Help & Contact – our support team is here to answer your questions

Do you have a question for us? We’re happy to help! You can quickly find answers to many of your questions in our online help section. Simply select the relevant question. If you’d like personalized assistance, you can easily reach our customer service team at any time via the contact form.

FAQ

Subscription

Please note: The VRR itself is not responsible for season ticket orders; instead, these are handled by one of the 33 transport companies in the network or by the sales service provider Transdev. If you would like to purchase a season ticket, please contact the transport company of your choice directly.  You can find an overview of all transport operators in the network on our website.

Your contract or travel pass is managed by a transport operator within the VRR area or by the sales service provider Transdev. If you wish to make changes or cancel your travel pass, please contact your contract partner directly.

You can easily identify which transport operator is responsible for you by checking the logo on your season ticket or on your account statement. You will find the relevant contact details clearly listed on our website.

Most season tickets in the VRR area are issued as smartcards. Customer details such as the area of validity, fare category and validity period are stored on the smartcard and can be checked for validity using a card reader by a ticket inspector or driver.

If your VRR chip card is lost or damaged, you should act quickly to prevent unauthorised use: report the loss immediately to the transport operator with whom you took out your season ticket.

If your chip card is lost or damaged, the transport operator accepts no liability for additional functions or benefits, such as:

  • stored credit (e.g. electronic wallet)
  • other additional services not covered by your travel entitlement.

You can only obtain a replacement card from your transport operator, the contract partner or at the relevant customer centre.

  • First replacement card: €10 fee
  • Each additional card within 12 months: €20
     

You can find your relevant transport operator:

Any queries regarding your contactless card should always be directed to the transport operator with whom you took out your season ticket – not to the VRR directly.

Yes. If you cancel your subscription, you must return the smartcard to your transport operator.

If you do not return it, a fee of 10 euros will be charged.

Buy tickets

Within the VRR, there are several ways to buy tickets – online, from ticket machines, at the Customer Centre or at local ticket offices.

Online via the app or web shop:

Buying tickets from a ticket machine

You can buy your ticket from ticket machines 24 hours a day.

Please note:

  • Machines are usually located at larger stops, stations and interchange points
  • Some vehicles (e.g. certain buses, as well as trams and light rail services operated by some transport companies) are equipped with mobile ticket machines


Important information:

  • Some machines issue tickets that have already been validated. In this case, you cannot buy tickets in advance.
  • Not all tickets are available at every machine
  • Operation and ticket selection may vary depending on the machine
  • In the event of malfunctions or refunds, the transport operator running the machine is always responsible (see the logo on the machine).

 

Buying tickets at the Customer Centre

At the Customer Centres of transport operators within the VRR, you can:

  • Buy tickets
  • Take out or change season tickets
  • get personal advice (e.g. on connections or fares).

 

Buying tickets at sales outlets

Some tickets are also available at local sales outlets, e.g.:

  • Newsagents
  • Lottery outlets

For detailed advice or season tickets, please contact a Customer Centre.

Rate

The VRR fare system is based on fare zones.

  • One fare zone = one city or several smaller municipalities
  • Every journey within the VRR is assigned to a fare tier (A, B or C).

For single tickets:

  • Valid for a single journey within a fare zone
  • The fare is calculated from the boarding stop
  • Return or circular journeys are not possible → a new ticket is required.

Tip: You can find the exact price for your journey in the timetable information.

 

For season tickets (e.g. monthly passes):

  • You select a fixed fare zone as the area of validity

  • You can travel as often as you like within this zone.

    You can find an overview of the fare system and the zones in the ‘Fares at a Glance’ brochure (8.35 MB – PDF).

For single tickets:

  • Valid for journeys beyond your own fare zone
  • In most cases, this will allow you to travel to a neighbouring town
  • Ticket is valid for a single journey only
  • No return or round-trip included → a new ticket is required.

Tip: You can find the exact price for your journey in the timetable information.

