Mobility

By Bus and Train

Local public transport connects many places in the region and is used regularly by the majority of the population. In many cases, travelling by public transport is more comfortable and faster than by car. The region offers regional trains (Regionalbahn/RB), and Suburban trains (S-Bahn), buses and trams, and in Frankfurt am Main, a well-developed subway network (U-Bahn). Especially in the larger cities, public transport, along with bicycles, is a recommended means of transportation.

The Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) is responsible for most of the FrankfurtRheinMain region. It is the largest transport association in Europe and serves the Hessian part of the region. In the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Rhein-Nahe-Nahverkehrsverbund (RNN) is responsible, and in the Bavarian part of the FRM, the Verkehrsgemeinschaft am Bayerischen Untermain (VAB).

All three have their own websites and a smartphone app where you can view all connections and book tickets. If you don't know which transport association is responsible for your journey, all connections are also displayed on the Deutsche Bahn website or app.

The Deutschland Ticket is a simple and affordable way to travel nationwide. For €63 a month, you can use all local and regional public transport in Germany. Long-distance trains (ICE, IC, and EC) are excluded. The ticket is available as an app or a chip card from the transport associations or Deutsche Bahn.

Long-Distance Transport

Deutsche Bahn operates long-distance rail services in Germany. You can view timetables for Germany and Europe and purchase tickets on their website. All major cities have a railway station with ICE or IC connections to many cities in Germany and Europe. Frankfurt Central Station in particular is considered the hub of German rail transport.

For several years now, Germany has also had long-distance buses, which offer a more cost-effective alternative. The journey time is usually slightly longer than by car. In FrankfurtRheinMain, every major city has bus stations or central bus stations (ZOB) from which long-distance buses depart for destinations throughout Germany and even other European countries.

By Bicycle

Germans love their bicycles. Many people cycle every day, using their bikes to go shopping or to get to work, school or university.

In the FRM region, many towns and communities are ideal for cycling. Many roads have cycle lanes that are reserved for bicycles, allowing you to reach your destination quickly and safely. Cycling offices, such as the Frankfurt Cycling Office, promote cycling in FRM. Their websites offer tips on routes and safety. For children on their way to school, there is a cycle route planner for schoolchildren that can be used for navigation.

For commuters, so-called cycle highways are currently being planned or are already under construction. These connect the municipalities in the region, allowing cyclists to get to work quickly and without obstacles. 

In many large cities in the region, you can spontaneously rent bicycles for a short period of time. Bike sharing is now available from many providers. Bike stations for renting and returning bikes are located throughout larger cities. Another option is e-scooters, which can be rented quickly and easily and can usually be found everywhere in larger cities and some smaller towns. 

Public transport is also geared towards cycling. You can almost always take your bicycle with you on the train free of charge, and many trains have special areas where you can store your bicycles.

By Car

The FRM region has a well-developed road network. However, if you want to travel by car, there are a few things you should bear in mind.

During rush hour at the beginning and end of the working day, many commuters are on the road. This often leads to traffic jams and slow-moving traffic on motorways, on roads between larger cities, and in larger cities themselves. Using public transport is therefore a good alternative. 

Also note: there are low-emission zones in the larger cities of Frankfurt am Main, Offenbach am Main, Darmstadt, Mainz and Wiesbaden. You are only allowed to drive here if your car has a green emissions sticker, i.e. if it complies with certain emission standards. This is intended to reduce harmful particulate matter pollution in cities. If you drive into a low-emission zone without a sticker, you will have to pay a fine.

A foreign driving licence is valid in Germany for six months. After that, you must have it converted into a German driving licence. The tests required for this depend on the country you come from.

Germany has concluded recognition agreements with some countries that facilitate conversion. If you have a driving licence from a country in the European Union, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you can use it permanently in Germany. 

You must register your car at your local registration office. These can be found in every city and district. In Germany, there is a legal obligation to have motor vehicle liability insurance for all motor vehicles. Without proof of this insurance, the vehicle cannot be registered.

Car sharing is also becoming increasingly popular in the FrankfurtRheinMain region and offers a cost-effective alternative to owning your own car. Stations for such cars are located throughout larger cities.

Carpooling / Carpooling Centre

To travel from one large city to another, you can use a carpooling service. People offer a seat in their car in exchange for a contribution towards the cost of petrol. Many people carpool for financial or environmental reasons, while others enjoy the company of fellow passengers. The driver decides on the departure point and time. To find an online portal for carpooling, simply search the internet using the keyword ‘carpooling’.