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S.I.P Survival Guideby John Gross, Stephanie Häußler, Elizabeth Layton, and Bryce Ward Arrival in Stuttgart | Arrival in Frankfurt | In Tübingen | Early Arrival
For many the reality of living in a foreign county sets in as soon as the plane touches the ground; as you - with all of your luggage - must purchase various tickets while navigating airports, subway stations, train stations, taxis and buses before finally reaching your new home. So let us take this opportunity to repeat some advice you will find in every guide to European travel: PACK LIGHT! You really do not need half of the stuff you think you do! Your lives will be much, much happier if you do not have to waddle for what amounts to long ways lugging backpacks, duffel bags and suitcases. Back to top If you arrive in Stuttgart, once you clear customs and get your luggage the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to Tübingen is to take the bus. The bus leaves once every hour from the bus stop in front of the airport (take the elevator to the ground level and then go to the right end). The bus you are looking for has Tübingen written in big green letters on the front. When you board ask the driver for, "Eine Karte nach Tübingen." The ride will cost around 5 . The bus will take you to the main bus station in Tübingen. From there you will be able to take the appropriate bus or catch a taxi to Waldhäuser Ost (WHO). For more information on getting to WHO skip to page 4. If for some reason you are unable to find the bus you can also take the train. To do this, go to the subway station under the airport. Buy a ticket to the Hauptbahnhof (press the Einzelfahrkarte button find Hbf - Stutt in the list and enter the corresponding number). At the Bahnhof purchase a ticket to Tübingen from the machines on the main train platform (this can be done in the same way as purchasing the subway ticket, but watch out the column of buttons on the right is for Bahncard holders only). Tickets can also be purchased in the Reisezentrum - you can also buy a Bahncard there if you wish. For more information on how to buy a train ticket, go to getting around. Back to top Once through the baggage claim and customs, your adventure "nach Tübingen" will begin. If you plan to take the train you need to find the information booth and ask how to get to the Reisezentrum in order to purchase your ticket. The information booth is to the right of customs and past the sitting room. Purchase a ticket to Tübingen at the windows marked "Reisezentrum-Fahrkarten-Inland." A second class ticket from the airport to Tübingen / Stuttgart costs about 30 (15 with a Bahncard). The train station is on the lower level of the airport, called Fernbahnhof. Once on a ICE-train at the airport you will need to umsteigen (change trains) at Stuttgart. Back to top Once you arrive in Tübingen, whether by bus or train, you have two transportation options to get you to your dormitory: taxi or bus. If you have chosen to neglect our earlier advice and are lugging three or four bags, than we HIGHLY recommend shelling out the approximately 8 to take a taxi. Taxis wait between the train and bus stations (see diagram below). Ask the driver to take you to Fichtenweg 5. Even if you feel that you can manage your luggage, a taxi may still be worthwhile. It will quickly take you to exactly where you need to go. The bus takes you only to the general neighborhood, and that is assuming you do not miss your stop.
If you do choose to take the bus, however, you want to take the bus numbered 2, 3, 4, or 6 in the direction of Waldhäuser-Ost from bus stop number 4 at the main bus station located right in front of the Tübingen Hauptbahnhof (see diagram above). Purchase a ticket from the bus driver, and ride until Ahornweg (a 12-minute ride). From there, Fichtenweg 5 is in the middle of the three reddish buildings across the pedestrian bridge from the Einkaufs-Zentrum (see diagram below).  Back to top If you arrive in Tübingen before you are able to check into your dormitory you will need to pursue other housing options. The cheapest option in the youth hostel (Jugendherberge) located at Gartenstraße 22/2, Tel: (07071) 23002. If this doesn't sound appealing the Hotel am Schloss; at Burgsteige 18 (07071) 92940 has singles and doubles. Back to top To the next section of the survival guide |
