Local Transportation: Aachen

Public Transportation Overview

Aachen's public transportation system relies on an extensive bus network. Buses make it easy to reach all parts of the city. ASEAG (Aachener Straßenbahn und Energieversorgungs-AG) operates these buses. Aachen does not have a metro or tram system. The bus network covers the entire city and extends into surrounding areas, connecting you to nearby towns and attractions.

Aachen Bushof serves as the central bus station. Located near the city center, it acts as the main hub for most city and regional bus lines. You can connect to almost anywhere from here. Aachen Hauptbahnhof (Aachen Hbf) also functions as a significant bus hub, connecting to various city districts. Route maps are available at major bus stops and the ASEAG customer service center, as well as online via the ASEAG website (aseag.de) or apps like Google Maps and Moovit.

Ticketing & Fares

Single Ticket (EinzelTicket): Valid for one journey.
4-Trip Ticket (4erTicket): A set of four single tickets, often slightly cheaper per ride.
Day Ticket (TagesTicket): Unlimited rides for one person for a full day (approx. €7.80 for Preisstufe 1).
Group Day Ticket (24-StundenTicket): Options for groups up to 5 people, offering good value.

Purchasing Tickets

Buy single tickets directly from bus drivers (cash often preferred). Ticket machines are at major bus stops and train stations (cash/cards). Use "movA" (ASEAG's app) or "mobil.nrw" apps for mobile purchases.

Operating Hours & Frequency

Buses generally operate from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late evening (around Midnight). Frequency varies; more frequent during peak hours, less on weekends and evenings. Limited Night Bus services (N-Linien) run on weekend nights.

Accessibility

Newer buses in Aachen typically feature low-floor designs, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Deutsche Bahn trains also offer designated spaces.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Digital Assistance

Use Google Maps or Moovit for real-time bus schedules, route planning, and estimated arrival times.
Purchase tickets conveniently via the "movA" app (ASEAG's official app) or the "mobil.nrw" app for flexibility.
Stand ready at the bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled departure time, as buses often run on a precise schedule.

Ticket Validation

If you buy a ticket from a machine, ensure you validate it (stamp it) at the validating machine on the bus immediately upon boarding.
This applies unless the ticket is already pre-validated, like those from an app. Unvalidated tickets are not valid.
Consider a "TagesTicket" if you plan more than two bus rides in a day for better value.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi ID

Licensed taxis are beige/cream, "Taxi" sign on roof.

Hailing

Hailing on street (light on) or at designated stands.

Fares

Metered (base + per-km + waiting). Short ride €8-€15.

Apps

Free Now is widely used for licensed taxis.

Rental Options Cars & Bicycles

Consider cars or bicycles depending on your travel plans. Major international car rental companies have branches in Aachen city center and at nearby airports (DUS, CGN).

Car Rental Information

Companies: Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise are common.
Requirements: Minimum age typically 21 (some 25+). Valid driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens. Major credit card for deposit.
Vehicle Documents: If driving your own car, ensure valid registration, insurance, and a green card.
Booking: Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, for better rates and availability.

Bicycle Rentals & Rules

Bike Sharing: Velocity, Aachen's bike-sharing system by ASEAG, offers short-term rentals via an app.
Local Bike Shops: Several shops offer daily or weekly rentals across various bike types.
Driving Laws for Cyclists: Drive on the right side of the road. Helmets are not legally required but recommended.
Terrain: Be aware that Aachen features some hilly areas, especially around the Lousberg or when heading towards the Dreiländereck.

Walking Friendly Areas

Aachen City Center: Extremely pedestrian-friendly, especially the historic old town around the Cathedral and Town Hall.
Parks & Green Spaces: Stadtpark and other green areas provide enjoyable walking environments.
Walking Tours: Guided tours are available from the Aachen Tourist Service, focusing on history or specific themes. Self-guided maps can also be found.

Lousberg: A popular hill north of the city center, offering pleasant walking trails and panoramic views of Aachen.
Safety: Generally safe to walk. Exercise urban caution in crowded areas (e.g., pickpocketing risk) and dimly lit streets late at night, as in any city.
Weather Prep: A small, compact umbrella is highly advisable as Aachen can have sudden showers year-round.

Specialized Transport & Accessibility

Tour Buses

During peak tourist season, some companies may offer hop-on-hop-off bus tours covering major attractions.

Water/Cable Transport

Boat taxis, cable cars, and funiculars are not applicable in Aachen; it is a landlocked city without such systems.

Accessibility Services

Newer buses are low-floor and generally wheelchair-accessible. Deutsche Bahn trains offer designated spaces for wheelchairs. The historic old town's cobblestones can pose challenges; contact attractions for details.

Payment Methods & Tips

Public Transport Payment

Cash: Accepted by bus drivers for single tickets.
Cards: Ticket machines at stops/stations accept credit/debit cards.
Mobile Apps: The "movA" and "mobil.nrw" apps facilitate digital ticket purchases.
Validation: Always stamp physical tickets on board unless pre-validated by app.

Taxi & Ride-Share Payment

Cash: Most taxis accept cash payments.
Cards: Many taxis accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro); advisable to confirm with driver.
App Payment: Free Now allows direct payment through the app, adding transparency.
Tipping: For taxis, rounding up to the nearest Euro is customary.

General Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants

Tipping is not mandatory but is customary for good service. Round up the bill to the next full Euro or add 5-10%.

Say "Stimmt so" (keep the change) or state total amount.

Taxis

Round up to the nearest Euro for short rides. For longer rides, a tip of around 5% is fine.

Small tips are appreciated for good service.

Hotels

Small tips for housekeeping (€1-€2 per night) or bellhops (€1-€2 per bag) receive appreciation.

Not expected but a gesture of appreciation.

Other Local Transport Considerations

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

Taxi stands are readily available directly outside Aachen Hauptbahnhof.
For transfers to or from Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), taxis are found outside the terminal or can be pre-booked.
For larger airports like Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne (CGN), Brussels (BRU), or Frankfurt (FRA), taxis are always available, but train connections often prove more economical.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

These are less common for casual tourist rentals in Aachen.
Specialized shops may offer them, but they are not as readily available as cars or bicycles.
Inquire directly with local rental agencies if this mode of transport is preferred.

Important Reminders

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night.
Drunk driving laws are very strict in Germany.
Do not forget to validate bus tickets unless pre-validated by an app.
Be aware of environmental zones for driving in city centers.

Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas; maintain awareness.
Road conditions are generally excellent, but always adhere to speed limits.
Confirm card payment options with taxi drivers before starting a journey.
For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) comes highly recommended for car rentals.

Public Transport Value

Purchase a "TagesTicket" for Aachen's buses if you plan more than two bus rides in a single day. It offers better value than buying individual tickets.

Remember to validate tickets from machines by stamping them immediately upon boarding!

Local Transportation