tickets help!

13POSTS

13 years ago

I dont understand the tickets and validating tickets sytem that operates on the trams. the stations next to where I live have no machines on the platform to buy tickets? Are there machines on the tram? Or a ticket inspector?
This is so much simpler in the UK!!!

See also

Getting around Frankfurt - Guide
help needed with the Rentenversicherung - 3 Replies
Help - life in Germany - 7 Replies
Help with the meaning - 2 Replies
Help with the meaning - 1 Reply
Help with Visa - 6 Replies
Help with leasing car contract - 4 Replies

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15644POSTS

13 years ago

This differs from city to city - some sell tickets on the trains, for others you need to buy before boarding. Call the transit authority and ask, since doing it wrongly (and getting caught) will cost you at least EUR40.

wendlegee Member

17POSTS

13 years ago

I understand completely. I always buy on the tram as then it's already validated. I am always confused as to the length of journey the tickets give me. Good luck

LauraScot Member

13POSTS

13 years ago

Yeah i dont fancy paying 40euro so thanks!!

Im sure i will figure it out soon enough!

wendlegee Member

17POSTS

13 years ago

I got caught once. Very embarrassing

LauraScot Member

13POSTS

13 years ago

Ha.. Really?!
What happened?! Did you play dumb tourist?

wendlegee Member

17POSTS

13 years ago

I played very dumb but still stung me

Never again, I just had the wrong ticket but he was not letting me off!!!

LauraScot Member

13POSTS

13 years ago

Thats not good at all. there goes my play dumb plan.
Need to grasp the ticket concept asap then!

wendlegee Member

17POSTS

13 years ago

At least they run on time in Germany

LauraScot Member

13POSTS

13 years ago

#10

This is very true!!

StoneCutThrough Member

12POSTS

13 years ago

#11

Hi Laura!

Welcome to Cologne! I know taking public transport can be quite confusing for newcomers.
If you take the tram, you usually can buy the ticket inside the train. Each car should have a working ticket vending machine which can also show you instructions in English language. Be aware that these machines ONLY accept coins, no paper money at all. Plus, especially during rush hour, it may be impossible to get through the crowd to the vending machine. Also take care to validate certain tickets (like day ticket or 4-ticket) at a ticket cancelling machine (usually near to the doors).
I think the KVB official website will also be helpful to you; since the English version is quite hidden for my taste, here's the linkkvb-koeln.de/german/tarif/eng.html - KVB - Koelner Verkehrs Betriebe

cheers,

Simon

LauraScot Member

13POSTS

13 years ago

#12

Hi Simon..

Thank you!! I have no problem understanding German so I wont need to hunt for an english translation just trying to understand the system is my problem.

Very helpful though, thanks again!

Laura