For season tickets (e.g. monthly passes):

  • You select a central fare zone (starting zone)
  • You can also travel in the adjacent fare zones, provided they are connected by transport links
  • Unlimited travel is possible there.

You can find an overview of the areas covered by fare category B in the ‘Fare Overview’ brochure (8.35 MB – PDF). 

For single tickets:

  • For longer journeys across multiple fare zones
  • Valid for a single journey
  • No return or round-trip included → new ticket required

Tip: You can find the exact price for your journey in the timetable information.

For season tickets (e.g. monthly passes):

  • Valid throughout the entire VRR network
  • You can travel as often as you like, including:
    • Return journeys
    • Circular journeys
  • Ideal for frequent travellers throughout the entire VRR area.

You can find an overview of the fare system and the areas of validity in the brochure ‘Fares at a Glance’ (8.35 MB – PDF). 

A full overview of price tiers, tariff zones and areas of application can be found in the tariff brochure (8.35 MB – PDF) or under ‘Tariff Zones, Regions and Price Tiers’. 

Yes. If you hold a monthly ticket or a season ticket in price categories A or B, you can extend the validity of your ticket to cover the entire VRR network (price category C) by purchasing an ZusatzTicket.

  • Per journey: 1 ZusatzTicket
  • Return journey: 2 supplementary tickets

Yes, with a VRR ticket, you can travel across the border to the Netherlands on selected routes.

Which destinations in the Netherlands can I reach with VRR tickets?

With the VRR fare, you can travel to the following Dutch cities:

  • Venlo
  • Nijmegen
  • Arnhem
  • Zevenaar
  • ’s-Heerenberg
  • Millingen

The standard VRR fare zones (A, B or C) apply – depending on the route.

On which routes does the VRR fare apply to the Netherlands?

The VRR fare applies only on certain routes, e.g.:

  • RE 13, 929, SB 42 → towards Venlo
  • RE 19 → towards Zevenaar and Arnhem
  • SB 46, SB 58 → towards Nijmegen
  • Bus 60 → towards Millingen
  • Bus 91 → towards ’s-Heerenberg

Important: The VRR fare applies only on vehicles operated by VRR transport companies.

Can I use a VRR ticket on Dutch transport services?

VRR tickets are not valid on Dutch transport. For journeys within the Netherlands (e.g. local transport in Venlo), the Dutch fare applies. Exception: Buses operated by Arriva in Venlo can be used with VRR tickets for connecting journeys.

Do I need an additional ticket for journeys to the Netherlands?

For season tickets (e.g. monthly passes),
you will need an ZusatzTicket if your ticket is not valid all the way to the Netherlands.

Regulations for passengers with severe disabilities

  • The severely disabled person’s pass is only valid within Germany; however, it can also be used on regional rail services to Arnhem and Venlo.
  • In addition, the pass can also be used for journeys to and from stations in the Netherlands if the VRR fare applies there. Exceptions are the routes operated by the transport company Arriva.

Special feature in Arnhem

At Arnhem station, there are access barriers (OV-Chipkaart gates).
These control entry to and exit from the station. You can pass through them using your chip card ticket; if you have purchased your ticket via the app, you can open them using the QR code. If you have a ticket from a ticket machine, you may need to ask staff on site to open the barrier.

Tip for planning your journey

You can find all connections and fare categories for your journey to the Netherlands in the VRR timetable information.

For journeys beyond the area covered by your VRR ticket throughout North Rhine-Westphalia, you can use the EinfachWeiterTicket NRW (EWT).

This allows you to easily extend your existing season ticket (e.g. monthly or JobTicket) to cover further routes in NRW. The price remains the same, regardless of how far you travel within NRW (e.g. from Aachen to Münster or Cologne to Paderborn).

Ticket validity

Tickets are generally sold at the old fare rates until 31 December of each year. Provided they have been used from stock, they can be used for travel until the end of service on 31 March of the following year.

