As a travel blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring various cities around the world. But one city that stands out for its efficiency and convenience is Stuttgart, Germany. With its extensive public transportation system, Stuttgart makes it easy for visitors to get around without relying on cars. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Stuttgart’s public transportation system, including its buses, trains, metro lines, cable railways, and car-sharing services.
Getting to the City Center from Flughafen Stuttgart Airport
If you’re flying into Stuttgart, you have several options for getting to the city center. The most convenient way is by train, which takes around 27 minutes and costs €3.70. You can take a taxi or book a private transfer in advance as well.
Walking Around the City Center
The heart of the city center is Schlossplatz, from which you can easily reach various attractions like museums, squares, and markets. Walking is not recommended for exploring the entire city, but it’s perfect for discovering the main sights.
Using Public Transport
Stuttgart has an efficient public transportation system that includes metro lines (Stadtbahn Stuttgart), buses (Busnetz Stuttgart), cable railways (Zahnradbahn Stuttgart), and trains (S-Bahn Stuttgart). The best way to get around is by using a combination of these modes. Here are some tips:
- Use the tourist bus for panoramic tours
- Take the metro lines U13, U14, or U16 to reach popular attractions like Wilhelma Zoo
- Use line 92 to visit Solitude Castle
Metro Lines
The Stuttgart metro is one of the best options for getting around the city. There are 15 lines, with additional lines in planning, that are marked with the letter U. The most convenient lines for tourists are U13, U14, and U16.
- Scalable Map Metro-Stuttgart
Hours: 4:00-1:00
Single ticket/trip cost €1.60;
Daily ticket/subscription pass from €5.60, 4-trip ticket from €10.60, 10-day ticket from €39.90
Buses
The urban bus network covers the city thoroughly with 44 lines, including fast lines that reach neighboring cities. There are also night buses available.
- Scalable Map Bus-Stoccarda / Bus-notturni-Stoccarda
Hours: 24 h due to the night bus;
Single ticket/trip cost €1.60;
Daily ticket/subscription pass from €5.60, 4-trip ticket from €10.60, 10-day ticket from €39.90
Cable Railways
The cable railway in Stuttgart is becoming an attractive tourist attraction: it’s 2.2 km long, with 8 stops and connects Marienplatz to Degerloch quarter.
- Orari 5:15-20:45
Single ticket/trip cost €1.60;
Daily ticket/subscription pass from €5.60, 4-trip ticket from €10.60, 10-day ticket from €39.90
Trains
The city has a railway system called S-Bahn Stuttgart, which is managed by Deutsche Bahn AG and consists of 7 lines marked with the letter S.
- Scalable Map trains-Stoccarda
Hours: 4:00-1:00;
Single ticket/trip cost €1.60;
Daily ticket/subscription pass from €5.60, 4-trip ticket from €10.60, 10-day ticket from €39.90
Car-Sharing Services
Stuttgart is an environmentally conscious city that demonstrates this through the establishment of the ZES (Zona a Bassa Emissione) and environmental permit for vehicle circulation. Here are some car-sharing services available:
-
Bolt: Electric monopattinos in the city.
Cost: approximately €0.15/min;
Using an app, you need to register, identify the monopattino, unlock it with a QR code and start your journey. At the end of your trip, you can find the parking area for the monopattino and make payments (credit card, debit card, prepaid card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay). -
RegioRad: Bike-sharing service with availability of classic bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles.
Cost: bike classic €0.10/min, maximum €9.00/day, cost bike electric €0.12/min, maximum €16.00/day. -
Share Now: Car-sharing service active in Stuttgart.
Using an app, you create your account and register a document (driver’s license and credit card), which allows you to find the car, unlock it and drive around the city. Once the journey is over, the app will indicate if you can park the car on the street or if there are designated parking areas available.
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Conclusion
Stuttgart’s public transportation system is efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly. With its extensive network of buses, trains, metro lines, cable railways, and car-sharing services, it’s easy to get around without relying on cars. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Stuttgart’s public transportation system has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the best way to get around Stuttgart?
A: The best way to get around Stuttgart is by using a combination of buses, trains, metro lines, and car-sharing services. - Q: How much does it cost to use public transportation in Stuttgart?
A: The cost of using public transportation in Stuttgart varies depending on the mode of transport and the distance traveled. You can check the prices on the official website of Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG or at the ticket counters. - Q: Is it safe to travel at night on the metro?
A: Yes, the metro is safe at night. It’s better to stay in central areas and not venture out into the suburbs. The stations are also video-surveilled. - Q: Can I use my credit card to pay for public transportation in Stuttgart?
A: No, you need to have a valid ticket or subscription pass to ride public transportation in Stuttgart. Credit cards are not accepted on public transportation. - Q: Are there any discounts available for students and seniors?
A: Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors. You can check the prices on the official website of Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG or at the ticket counters. - Q: Can I bring my bike on public transportation in Stuttgart?
A: Yes, you can bring your bike on public transportation in Stuttgart. However, there may be additional fees for oversized bicycles. - Q: Is it possible to pay for public transportation using a mobile app?
A: No, you need to have a valid ticket or subscription pass to ride public transportation in Stuttgart. Mobile apps are not accepted as payment on public transportation.
Additional Tips
- Be sure to check the schedules and prices before your trip to plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Consider purchasing a daily or weekly ticket for unlimited travel on buses, trains, and metro lines.
- Use the bike-sharing service RegioRad for an eco-friendly way to explore the city.
- Don’t forget to try some of Stuttgart’s local cuisine, such as Swabian sausages and Black Forest cake.