When it comes to complaints about the public transport in Stuttgart, people mainly name high prices and confusing zone structures. But this will change in April as VVS Stuttgart will introduce a new pay scale as well as a new structure of zones. This does not only make traveling by bus, tram and train cheaper and easier, it might also encourage more people to use public transport in general and to leave the car at home. A development that would be great for the air quality in Stuttgart.

What will the reform and the new prices for public transport in Stuttgart cover?

For most of us it will get cheaper to make use of the public transport. Mainly because the zones you travel through will be bigger than they used to be. This means you pass through fewer zones on one trip and thus have to pay less. There will be only five different zones, not 52 as it used to be.

Let’s have a closer look at the different zones. What used to be zone one and two will be combined to only one zone. Here’s an example: Someone who takes the S-Bahn from Stuttgart-Rohr to Hauptbahnhof had to pay 2,80 Euro for two zones. With the new rate this person has to pay only for one zone and saves 14 percent. Not too bad, right?

Moreover, day tickets will become cheaper as well. From April onwards it will be possible to buy a day ticket in every of the five new zones (and not only for three combined zones as it used to be). This makes the pricing much fairer and also cheaper as rates start from 5 Euro for one zone when you buy your ticket online.

You can calculate your new rate here. (Only in German)

You find more information about the new prices for public transport in Stuttgart in this brochure (PDF Download).

What happens when I’ve got an annual subscription?

When you have chosen the monthly payment VVS will switch to the new rate in April automatically.

When you have paid the annual rate in advance VVS will transfer the amount you have paid too much due to the new prices back to your account.

When you have bought an annual ticket at the service desk, you can go there again and get the amount you’ve overpaid back.

Can I save even more?

Yes, you can! When you buy your tickets online you save with every purchase. And when you travel quite a bit with public transport you can get a subscription.

Here’s an example: The annual subscription “JahresTicket jedermann” for a commute from Leinfelden-Echterdingen to the city center will cost you 72,08 Euro per month for two zones (which used to be 96 Euro for 3 zones) and you can travel within these two zones as often as you please.

More information

vvs.de

VVS-Infothek
Königstraße 1 A
70173 Stuttgart

more information about public transport in Stuttgart in general

Please note: I have written this post to my best knowledge but things can change and mistakes are possible. For individual information about ticket prices for the public transport please turn to VVS.

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Public transport in Stuttgart – the different means of transportation

Let’s talk about the different means of transportation we have available here in Stuttgart:

U-Bahn in Stuttgart

The U-Bahn is known by different names:  It is also called “Stadtbahn” or “Strassenbahn” (which translates to “lightrail” or “tram”) – but never “underground” or “subway train” – even though there is a “U” in it’s title and on the sign. I know, that is that this is initially a bit confusing.

How do I recognize the U-Bahn in Stuttgart?

The U-Bahn uses yellow cars and it runs mainly within the city borders and some of the surrounding areas. Just look for the blue signs with a white “U” in order to find its stations.

Where do I buy a ticket when I take the U-Bahn?

You have to buy your ticket before you enter the light rail at the ticket machine at the respective station. If you buy a single ticket, you don’t need to validate it. If you buy a ticket for four trips you have to validate it for each trip. You can do so inside the tram using the yellow machines adjacent to the carriage doors.

Is there a special ticket for short trips?

Yes, there is. If you intend to travel no more than three stops by light rail you can also buy a short-trip ticket (named Kurzstrecke in German).

S-Bahn in Stuttgart

The S-Bahn is our commuter train. It runs longer distances than the U-Bahn and connects cities like Esslingen, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Herrenberg, Filderstadt and other towns to Stuttgart.

How do I recognize the S-Bahn in Stuttgart?

The S-Bahn uses red carriages and the sign shows a green “S” on white background.

Where do I buy a ticket when I take the S-Bahn?

You have to buy your ticket before you enter the S-Bahn at the ticket machine at the respective station. You can select a language by pressing the appropriate national flag. If you buy a single ticket, you don’t need to validate it. If you buy a ticket for four trips you have to validate it. However, you can’t validate it inside  the S-Bahn, you have to use the machines at the station. They are often located on the platform or next to the stairs.

Is there a special ticket for short trips?

Yes, there is. If you intend to travel only one stop by S-Bahn you can also buy a short-trip ticket (named Kurzstrecke in German).

Buses in Stuttgart

Buses in Stuttgart connect short distances and are very reliable as well. Of course, they are more vulnerable to traffic because they share the road with cars and bikes. But in general and if there’s no major accident, they are mostly on time. Make sure you enter the bus at the front and show your ticket to the driver.

How do I recognize buses in Stuttgart?

Buses are yellow and the sign shows a green circle with a green “H” (for “Haltestelle”/”stop”) on a yellow background.

Where do I buy a ticket when I take a bus?

