Pickups and drop-offs are available at the airport, as well as in select locations in town (Enterprise’s branch is located in the city west, for example).

    Tips for Getting Around Nuremberg

    • Nuremberg, like other areas in Germany, is very safe, especially in the heart of the city and tourist areas. But use common sense: If you’ve had a few drinks or you’re unfamiliar with the town, and it’s late at night, take a taxi home.
    • Many Germans speak great English, especially in popular tourist destinations like this. Nevertheless, be a courteous traveler and try to learn at least a few common phrases before you go. Don’t be surprised if you try out German and they answer you back in English—they realize it will likely save everyone time.
    • Transit is a little sparse between the early morning hours, with quite a lot of it shutting down between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. or so. However, night buses exist and taxis operate 24/7 if you get caught out—download the apps when you arrive in town just in case.
    • You generally won’t need to plan to rent a car unless you’re going somewhere very remote; the public transit system will get you to most major sightseeing points both in Nuremberg proper and in the surrounding towns.
    Getting Around Nuremberg: Guide to Public Transportation (2024)

    FAQs

    How to get from Nuremberg airport to city centre? ›

    The U2 subway line directly connects Nuremberg Airport with the central train station thus providing access to Nuremberg's city center in just 12 minutes! The subway runs every 10 minutes. To reach Nuremberg's exhibition center please change subway lines at the central train station.

    Where do you buy bus tickets in Germany? ›

    Bus or tram: you can buy directly from the driver or the ticket machine on the bus or tram. DB website or app: you can buy tickets operated by DB (regional trains, S-Bahn, ICE/ICs). The website or app of local transport association: you can buy local tickets (tram/bus/U-Bahn) here.

    Do you need a car in Nuremberg? ›

    You generally won't need to plan to rent a car unless you're going somewhere very remote; the public transit system will get you to most major sightseeing points both in Nuremberg proper and in the surrounding towns.

    What is VGN in Germany? ›

    The Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg (VGN; Transport Association Region Nuremberg) is the transit authority of the city of Nuremberg, the second largest city of the German state of Bavaria.

    How much is a taxi from Nuremberg Airport to city Centre? ›

    Nuremberg Airport is located about 8 kilometres north of the city centre and the average price for a standard taxi for up to 4 passengers is about €20. Note that there can be additional charges for ordering a taxi over the phone or for large pieces of luggage.

    Is there a metro in Nuremberg? ›

    The Nuremberg U-Bahn is Germany's newest metro system, having begun operation in 1972, although the Nuremberg-Fürth route (U1) uses part of the right of way of the Bavarian Ludwig Railway, Germany's first passenger railway opened in 1835.

    Is it better to use cash or card in Germany? ›

    More than 80% of payments in Germany are made using cash, meaning you'll often need cash to pay for your transactions on your trip. The best way to get euros is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive in Germany using a card that doesn't charge an international ATM fee.

    Can I pay cash on bus in Germany? ›

    Ticket machines may look different in every city. In many buses, drivers sell tickets directly, but only for cash. In many buses, you can only pay with coins or small notes (€5 or €10). With larger ones, it may happen that the bus drivers cannot give you change.

    Is there an app for public transport in Germany? ›

    The Deutsche Bahn Navigator is a must-have public transportation app for anyone traveling in Germany. It provides up-to-date information on train schedules, buses and trams. You can also use the app for ticket purchases and to check fares.

    Is Nuremberg a walkable city? ›

    Nuremberg's Old Town is a great size and easily walkable, though it would take at least a full day to walk every street.

    Can I use my US drivers license in Germany? ›

    As of January 1, 1999, U.S. driver's license holders must be in possession of a German license six months after entering the country, if they wish to continue driving. U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, however, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses.

    Can you rent a car in Germany with a US driver's license? ›

    To rent a car in Germany, you'll need: Driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) Valid ID (Driver's license or passport can be used; for non-EU visitors, an International Driver Permit is required if your license is not written in English.)

    What does oHG mean in Germany? ›

    A (German) partnership formed for the purpose of carrying on a commercial business under a joint business name is a general partnership (Offene Handelsgesellschaft, oHG) if no partner's liability is limited vis-à-vis the partnership's creditors.

    What is a dozent in Germany? ›

    In Germany, Austria and in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Dozent or Hochschuldozent denotes an academic appointment at a university or similar institution, at a mid-level ranking of seniority.

    What does Ausbildung mean in Germany? ›

    Ausbildung is a German word, that means vocational training or apprenticeship. It is a profession-based education system that will lead you towards a certain job in a related field. In maximum cases, Ausbildung is a dual vocational training in Germany.

    Does Uber work in Nuremberg Germany? ›

    Rideshare Pickup/Dropoff Instructions for Nuremberg Airport

    Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the departure level, along side regular passengers and taxis.

    Is Uber cheaper than a standard taxi? ›

    Uber is usually a little bit cheaper than taking a traditional taxi. In most cases, Uber fares can be up to 40% cheaper than traditional taxi fares. In some cases, though, Uber fares can be almost double what they are for taxis, when you factor in extra costs. This is especially true when “surge pricing” is in effect.

