By public transport
The primary means of public transport is the tram. LVB (http://www.lvb.de/) operates trams and buses in Leipzig. Most lines run every 10 minutes during the day and at least hourly at night. A single-trip ticket costs â¬2.30. A full day bus & tram ticket, valid 24 hours, costs â¬5.50; a day ticket for 5 people traveling together costs â¬16.30. A weekly pass costs â¬19.80. After 8pm, you must enter buses through the driver's door and show/purchase your ticket.
The tram network is structured like a star with a circle in the center. Tram lines generally lead from the outskirts into the city, which they half-circle on the ring, and continue to someplace else in the outskirts. Bus lines provide additional direct connections that often do not touch the center.
Trains are currently pretty useless within the city. While a small commuter train "S-Bahn" network exists, due to its structure, the tram and bus connections are often faster and more convenient. This is going to change in 2013 when the city tunnel will open, connecting Hauptbahnhof and Bayerischer Bahnhof via underground stations at Markt and at Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Until then, bus line 89 Hauptbahnhof - Connewitz, Kreuz is the only public transport going right through the center with stops at Thomaskirche, Markt, and ReichsstraÃe.
S-Bahn line S1 to Miltitzer Allee has been suspended until December, 2013. Use tram 8 or 15 to Plovdiver StraÃe instead, or bus 80E.
By car
Leipzig suffers from the same traffic problems as all cities of its size. Access to the city center is restricted, so don't plan to go anywhere inside the inner ring of main streets.
If you still like to use a car within the city, be prepared to pay a fee for parking around the center. Car parks are available at Hauptbahnhof, Augustusplatz, Burgplatz, and several other locations. A parking guidance system is installed on the main streets. Around the inner ring, signs point you to the different car parks and display the current number of unused parking spots. Signs are color-coded, each color representing a car park location. Since the city center is pretty compact, for most purposes it won't matter much where you leave your car. When you visit the Gewandhaus or the opera, the car park underneath Augustusplatz is the most convenient option with exits to both buildings.
Watch for the trams when making turns. They are stronger than your car and sometimes come from behind beside the street. At marked tram stops, if the driving lane is to the right of the track, you have to wait behind a stopping tram and let passengers get on and off. After everyone is off the street, you may pass slowly.
Starting in March 2011, most of the city of Leipzig will become a designated low-emission zone Umweltzone. Cars operating within the limits of the city have to comply with strict emission standards. Many modern cars do, but to enter the zone your car has to show it by exhibiting a green badge Feinstaubplakette. If you enter the city without this badge, or with a yellow or red badge, you risk a fine.
By taxi
Plenty of taxis are available. They wait for customers in various designated locations around the city. You can also wave a taxi on the street if its sign is lit up. To order a taxi to your current location call 4884. Pubs, restaurants and hotels will be happy to do that for you if you are their customer. Expect a fare of 15...20⬠for a trip from the outskirts to the center or vice versa.