Ulm Hbf (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to the Ulm Hbf train station from Ulm city center

Located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Ulm is roughly equidistant from Munich and Stuttgart, and it's an ever-popular stopping point for travelers who are touring southern Germany. Its cathedral sports a soaring 528 foot (161 m) high spire, but this medieval city has much more to offer than astonishing religious architecture. Albert Einstein's birthplace is a site of pilgrimage for science fans, the Fischerviertel district offers relaxed dining and lively beer gardens, while modern architecture also impresses, including the strikingly innovative central library. With its location on mainline railways, the Ulm Hbf train station is always a popular entry and departure point, so knowing how to get there is vital for most tourists.

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

Reaching the Ulm Hbf train station (Ulm Hauptbahnhof) won't be problematic for the vast majority of visitors. Transport in the city is excellent and taxis are always a handy fall-back option as well. Those coming from Marktplatz (roughly at the heart of the historic core) can take numerous buses, including the 5, 6, 70 and 73 routes. Visitors heading back from the zoo (Tiergarten) can hop on the number one tram, or take the 59 and 517 bus routes.  Travelers can take the 84, 597, and 870 buses after enjoying a stein or two in the Fischerviertel, while those visiting Wiblingen Abbey to the south can take the 23, 24, or 74 buses. Memmingen is the closest airport to Ulm, and it's also well connected to Ulm Hauptbahnhof. After touching down, visitors can take direct Deutsche Bahn trains straight to Ulm.

How far away is the Ulm Hbf train station from Ulm city center?

Ulm is one of those fortunate cities where the main station is very easy to access from the center of town. In fact, Marktplatz is around three-tenths of a mile (500 m) from the station entrance. Because of this proximity, visitors can walk there in five to ten minutes and buses will take fewer than five minutes, in most cases. Trams from the zoo take ten to 12 minutes, while buses take 22 minutes. Bus links from the beer gardens of Fischerviertel are even quicker, taking eight to ten minutes to reach the station. Wiblingen Abbey is about three miles (four and a half kilometers) to the south and buses take 20-25 minutes to reach the Ulm Hbf train station. All of the city's attractions have more than adequate public transport links to the station, although taxis will usually be slightly quicker and more convenient if visitors are willing to pay extra. Finally, Memmingen Airport is 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the south of Ulm. Trains from the airport will generally take 45 minutes to get to Ulm Hauptbahnhof, although a ten-minute bus transfer from the airport will be needed to reach Memmingen Station.

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

As usual with German stations, Ulm Hauptbahnhof is well adapted to meet the needs of travelers with mobility issues. Operated by Deutsche Bahn, the station is largely step-free and all platforms can be accessed via ramps and wide gates, ensuring easy boarding. Disabled restrooms and lowered ticketing booths make life easier for wheelchair users as well. It's possible to book personal assistance via Deutsche Bahn's Accessibility and Mobility service but passengers are advised to book 24-48 hours in advance. Local buses are operated by DING and SWU, both of which offer accessible vehicles, and the same applies to DING's trams. However, if travelers want to ensure seamless transfers, specialist taxi services for wheelchair users are available.

Local tips: the Ulm Hbf train station and points of interest

There's no need to worry if travelers find themselves with a few hours to fill in Ulm, as there's no shortage of things to do near the station. If the weather is good, the parks and beer gardens of Fischerviertel are a ten-minute walk to the south. Alternatively, the cathedral and atmospheric streets of Ulm's historic center are a ten-minute walk east. The cathedral (Ulmer Munster) is a must-see. The world's tallest church, it is crowned by a stunning tower that energetic visitors are free to scale. It's worth the effort, as climbers will find the city laid out beneath them. But even if the 768 steps are beyond them, visitors will be awestruck by the grandeur of the cathedral's architecture. On the way back to the station, be sure to pass by the Einstein Memorial, a fitting tribute to the city's most famous son.