    What is the cheapest transportation in Germany? ›

    Bus and subway prices in Germany are affordable and also comparable to one another (i.e. it doesn't cost more to get the metro than a bus). Single bus, tram, or metro trips usually cost between €1 to €2. Monthly travel cards usually cost around €80 to €90.

    Is one day enough for Nuremberg? ›

    One day in Nuremberg is enough to visit the famous castle, tour the historic centre and visit one museum (or the Christmas markets). Yet, if you're interested in WWII, you'll need 2 days to see everything.

    How to buy the 9 euro ticket? ›

    You can already purchase the 9-euro ticket at any ticket machine or counter, as well as through your local public transport website and mobile app. It's also available on Deutsche Bahn's official website and through its mobile application DB Navigator.

    What is Blue Night in Nuremberg? ›

    Every year, in one of May nights, all the museums, churches and other culture buildings of Nuremberg are open the public until early morning. More than twenty thousands people enjoy the music and art shows.

    Is it cheaper to buy euros in the US or in Europe? ›

    If buying euros in advance, whatever you do, don't overdo it! In almost every case, euros you can get abroad from an ATM will be cheaper than those you can get back in the States.

    Do you tip in Germany? ›

    In Germany, tipping is a voluntary act with which one can express one's satisfaction with a service. It is customary to tip in restaurants, hotels, cabs, at cloakrooms and at the hairdresser. The amount depends on the price of the service and the occasion.

    Can I use my US debit card in Germany? ›

    Debit cards from any major US bank will work in any standard European bank's ATM (ideally, use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo). As for credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, American Express is less common, and Discover is unknown in Europe.

    Can I use my Visa debit card on the bus? ›

    Contactless payment cards issued for Visa, Mastercard and Maestro can be used. Pre-paid contactless payment cards can be used but please make sure they have enough credit on them before boarding.

    Can you pass a stopped bus in Germany? ›

    Stopped buses may only be passed at walking pace and only at such a distance that passengers are not endangered. Walking pace also applies to oncoming traffic on the same roadway. These prohibitions are intended to protect inattentive pedestrians that may run across the street to catch the waiting bus.

    Why is it called U-Bahn? ›

    The U-Bahn commonly understood to stand for Untergrundbahn (underground railway) are conventional rapid transit systems that run mostly underground, while the S-Bahn or Stadtschnellbahn (city rapid railway) are commuter rail services, that may run underground in the city center and have metro-like characteristics in ...

    What is the best navigation app for Germany? ›

    Top Navigation Apps in Germany of IOS App Store
    Free Apps
    1Google Maps - Transit & Essen Google LLC
    2EasyPark parken - Park App EasyPark
    3ImmoScout24 - Immobilien ImmobilienScout GmbH
    4Blitzer.de Eifrig Media
    96 more rows

    Is public transport easy in Germany? ›

    Public transportation in Germany

    At the local level, Germany's states manage buses, trams, metro networks, suburban trains, and ferries. Public transportation systems in Germany are safe, efficient, and fairly easy to use.

    How to ask for a bus ticket in German? ›

    Einmal bis Tübingen bitte. Save this answer. Show activity on this post. Einmal bis Tübingen, bitte.

    What is prettiest town in Germany? ›

    Top 7 most picturesque towns and villages in Germany
    • Rothenburg ob der Tauber. ...
    • Meissen. ...
    • Quedlinburg. ...
    • Meersburg. ...
    • Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden. ...
    • Ahrenshoop. ...
    • Rüdesheim am Rhein.
    Jun 12, 2022

    How much time do you need in Nuremberg? ›

    How many days in Nuremberg do you need? Well, ideally, you should plan at least a 2 days in Nuremberg itinerary. In order to fully see the castle and old town area as well as the World War 2 and Nazi historical sites within the city.

    What does an American need to drive in Germany? ›

    This generally requires an official identification document, a residency registration, a photograph, and a U.S driver's license with an accompanying translation of the license into German. To sum up, you may drive in Germany with your American license for up to six months.

    What states have reciprocity with Germany? ›

    US States with Full Driver's License Reciprocity
    US States with Full Driver's License Reciprocity Germany – No test required
    Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Delaware Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas KentuckyLouisiana Maryland Massachusetts Michigan New Mexico Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota

    What documents do I need to drive in Germany? ›

    If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested. The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18.

    Is it worth renting a car in Germany? ›

    With a world-class road network and a vast array of historic and cultural cities and places to visit, Germany is one of the best places in the world to explore by rental car. We've had numerous road trips around Germany, including road trips from Berlin and Munich, and loved the flexibility that a rental car provides.

    Is it better to rent a car in Germany? ›

    While most visitors tend to stick to just one or two German destinations, getting a rental car will give you a chance to see as much of the country as you want to — just think of visiting Berlin, Munich, and the Black Forest on the same trip.

    Can you rent a car in Germany if you are over 70? ›

    In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65. Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom all have all car rental over 80 years old.

