Getting around Hamburg using public transport
Public transport in Hamburg is operated by the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund Gesellschaft (Hamburger Verkehrsverbund), abbreviated to HVV. HVV public transport includes buses, subways, and ferries.
You can purchase tickets on the HVV website, in the HVV app, at ticket machines, or at HVV sales points.
All current information on barrier-free travel with the HVV can be found here: https://www.hvv.de/de/barrierefrei
Information on purchasing tickets for refugees can be found here: https://www.hvv.de/de/gefluechtete
Bus
Low-floor buses are used in Hamburg. These can be lowered at the sides to allow easier boarding. They also have a fold-out ramp that allows wheelchair access. Some bus stops do not yet have raised bus platforms. At these stops, boarding and alighting via the ramp can be very steep and is often only possible with assistance.
To board the bus in a wheelchair, you must choose a door in the middle of the bus. Signal to the bus attendant or press the button with the wheelchair symbol next to the door. The bus attendant will extend the ramp after other passengers have boarded and alighted. The ramp supports a weight of up to 250 kg. The ramps on newer vehicles can support a weight of up to 350 kg. The wheelchair space is usually opposite the middle entrance door.
There are audible announcements and visual signs for the next stop on the bus.
Subway
On this map, all subway stations with step-free access are marked with a wheelchair symbol:
https://www.hvv.de/resource/blob/22142/1265395dd811e068d2ffea979cc6456f/hvv_usar-plan.pdf
These stops have fully or partially raised platforms. The boarding height is a maximum of 5 cm, and the gap between the platform and the train is between 5 and 11 cm. On older subway trains, the height difference and gap width may be greater. People with mobility impairments are advised to always board in the designated area. This area can be identified by a wheelchair symbol on the platform and a checkerboard pattern on the floor tiles. Boarding and alighting in this area is possible at every accessible stop.
Since an elevator is usually required to access the stops, you can find information on whether the elevator is currently operating on the following website: https://www.hvv.de/de/aufzuege . Alternatively, you can inquire by calling the following number: 00 49 40 19 44 9.
All stops are equipped with a display board that provides information about departure times, schedule changes, and service deviations. The destination of the next arriving train is also announced over loudspeakers. Most stops have a tactile guidance system and high-contrast stripes. Emergency call and information columns are also located on the platforms, indicated by studded panels. Most platform edges at subway stations are marked with a wide white warning stripe.
In the subways, a display board provides information about the next stop, possible disruptions, and schedule changes. The next stops are announced acoustically. The doors emit a visual and acoustic signal when they close.
Ferry
All ships have barrier-free boarding and passenger areas accessible for wheelchair users. Some ferries are also equipped with barrier-free restrooms. Line 75 and the Cranz-Blankenese line are not wheelchair accessible. Access to the ships is via a floating jetty, which can be reached from the bridges connected to the land. At the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken stop, step-free access is available at bridges 1, 3, and 10. This access varies in steepness depending on the Elbe’s water level. An accompanying person is strongly recommended for wheelchair users to negotiate the inclines and declines.
S-Bahn
The S-Bahn (suburban railway) lines in Hamburg are operated by Deutsche Bahn. All S-Bahn stops with step-free access are marked with a wheelchair symbol on this map: https://www.hvv.de/resource/blob/22142/1265395dd811e068d2ffea979cc6456f/hvv_usar-plan.pdf Access to the vehicles is via a boarding step with a maximum height of 6 cm. On older S-Bahn trains, the height difference may be greater. At the S3 stops between Fischbek and Agathenburg, there may be a step height of up to 26 cm. Boarding is possible there using a ramp. The ramps can only be used at the first front door. Since an elevator is usually required to access the stops, you can find information on whether the elevator is currently working on the following map: https://www.hvv.de/de/aufzuege . Alternatively, you can inquire at the following telephone number: 00 49 40 19 44 9.
All stops are equipped with a display board providing information about departure times, schedule changes, and service deviations. The destination of the next arriving train is also announced over loudspeakers. Most stops have a tactile guidance system and high-contrast stripes. Emergency call and information columns are also located on the platforms, indicated by studded panels. Most platform edges at S-Bahn stations are marked with a wide white warning stripe.
On S-Bahn trains, a display board provides information about the next stop, possible disruptions, and schedule changes. The next stops are announced acoustically. The doors emit a visual and acoustic signal when they close.
Moia
The private company Moia is not part of the public transport system, but it is a good alternative for many people in Hamburg who want to get from A to B without barriers. Moia offers ridesharing, a hybrid of taxi and bus. This means you enter your starting and destination points in the Moia app, and the app shows you the nearest stop where you can get on and off. People traveling the same route as you will also be picked up by this vehicle. So you share a vehicle. Some people get off earlier, others after you. You can book the ride directly or 24 hours in advance. Moia vehicles are recognizable in Hamburg by their gold color. In the app, you can indicate whether you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. You can find all the information about barrier-free use of Moia vehicles here: https://help.moia.io/hc/de/articles/360000437078
Do you have a severely disabled person’s ID card with the code B? Then, after registering, you can bring a companion with you free of charge.
Do you have a voucher that allows you to use public transport free of charge in addition to your severely disabled person’s certificate? Then you can also use the Moia vehicles free of charge after registering. All information about registration and free use of the Moia vehicles for people with disabilities can be found here: https://help.moia.io/hc/de/articles/6106241810461
Public barrier-free parking spaces in Hamburg
You can find all accessible parking spaces in the Hamburg city area on the following website: https://geoportal-hamburg.de/geo-online/?layerIDs=453,941&visibility=true,true&transparency=0,0¢er=569470.3141220717,5936351.096489686&zoomlevel=0
To park your car in these spaces, you need the blue EU parking permit for people with disabilities. You can find all the information on how to apply for this permit on this page: https://www.hamburg.de/mobilitaet/1560460/behindertenparkplaetze/
Reeperbahn
The Reeperbahn is Hamburg’s most famous street. Located in the St. Pauli district, it is also known as the “most sinful mile in the world” because, in addition to its many clubs, bars, and discotheques, it also houses the red-light district. It’s particularly busy on weekends, and there’s plenty to experience. 20 million people from all over the world visit this street every year. Some of the cultural highlights in this guide, such as the Schmidt Theater and the Mojo, can be found on the Reeperbahn.
