Public Transport
Many destinations in Germany can be reached by train, tram or bus. Trains, undergrounds railways ("U-Bahn"), suburban railways ("S-Bahn"), trams and buses provide transport locally and regionally. Public transport within a city and the adjoining region is called "ÖPNV" ("Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr").
Tickets for trams, buses and short distances with a train must be bought at a ticket machine. The price of each ticket is often related to the distance travelled and is divided into zones, the so-called "Tarifzonen". Ticket machines can be difficult to use. If you are unable to purchase the ticket you require, just ask another traveller who is purchasing a ticket. Travelling without a ticket ("Schwarzfahren") is not permitted and incurs a fine of at least 30 euros on all buses and trains.
If you use public transport regularly then special discounted tickets can be purchased from the local public transport company. Tickets with ten trips ("Zehnerkarten") at reduced prices or monthly or yearly tickets ("Monatskarten" or "Jahreskarten") can be purchased. Ticket issuing offices have information on the type of ticket best suited to you.
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