Overview
Nuremberg's public transport system is operated by VAG (Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft Nürnberg), which forms part of the larger VGN (Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg – Greater Nuremberg Transport Network). As a visitor, you'll travel on a combination of rapid transit (U-Bahn), suburban rail (S-Bahn), trams, and buses using a single integrated ticketing system. To make a journey, you buy a ticket at a station machine or online, board your vehicle, and validate your ticket if required by the system. Transfers between modes are seamless within the VGN zone you've paid for.
The network
U-Bahn (Rapid Transit)
The Nuremberg U-Bahn is Germany's newest metro system, having opened in 1972. It comprises three lines serving 49 stations across 38.2 kilometres of route, making it Germany's shortest of four heavy-rail metro systems. The system is notable for its automation: the U3 line introduced driverless, fully automated trains in 2008 (Germany's first automatic U-Bahn line), and the U2 was converted to driverless operation by 2010, the first such conversion anywhere in the world.
- U1: Connects Langwasser through Aufseßplatz, Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), Altstadt (Old Town), and Plärrer, extending to Fürth. This line partly follows the right-of-way of the Bavarian Ludwig Railway, Germany's first passenger railway opened in 1835.
- U2: Runs from Flughafen (Airport) through Rathenauplatz and Hauptbahnhof to Schlachthof and Röthenbach, with key stops including Ziegelstein.
- U3: Serves Tiergarten (Zoo), Aufseßplatz, Steinbühl, and Plärrer, extending to Thon in the north and Gartenstadt in the south.
S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)
Regional S-Bahn trains connect Nuremberg to surrounding areas and are part of the VGN network. The Gräfenbergbahn, a non-electrified regional line, departs from Nürnberg Nordostbahnhof (Nürnberg Nordost) towards Gräfenberg and is popular with hikers and cyclists, especially in summer.
Trams and Buses
An extensive network of tram lines (Straßenbahn) and buses operates throughout the city and surrounding regions. Buses provide late-night service with the NightLiner service, and local buses connect to neighbouring towns such as Erlangen and Fürth. Lines 20, 30, and 290 link Erlangen to am Wegfeld, a major tram and bus hub, with line 30 also serving the airport and Nordostbahnhof.
Ferries and Water Transport
Nuremberg lies on the Main-Danube canal; however, regular point-to-point ferry services are not available. Instead, scenic multi-day cruises operate on the canal, offering passage toward the Danube, Vienna, Budapest, and northward toward the Rhine, Cologne and Rotterdam.
Tickets & fares
Ticket Types
The VGN offers a range of tickets suited to different travel patterns. All tickets are valid across U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses and regional trains within the VGN zone (excluding IC/ICE long-distance trains).
- Single ticket: One journey, valid immediately after purchase.
- 4-trip ticket: Four journeys on a single ticket.
- 10-strip ticket: Up to five trips for regional travel (price levels 2–10).
- 1-day/weekend all-day ticket: Covers one to six people (maximum two adults aged 18 and over); ideal for a day of sightseeing.
- 7-day MobiCard: For one to six people (maximum two adults), transferable between users.
- 9 a.m. MobiCard (31-day): Covers one to six people (maximum two adults); no travel before 9 a.m. on weekdays; transferable.
- 31-day MobiCard: For one to six people (maximum two adults); transferable.
- 31-day MobiCard from 9 a.m.: Restricted morning travel on weekdays.
- Annual ticket: 12-month pass for one to six people (maximum two adults); transferable.
- Annual ticket from 9 a.m.: 12-month pass with weekday morning restrictions.
Pricing and Zones
The system uses price levels A–F for city travel and levels 1–10 for regional travel. Specific current fares vary by zone and ticket type; approximate prices change regularly. Consult the VGN website or ticket machines at stations for up-to-date fare information.
Where and How to Buy Tickets
Tickets are available from machines at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations and can be purchased online. VAG and VGN websites offer ticket search tools to help you find the appropriate fare for your journey.
From the airport
Nuremberg (Albrecht Dürer) Airport (NUE) lies comparatively close to the city centre and is well-connected by public transport. The U2 underground line provides the most direct connection, linking the airport (Flughafen) with Nuremberg's Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) in approximately 13 minutes. U2 trains with destination "Flughafen/Airport" run once every ten minutes throughout the subway's operating hours. Note: many U2 trains terminate earlier at Ziegelstein, so ensure you board a train clearly marked for the airport destination. The airport has no limit on night flights, but most public transport does not run at night (except for limited bus service on non-working days), so late arrivals may require waiting at the airport or arranging alternative transport.
Etiquette & customs
While specific local customs for Nuremberg's public transport are not detailed in the available sources, standard German public-transport etiquette generally applies. Queuing at stops and stations is expected, and priority seating for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers should be respected. Eating and drinking on vehicles may be restricted; check signage on your train or bus. During rush hours, expect crowding and be prepared to offer your seat to those in need.
Official links
- VGN – Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg (Tickets & Fares in English)
- VAG – Nuremberg Transport (Tickets & Services in English)
Survival terms
- U-Bahn (oo-bahn) – Metro/underground rapid transit
- Fahrkarte (far-kar-teh) – Ticket
- Linie (lee-nee-eh) – Line
- Eingang (eye-n-gang) – Entrance
- Ausgang (ows-gang) – Exit
- Umsteigen (oom-shty-gun) – Transfer
- Einzelfahrkarte (eye-n-tsel-far-kar-teh) – Single fare
- Tageskarte (tar-ges-kar-teh) – Day pass
When planning your journey, use the VGN or VAG ticket search tools online or at station machines to check current fares and plan transfers, as prices and routes change seasonally and the system uses multiple pricing zones.