MileHacker Logo
Getting Around Nurnberg

Getting Around Nurnberg

Bavaria Germany Travel Guide

Transit System Overview

Nuremberg and its wider city area use the VGN (Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg). This comprehensive the mass transit system includes several ways of getting around.

U-Bahn (Subway/Underground): The backbone of Nuremberg's urban transport. It has three lines (U1, U2, U3) serving the city center, the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), the airport, and major neighborhoods. The U-Bahn is fast and efficient, avoiding surface traffic.

Additional Transit Modes

  • Tram (Strassenbahn): Five tram lines complement the U-Bahn network. They cover areas not directly served by the subway, good for finding your way around the Old Town periphery.
  • Bus: An extensive bus network fills gaps in U-Bahn and tram coverage. Buses connect to residential areas, suburbs, plus tinier points of interest.
  • S-Bahn (Suburban Rail): These trains join Nuremberg with surrounding towns and cities in the greater metropolitan area. The S-Bahn is for day trips within the VGN network.
  • Maps: Detailed route maps are available at stations, Tourist Information, and via the VGN app or website.

Hauptbahnhof

The Main Train Station is the central hub. Most U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus lines intersect here. You connect to almost any part of the town or region from this point station.

Ticketing System

Nuremberg's public transport uses an unified ticketing system under VGN. Tickets are valid for all modes of VGN transport within the purchased zones.

Accessibility

Nuremberg's public transport system is increasingly accessible for travelers with mobility needs. Newer U-Bahn trains and trams have step-complimentary entry.

Fare Options and Hours

Ticketing Options
  • Tickets: Purchase from automated ticket machines, from the driver on buses, or through the VGN app.
  • Fare Zones: Nuremberg city center is mainly within Zone A. Travel further out requires tickets covering additional zones.
  • Day Ticket (TagesTicket): For boundless travel for one day. Often the most economical for tourists planning multiple journeys.
Operating Hours & Tips
  • U-Bahn/Tram/Bus: Generally operates from early morning (around 4:30 AM) until late night (around 1 AM-2 AM on weekends).
  • Night Buses (NightLiner): On weekends and before public holidays, a web of night buses operates.
  • Validate Tickets: If you purchase paper tickets from a machine, you need to validate them.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing & 5.3 Rental Options

Taxis

Licensed taxis are cream-colored with a "Taxi" sign. Hailing on the street or finding at stands. Fares are metered. Most accept cards.

Ride-Sharing

Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) is the most prevalent app. Uber also operates but is less dominant for taxi services.

Car Rental

Large global companies operate. A valid driver's license from home country and an IDP are good. Credit card for deposit.

Bike Sharing

Call a Bike (Deutsche Bahn) is a bike-sharing system. Local rental shops also offer rentals. Cycling is a great way to explore.

Walking and Cycling

Nuremberg's compact Old Town makes walking an excellent way to discover its charm.

Pedestrian Areas & Tours

  • Old Town (Altstadt): Highly pedestrian-friendly. Most main attractions are within easy walking distance.
  • Pegnitz Riverwalks: Scenic paths run along the river, offering pleasant strolls with historic bridge views.
  • Guided Walking Tours: Many companies offer tours focusing on medieval past, WWII role, or Christmas Market.
  • Self-guided Tours: Numerous itineraries for self-guided walking tours are online or in guidebooks.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

  • Nuremberg has a good network of cycling paths, specifically outside the immediate Old Town.
  • Helmets are not legally necessary for cyclists in Germany but are recommended for safety.
  • Be aware of pedestrians and congestion, even on designated cycling paths.
  • No specific "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians or cyclists in Nuremberg.

Specialized Transportation

  • Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services: Nuremberg has hop-on-hop-off bus tours.
  • Boat taxis and water transportation: Scenic boat trips are offered on the Pegnitz River and Main-Danube Canal.
  • Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs: U-Bahn and more up-to-date trams/buses are accessible.
  • Cable cars, funiculars, or unique local transport: Nuremberg does not have these.
  • Specialty Vehicle Options: Tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not typical for tourism.

Transportation Comparison Table

Public Transport

Cost: €3.20 (single), €6.40 (day). Convenience: High. Best For: Exploring the city, budget-conscious, eco-friendly.

Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Cost: €10-€25 (intra-city). Convenience: High, door-to-door. Best For: Quick trips, late night, heavy luggage.

Rental Car

Cost: €30-€80+ per day. Convenience: High for getting around the region, low for city. Best For: Day trips outside the city, exploring wider Bavaria.

Additional Transportation Options

Nuremberg has various modes to move around the city and region.

Bicycle Rental Details

  • Cost: €12-€18 per day.
  • Nuremberg's compact Old Town makes walking an excellent way to experience its charm.
  • Convenience: Medium. Good for city exploration, specific paths.
  • Best For: Leisurely exploration, active sightseeing, short distances.

Walking in the City

  • Cost: Free.
  • Old Town (Altstadt): Highly pedestrian-friendly, with many streets reserved for pedestrians.
  • Convenience: High within Old Town, limited for wider city.
  • Best For: Exploring Old Town, historical sites, enjoying ambiance.

General Transit Notes

Important Hubs

Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) is the central hub for Nuremberg's public transport. Most U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus services intersect here.

Connects to almost any part of the city or region.

Nuremberg Card

This tourist pass includes 48 hours of unnot much public transport within Nuremberg/Fürth (Zone A) along with free entry to many museums and sights.

Evaluate if this ticket saves you money.

Night Services

On weekends and before public holidays, a web of night buses operates. This has transportation following the regular U-Bahn and tram services conclude.

Good for late-night movement.

Renting & Driving

Car Rental
  • To rent a car, be at least 21 (some cars 25+). A current driver's's license and IDP are good.
  • A major credit card is good for the security deposit.
  • Booking your car in advance, especially in peak season, is highly suggested.
Motorcycle & Scooter
  • Less frequent for tourists. Specialized rental shops might exist, but are not prevalent.
  • You need an appropriate license for these vehicles.

Important Considerations

  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Children under 12 or 150 cm use car seats. Legal blood alcohol limit 0.05%.
  • Road Conditions: Excellent and well-maintained. Autobahns have fast connections.
  • Parking: Challenging and expensive in city center. Look for multi-story car parks (Parkhäuser).
  • Alternatively, use Preserve ANDamp; Ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts of Nuremberg.
  • P+R makes parking cheaply possible and connection to city center via U-Bahn or tram.
  • In winter, roads can be icy or snowy, needing careful driving plus fitting tires.

Final Transit Tip

Knowing these numbers and procedures is essential for any emergency.

Download the VGN application for real-time-time schedules, route planning, and digital ticket purchasing. It functions to find the fastest route and check for any delays.

← Previous
How to Get to Nurnberg
← Back to Bavaria
Next →
Where to Stay in Nurnberg

Next Up: Where to Stay in Nurnberg. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Continue to Where to Stay in Nurnberg