    What does KK mean in German? ›

    k. k. stands for kaiserlich-königlich (English: imperial-royal). This abbreviation was used to refer to all state institutions in the Austrian Empire (1804 – 1867) and then to state institutions in the Austrian part of the successor Austro-Hungarian empire (1867 – 1918).

    What is AFK in German? ›

    AFK [abbreviation]

    abwesend vom Computer [ex.]

    What does ponyhof mean? ›

    “Leben ist kein Ponyhof”

    Literal translation: Life is no pony farm. Meaning: Life can be challenging.

    What does Dipl mean in Germany? ›

    Definition. Diplom, das. German academic degree, often equivalent to a Master's degree (less often to a Bachelor's degree). Awarded to graduates in the Natural Sciences, Engineering, Economics and Social Sciences.

    What is Funfzig in German? ›

    noun. fifty [number] the number or figure 50. fifty [number] the age of 50.

    What do Germans call their professors? ›

    Herr Professor Müller: Usually acceptable. It's the default way of addressing a professor, and even if the professor might not prefer it, it's a safe way that won't offend anyone.

    Can I do Ausbildung in English in Germany? ›

    You can attend a university after Ausbildung and gain a bachelor's or master's degree based on your current academic qualifications. Can I study Ausbildung in Germany in English? The answer to this question is a big NO! Every Ausbildung programme in Germany is German, and you need to know German.

    What does AST mean in German? ›

    The abbreviation AST in German means “Anruf-Sammel-Taxi”, in English “call-collective-taxi” and ALT means “Anruf-Linien-Taxi” – call-line-taxi. Both are demand-oriented special forms of public transport in urban, local or even regional traffic.

    What is a green card in German? ›

    Lesezeichen setzen. Lesezeichen setzen.

    Does Nuremberg Airport have a train station? ›

    Train. Nuremberg Airport is directly connected to Nuremberg's city centre via U2 subway line. The underground metro train runs to the central train station (Nuremberg Hbf). The subway train departs from the airport every 10 minutes and it takes around 12 minutes to reach central train station.

    Is Uber available in Nuremberg? ›

    Rideshare Pickup/Dropoff Instructions for Nuremberg Airport

    Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the departure level, along side regular passengers and taxis. Notify your driver of the airlines and preferably the terminal upon entering the airport premises.

    How much does alibus cost? ›

    Tickets: Alibus shuttle tickets cost EUR 5 and can be purchased online, at ticket sellers or directly on board. Children under 6 ride for free. Stops: The Alibus stops at the airport, the Napoli Centrale train station, and at three locations inside the port.

    How to get from Nuremberg to Nuremberg Airport? ›

    The underground line U2 directly connects the Airport with the main railway station and the city centre. Alternatively you can take the bus line 32 to Nürnberg Thon or 33 to Nürnberg Buch. The night bus N12 ensures a connection on Friday nights, Saturday nights and the nights before public holidays.

    What is the Skylink train? ›

    Skylink is an automated people mover (APM) operating at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). It is an application of the Innovia APM 200 system, and is maintained and operated by Alstom.

    Does the Hejaz railway still exist? ›

    Current status. Two connected sections of the Hejaz railway are in service: from Amman in Jordan to Damascus in Syria, as the Hedjaz Jordan Railway, and. from phosphate mines near Ma'an to the Gulf of Aqaba, as the Chemin de Fer de Hedjaz Syrie, or the Aqaba Railway.

    How do I call a taxi in Nuremberg? ›

    Taxi Center Nuremberg
    1. +49911 - 19 41 0.
    2. taxi-nuernberg.de.

    Is it cheaper to use Lyft or Uber? ›

    To put these price differences in perspective in Los Angeles, you will pay a higher cost per minute for Uber than for Lyft. If you take a ride in heavy traffic and are forced to sit for a while, taking an UberX will cost you more than taking a Lyft.

    Does Lyft work in Germany? ›

    Unfortunately, Lyft isn't available in Europe. So if you want to avoid using Uber, we recommend using our suggestions by city above.

    What does the German word Uber mean? ›

    Über (German pronunciation: [ˈyːbɐ] ( listen), sometimes written uber /ˈuːbər/ in English-language publications) is a German language word meaning "over", "above" or "across".

    Can you buy Alibus tickets on board? ›

    Buses are called Alibus, and they run from the Airport to Piazza Municipio; the ride takes about 30-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and it costs € 3. Tickets can be bought on board.

    Are feeder buses free? ›

    No it is available at selected stations. Will feeder bus travel be free if you pay for the Metro trip? No.

    How often does Alibus run? ›

    The Naples Alibus Airport Shuttle runs daily with departures every 20 to 30 minutes.

    What is Jayride shuttle? ›

    Jayride selected partners offer private shuttle vans and car transport services at over 1600+ airports around the world. Compare airport transportation, and book your ride from the airport or to the airport in a private car, limo or shuttle. Jayride's global reach gets you where you need to be.

    How much is a taxi from Munich to Nuremberg? ›

    The price starts at 85 € per person. The price for a private taxi starts at 349 € per car.

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