The end of service is defined as:

  • for DB AG rail services and other rail operators, 3:00 am on the following day,
  • otherwise the start of the night-time service suspension or the end of Night Express services on the following day.

     

Exchange policy

Exchanges for tickets purchased in advance but not used (including partially used multi-journey tickets), 4-trip tickets based on the fare structure as at 1 March 2025 for new tickets based on the current fare structure is possible at the selling transport company until 31 December 2028, subject to payment of the difference in euros. The difference in price upon exchange will be rounded up to the nearest 5-cent amount. No handling fee applies.

Passenger rights

The Mobility Guarantee ensures you receive a refund or compensation if a journey within the VRR fare zone could not be completed as scheduled – for example, due to delays or cancellations.

Who is responsible for processing claims?

The transport operator responsible for the journey is always responsible for handling refund claims.

How do I submit a claim?

You have several options:

  1. Online via the online portal/tool
    → submit conveniently from home
     
  2. By PDF
    → complete the refund application (658 KB - PDF) and submit it to the relevant transport company within 14 days
     
  3. In person at the Customer Centre
    → staff will assist you with the application

You can find detailed information on the Mobility Guarantee on the official mobil.nrw website

The Punctuality Promise is a voluntary service offered by some transport operators within the VRR.
If you arrive at your destination more than 10 minutes late when travelling by bus or train, you can claim a refund for the cost of a VRR Single Ticket in price category A.

The Punctuality Promise applies to all VRR tickets: such as Single Tickets, 4-Trip Tickets or Season Tickets.

Important: No refunds are available for tickets from other transport networks or Deutsche Bahn long-distance tickets.


How do I report a delayed journey?
If your vehicle arrives more than 10 minutes late, please report this within three working days:

  1. Online via the official website
  2. By phone via the Smart Number for Bus & Train: 0800 6 / 50 40 30 (free of charge)
  3. In person at the customer centre of the relevant transport operator
     

How do I receive the refund?
You have three months from the date of reporting to collect the refund. To receive a refund, you will need the VRR ticket used for the journey and, if necessary, official photo ID (ID card, passport, driving licence). Payment is made at the transport operator’s Customer Centre.
 

The following companies within the VRR currently offer the Punctuality Promise:

 

The connection guarantee is a voluntary service offered by some transport operators within the VRR, which ensures that the connections between services specified in the timetable are met.

If a connection is missed, transport operators offer different guarantee entitlements depending on their policy, for example:

  • Provision and payment of a taxi journey
  • Alternatively, other services determined individually by the company.

Important information

  • The connection guarantee is not offered across the entire VRR
  • Affected connections are often marked with a symbol on the timetable
  • Each transport operator organises the service at its own discretion
  • This is a voluntary service; there is no legal entitlement to it.

The VRR applies the standardised national passenger rights (852 KB - PDF) in the event of cancellations, delays and missed connections in relation to the operating railway company. These regulations apply in addition to the usual statutory provisions and supplement them.

Compensation

Customers with a ticket for single journeys (both local and long-distance), such as the EinzelTicket and 4erTicket, will be reimbursed 25 per cent of the fare for each journey (for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes) or 50 per cent of the fare (for a delay of 120 minutes or more).

With a season ticket, such as weekly or monthly tickets for local and long-distance travel, a flat-rate compensation is paid for a delay of 60 minutes or more: 1.50 euros for a journey in 2nd class; for a journey in 1st class, €2.25. For season tickets, a maximum of 25 per cent of the actual fare paid is reimbursed. Compensation payments of less than €4.00 will not be paid out.

Deadlines

For season tickets, claims should be submitted collectively at the end of the month. For single-journey tickets, you can submit claims immediately.

Claims

In principle, claims arising from statutory passenger rights must be made against the transport operator responsible.

