This time, we’ll introduce smart ways to use public transportation in Frankfurt, Germany. In this city where trams, subways, buses, and suburban trains run extensively, how do you purchase tickets and what’s the process for using them? Also, how can you travel efficiently and economically? We’ll share detailed information based on actual experiences.
Overview of Frankfurt’s Transportation System
Frankfurt’s public transportation is centrally managed by an organization called RMV (Rhine-Main Transport Association). The characteristic feature is that common tickets can be used for all transportation modes including trams, subways, buses, and suburban trains (S-Bahn). Regional trains (RE/RB) can also be used with the same tickets, but express trains like ICE are not covered.
Understanding the Ticket System
The most important thing about Frankfurt’s transportation is understanding the ticket system. There are four main types of tickets: single ticket (Einzelfahrkarte), short-distance ticket (Kurzstrecke), day pass (Tageskarte), and airport ticket (Flughafen-Ticket) needed when going to the airport.
With 90 minutes, you can move around a wide area of the city.
A single ticket costs 3.8 euros and allows unlimited rides on any transportation within the city for 90 minutes from issuance. This 90-minute limit is surprisingly convenient – for example, if you stay at a tourist spot for about 30 minutes, you can manage a round trip with just one ticket.
The day pass, as the name suggests, is an all-day unlimited ride ticket, available for both individual and group use. Also, accessing the airport requires a dedicated airport ticket (56.6 euros). This airport ticket can be used for travel from the city to the airport, and transfers with city transportation are possible within 90 minutes of issuance. If you plan to tour the city’s tourist spots, a day pass would be the best choice.
Airport tickets are required for airport access
On the other hand, the short-distance ticket is reasonably priced at 2.4 euros, but has usage restrictions. It’s limited to travel up to 2 stations (approximately 2km) maximum, and transfers are not allowed. When I visited Römerberg (Frankfurter Römer) from Frankfurt Central Station for sightseeing, I planned to stay for more than 90 minutes, so I used two short-distance tickets for the round trip. I took the tram on the way there and the subway on the way back, choosing different transportation modes, and both provided comfortable travel experiences.
How to Purchase and Use Tickets
Tickets can be purchased either at station vending machines or through the RMV smartphone app. The vending machines support Japanese language and accept both cash and credit cards. Don’t forget to validate your purchased ticket at the validation machine before boarding. Riding without validation is considered fare evasion even if you have a ticket, and fines of 60 euros or more will be imposed.
This time we used the ticket machine at the tram station for purchase
From Actual Riding Experience
The charm of Frankfurt’s transportation lies in its high convenience. For example, Römerberg, which I visited, can be easily accessed by tram from Central Station. There are electronic displays at stops showing the arrival time of the next train at a glance. When boarding, you press the door open/close button to get on, and when getting off, you press the descent button when approaching your stop.
Don’t forget that tickets need to be purchased before boarding
On the return trip, I chose the subway, but the fact that both transportation modes can be used with the same type of ticket was very convenient. Within the short-distance ticket’s restriction zone, there’s no need to use the same transportation mode for both directions. You can choose the optimal means of transport according to the situation at any given time.
On the return, took the subway quickly back to Central Station
Trams are Recommended for Frankfurt Sightseeing
All of Frankfurt’s transportation modes are easy to use and convenient, but trams are especially recommended for sightseeing. While subways and suburban trains are also efficient, trams have unique charms that others don’t offer.
Not only can you enjoy views of Frankfurt’s cityscape through the windows, but the trains themselves run leisurely, making it easy to understand the positional relationships of tourist spots, so first-time visitors are less likely to get lost. From trams running in the middle of the road, you can see people walking on sidewalks and those relaxing in cafes, allowing you to fully experience the city’s atmosphere. Another convenient point is that there are always stops near major tourist attractions. If you have time to spare for sightseeing, I highly recommend using trams.
While trams generally tend to shake, Frankfurt’s trams didn’t have noticeably bothersome vibrations
Tips for Cost-Effective Use
The optimal ticket varies depending on your travel plans. In my case, I planned a longer stay so I used two short-distance tickets, but if it’s a round trip within 90 minutes, one single ticket would be more economical. Also, if you have three or more trips in one day, it’s worth considering purchasing a day pass.
When using short-distance tickets, it’s important to always confirm whether you’re within the restriction zone. This can be easily checked at station ticket machines or through the RMV app. If you’re unsure, it’s also good to ask station staff or drivers for confirmation.
Summary
Frankfurt’s public transportation may seem complex at first glance, but once you understand the system, it’s very user-friendly. By skillfully using short-distance tickets and single tickets, and sometimes utilizing day passes, enjoy efficient city sightseeing.
※Prices are as of January 2025. Please check the latest information locally as they may change.
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