Using the Fahrkartenautomaten in Germany

For those of you traveling to the U-Bahn or S-Bahn stations in Germany, you're going to have to know how to find your way around - the stations are unmanned. Be honest and use the automatic ticket machine on the station platform
  By Kate Baggott


In Germany most U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations are unmanned for all or part of the day. Ticketing runs on the honor system, but don’t board without paying. Spot checks are frequent and the no-excuses fine for fare evasion is 40 EUR plus the embarrassment of being bustled off the train.

To avoid this fate, use the ticket machine, Fahrkartenautomat, on the station platform. These convenient ATM-like machines accept both change and bills. To the left of its screen, look for a silver button with a black flag. Pushing this will eventually bring up instructions in English. You will then enter the code for your destination listed on the chart underneath.

The code entered, you then choose the type of ticket you want. Unfortunately, the types of fare aren’t translated.

For a one-way ticket, press the Einzelfahrt button. For one simple trip, paying this fare out and back is your cheapest option.

If you off to explore for the day, hit the Tageskarte for a day pass priced at slightly more than two single-fares.

Couples, and groups of up to five people travelling together, should buy a Gruppenkarte. All of you can then travel for less than the price of two regular day-passes.

The Wochenkarte, or weekly pass, is a deal if you’ll be in town for more than 5 days. As an added benefit, Wochenkarte holders can usually travel with spouses and children after 7 PM and on weekends for free.

Author Bio:

Kate Baggott and her family divide their time between Germany, Canada and Bulgaria. Her published work ranges from travel writing to technology journalism to experimental fiction and everything in between. Links to recently published pieces can be found at Kate Baggott's Website.

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