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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Germany > Stuttgart

Local time Stuttgart

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Getting around Stuttgart

Public transport

Stuttgart has a good, integrated public transport network of light trains and buses. The Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS), (tel: +49 711 66060; www.vvs.de) operates local transport services within the city and surrounding area.

The urban rail network takes two main forms, the U-Bahn, which serves the city and its suburbs, and the S-Bahn, which also runs out to the airport and surrounding towns. The ticketing system is straightforward. You can buy single-journey tickets, which are valid for three hours, but if you're planning sightseeing at a number of locations a one-day-ticket (valid until 7 am on the following day) or a nice-weekend-ticket are better value, giving unlimited travel for 24 or 48 hours. These are valid either for individuals or groups of up to five people.

An unusual form of transport is the rack and pinion railway, locally known as the ‘Zacke', which plies a steep 2.2km (1.4-mile) route between Marienplatz in the city centre and Degerloch, on a hill overlooking Stuttgart.

Taxis

Taxi Auto Zentrale (tel: +49 711 551 0000; www.taxi-auto-zentrale.de) is Stuttgart’s main taxi operator. If the driver has been courteous, it's common to round up the fare by around 10% or to the nearest round figure.

Driving

Signposting is decent. On-street parking and numerous multi-storey garages are available, though the hourly rates can prove expensive.

Car hire

Hire cars are available from Avis (tel: +49 711 223 7258; www.avis.de), Budget (tel: +49 69 7104 45596; www.budget.de), Hertz (tel: +49 711 226 2921; www.hertz.de) and Sixt (tel: +49 1806 666 666; www.sixt.de).

Bicycle hire

Bike hire is available from Rentabike (tel: +49 711 4207 0833; www.rentabike-stuttgart.de). You can find bikes belonging to Deutsche Bahn’s Call a Bike (tel: +49 69 4272 7722; www.callabike-interaktiv.de/de/rad-finden) service at spots around the city and rent them after registering with the scheme.

German drivers tend to be conscious of cyclists, meaning cycling is safer than in many other European cities. Stuttgart is hilly but the greenery and cycle lanes mean it is a good place to cycle. The 83km (52-mile) marked Radel-Thon route offers numerous sightseeing opportunities.

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Hotel Ibis Stuttgart Centrum

The well known budget chain's product is familiar to most regular travellers, and this 104-room property is no exception. It's located handily in Marienplatz, and close to a choice of eateries should the hotel's bar snacks not be substantial enough.

Hotel Berg

This family-run hotel is located around 2.1km (1.3 miles) east of the city centre. The buffet-style breakfast offers travellers an opportunity to eat as much as they want. The rooms have an acceptable level of comfort and cleanliness.

Novum Hotel Boulevard Stuttgart

This medium-sized hotel offers great value for money. Several room types are available, including family accommodation. The Novum is situated in the heart of the city centre close to shops and attractions.

Der Zauberlehrling Design Hotel

Situated in the Bohnenviertel, this stylish design hotel is likely to appeal to people with a highly developed sense of aesthetic. The hotel has thirteen rooms and four suites spread across two buildings. The personalised service, attention to detail and ambiance of the hotel mean it is a fine place to relax.

Hotel Motel One

A mid-range chain hotel located close to Stuttgart's main railway station and handy for the main attractions if you don't want to pay top dollar, Hotel Motel One is of modern aspect and décor.

Hotel am Friedensplatz

This family run three-star property is located about 15 minutes' walk from the central station. It offers comfortable beds and the promise of a good night's sleep within easy reach of the city centre.