10 Statistics on Public Transport in Hamburg

October 03, 2024

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Between now and 2030, almost half of Hamburg’s required CO2 savings will come from the transport sector alone. This calls for no less than a mobility revolution.

And in UITP’s new report The Future of Mobility is in Hamburg, you can discover how Hamburg aims to make that happen.

When you visit Hamburg for the UITP Summit, you’ll get to experience the future of mobility.

But first, let’s explore life in Hamburg today and its public transport network in 10 statistics:

1 billion trips each year

Over 1 billion journeys are made on Hamburg’s public transport network each year. As the largest operator, HOCHBAHN covers nearly 50% of all trips.

14.5 million overnight stays in 2023

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors! Nearly 15 million packed their bags for this stunning port city in 2023.

24% public transport modal share

In 2022, about a quarter of all journeys were made on public transport. Added together with walking and cycling, active and public mobility counts for 68% of all trips. By 2030, the target is for 30% of journeys to be made on public transport.

9th largest port in the world

Hamburg’s port is one of the 10 largest worldwide, and Europe’s fastest-growing industrial port. In fact, the port is so large that it’s almost the size of Copenhagen!

28 public transport operators

Hamburg is home to 28 public transport operators offering all kinds of services from ferries, metro trains, and ridepooling services. The operators are all members of the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (hvv) – meaning that you can use any operator with the same ticket.

16,802km network length

Hamburg’s public transport network spans close to 17,000km2, serving the region’s 5.2 million residents.

2,496 bridges

Hamburg has more bridges than any other city in the world! That has earned it the nickname the “Venice of the North”. The oldest, Zollenbrücke, dates back to 1663.

180,000 ferry journeys annually

Passenger ferries make close to 200,000 journeys each year through Hamburg’s Elbe river. These ferries connect 20 piers and link the north and south of the city.

100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2030

At the end of 2024, Hamburg will have already electrified 29% of its bus fleet. But by 2030, the whole fleet is planned to be completely zero-emission!

250 million passengers on U-Bahn metro

Hamburg’s metro opened in 1912 – and today 250 million people ride it each year.

The UITP Summit is evolving. Starting with the Summit 2025 in Hamburg, from 15 to 18 June, the world’s most important transport event will happen annually. And this is not the only change. Having a Summit every year is also an opportunity to improve every year. Moving forward from Barcelona 2023, the UITP Summit is being upgraded to create a more personalised and inclusive experience. This will enhance three big features of the experience in Hamburg, Dubai, and beyond: comfort, networking, and activities. Like always, over 300 exhibitors will share their innovations and solutions in the main hall. But from now on, the Summit will also offer a new and personalised experience with four distinct passes. Do you prefer the buzz of the exhibition? Or do you want to focus more on networking with your peers? You can now choose the right pass for your ideal experience. Before passes go live in January 2025, here is what is changing to make the UITP Summit an unmissable annual event: Eager to get the Early Bird rate? Be informed as soon as passes are available by signing up to our email list. The UITP Summit is exciting! There are many people to meet and many things to discover. Though sometimes you need to get away to complete some work – or even just to take a simple break. Networking Zones A relaxed space with all-day refreshments and weather protection will provide a comfortable place to socialise. Work Zones No need to leave the venue to find a moment of quiet. The Summit 2025 will have cosy co-working spaces with desks, charging sockets, comfy sofas, and a printer. With thousands in attendance, as well as hundreds of exhibitors to visit, it helps to have places to break the ice and make deeper connections. The new networking sessions will also focus on specific topics, so that you can find the right crowd for you. Breakfast Bytes Get motivated for the day with a coffee and breakfast roundtable session. Mix & Mingle At the end of each day, quick knowledge sessions offer the time and space (and drinks!) to enjoy a more informal networking opportunity. The Summit 2025 offers four tiers of passes, building on the two from previous editions. With clearer differentiation, it is easier to customise your experience to better match your budget, role, and priorities. And in turn, you can build your ideal UITP Summit – one that you will look forward to every year! Top tip: The earlier you book, the more you save. Good to know: Starting now, current members of the UITP policy board and working bodies can enjoy our Exchange Pass at a reduced rate, with access to all networking, congress sessions, exhibition, and more. Find the right pass for you. Compare passes here!