Remember when Essen’s transportation needed a solution? Let’s talk about Essen’s S-M. This isn’t just any building. It is a place with an interesting history related to Essen’s development.
Back in the mid-20th century Essen grew. Thousands came looking for work in manufacturing. This created challenges for the local authorities. They needed to meet the needs of these new residents. Transportation became a major concern. Essen had a tram network. But it wasn’t enough. The city needed a better solution.
After many failed ideas the authorities chose an underground system. It was named Stadtbahn Essen. It opened on May 28 1877. This medium-sized light rail would transport people across the city. Today Essen’s light rail system runs from Essen Hauptbahnhof to Berliner Platz. It cuts through the city center.
Consider the U-11 and U-17 lines. They run from Berliner Platz to Karlsplatz. Also the U-17 and U-18 lines connect Essen Hauptbahnhof with Bismarckplatz. The northern section shows how well connected Essen is.
Line U-11 starts in Gelsenkirchen-Horst. It passes through Emscher and Rhein-Herne-Kanal on its way to central Essen. This line is especially useful. It offers a fast link between Altenessen’s northern district Grugapark and the exposition center. U-11 has 23 stops.
Line U-17 has 17 stations. It starts at Karlsplatz in Altenessen and travels south. The section from Karlsplatz to Rampe Planckstraße is underground. The rest is above ground.
Line U-18 also has 17 stations. It runs from eastern Essen to Mülheim an der Ruhr. This line serves Allee-Center Altenessen Limbecker Platz and central Essen. It is unique. It does not share tracks with the city tram.
The Essen Metro connects to other systems. These include buses suburban trains and rapid transit lines. Essen is very interconnected. You are always close to public transportation. Many Essen Stadtbahn stations also have tram routes.
The Essen Metro has various payment options. These include tickets and reloadable cards. Prices depend on the distance traveled. There are four zones: A B C and D. There is also a “Short Distance” option. This covers a maximum of four stations and lasts 20 minutes.
A basic ticket is valid for 20 minutes. It costs just €1.60. There are also 4-trip tickets ideal for transfers to buses or trams. Students can buy 24-hour or 48-hour tickets. A monthly student ticket costs €69.95. The Ticket1000 is a monthly subscription. Its price depends on the zones traveled. A monthly ticket for seniors costs €86.70.
Essen Metro aims to include all social groups. It is designed to accommodate elderly people and those with reduced mobility. Trains are low level. This makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit. There is also space for wheelchairs strollers and bicycles. Metro staff are available to help riders. They can assist with moving around the station and choosing tickets.
Essen does not have its own commercial airport. Most visitors use Düsseldorf International Airport. It is only 30 minutes from Essen’s city center. You can take the metro to Essen Hauptbahnhof. From there the RE 10162 express goes directly to the airport. The journey takes 35–40 minutes.
There are plans to expand the U-17 line south. There have also been discussions about extending the U-11 line. The old high-floor tram cars on routes 101 and 107 will be replaced. The goal is to make travel easier for everyone.
Essen’s S-M is a symbol of progress. It shows how Essen adapted to growth. It also shows how it planned for the future. As you explore Essen remember the S-M.