Bremen, a charming and historic city in northern Germany, is often overshadowed by bigger names like Berlin or Hamburg. But those who venture here are rewarded with a rich blend of medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and a friendly atmosphere that makes it feel like a hidden gem. One of the things that surprised me most during my trip was how easy and convenient it was to get around. In this post, I’ll share some of my personal tips and experiences on how to navigate Bremen and its surroundings smoothly. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or someone looking to explore the city from a different angle, these travel tips will help you make the most of your time in Bremen.
1. Getting to Bremen: Arrival Options
I began my journey by flying into Bremen Airport, which is just 3.5 km from the city center. For those traveling by air, it’s incredibly convenient as the airport is small but well-connected. As soon as I disembarked from my flight, I was greeted by clear signage in both German and English, making it easy to find the transport options into the city.
From the Airport to the City Center
There are a few options to get from Bremen Airport to the city center:
- Tram (Line 6): This was the option I chose, as it’s the most affordable and quickest. The tram station is located directly outside the airport, and I hopped on the Line 6 tram, which takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the main train station, Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Trams run every 10-15 minutes, so there’s very little waiting time. I was impressed by how punctual they were!
- Taxi: For those carrying a lot of luggage or preferring a direct route, a taxi is always available outside the airport. It takes around 10 minutes to get to the city center, but it can be a bit more expensive, with fares usually around €15 to €20.
- Airport Shuttle: Some hotels offer an airport shuttle service, which is another great option if you’re staying in a hotel that provides this service. It’s comfortable and hassle-free, but it’s typically only available for specific hotels, so you’d need to check in advance.
Train Travel: Arriving by Rail
Bremen is also well-connected by train, with Bremen Hauptbahnhof being the central hub. I took a few train journeys during my trip to explore the surrounding areas, and the trains were both fast and reliable. From the train station, I found it easy to reach various parts of the city, as it’s a major transport interchange.
2. Getting Around Bremen: Public Transport
Once in the city, I found Bremen’s public transport system to be incredibly straightforward and user-friendly. The system includes trams, buses, and even ferries on the Weser River. I tried all of them, and each method of transport has its own benefits, depending on where you’re headed.
Trams and Buses
Bremen’s trams and buses are operated by a company called BSAG (Bremen’s public transport service). The trams were my go-to choice for getting around the city.
- Tram Lines: I relied heavily on tram Line 1 and Line 10. Line 1 is perfect for tourists since it runs through the heart of Bremen and connects the central station to key landmarks, including the Bremen Town Hall and Schnoor Quarter.
- Bus Lines: I didn’t use the buses as often, but they’re also a good option if you’re heading to places that are not as easily accessible by tram. For example, if you want to visit Universum Bremen, a science museum located a little outside the city center, bus number 22 is the best route to take.
I found that tickets were easy to buy. You can purchase them directly on the tram or bus using a ticket machine, or even through an app on your smartphone. The ticket system is based on zones, so you pay based on how far you plan to travel. For single trips, prices range from €2.70 to €3.50. If you’re planning to explore a lot, I recommend buying a day pass, which offers unlimited travel for the entire day at a reasonable price.
Walking: The Best Way to See the City
Bremen is a relatively small city, and I found that walking was often the best way to explore. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, and many of Bremen’s main attractions, like the Bremen Roland Statue, the Bremen Cathedral, and the Schnoor Quarter, are within walking distance of each other.
One of the best areas to walk through is the Schnoor Quarter, a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. Walking through here felt like stepping back in time, and it was easy to lose track of time as I wandered through charming boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
Another great place to explore on foot is the Böttcherstrasse. This street is home to some stunning architecture and houses the Kunsthalle Bremen, a museum filled with impressive art collections. A leisurely stroll down here is an absolute must.
Biking: A Convenient Alternative
Bremen is known for being a bike-friendly city, and I was able to take advantage of this during my stay. If you’re used to cycling, renting a bike is an excellent way to explore the city at your own pace.
There are several bike rental stations scattered throughout the city, and I found Lime and Nextbike to be the most convenient options. With these services, you can rent and return bikes at various locations. The bikes are easy to operate and make getting around Bremen enjoyable, especially if you want to explore the parks or head further out to the Weser Promenade.
3. Day Trips Around Bremen
While Bremen itself has plenty to offer, I wanted to make the most of my time by exploring some nearby attractions as well. Fortunately, Bremen is well-connected to other cities and landmarks by public transport, making it easy to go on day trips.
To Bremerhaven: A Seaside Escape
One of my favorite day trips was to Bremerhaven, a port city located about 1 hour from Bremen by train. I took a regional train from Bremen Hauptbahnhof to Bremerhaven, and the journey was smooth and comfortable. Bremerhaven is home to the German Maritime Museum and the Climate House, both of which I highly recommend. The town also has a beautiful harbor and great seafood restaurants.
To Hamburg: A Bigger City Adventure
For those wanting to visit a larger city, Hamburg is just under 1.5 hours away by train. I took a high-speed ICE train from Bremen Hauptbahnhof, and it was a comfortable and relaxing ride. Hamburg is famous for its bustling harbor, the Elbphilharmonie, and vibrant neighborhoods like St. Pauli. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth a visit.
4. Navigating Bremen by Ferry
Another unique and enjoyable way to get around Bremen is by ferry. The Weser Ferry runs along the Weser River, and I took it from the Weser Promenade to the Waterfront Bremen, a shopping and entertainment complex located on the opposite side of the river. The ferry ride was short but scenic, and it offered a different perspective of the city.
The ferry system in Bremen is easy to use, and I found it to be a relaxing way to break up the day of sightseeing. Tickets for the ferry are available at the same kiosks as tram and bus tickets, so it’s simple to add a ferry ride into your plans.
5. Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
While I mostly relied on public transport, there were times when I needed to take a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber. Taxis are readily available in the city center, and I found the drivers to be friendly and helpful.
For those who prefer the convenience of ride-sharing, Uber operates in Bremen, making it an excellent choice if you want to travel directly to a specific destination without worrying about navigating public transport. It’s a great option if you’re carrying heavy luggage or heading to a more remote area.
6. Simple and Efficient Travel
Overall, getting around Bremen was a breeze. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with an efficient public transport system that includes trams, buses, ferries, and even bike rentals. Whether you’re heading to a popular landmark or exploring a quieter neighborhood, you’ll find that Bremen’s transport options are both convenient and reliable.
For those planning a trip to Bremen, I highly recommend taking advantage of the city’s public transport, walking around to explore its charming streets, and considering bike rentals for a more relaxed experience. With its ease of travel and friendly atmosphere, Bremen offers an unforgettable experience for all types of travelers.