The HVV service offer

HVV rides the rails

   

A network of rapid transit and regional rail lines, all leading into the city centre, forms the core of local public transport in the Hamburg area. Avoid the roads and take the three U-Bahn metro-, 6 S-Bahn- and 3 AKN rapid transit- or 9 regional rail lines for fast, direct rail connections within the Hamburg region. At weekends and before public holidays an all-night service is provided on U-Bahn metro and S-Bahn rapid transit rail trains in the city of Hamburg. This all-night offer is supplemented by a bus network comprising many MetroBus and regular CityBus routes which connect with metro and rapid transit rail services.

Clear, passenger-friendly information is provided at all rapid transit rail stations to help you find your way around.

Numerous buses operate in the HVV service area. But not all buses are alike:

MetroBus
This network within the network – there are 22 MetroBus services – ensures direct connections, optimum interchange and a high service frequency. Reliable and with a clear priority. MetroBuses provide direct connections into the city or district centres, as well as cross-area links outside of the city of Hamburg – and there’s no upgrade fare supplement to pay. MetroBuses numbered from 1- 14 run on the direct city-bound connections, those from 20 - 27 on cross-area connections.

SchnellBus limited stop services
Eight SchnellBus limited stop services (upgrade ticket required) link residential districts or housing estates with the inner city. The generous seating capacity on these buses increases your comfort. SchnellBus limited stop services display double-digit numbering from 31 to 39. Minibuses on the 48 and 49 services run along the narrow streets in the district of Blankenese.

  

City and Regional Buses (Stadt- und Regionalbusse)
City and regional bus services drive you to rapid transit or regional rail stations, to the centre of your city district, or regional county, and also provide convenient cross-area links. Many HVV buses leave traffic congestion behind and use the special lanes created for them along the major routes. Articulated "bendy" vehicles provide generous seating capacity and are used on services with heavy passenger loads. Low-floor buses with barrier-free access run on most urban services, a major benefit for disabled passengers wishing to board or alight. Articulated and low-floor vehicles also run on MetroBus, Eilbus sprinter- and SchnellBus limited-stop services. Three-digit numbers identify most city or regional buses, although two to four digit numbering sometimes occurs in the metropolitan area.

Here you can find a selection of town or urban bus networks outside Hamburg:

NachtBus night bus services
U- and S-Bahn rapid transit trains – in conjunction with many MetroBus- and regular CityBus vehicles – are at your service round the clock on weekend nights (Fri / Sat, Sat / Sun) and before public holidays. You can stay mobile on all other nights – Sun / Mon until and including Thurs – even after U- and S-Bahn rail services officially terminate at around 0030. That’s when operations begin on our night bus network with its 19 services. The bus stop at Rathausmarkt is the central departure and interchange point from which night bus vehicles provide links to almost every city district – all night long. You’ll instantly recognize night bus vehicles by their three-digit numbering from 600-699!

Here you can find the NachtBus night bus plan for the nights Sun / Mon until and including Thursday as well as the Night services Plan for the nights Fri /Sat, Sat/Sun and before public holidays.

Eilbus sprinter services
Reach your destination as fast as possible without the need to pay an upgrade fare supplement - no problem on one of the six Eilbus sprinter services. These link housing estates on the city outskirts with the nearest U/S rapid transit rail station - citybound in the morning and back again in the late afternoon. To take an Eilbus service look out for the E code and double digit number.

 

Dial-a-Ride services: Anruf-Sammel-Taxi / Anruf-Bus / Anruf-Sammel-Mobil
Dial-a-Ride minibuses or taxis - Anruf-Sammel-Taxi (AST), Anruf-Bus (AB) and Anruf-Sammel-Mobil (ASM) services - provide a special form of mobility in the HVV network by collecting passengers on request, if possible in groups travelling at approx. the same time.

At certain times HVV offers these Dial-a-Ride services in communities and smaller townships within the region surrounding Hamburg. One phone call is your link to flexible mobility. Just ring in good time and inform the transport company of your travel wishes. They can then ensure that your trip will proceed at the time you requested.

Harbour and River Ferries
Six ferry services operate in the harbour and along the River Elbe. These vessels have double-digit numbering starting with 61. Use your HVV ticket, set sail and leave land behind you.

A feature worth noting: If you’re ever in the mood to make a leisurely boat trip along the Elbe or Alster rivers, there’s an additional range of pleasure or party cruises and excursions for you to enjoy. HVV tickets are not valid on such trips.

Information available at: