The Duisburg Metro, located in the city of Duisburg, Germany, is a unique urban light rail system. Unlike a conventional metro system, it combines different modalities such as metro, light rail and tram, collectively referred to as Stadtbahn. It was built on the city’s existing tram network and is linked to the other tram systems in the Rhine-Ruhr region, providing connections to four other cities.
This public transport system consists of three lines. One of these lines is a real tramway, while the other two are classified as tram lines. However, they are often considered the same by the general public. Fares start at 1.60 euros ($1.88 USD) for a basic three-stop trip. Standard operating hours vary from line to line, with the system operating roughly between 4.30am and midnight.
The Duisburg Metro, also known as the “Stadtbahn” in Germany, operates daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. It does not operate 24 hours a day. The metro has an average daily ridership of 85,000.
Fares for this metro system are €1.60, but can go up to €14.60 depending on the route and type of ticket. The metro does not use driverless trains, has no air conditioning and no platform screen doors. However, passengers are allowed to walk between platforms.
The Duisburg metro has a maximum speed of 60 km/h. It is operated by the Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft (DVG).
Duisburg Metro Map
Map of Duisburg Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Duisburg Metro map in PDF format.
Duisburg: Germany’s Metro City
Located in the western region of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Duisburg is a city at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers, about 50 km from Düsseldorf. It had a population of around 489,000 in 2011 and has been an industrial powerhouse throughout its history, particularly in the production of coal, iron and steel.
Home to the world’s largest inland port with over 40km of quays, Duisburg plays a vital role in global maritime trade. Despite its inland location, the port can handle large ships, giving it the status of a seaport. The port is linked to Dortmund by the Rhine-Herne Canal and to the North Sea by the Dortmund-Ems Canal. Duisburg is the largest metallurgical industrial centre in Europe.
Immigration, particularly from Turkey, has been a major factor in the city’s growth, with about a fifth of the total population of Turkish origin.
Its climate mirrors that of northern Germany, with average temperatures of 4°C to 5°C in the coldest months and 14°C to 15°C in the warmest months.
The Duisburg Stadtbahn is part of the larger Rhine-Ruhr public transport system. It is managed by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VVR) and connects Duisburg with the cities of Bochum, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Essen.
Two separate rail systems operate on the Duisburg network: a light rail system (line U79) and two tram lines (lines 901 and 903). Despite this classification, there are no significant differences between the two systems. Together they carried around 30.9 million passengers in 2015.
Historical Overview
Due to its economic and industrial importance, the establishment of a public transport system was a priority for Duisburg. This initiative began in the 1960s, when both the federal and state governments approved programmes for the construction of light rail systems. Initially, the line was intended to connect the city from east to west, but in the 1970s it was decided to build it from north to south as other transport systems were preferred.
Construction of the tramway began in 1967, but was plagued by significant delays due to technical complications and cost overruns, resulting in resource constraints. The first tunnels were not completed until the 1980s. The system was officially inaugurated on 11 July 1992, initially with only five stations in the city centre.
Lines and Stations
The Duisburg Metro or Stadtbahn consists of three lines: one tram line (U79) and two tram lines (901 and 903). They share a common design, underground in the city centre and above ground in the suburbs.
Line U79
Line U79, a light rail line, has 19 stations and runs from the northern bank of the Ruhr River south along the eastern bank of the Rhine River. Trains depart from Duisburg and head straight south to the city of Düsseldorf. The first station is Meiderich.
Line 901
Line 901, one of the two tram lines, starts in the north-eastern part of the city at Obermarxloh Schleife station, quickly turns west along the Rhine, crosses the river, then turns east again to connect with line U79 at two stations, and continues to Müllheim station.
Line 903
Line 903, the other tram line and the longest in the system, starts north of the city at Dinslaken station and heads straight south towards the city. From Meiderich station to Platanenhof station it connects with line U79. It then heads south, parallel to the U79, and ends at Hüttenheim Mannesmann Tor 2.
Interconnectivity with Other Systems
Like other large cities, Duisburg extends beyond its metro and tram systems to meet the public transport needs of its citizens, especially for suburban travel.
In Germany, many regional S-Bahn trains operate in the suburbs of large cities, including Duisburg. This city is connected to the entire S-Bahn system of the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation. Lines S1 and S2 pass through Duisburg and arrive at the main railway station, where they connect to all three underground lines.
In addition to the trains, several bus lines operated by the VVR connect the rest of the city. Integrated into the Stadtbahn system, tickets are valid for both buses and trains. With over 400 bus stops in the city and suburbs, the bus system has the widest reach and is the most accessible form of public transport in Duisburg.
Like many European cities, Duisburg is connected to the extensive European rail network. The main railway station, Duisburg Hauptbahnhof, which is primarily operated by Deutsche Bahn, serves as the main link in the system, connecting all three metro systems, the S-Bahn (suburban railway) and long-distance trains.
Connectivity to the Airport
Duisburg relies on nearby Düsseldorf airport as it has no airport of its own. It is the third busiest airport in Germany, surpassed only by Munich and Frankfurt. There is also a railway station that connects directly to Duisburg’s metro system.
There are two main ways to get to the Duisburg Stadtbahn from Düsseldorf Airport. One option is to take several Deutsche Bahn long-distance trains to Duisburg. However, this is not suitable for those wishing to travel directly to Duisburg. In such cases, the second option provides a direct connection to the city via the S-Bahn system.
Düsseldorf Airport Station has an S-Bahn station on the lower level that serves the S1 line. This takes passengers directly to Duisburg’s main railway station. From here, all three metro lines are accessible, making this the easiest option for those who need to use the S-Bahn immediately after arriving at Düsseldorf Airport.
Operating Hours and Timetable
The Duisburg transport system operates an extended timetable from the early hours of the morning until midnight.
The U79 line starts at 4:52 a.m. and the last train departs at 12:35 a.m. Trains generally run every 15 minutes, but at peak times the frequency increases to one train every 10 minutes.
Line 901 starts even earlier, with the first tram leaving at 4.20 a.m., but it also ends earlier, with the last train leaving at 11.40 p.m. Like line U79, trains run every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, but this frequency doubles during peak hours.
Line 903 operates the longest hours, with the first train leaving at 3.54am and the last at 12.34am. Trains on this line run every 8 minutes throughout the day.
Tariffs, Tickets, and Cards
The Duisburg metro uses a dynamic pricing system, which means that fares are based on the distance travelled. The operator has introduced a four-zone pricing system: zones A, B, C and D.
The cheapest ticket available covers a short trip of three stations and costs €1.60 (about $1.88). Zone A tickets cost €2.70 (about $3.15), Zone B tickets cost €5.80 (about $6.77), Zone C tickets cost €12.10 (about $14.12) and Zone D tickets cost €15.00 (about $17.50).
Individuals have two other ticket options: a 4-trip ticket and a 10-trip ticket. For a 4-trip ticket, the prices are as follows: Short trip: €5.90 (approx. $6.89 USD), Zone A: €10.00 (approx. $11.67 USD), Zone B: €20.90 (approx. $24.38 USD), Zone C: €42.80 (approx. $49.95 USD), Zone D: €52.50 (approx. $61.27 USD).
For a 10-trip ticket, the prices are: short trip: €13.90 (about $16.22), zone A: €22.00 (about $25.67), zone B: €44.00 (about $51.35), zone C: €88.00 (about $102.69), zone D: €100.00 (about $116.70).
There are also a number of long-term ticket options, including special plans for infants, teenagers, students (monthly and semester plans) and senior citizens.
All these options have different prices depending on the distance travelled. A summarised price table (all prices in Euro) can be found in this section.
Future Expansions
From 2017, the entire system will operate on the eastern bank of the Rhine. All future expansion plans focus on connecting the western part of the city via bridges. However, most of Duisburg’s residents prefer to travel by car rather than by public transport. Therefore, the local authorities aim to make public transport more accessible and widely used.
Although the exact number of stations to be added has not yet been determined and construction has not yet begun, a master plan for the Duisburg tram 2027 is being developed. It takes into account urban planning, population growth, the limited use of the system and the need to cover a wider urban area.
Useful Tips
When using public transport in Duisburg, you should bear the following tips in mind:
German public transport operates on a system of trust (honour system). This means that there are no physical barriers to entry. However, you should always have a valid ticket with you, as staff can ask for it at any time.
The threat of terrorism is taken very seriously in Europe. Any unattended bag or parcel could attract attention and become a security issue, possibly resulting in security teams being sent to the site. Keep all your belongings close to you at all times.
Interesting Facts
- The Duisburg system is part of a larger whole: the Rhine-Ruhr transport system.
- Duisburg is the terminus of the Yuxinou Railway, a freight line linking Germany with the Chinese city of Chongqing via several other European and Asian countries, including Poland, Russia and Kazakhstan. It is part of a growing railway network along the so-called ‘New Silk Road’.
- It has two different rail systems that operate together, albeit on separate lines: a light rail and two tram lines.
- Although it covers a large area of the eastern part of the city, most residents do not use it, and many consider it inadequate.
Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing
Duisburg, an industrial city, is gradually becoming a popular tourist destination. With its welcoming environment and ecological transformation, it offers various attractions that are easily accessible by public transport.
Landscape park: Duisburg’s main tourist attraction is an old coal and steel works and metal processing centre, now transformed into a public park. Particularly attractive at night due to its illuminated areas, the Landschaftspark combines the city’s industrial roots with modern ecological values and the importance of remembrance. It is served by the 903 line and visitors can get off at the Landschaftspark-Nord stop and walk for about 10 minutes.
Duisburg Zoo: Founded in 1934, this is one of Germany’s oldest zoos and is nationally renowned for its dolphins and koalas. The zoo’s dolphin show is quite elaborate and visitors can even feed giraffes. Access is easy by taking the 901 line and getting off at the Zoo/Uni station.
Tiger & Tortoise: Often considered a unique landmark, this is an unconventional walk-on roller coaster. Over 21 metres high, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It can be reached by taking the U 79 and getting off at Duissern station.