Skip to main content

Public Transit in the Rhein-Main Region

Image
By
It's taken a while to figure out the public transit in Mainz, and how to make the most of a ticket, so here is what I've learned...

Our transit system has an app - called MVG Mainz - but I find the RMV app (beyond the Mainz/ Wiesbaden region) far more comprehensive and easy to use.

I've also recently started using the RMV Smart app - in beta since Oct '17, and a great way to purchase tickets online with demand-based pricing. With it, users can pay 5 euros for a month (does not automatically renew), for the right to a 50% discount on all of tickets that month. Although right now you can only buy one-way tickets, the prices are based on demand - so you can save a bit traveling during off-peak hours, or just from city centre- city centre. Tickets bought through the app are valid for an hour and a half.

Now for the paper ticket stuff. In Mainz, as in every city, there are a million different options for ticketing . It can be tricky to figure out the right one - I used to just buy a one-way ticket and pay far more than I needed to. Depending on how far and how frequently you travel, as well as your age, you have several options to save a bit of cash.


  • Sammelkarten: At ticketing kiosks, you can buy a pack of 5 one-way tickets for a reduced price. You must stamp them upon entry of a bus or tram, and they're only valid in a single direction or travel. 
  • Tageskarte: Usually for less than the price of 3 one-way tickets, you can buy a day ticket for the right to travel all day / until a very late hour in the night. Many people give these away on a local Free Your Stuff facebook group in the afternoon - you might even be able to snag one for free!
  • Kurzstrecke: On a tram or bus, you can buy a 'short trip' ticket. Ask the bus driver how many stops this allows you (usually 1-2) to take. 
  • Einzelfahrkarte: You can pay full price for a one-way ticket on boarding, but I recommend avoiding this whenever possible. 
  • Wochen- / Monats- / Jahreskarte: You can buy week / month / year tickets. The year option, when paid upfront, allows you 2 months of free travel within the network, plus the convenience factor of having a permanent ticket in your wallet. It's by far the best deal, and there are often reduced prices for seniors or students. (In Mainz, seniors can also get a reduced-price monthly ticket- great for visiting family members). You can also take a buddy for free in the evenings (after 7 pm) and weekends. We have spent many a Sunday riding the trams into town to pass time and eat ice cream, thanks to my year pass. 
Generally, transit prices go up effective either Jan 1 or Feb 1. No matter what your ticket method of choice is, it's never a bad idea to stock up on sammelkarten before the fare change goes in. Next up: regional travel and the endless options on Deutsche Bahn...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Saturday Morning Comparisons: by haiku

By
2 haikus 9 am Sunday morning in downtown Austin: Cyclists in spandex spin by Amidst the stench of vomit and homelessness Empty streets save for a motorcycle parade. 9 am Sunday morning, Alstadt, Mainz: The sun is shining A giant farmer's market fills the plaza Pedestrians, bikers, families smiling together.
Post a Comment
Read more

Frankfurt Airport, it's Time for a Do-Over

By
I'll start this post with a rant. I really hate Frankfurt Airport. Now, I've slept overnight at more airports than is normal - SFO, ORD, YYZ. So many, and I still remember the airport codes - this makes me somewhat of an expert. In Frankfurt, well, the putrid gray colors...the parking garages that are cold and endless... the smoking rooms you can smell from too far away... the lack of water fountains... the lack of helpful staff... I could go on. The absolute worst part though, is the process to reclaim your VAT. It's convoluted during normal working hours, and even more convoluted outside those times. Since neither Frankfurt's airport, nor inside signage, nor information desk, can be bothered to clearly explain how it works, here is your guide. After 4 failed attempts at off-hours VAT reclamation by 3 different family members.... we shall fail no more! DURING WORKING HOURS (7 am - 6 pm): Customs window is open. Find the window ("Zoll") in your terminal...
Post a Comment
Read more

November in Mainz is for leaves falling, gray skies, and Christmas markets

By
Oh how cold it is. November is typically when the skies turn gray, it gets dark quite early, and Christmas lights begin to slowly appear. One of my favorite memories when we lived in Washington, was the  swirling leaves  falling all around in fall. Although the trees here look bare by the end of the month, it's rare to see unraked piles of leaves on the ground -- this is true German efficiency. As soon as the leaves fall to the ground, they're whisked away by city services. It's quite a sight to watch how quickly the ground is cleared! It's a good time to pull out board games, light some candles, and get ready for baking lebkuchen. And towards the end of the month, time for the most festive activity of all: Christmas markets! As cold and dark as it may be, the glow of the lights and warmth of the hot drinks and people all around have a magical way of brightening up a dark month. In Mainz, it traditionally begins the Thursday before the first advent - this year it'...
Post a Comment
Read more