Living in the Ruhrgebiet
Mobility
The Ruhr region has a well-developed public transport network. By bus and train, hire bikes or car sharing - in the Ruhr metropolis you can get from city to city quickly and easily. Below you will find information on various modes of transport, the transport network and barrier-free mobility in the Ruhr region.
By bus and train
Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR)
The VRR area covers most of the Ruhr region, the Lower Rhine, parts of the Bergisches Land and the North Rhine-Westphalian state capital of Düsseldorf. Information on tickets, prices and timetables for local public transport can be found here: VRR
Airstream
Like VRR, Fahrtwind is the public transport provider for the eastern Ruhr region.
German railway
Here you will find everything you need to know about the DB timetable, as well as travel information, tips and much more: Deutsche Bahn
Out tip: The Deutschlandticket
The Deutschlandticket has been available throughout Germany since April 2023! For a fixed price of 49 euros per month, this ticket allows you to use all public transport in the Ruhr region as well as public transport throughout Germany in local public transport (ÖPNV) and local rail transport (SPNV) of all participating transport companies, state tariffs and transport associations.
By bike
Metropolradruhr
The bike hire system metropolradruhr has been in place in ten cities in the Ruhr metropolis since 2010. With close links to public transport stops, it offers a good supplement and alternative for short journeys in the city.
RevierRad
RevierRad, based in Mülheim, offers a complete tourist package with accessories, transport and personal services. Bikes and accessories can be hired and returned at numerous hire stations at popular excursion destinations in the Ruhr region, at the anchor points of the Industrial Heritage Route and on the RuhrTalRadweg.
By car
The first and most important question you need to clarify: Is your driving licence valid in Germany?
If you already have a driving licence from your home country, different regulations apply depending on the country.
Citizens of the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland:
Your driving licence is valid to the same extent as in your home country. You do not need to change or rewrite anything.
Citizens from another country:
You can drive in Germany for six months with your driving licence. This period applies from the day you register your residence in Germany. After that, you will need a German driving licence. Whether you have to take another driving test in Germany depends on the country in which you obtained your driving licence.
Register your car and have it checked
You must register your car at a vehicle registration office. You will need your vehicle registration document and your car insurance policy. If you are bringing your car from abroad, ask the registration office whether you need any other documents.
In addition to registration, every car in Germany must pass the main inspection every two years. The TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) checks the technical safety and exhaust emission values of the car. You have to pay for this inspection.
Car insurance
Motor vehicle liability insurance: Motor vehicle insurance is compulsory. If you own a car or motorbike, you must take out this insurance. The insurance pays for damage if you cause an accident with your car or injure someone. Repairs to your own car are not covered.
Comprehensive insurance: You can voluntarily take out additional comprehensive insurance for your own vehicle. This can cover theft or damage to your vehicle caused by accidents, for example.
Cover letter: With a cover note, the provider covers the costs if, for example, you break down or have an accident and therefore need a towing service or a hire car. You can obtain a cover note from motor insurance companies and automobile clubs.