Form and further information

The passenger rights form (117 KB – PDF), which you can use to make a claim, is also available at the offices or ticket offices of the railway companies.

You also have the option of claiming compensation online via your customer account on bahn.de and in the DB Navigator.

All about the trip

The increased fare (EBE) is a penalty charge that you must pay if you are found travelling on the VRR network without a valid ticket during a ticket inspection. The charge is usually 60 euros.

Important: Every passenger is required to carry and present a valid ticket throughout the entire journey. If you hold a personal and valid ticket but do not have it with you at the time of the inspection, you can present it at a later date at the Customer Centre.  In this case, you will only pay a reduced processing fee instead of the 60 euros.

 

What can I do if I believe the EBE is unjustified?

If you believe that the EBE has been wrongly imposed:

  • contact the transport company that issued the claim directly
  • you will find the contact details on the receipt (including the company’s logo).

Only this company can decide on your case.
 

Why is there an increased fare?

Journeys without a ticket result in significant revenue losses for local public transport.
The EBE serves to prevent fare evasion and to ensure the continued operation of buses and trains.

Some transport operators require passengers to board their buses at the front – in some cases only during certain times of day. This means: 

  • All passengers must board at the front (with the exception of those with reduced mobility)
  • Show or scan your ticket, or buy one from the driver 
  • Electronic tickets (chip card, mobile ticket) are scanned at the reader
  • Photo ID is required for paper tickets.

The system enables the transport operator to immediately identify blocked tickets upon boarding and remove them from circulation. Lost or stolen chip cards cannot therefore be misused.

Targeted ticket inspections are intensive ticket checks carried out within the VRR, involving a particularly large number of ticket inspectors working simultaneously, often accompanied by the police. The aim is to check as many passengers as possible and to reduce the number of journeys made without a valid ticket.

These checks complement the regular checks carried out on a daily basis and help to prevent revenue losses caused by fare evasion. Otherwise, these costs would have to be borne by paying passengers.

In some cases, transport operators provide advance notice of planned spot checks on their websites.

As a general rule, closing time is 3 a.m. the following day. 

If you have lost something within the VRR area (e.g. a wallet, mobile phone or clothing), please contact the transport operator you were travelling with directly. The VRR itself does not operate its own lost property office.

  • Items lost on buses or trains are usually handed in to the lost property office of the relevant transport operator
  • Use the overview on the VRR website to find the right contact.

Important details for your enquiry:

  • Which transport operator?
  • Which route?
  • Which stop?

Note:
If you have lost something on a train or at a Deutsche Bahn station, please contact the DB LostProperty Office (including the online form).

Tip: Report the loss as soon as possible – this increases the chances of finding your item.

Yes, under certain conditions, you can use public transport within the VRR and throughout Germany free of charge. To qualify, you must have a valid severely disabled person’s pass bearing the relevant mark, as well as a supplementary sheet with a token.

As a rule, people are eligible if they have:

  • a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50
  • and one of the following marks: G, aG, H, Bl or Gl

 

Where is free travel valid?

  • Valid on buses, trams, underground trains and local trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn, 2nd class)
  • Valid only within Germany and wherever the VRR fare applies.

 

How much will the travel pass cost in 2026?

  • 6 months: 53 euros
  • 12 months: 104 euros

The travel pass is free of charge for people with Bl and H status or recipients of certain social benefits, amongst others.

Applications must be made via the relevant pension office.

 

What additional services are available?

  • An accompanying person travels free of charge if the ‘B’ designation is registered
  • Use of the mobility guarantee (e.g. reimbursement in the event of delays)
  • Bicycle transport and 1st class travel possible with an additional ticket

 

For detailed information, it is worth taking a look at specialist information pages on accessible public transport.

Carry-on

If you’re cycling within the VRR area, you’ll find all the key information here about taking your bike on buses, trams and local trains:

Which bikes are allowed?

  • Muscle-powered bicycles
  • Pedelecs and e-bikes with pedal assistance
  • Not permitted: vehicles with combustion engines.

On trains (SPNV)

  • Bicycles may only be carried in designated storage areas
  • If these are not available, the rules for buses and trams apply.

On buses and trams (ÖSPV)

  • Permitted: single-track bicycles without a motor
  • Prohibited: tandems, recumbent bikes, tricycles, combustion engines
  • Exception for people with severe disabilities holding a valid disability card (Section 69 SGB IX), provided there is space available.

Capacity and priority

  • Transport only if there is sufficient space
  • Priority for wheelchairs and pushchairs
  • Decision at the discretion of the driver
  • No entitlement to carriage.

Further information

  • One bicycle per person
  • Children under 6 years of age must be accompanied
  • Folding and collapsible bicycles are treated as hand luggage when folded
  • Child trailers are treated in the same way as pushchairs
  • Transportation only permitted with a valid FahrradTicket.

Regional differences

  • Carriage times may vary depending on the transport operator
  • Detailed information is available on the notices displayed on site.

Further information on bicycle parking facilities at stations: Bike + Ride facilities in the VRR

Yes. With any valid VRR ticket, you can travel with your dog – or even several dogs – free of charge within the relevant area of validity.

Dogs are permitted provided that safety and order are maintained on board and other passengers are not disturbed. Dogs must:

  • be under the supervision of a suitable person
  • be kept on a short lead
  • wear a muzzle if there is a potential risk to other passengers
  • remain on the floor (no seating)

In addition, guide dogs are permitted on board at all times.

Other animals may only be carried in suitable transport containers that do not block seats.

Whether you can travel with other people depends on your ticket:

  • DeutschlandTicket / DeutschlandTicket Schule / Deutschlandsemesterticket / DeutschlandTicket Sozial / DeutschlandTicket Job: You cannot take anyone else with you.
  • SchokoTicket: No passengers allowed.
  • Ticket2000: Yes. Up to five people throughout the VRR network area: Mon–Fri from 7 pm, at weekends, on public holidays and all day on 24 December and 31 December. Maximum of two people over the age of 14 (including the ticket holder).
  • VRR Semester Ticket: Yes. One person free of charge: Mon–Fri from 7 pm, at weekends, on public holidays and all day on 24 December and 31 December. The ticket’s own area of validity remains restricted to the North or South region.
  • Social Ticket: Yes. Up to three children under 15: Mon–Fri from 7 pm, at weekends, on public holidays and all day on 24 Dec and 31 Dec – within the registered validity area in each case.
  • eezy.nrw: It is not possible to carry additional passengers free of charge, but this can be arranged by booking via the app before check-in. 

You can take a pushchair on VRR services free of charge at any time. Please check the timetable in advance to see if there are any accessibility restrictions at your station or stop.

It depends on the child's age: 

  • Children under the age of six travel free of charge. 
  • Children under the age of seven who are not yet attending school also travel free of charge until they start school (in North Rhine-Westphalia, the school year always begins on 1 August each year). 
  • Reduced ticket prices apply to children aged six to 14.
  • Children aged 15 and over pay the full ticket price. 

Yes, e-scooters may be carried on public buses provided certain criteria are met. This is based on a nationwide decree dated 15 March 2017, which regulates the carriage of e-scooters on public transport.

Transport is only permitted if certain requirements are met – both regarding:

  • the e-scooter,
  • the public bus,
  • and the user.

An important point: a severely disabled person’s pass marked with the letter ‘G’ is usually required to carry an e-scooter.

For further, binding information, please contact your local transport operator directly.

Yes, you can take a wheelchair with you free of charge within the VRR area. Please check the timetable information in advance to see if there are any accessibility restrictions at your stop or station.

You may carry items provided they do not compromise safety or order on the vehicle. Other passengers must not be endangered or inconvenienced. Items must be stowed and supervised in such a way that they:

  • do not obstruct anyone,
  • do not block seats,
  • and do not cause any damage. The passenger is liable for any damage.


