Public transport

Heidelberg is well integrated into the German and European railway systems. Examples: Frankfurt to Heidelberg in one hour, Cologne to Heidelberg in two hours, Zurich or Paris to Heidelberg in three and a half hours, Amsterdam to Heidelberg in five hours. www.bahn.de

The motorways A5/A6, with interconnected highways, serve much of the greater Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Motorways A5/A6, direct motorway on-ramps and exits from/to Heidelberg via the A5/A656. Heidelberg has an environmental zone, into which only vehicles which meet certain emissions standards are permitted to drive. Cars which are used in the Green Zone must be equipped with a sticker that indicates their emissions group. The center with its diverse shopping opportunities around the Bismarckplatz (Bismarck Square) includes the parking garages P0 to P7, P14, the underground car park P15 in the old hospital and the P16 right at the start of the Neuenheimer Neckarseite. For an old-town stroll or a visit to the Castle, it is best to park in the Old Town car parks P9, P11, P12 or P13. You can check for free parking places on www.heidelberg.de/parken.

Heidelberg’s short-distance transport network, consisting of the S-Bahn railway and the streetcar and bus system, is optimally developed. From outside the main railway station, you have quick and easy access to the Old Town and the various parts of the city, reaching the Old Town in 5 to 7 minutes.

The HeidelbergCARD enables you to experience a great number of attractions simply and economically. The HeidelbergCARD is available for a stay of one, two, or four days, and for families for two days. Free benefits with the Card: Castle ticket: With the HeidelbergCARD you receive also the castle ticket. This ticket blends a ride on the funicular and a visit to the castle into one unique experience. Your trip to the castle begins on a relaxed – and environmentally nurturing – note, at the funicular station just off of Corn Market. The castle ticket covers your trip to and from the castle funicular station, on one of the most modern electrically operated city cable cars in Germany, plus entrance to the castle courtyard, the Great Vat building with the largest wooden wine vat in the world, the famous view from the terrace, and the unique German Apothecary Museum. Free travel with the public transport system: The HeidelbergCARD entitles the bearer for the inscribed period of validity to travel with all busses, streetcars and approved trains (with the Deutsche Bahn: RE, RB, and S-Bahn, second class) of the linked transport system VRN in the greater zone of Heidelberg (Zone 125). All variations of the HeidelbergCARD ensure attractive reductions. Whether for guided or non-guided tours, visits to museums, cultural enrichments, restaurants, or shopping – with the HeidelbergCARD, Heidelberg is even more enjoyable! Available in the Tourist Information Centers.

Most pharmacies observe the usual opening hours for shops, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Some may choose to remain open until 8 p.m. Pharmacies are closed on Sunday, but an emergency service on a rotating basis is always available, see below.