The Frankfurt public transportation system (RMV; Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund, www.rmv.de, tel. +49 180 57 68 46 36, €0.14/min) includes regional trains (RB), regional express trains (RE), S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses. The system allows you to travel with all methods of transportation on one ticket.
The U-Bahn (metro) comprises seven lines serving the centre of the city. The tiddly trains are not much more than underground trams, proved by the fact that some lines surface immediately after leaving the city
Press Einzelfahrt Frankfurt for a single ticket, which costs €2.30 (€2.20 ermäßigt). If you’re travelling less than 2km (usually three stops) buy the Kurzstrecke ticket (short journey; €1.50). If you’re going to use public transport more than three times a day, get the Tageskarte (day ticket, €5.80). If you’re travelling to or from the airport, get the Einzelfahrt Frankfurt Airport (single ticket, €3.70), or the Tageskarte Frankfurt Airport dayticket (€9.10). Certain hotels sell the €7.90 HotelGastTicket which is valid for two days in central Frankfurt plus the airport, and is cheaper than two day tickets. Excellent-value group day tickets for five people cost €8.70, or €14 including the airport. Finally, another great money saving deal is the Hessenticket, valid for five people and allowing any number of 2nd class train trips in the federal state of Hesse, which includes Frankfurt, for €30
Ruthless ticket controllers patrol the system frequently and will not hesitate to slap you with a €40 fine for ‘riding black’ (Schwarzfahren) - no excuses accepted.
The Nightbus
Tel. 01805/ 06 99 60 (06:00-24:00, €0.14/min), www.nachtbus-frankfurt.de.
Offering service on Fridays, Saturdays, and on days before public holidays (which are numerous in Hesse), these convenient night buses will take you to your destination almost anywhere in Frankfurt and surroundings. Ticket prices are the normal fare, so you may use a daily, weekly or monthly card to get on, or pay for a one-way ticket to get to your desired location. Buses pick up every half hour from Konstablerwache from 01:30-03:30.