Hannover Transport

Hannover is very well served with an efficient public transportation system. This includes subways, trams, buses, taxis, trains and even boats. If taking more than one trip a day, the best option is the day ticket. This covers the use of the subway, tram and bus systems until the service finishes at night. The system usually ends after midnight. Public transportation uses an honour system in Hannover, but there are also inspections, with fines for those without valid tickets. Ticket should be validated with a machine stamp.

By subway/tram

The Hannover subway/tram system is a combined light transportation system, which primarily operates as a subway downtown before surfacing more as a tram system outside of the city centre. It is clean, modern, efficient and comfortable, and covers virtually all of Hannover. It is also the fastest way to get around. There are also some services to the Exhibition Centre that run only when exhibitions are being held.

Ticket information is given in English and this should be read carefully as it can sometimes be confusing. A day ticket should be purchased if more than one journey a day is to be made. The service runs from 04:30 to 01:30 daily, with trains running every 10 minutes on most lines.

By rail

The five-line suburban railway (S-bahn) in Hannover serves mostly commuters and local residents. DB (German Rail) does however have services to both the airport and the fairground (Exhibition Centre) from the main railway station.

By bus

Hannover is also served by an extensive bus system. The bus stops are marked with a distinctive ‘H’, and can be found around the city. Each bus stop has details of the services. Day tickets used on the subway services can also be used on daytime buses. The bus service runs from 05:00 to 24:30. After this time, there is a night bus service until about 04:00. The Central Bus Station, for inter-city service, is located behind the Central Station.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Hannover, but they are comparatively expensive. The drivers usually stick rigidly to the meter. Also, Hannover is not a city where taxis can be hailed. They must be taken from taxi stands or booked by telephone. The price can still work out to be economical for groups, and it is worth noting that even nine-seat taxis can be booked by phone for the same price as regular taxis. Taxis also take you to exactly where you want to go, but prices can rise to become very expensive around the time of large exhibitions or other major events.

By bicycle

Cycling is a very popular alternative way to get around Hannover, with its many bicycle paths and flat terrain. Bicycles can be rented from Fahrrad Station, next to the train station. Bicycles can also be taken on the buses or trams at non-rush hour times on weekdays and at anytime at the weekends.

Tourist services

City sightseeing tours on modern coaches can be booked through the Hannover Tourist Information (tel: +49 511 314 20). An alternative is to tour with Taxi Guide Hannover, with tours offered in taxis with specially trained personnel, who can speak several different languages.

From the airport

The suburban railway (S-bahn) provides services from the airport to the main railway station every 30 minutes between 05:00 and 23:30. The journey takes about 15 minutes. There are also bus services into the city. Taxis can also be found at the airport. Many hotels also provide shuttle buses.