Nuremberg Hbf (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel from Nuremberg city center to train station Nürnberg Hbf

Nuremberg is a city steeped in history. Once the unofficial capital of the Roman Empire, it continued to be an important city throughout the centuries, attracting German kings and famous artists. A dark episode in the city's history ensued in WWII when it became the primary stage for Nazi rallies - and was consequently destroyed by Allied bombings. After the war, attempts were made to reinstate justice and restore the city's architecture. The city became the site of the Nuremberg trials and the city's main buildings have later been reconstructed. The charm that has been luring visitors since the old days has now returned. The cityscape is again characterized by old churches, stone towers, fortifications, and castles. Many of these structures can be found in the Altstadt (Old Town). The Hauptmarkt (Central Market) is another important site and home to the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) and Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Yet the most important landmark of Nüremberg is the Kaiserburg: an imperial castle with great historical significance, offering stunning views of the city.

Train station Nürnberg Hbf is the city's main station, located on the southeastern edge of the Altstadt. The station provides easy access to the city's extensive public transportation system: there's a subway station below the train station, city trams and buses stop at the station square, and the station is frequented by night buses and international buses.

What is the best way to get to the train station from the city center?

The Altstadt is just a stone's throw away from train station Nürnberg Hbf. The streets of the Altstadt are best explored on foot, but the subway also has stops in the old town. Subway line U1 stops at the centrally located Lorenzkirche (St. Lorenz Church) and at the Weißer Turm (White Tower). The Hauptmarkt is located in the northern part of the Altstadt, across the Pegnitz river. Although a bit further from the train station, the distance can be walked quite easily. Alternately, it's possible to walk the first bit to the Lorenzkirche, and from there take subway line U1 to the station. The iconic Kaiserburg is situated on the northwestern tip of the Altstadt. While the distance is still walkable, there are also several public transport options available to shorten the walk. The easiest way to reach the station using public transport is to walk from the castle to the Rathenauplatz and from there take tram line 8, or subway line 2 or 3.

How far is it from the city center to the train station? 

The distance from the Lorenzkirche - in the heart of southern Altstadt - to train station Nürnberg Hbf is 0.4 miles (0.6 kilometers). This distance can be walked in seven minutes, by following the Königstraße, then turning onto the Frauentormauer, and finally crossing the Bahnhofsplatz. Taking the subway, it's a short one-stop ride to the central station. The distance from the Hauptmarkt to the central station is 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) and can be walked in 12 minutes. From the Hauptmarkt, travelers should turn onto the Plobenhofstraße stretching out in the southern direction, follow it across the Museumsbrücke (Museum Bridge), and after that continue onto the Königstraße. From there, it's possible to walk all the way to the station or hop onto the subway. The subway station will appear on the right-hand side after approximately three minutes. From the Kaiserburg the distance to the central station is 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers). The fastest walking route follows along the Burgstraße and Rathausplatz, leading up to the Hauptmarkt. Walking past the Hauptmarkt all the way down to the river, the Fleischbrücke (Fleisch Bridge) will be reached. After crossing the bridge, travelers can turn left on the Kaiserstraße, to reach the Königstraße. Travelers using public transport can reach the tram and subway stations at Rathenauplatz by walking along the Vestnertormauer, Vestnertorgraben, and Maxtorgraben. 

How accessible is the train station for those with limited mobility?

Train station Nürnberg Hbf is easily accessible for passengers with restricted mobility. Elevators and escalators are available at all levels and most of the building is designed to be step-free. The Deutsche Bahn (the German Railway Company) has a travel center and service point, located in the central hall. The station also has a Bahnhoffsmission - run by Christian charities - in the basement of the station, providing advice and support to anybody in need. 

Local tips: the train station points of interest

Train station Nürnberg Hbf was originally built in Neo-Gothic style and rebuilt in Neo-Baroque style in 1900. While most of the station was destroyed in WWII and has been reconstructed afterward, the Jugendstil lounge that nowadays houses the travel center is one of the few areas to have survived the destruction. The train station has a wide range of facilities and houses plenty of shops, restaurants, and fast-food joints. Right next to the station, The Königstor also offers various shopping and dining options. Close to the station, the DB Museum - the corporate museum of the Deutsche Bahn - can be found. It's considered one of the city's best museums, and features a large exhibition exploring the history of the German railway system.