From 1 January 2024, HOCHBAHN and vhh.mobility will be introducing cashless payment on all their buses in Hamburg, thus following a clear trend.
The modern method of payment: cashless
The right moment
Since the hvv Deutschlandticket was introduced, some 860,000 hvv clients have decided for this flexible, attractively priced ticket – which also guarantees them countrywide mobility. For this reason, very few passengers are paying cash on the buses.
The small number of ticket purchases on our buses are disproportionately cost-intensive, and also take up a great deal of our bus drivers’ time – and this in a situation where the frequency of services is increasing. Ending cash sales on the buses will therefore be a significant factor in helping our buses to leave stops on time and get you to your destination faster!
Many clients who only use the buses occasionally are already using the hvv App and the hvv switch App. Passengers who do not want to use the Apps to buy tickets can now use the non-personalized Prepaid Card or one of our many ticket machines.
That means that there are very good alternatives available to replace buying tickets from the driver on the bus:
With hvv switch you can
- buy tickets quickly and easily with just a few clicks
- pay by credit card, PayPal or SEPA direct debit
- get 7 % off on single and day tickets
- use hvv Any in the hvv switch App: check in, go where you want on hvv and at the end of the day you always pay the most favourable price, which we will calculate for you automatically. Just download the App for iOS or Android now and off you go!
- buy the hvv Deutschlandticket for only € 49 per App and travel straight away
Do you still have questions? You can find out more at hvv switch.
It’s practical: with the hvv Prepaid Card you can
- buy single, day, group and supplementary tickets directly at the terminals on the buses without needing to log in, have an internet connection, a credit card or a smartphone
- pass it on to your family or friends including the credit balance on it
- top it up flexibly in 5-euro steps
How to buy tickets on the bus:
You can get the hvv Prepaid Card everywhere in the Hamburg AB area: from the new ticket machines at many bus stops or from our sales partners such as REWE, PENNY, toom, Wolsdorff and at many petrol stations.
You can find the nearest outlet here, more information about the Prepaid Card and our FAQ.
You will still be able to buy your ticket with cash from the ticket machines at many bus stops. Alternatively, you can also buy tickets at any of our service centres.
Are you just here in Hamburg for a short visit? Great - we are glad to see you and here is a brief overview of where you can buy the right ticket for one or a few days.
For passengers travelling with Deutsche Bahn: many tickets already include an integrated "+City-Ticket". This is valid in some parts of the hvv area (in German).
- At your destination: at all central arrival points, such as the airport and long-distance train stations, you will find ticket machines where you can buy tickets. Alternatively, we offer the hvv Prepaid Card – you can get this at one of the new Hochbahn ticket machines (self-service terminals) at all U-Bahn stations. The hvv Prepaid Card is a reusable card which can be loaded up with a credit balance in € 5 steps. Just hold the loaded chipcard against the sales terminal on the bus or at a ticket machine and buy the ticket you want. hvv Prepaid Cards are valid on buses, rapid transport trains and our hvv river ferries.
- via App: download, register and off you go! By bus, rapid transport train or ferry, or in a Moia minibus, a car-sharing vehicle or with a e-scooter - hvv switch for iOs or Android makes it possible.
- Hamburg Tourismus: on the Hamburg Tourismus website, besides many tips for those with a thirst for exploring, you can also find the Hamburg CARD. This gives you free travel on hvv services and attractive discounts at over 150 tourist attractions. You can use it to discover Hamburg flexibly and for a reasonable price – on your own or in a group.
- And of course, we can also offer you advice in person – our teams in the hvv service centres look forward to your visit!
