My daily movements look much different in Germany than they did in the United States. In the US, I would mostly get around by car, often carpooling with friends and colleagues. In Germany, I completely rely on the public transportation system and my feet. Though, the amount of walking I have been doing in Germany has really put my feet to the test. From exploring new cities to just getting around, it is easy to walk from place to place but there have been a few times when I thought my legs were going to fall off. That's where the trams and buses come in to help connect places that are further away. After the past five months, I have come to love the Dresden public transportation system.
The most common way to get around in Dresden, and what I use every day, is the tram and bus system. The Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (Dresden Public Transportation Services) has over 14 lines running daily and with their iconic bright yellow trams and buses, they make up an easily recognizable part of Dresden’s landscape and culture. When taking a tram in Dresden, it is important to buy your ticket before getting on the tram. There is a 60 Euro fee if you are caught traveling without a valid ticket. That brings me to the second most important part of taking the tram: don’t forget to validate your ticket!
