Public Transport with the Hamburg CARD
Use buses, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and harbour ferries in the HVV free of charge - simply show your Hamburg CARD and off you go.
The Hamburg Card as a Public Transport Ticket
The Hamburg Card is a tourist card that serves as a valid ticket throughout the entire HVV Hamburg metropolitan area (city zone). It allows unlimited travel on all buses, U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains, and harbour ferries. Travel to the airport (S1) is also included. However, it is not valid for journeys beyond the city zone.
Validity begins at 00:00 on the chosen day and ends at 06:00 the following morning. Available as 1- to 5-day passes - either as a single card (for 1 person, including up to 3 children aged 6-14) or a group card (for up to 5 people). No validation is required.
Practical Use
- Bus & Train: On buses, board at the front and briefly show the driver your Hamburg Card. U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations have no barriers - simply board and keep your ticket with you.
- Ticket Inspections: During ticket checks, simply present your Hamburg Card (digital or paper). With group cards, all travelling companions must stay together, as only one shared ticket is issued.
Timetables and Public Transport App
HVV App: Download the free hvv App (Download: App Store / Google Play). The app offers route planning, displays real-time departure times, and provides updates on service disruptions.
Operating Hours: U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run Monday to Thursday approximately 05:00-00:30. At weekends (Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday nights), many lines run through the night. On other nights, night buses take over once train services have ended.
Key Lines for Visitors
- Airport: The S-Bahn S1 runs every 10 minutes from Hamburg Airport directly to the main station (approximately 25 minutes journey time).
- Main Station: The Hauptbahnhof is the central interchange hub with connections to all S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines.
- Attractions: Direct connections to many highlights, e.g. Landungsbrücken (U3, S1/S3), Elbphilharmonie (U3 to Baumwall or Ferry 72), Reeperbahn (S1/S3 or U3 St. Pauli), Speicherstadt (U3 Baumwall).
- Interchange Hubs: Key interchange stations are Jungfernstieg (city centre, U-Bahn/S-Bahn junction), Altona (station in the west, near the fish market) and Landungsbrücken (connections to harbour ferries).
- Scenic Routes: Bus 111 (Altona to HafenCity along the Elbe), Ferry 62 (Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder as an affordable harbour tour) and the circular U3 line (panoramic views of the harbour and city).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Public Transport
Frequently asked questions about using public transport with the Hamburg CARD.
Which transport services are included with the Hamburg CARD?+
You can travel all day and without any limits by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, and harbour ferry within the HVV fare zones A and B. Journeys to the surrounding area outside zone AB are not included.
Is the journey to the airport included?+
Yes. Hamburg Airport is within HVV zone AB, so the S-Bahn S1 to and from the airport is included. The S1 runs approximately every 10 minutes and takes around 25 minutes to the main station.
Do I need to validate the card?+
No. On the U-Bahn and S-Bahn there are no barriers - simply board. On buses, briefly show your card to the driver at the front. During ticket inspections, present your Hamburg CARD digitally in the app or as a paper ticket.
Travel free with the Hamburg CARD
Buy your card, hop on board, and enjoy unlimited public transport across Hamburg's HVV zone AB.