Stuttgart Transport

Stuttgart has an excellent public transport system, which includes a regional rapid transit system called the S-Bahn, a metro system called the U-Bahn or StadtBahn, a regular bus service and an affordable taxi service. Public transport is often the best method of commuting around the city, and services run every 10 to 12 minutes from about 05:00 to 01:00. Motorists will also find ample, reasonably-priced parking throughout the city. Cycling is also a possibility, though many streets don’t have cycling lanes, and the city is quite hilly.

By metro

Stuttgart’s U-Bahn or StadtBahn runs underground in densely populated areas, and on the surface as a light rail network in less built-up districts. Orange ticket machines are located at most stops, and both cash and credit card are accepted methods of payment.

One-way tickets for the city’s historic centre are reasonably priced, with a special ticket for short journeys of three stops or less, the Kurzstrecke, also available. Travelling to outer suburbs is more expensive and if you are planning multiple trips, it’s recommended to opt for a day pass: a Tageskarte, which offers one day of unlimited travel within the city’s central zone as well as in zones 1 and 2.

Day passes for the entire system (the centre and zones 1 through 5) are also available, while three-day passes for temporary residents can be bought for travel within the centre and zones 1 and 2, or for unlimited travel anywhere on the network.

By train

Like many cities in Germany, Stuttgart is served by a regional rapid transit system called the S-Bahn. The S-Bahn trains run on Deutsche Bahn’s rails and connects the city with surrounding localities. Further rail systems include an electric rack railway operating from the heart of the city at Marienplatz to the Degerloch district, which has long been an idiosyncratic feature of the city. A cable car connects the Heslach district with Waldfriedhof (Forest Cemetery), while a park railway operates around Killesberg Park. Diesel trains make trips around the park during the week, while steam trains run at weekends.

By bus

Bus tickets can be bought directly from the driver with only cash payment being accepted. Services run every 10 to 12 minutes and the pricing structure is the same as on the metro/U-Bahn system, with short trips within the central historical core being the cheapest. Night buses only operate on Saturdays and Sundays, and depart at 01:15 and 02.30 from Schloss Square.

Taxis

Stuttgart has a reliable and safe taxi service, with official taxis bearing a taxi light and drivers displaying their ID. Short distance journeys include a base fare and an additional price per kilometre travelled. Taxis are on hand at stations, prominent hotels and at the taxi-stand located towards the end of Königstrasse, near Rotebühlplatz. While ordering by phone is also a convenient possibility (tel: +49 55 10 000), hailing taxis is technically feasible, but isn’t really the norm in Stuttgart.

From the airport

Stuttgart Airport is just eight miles south of the city centre and is well served by public transport and taxi services. S-Bahn Commuter trains S2 (Schorndorf) and S3 (Backnang) run to Stuttgart’s Central Station (travel time: 30 minutes) and depart from the S-Bahn station located on level 1 of Terminal 1. A 24-hour taxi service also operates from the airport, with travel times to downtown areas taking 20 minutes. The taxi rank is located in front of Terminal 1 on level 3 (Departures). Buses are available from the Arrivals level of Terminal 1, and direct buses travel to Stuttgart and other destinations.