By taxi
There is a good supply of taxis in Hamburg 24 hours a day, both at taxi stands and in the streets. You can identify a taxi rank by a green box on a post somewhat like an oversized parking meter or alarm post. You will have to wait there or phone one of the numbers below, since the boxes can not be used to call a cab. Almost all vehicles are still in the traditional ivory white colour, but even if not, a yellow and black sign on the roof reading "Taxi" indicates a licensed cab. As usual, the sign is switched on to indicate vacancies. The meter starts at €2.20. A trip in the city area will be between €6-12. For a trip from the city to the airport, expect to pay between €20-25. Most taxis accept credit card payments.
Virtual Tours
You can take a virtual tour to view the points of interest on City Panoramas Hamburg (http://www.panorama-citie...).
By Rail
Hamburg has six S-Bahn commuter railway lines and three U-Bahn subway lines, which will be joined by the U4 in 2012. This line will provide a much needed link between Jungfernstieg the city centre and the new developments in the Hafencity. All lines run partly over and underground, in the city, and in the outskirts. The only difference is that these are two companies, but there is a unified fare system.
All train platforms have signs showing the next train, where it is headed, and how many minutes until it arrives. Trains are described by a number and the final station. Note that the final station may vary. For example, half of the S1 trains heading west go all the way to Wedel, but the other half go only as far as Blankenese. Also, all S-Bahn trains with one-digit numbers go via Landungsbrücken and Jungfernstieg and all S-Bahn trains with two-digit numbers go via Dammtor.
Note that train doors do not open automatically. You have to press a button or pull a handle on the door. Wait for the passengers to get off first before you enter. In the cold season, close the door after getting on the train if it looks like a longer stop. Either push the handle or press the closing buttons on the inside until the door is closed.All signs and notifications at staions and in trains are shown in at least two languages German and English.
A connection between Hamburg Airport and Ohlsdorf the S1 and U1 lines costs €2.85.
By bike
Hamburg is an extremely bicycle-friendly city and during the warmer months, many of the cities residents will use bicycles as their normal form of transportation. Several hotels within Hamburg provide residents with access to hotel bicycles. Alternatively, Hamburg City Cycles (http://www.hhcitycycles.de/) working with the bicycle store next door rents bicycles for €23 for 2 days and €7 for each additional day. Hourly rates are also available. The bicycles are large "cruiser" style bikes and the rental includes a lock, air pump, and toolkit if desired.
By public transport
Hamburg has a well developed public transportation system. Buses go around the clock. At night, a special "Nachtbus" night bus service connects the outlying districts and the city center. The buses depart and arrive at "Rathausmarkt", near the town hall and operate all through the night. The Intracity train service underground and overground runs from approximately 5AM until 1AM in the central city, but there is often no service past 11PM in outlying districts. On weekends, it runs all night. See HVV — Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (http://www.hvv.com/en/ind...) for lines and prices.
Vending machines in the rail stations and at some bus stops sell short distance, single ride, and day tickets. Group tickets are also available. On the buses, the driver will sell you what you need. To buy week or longer tickets, go to Hauptbanhof or Bahnof Altona, get passport photos in the automated photo booth, and buy your pass in the information office. Or you can buy a Hamburg Card, which includes the public transport system, museums, and other things. You can get the Hamburg Card at all ticket offices and from the bus drivers.
Hamburg's public transit operates on the honor system. Red vested officials make spot checks, but aside from this you simply get on and off as you wish with no turnstiles or gates. The exception is late evening after 9PM and Sundays on the buses, when the driver must check passengers' tickets.
Try to avoid rush-hour before 9AM and between 4-7PM. You are not allowed to take bikes into subways before 9AM and between 4-6PM, unless it is a folding bike model like a Dahon, Brompton, Bike Friday, etc... Folders are allowed on Hamburg public transit at any time of the day.
Six ferry services operate in the harbor and along the River Elbe as part of the regular public transport system. Tip: Take ferry line 62 from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder and back to enjoy a scenic trip through the harbor on a day ticket.
On the two Alster lakes, a ferry boat travels once every hour from Jungfernstieg in the city center to Winterhuder Fährhaus. These boats are not in the general HVV ticket system, thus more expensive, however, they offer a splendid view to some of the wealthiest neighborhoods of Hamburg.
If you are traveling to Hamburg using a Niedersachsen ticket or Schleswig Holstein ticket, then you have access to all the HVV lines.