In line with traditional German efficiency, the public transport system runs smoothly and on time.

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 core and trundle along on the street. The stations are all well lit and often decorated in a slightly dodgy 1980s colour scheme. Destinations are displayed prominently; keep the final station or the colour of the line in mind to navigate the more complicated stations. The S-Bahn complements the U-Bahn as a far more extensive surburban rail network, also serving the airport and surrounding towns. They duck underground in the city centre and pretend to be U-Bahn lines to confuse the tourists. Night buses take over after 01:30, departing in all directions from Konstablerwache every half hour. Friendly drivers are known to stop between stops to ensure you get home quickly and safely.
Tickets (Fahrkarten) can be purchased from the depressingly confusing RMV machines at tram and bus stops, as well as at U and S-Bahn stations. The multilingual machines accept coins and banknotes, but only issue tickets for immediate use as Frankfurt has no validating machines. There is a variety of tickets, and prices depend how far you are travelling and the time of the day. Reduced fares are available Mon to Fri 18:30-06:00 and 09:00-16:00, and all day at weekends and public holidays (excluding the airport). During these times, you will automatically be given the ermäßigt (reduced) version. Single tickets are just that - no return journeys or stops allowed. The most used tickets have special buttons.

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 (not valid on ICE/IC trains). For more information, visit the traffiQ office at Hauptwache.

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.