Dangerous substances and dangerous items are not permitted, in particular:

  • explosive, highly flammable, radioactive, foul-smelling or corrosive substances
  • unpackaged or unprotected objects that could cause injury
  • objects that protrude beyond the carriage boundaries.

The train crew will decide on a case-by-case basis whether an item is permitted and where it should be stored. If there is a suspicion that a piece of luggage contains dangerous substances, the crew may request information. If this is refused, the luggage will not be carried. 

In principle, there is no entitlement to the carriage of items.

Accessibility

Accessibility makes it easier for people with reduced mobility – such as those with physical or visual impairments, older passengers or travellers with heavy luggage – to use public transport. For accessibility to work effectively, passenger information,infrastructure and vehicles must all be coordinated.

Information on the accessibility of RE, RB and S-Bahn stations within the VRR can be found in the route maps for the respective lines. These show which platforms are accessible via lifts or ramps.

You can also:

These include the exact locations of the lifts. Any faults with lifts and escalators are also displayed as text messages in the timetable information.

The VRR is currently running a number of funding projects aimed at further expanding accessible infrastructure. These include measures to equip stops and stations with accessible facilities, such as:

  • Lifts
  • Escalators
  • Ramps
  • Level access, where the platform height matches the vehicle entrance
  • Tactile paving systems.

On many train routes within the VRR, trains are in service with:

  • level access or boarding aids
  • multi-purpose compartments for wheelchairs, pushchairs or luggage
  • visual and audible passenger information
  • disabled-friendly toilets on regional services.

For buses and trams: As public transport is organised by local transport operators, you can obtain specific information on accessibility directly from the relevant transport operator.

Safety

In dangerous situations on public transport, the same rule applies as in other situations in daily life: stay calm, get help, protect others. In an emergency, call the police (110) and clearly state the most important information:

  • What has happened?
  • Where did it happen?
  • When did it happen?
  • How many people are involved?
  • How many people are injured?

Then wait and respond to any follow-up questions.

Following a safety-related incident, you can take the following steps:

  • Secure video footage: Contact the relevant transport operator as soon as possible. For data protection reasons, recordings are usually only stored for a maximum of 72 hours.
  • Make use of victim support: Victims have specific rights in criminal proceedings, e.g. the right to be present and the right to information. The North Rhine-Westphalia state government provides information on support services via a dedicated website.
  • File a criminal complaint electronically: A complaint can be filed with the police, the public prosecutor’s office, the local court or online.

Further information is available from the State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia at Victim Protection in North Rhine-Westphalia | NRW Justice.

The MuTiger Foundation, established by the VRR and the Kötter Group, promotes civic courage and offers free courses for people aged 16 and over. The training courses cover:

  • Basics of emergency situations
  • How to behave in critical situations, particularly in the context of public transport
  • Making an emergency call correctly
  • Protecting others without putting yourself at risk

For further information and to register for the free muTiger training courses, visit www.mutiger.de

To boost passengers’ sense of security, there is an increased staff presence at many stops and stations. They are on hand to answer questions, maintain a visible presence and provide assistance in emergencies.

To improve safety on trains, public transport operators have deployed various teams:

  • Train crew (e.g. ticket inspectors)
  • Specially trained security staff
  • Response teams capable of reacting flexibly to situations

A 100 per cent on-board staff coverage rate has already been achieved on many routes and is set to apply across the entire network in future.

In addition, infrastructure operators provide the following at many stations:

  • CCTV cameras  
  • emergency call points through which passengers can quickly request assistance.

Since February 2017, on-call staff have been supplementing the regular crew on selected routes as part of a pilot project. They can be recognised by their bright yellow high-visibility vests and are able to:

  • intervene quickly if passengers or staff need assistance
  • effectively enforce the right to manage the premises
  • respond flexibly to tense situations

Yes, video surveillance systems are used in railway stations, transport hubs and public transport vehicles to enhance passengers’ sense of security and help prevent crime. They are also intended to assist the police in prosecuting thieves and violent offenders. 