You can buy your ticket at the ticket machine at the respective stop where available or directly from the bus driver. If you prefer the driver, make sure you pay in coins and not in big notes. If you have a ticket that needs to be validated you can use the yellow machines in the bus.

Is there a special ticket for short trips?

Yes, there is. If you intend to travel no more than three stops by bus you can also buy a short-trip ticket (named Kurzstrecke in German).

Public transport in Stuttgart – the different zones and ticket options

You must have a valid ticket in order to use trains and buses. If you travel without a valid ticket, you will be fined 60 Euros. Travelling without a valid ticket may lead to charges filed against you. Children under the age of 6 travel free.

Please note that with April 1, 2019 a new price and zone system was introduces by VVS: using public transport in Stuttgart got cheaper and easier for most of us. For more information please visit my post New prices for public transport in Stuttgart

Selecting the right zone

Since April 1, 2019 you only need a ticket for 1 zone if you are travelling within the city of Stuttgart.

If you are travelling for a longer distance, you need to buy a ticket for as many zones as you are passing through – including the zone from where you start your trip and your destination zone.

This map might help you. On the left you can see the old zone system that was in place before April 1, 2019. On the right you can see the new zones.

Ticket options

You have different ticket options when you take public transport in Stuttgart. No matter what ticket you buy, always make sure you have selected the right number of zones.

If you intend to travel no more than three stops by bus or light rail (or one stop by S-Bahn), you can also buy a short-trip ticket/Kurzstreckenticket.

If you only want to travel into one direction, a single ticket/Einzelticket might be your choice. It is valid for three hours and you are allowed to change trains if you’re still going into the same direction.

If you don’t want to buy a single ticket every time you take the bus or train, you can purchase a ticket that is valid  for four separate trips/4er-Karte. Each trip is valid for three hours and you are allowed to change trains (traveling in the same direction) but not go back or take a round-trip. You have to validate the ticket each time before you start your trip. Either on the machine at the station (S-Bahn) or inside a bus or U-Bahn.

If you plan to travel a lot in one day you should consider a day-ticket/Tagesticket. It is valid from the moment you buy it until 7 am the next day. A day-ticket is only valid for one person.

If you’re traveling with a group you might want to buy a day-ticket for a group/Gruppentagesticket. It is also valid from the moment you buy it until 7 am the next day. You can take up to five people on this ticket (a bike or a dog counts as one person). Moreover, families can make use of this ticket, as it is also valid for parents and all of their children up to 17 years of age.

If you make use of public transport in Stuttgart on a regular basis you should consider getting an “Abo”. You can choose from many different options:

• there are monthly or annually “Abos” for students and seniors (e.g. “ScoolAbo”, “Studiticket”, “Seniorenticket”…)
• the monthly or annually 9-AM-EnvironmentalTicket (“9-Uhr-Umweltticket”)
• the annual company ticket (“Firmenticket”)
• the monthly or annually ticket for everybody (“Jedermannticket”)

Fun fact: You can buy tickets right on your mobile phone. Whether you’re interested in single tickets (including short-trip tickets), day, weekly or monthly tickets, or 9-AM-EnvironmentalTickets – get your “HandyTicket” easily, conveniently and cashless on your mobile phone – and you get a discounted price compared with tickets bought at a ticket machine!

You will receive the “HandyTicket” via the VVS app or HandyTicket app. Download the apps free via the App Store, Google Play Store or Windows Phone Store.

Public transport in Stuttgart – dogs and bikes

Police dogs, guide dogs and small dogs in transport boxes travel for free. All other dogs are also allowed to take  public transport in Stuttgart,  but you have to buy a child ticket for them. If you’re travelling with a group and have purchased the day-ticket for groups, the dog counts as one of the five people you can take on this ticket.

You are allowed to take your bike (including e-bike) with you for free when you take the S- or U-Bahn in Stuttgart. However, limitations apply for the following timeframes:

• If you take the S-Bahn during rush-hour between 6 and 9 am on weekdays, you have to buy a child ticket for your bike.
• You are not allowed to take your bike with you into a U-Bahn between 6 and 8:30 am and 4 and 6:30 pm.

The cog railway, that commutes between Marienplatz and Degerloch, offers a designated platform outside the railway where you can lock your bike and take it with you uphill. This service is free throughout the whole day.

Bikes are not allowed on buses in Stuttgart.

Please note: I have written this post in February 2018 and updated it in March 2019 to my best knowledge. But things can change. If you have any questions conserning prices, zones and ticket options, please turn to the contact points mentioned blow.

More information:

For more information – and an online journey planner, visit:

vvs.de

If you have specific questions you may visit:

VVS-Infothek
Königstraße 1 A
70173 Stuttgart
Phone: 0711 19449

Opening hours:
Mo – Fr 9 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Sa 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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