Getting Around Bremerhaven
Bremerhaven is a compact port city on the Weser estuary, and most visitors find it easy to navigate without a car. The city has no tram or metro system, so getting around relies on a mix of buses, regional trains, taxis, and your own two feet. Here is what you need to know to plan your movements.
On Foot
Walking is a practical way to cover the central sights. The main train station sits in the city centre, and several key areas — including the fish wharf and the double ship lock — are within comfortable walking distance of the centre. If you are basing yourself centrally, you can reach many of the waterfront and harbour attractions on foot without needing public transport at all.
Rail Services
Bremerhaven has three active passenger rail stations: Bremerhaven Hauptbahnhof in the city centre, Bremerhaven-Lehe to the north, and Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf in the southern part of the city. All three are served by the Bremen S-Bahn line RS 2, which runs hourly, as well as regional services on the RB 33 line toward Cuxhaven and Buxtehude.
Bremerhaven Hauptbahnhof is the main hub and additionally offers regional express connections to Hanover (RE 8) and Osnabrück (RE 9). Long-distance Intercity trains also call at the Hauptbahnhof, having been restored to the city after a long absence. For a visitor, this means the central station is your gateway for day trips toward Bremen, Hamburg, and beyond.
Buses and Public Transport
With no tramway in operation and none planned, buses are the backbone of local public transport. The network is operated by BREMERHAVEN BUS and covers the city with a range of routes, including two night routes that run only on weekends. A Schnellbus line (marked "S") serves selected stops and is therefore faster than regular services — useful if you want to cover ground quickly.
Numerous regional buses operated by other companies also depart from Bremerhaven Central Station, connecting the city with surrounding towns and villages. For tickets and passes, buy them through the local transport operator or at the station; day passes and single tickets are the usual options for visitors making a handful of journeys.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available in the city, and the central train station is the most reliable place to find one. As with most German cities, taxis can be hailed on the street or booked by phone. Ride-hailing apps have a more limited presence than in larger metropolises, so it is worth having a taxi number on hand as a backup, particularly for early-morning or late-night journeys when bus services are sparse.
Arriving by Air
Bremerhaven's own airport closed in 2016, so air travellers now arrive via other airports. The nearest larger airport is in Bremen, which is the most convenient option for reaching Bremerhaven. A major international airport is in Hamburg, which is a good choice for longer-haul and transatlantic flights; travellers flying across the Atlantic will most likely arrive there or have a layover at Frankfurt airport.
From Bremen, the simplest onward connection to Bremerhaven is by train, with services running via Bremen into the city's central station. From Hamburg, trains also connect to Bremerhaven, with EVB services arriving via Buxtehude alongside Deutsche Bahn options. Whichever airport you use, the train is generally the most straightforward way to complete the final leg into the city.
Arriving by Car, Boat, and Camper
By car, Bremerhaven is easily reached from Bremen via the A27 northbound; taking the appropriate exit lets you follow the road directly to the Fishdock (Fischereihafen). Note that roads leading to the overseas port are frequently congested with freight traffic, so allow extra time if your route passes that way.
By boat, a ferry (Weserfähre) serves the port from Nordenham. In summer, numerous cruise ships dock here, with passengers taking local tours of the city or heading further afield to Bremen and Hamburg.
If you are travelling by camper, there are two dedicated parking areas for mobile homes, both well regarded: one at the Fischkai (fish wharf) and the other at the Doppelschleuse (double ship lock), the latter about a ten-minute walk from the town centre. Both are signposted from the A27.