Alongside the vital role played by staff at stations and on vehicles, the use of video cameras is another indispensable element in improving safety on public transport and is therefore being continuously expanded.

For example, since 2006, all new regional rail vehicles in the VRR area have been equipped with video cameras.

For many years, the VRR has been supporting children through road safety education programmes designed to help them move around public spaces safely and independently. This initiative is driven by rising traffic volumes – particularly in cities – and the associated challenges for young passengers.

The VRR provides a wide range of information and learning materials for children, parents, teachers and nursery staff, as well as local authorities, including:

  • Films
  • Brochures
  • Teaching and information materials to download

The aim is to provide guidance and raise awareness of potential dangersin everyday life. 

Means of transport

A RegionalExpress (RE) is a local train designed to provide fast connections between the city centres of major cities and to link regions to the long-distance rail network. 

The RE in Germany evolved from the former Eilzug and the RegionalSchnellBahn; it stops at stations further apart than the RegionalBahn (RB), has a higher passenger capacity and covers longer distances. It also travels faster, with an average speed of 70 to 90 km/h.

You can use our timetable enquiry service to check journey connections and current departure times.

Like the RegionalExpress (RE), the RegionalBahn (RB) is a local train that stops far more frequently. On most routes, the RB serves all stations and stops. In conurbations, for example, if an S-Bahn runs in parallel, the RB often only serves stops with high passenger volumes. 

You can use our timetable enquiry service to check journey connections and current departure times.

The S-Bahn is an urban rapid transit system that is classified as a railway both technically and legally. S-Bahn services operate as part of the local rail network and provide intra-city connections.

You can use our timetable enquiry service to check journey connections and current departure times.

The following public transport services may be used with a VRR ticket within the relevant area of the VRR network:

Local public transport

  • Buses
  • Trams
  • Underground / light rail
  • Wuppertal Suspension Railway
  • SkyTrain in Düsseldorf
  • H-Bahn in Dortmund
  • TaxiBus
  • Express city buses
  • CityExpress
  • CityLine
  • XBus

Rail transport (2nd class)

  • Trains with no surcharge
  • Suburban trains (S)
  • Regional trains (RB)
  • RegionalExpress (RE)

The shared taxi service (AST) operates in rural areas and urban suburbs, departing from a designated stop at fixed times. You are free to choose your destination within the service area, so you can be dropped off right at your front door. However, the taxi will only start the journey if a request is made; in other words, you must call the AST control centre to give your destination at least 30 minutes before the journey begins. The fare is only slightly higher than that of a bus ticket. AST tickets are valid only for AST journeys.

Important information for your journey

Journeys by Call-and-Collect Taxi are marked in the timetable information. There you will also find the telephone number to book the Call-and-Collect Taxi.
For further information, please contact your local transport company or a customer centre.

A reduced fare for the Call-a-Shared Taxi applies to

  • People with severe disabilities who are entitled to free travel within the VRR, as well as their accompanying persons
  • Holders of valid VRR season tickets, including semester tickets
  • Holders of holiday passes
  • Children aged between 6 and under 15
  • Items of luggage that take up a seat.

In addition to local services, long-distance trains (IC/EC, ICE) operated by Deutsche Bahn AG also run within the VRR area. You cannot use your standard ticket to travel on long-distance trains within the VRR. 

Contact form

Your contact to VRR customer management

Dear passenger,

Due to the current situation, the processing of letters and e-mails is taking longer than usual. If possible, please address your enquiries and applications relating to season tickets or the NRW mobility guarantee directly to your contracted transport company (operating transport company, for season tickets see back of ticket or account statement).

You can find an overview of all transport companies here.

Best regards,

Your VRR team

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