The RegioBus Constance – Ravensburg (line 700) in the German Federal State of Baden-Württemberg operates every day at hourly intervals between Constance, Meersburg, Markdorf, Oberteuringen and Ravensburg. The fast bus connection thus offers an attractive mobility service for commuters, schoolchildren and trainees as well as for day trippers. A particularly nice feature: between Meersburg and Constance, the buses cross Lake Constance by car ferry. Bus passengers are allowed to get off during the crossing – ideal for enjoying a short break. They do not have to buy a separate ticket on the ferry.
Funding for the line has now been secured for a further 5 years: The state has extended the funding for Line 700, and the municipal partners are also continuing to contribute their share. The state is supporting the service with around 4.25 million euros. In addition, there is an extraordinary subsidy of 1.16 million euros for the ferry costs. The direct route across the lake, which is made possible by the scheduled ferry journey of just under 30 minutes, saves the bus more than half an hour’s journey time compared to the diversions over land. This time saving is a significant advantage of this unusual co-operation. And, of course, there are also beautiful views.
Regiobus line 700
The fast Regiobus line 700 in the ‘bwegt’ design connects the three districts of Constance, Ravensburg and the Lake Constance district, which has the largest share of the route. It runs every hour and is popular with schoolchildren, commuters and visitors from outside the region. The buses on the line use the car ferry service between Meersburg and Constance. Tickets on the route are integrated into the Constance and the Ravensburg-Weingarten urban bus service scheme.
The RegioBus concept: Fast and comfortable every hour
There are currently 49 regional bus routes in Baden-Württemberg, which close gaps in local transport in Baden-Württemberg. Where there are no railway lines, they connect towns and municipalities. But only one of them crosses water – line 700. The state is aiming to introduce up to 90 lines from the municipal side by 2030. The state’s aim is to use the regional bus funding programme to connect medium-sized and sub-centres without rail infrastructure to rail transport. ‘The fact that the programme has been so well received shows how great the need is for rural areas to be connected to rail passenger transport,’ said Transport Minister Hermann. ‘We will continue to expand the Regiobus network and close all gaps in scheduled services in Baden-Württemberg. At around 1,300 kilometres, the Regiobus network is already equivalent to around a third of the rail network.’
The Regiobuses have a high quality standard and travel directly and quickly from place to place at least every hour. They are usually in the white-yellow-grey bwegt-Landes design. The buses have air conditioning, boarding and alighting aids and are equipped with WLAN and USB sockets.
(Info: Baden Württemberg – Ministerium für Verkehr)
09.01.2025
