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# 009: Bus and train

Bus In the large German cities like Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart or Cologne, you need a car. Many of my friends have a car - because these cities have so-called good public transport system. Public transport as buses or subways. I now declare you even know how the system works in Munich. There is a little complicated, but we try anyway, right?

In the city itself take the underground subway. They keep very often and also go very often, you have to wait long for an ever subway. On top of this road there is still a good bus and tram. Both I can recommend even if you just want to make time on a sightseeing tour, without paying much money. Both cost the same amount and is also similar comfortably. The trams have the advantage that they can turn on the lights to green and therefore have more free rides.

Who wants to drive longer distances, for example, in the suburbs, which can also take the train. She actually looks just like the subway runs, but not below ground, but also on the earth. With the train you can ride to the airport, for example, which is just outside Munich.

Sign Well, you know now, therefore, want to go where your. So you still need a ticket. The systems in the cities are usually very complicated, there are weekly, monthly and annual passes for local commuters. For tourists it is best if you buy a tourist card. This is cheap, and usually valid for several days to get there with you even less interest in museums and others. This ticket must be stamped in machines that are mounted in buses and trams in the vehicle, U-and S-Bahn, however, are still standing on the platform or even up in front of the escalator. These tickets are controlled by inconspicuously dressed people - but not in any way. They do spot checks. Anyone who has a ticket must pay a penalty. Turnstiles are as in other international cities like London or New York does not exist in Germany. The ticket you must always have with you if you'll check. You can throw it away until you arrive at your destination, and the ticket is not valid anymore. You can vote with such a ticket easily change from train to bus or vice versa, that's no problem.

There are trains and buses in the way special places for the disabled and elderly. These are marked with a special symbol and must be vacated, if someone needs them. Otherwise: You can not smoke on trains and buses. If you want to get off, you press on buses and trams with a red button near the entrance, before the station is reached. S-and U-Bahn stop always automatically at each station.

In the Munich subway system was built specially for the way the 1972 Olympic Games! The S-Bahn trains now are all new and air conditioned, the subways are air conditioned and some are new, some old, but also really funny, you have the space that is so disguised that it looks as if it were made of wood. Of course it is plastic and metal.

If you are traveling as tourists, I recommend you to avoid the rush hour. It's like the time when the people leave in the morning 7-9 clock in the evening and 17 to 19 clock to work or home. The trains and buses are often crowded and it's no fun ride. It's the same on Saturday afternoon, when the fans go to the football stadium.

And caution: Trains leave the whole night! Instead look at a schedule in advance, so you have to take an expensive taxi. You have to fear in Munich by the way did not, they are very safe, even at night and for women in public transport.

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