School Transportation in the Fulda District
The Fulda District is responsible for providing student transportation and for covering the transportation costs for students and apprentices who live within its jurisdiction.
Elementary school students and middle school students (secondary level I) are eligible for reimbursement of transportation costs; this generally includes the first year of vocational school (basic level) as well. High school students (secondary level II) are not eligible for student transportation.
Reimbursement for school transportation is only considered if the school commute meets a minimum distance requirement: The commute for elementary school students must be more than 2 kilometers long; for students in grade 5 and above, it must be more than 3 kilometers long. Reimbursement for a shorter distance may be granted only if the route to school poses a particular hazard or if the student has a disability.
As a general rule, the school authority is responsible for arranging student transportation via public transit.
The costs for travel from the home to the designated school are reimbursed. For students in secondary school, the costs for travel to the nearest school where the desired diploma can be earned at the end of middle school are reimbursed. If parents choose to send their child to a school other than the designated or nearest school, reimbursement is limited to the maximum amount that would have been incurred had the child attended the designated or nearest school.
The Fulda District is responsible for providing student transportation and for covering the transportation costs for students and apprentices who live within its jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for reimbursement of transportation costs?
The right to reimbursement of transportation costs is governed by the Hessian School Act:
- The students are registered as having their primary residence in the Fulda district.
- Attendance at a general education school through the end of middle school or at a vocational school (basic level of vocational school, vocational preparation year, basic vocational training year, or the first year of a two-year vocational school)
- For elementary school students (grades 1–4), the shortest distance between home and school is more than 2 kilometers.
- For middle school students (starting in 5th grade), the shortest distance between home and school is more than 3 kilometers.
- Public transportation should be used whenever possible.
In what form is the reimbursement of transportation costs provided?
The Fulda County fulfills its obligation to provide school transportation through, among other things:
- Issuance of the Hessen Student Ticket (valid as of the 1st of each month)
- a semi-annual retroactive reimbursement of expenses (at the end of each school semester) or
- Transportation via the exempt school bus service
How do I apply for reimbursement of transportation costs?
You can download the application for reimbursement of student transportation costs from the Downloads section.
Information About the Hessen Student Ticket
If students are eligible to receive a Hessen Student Ticket, the ticket—in the form of a chip card—will be mailed directly to the applicant’s home address by a central office of the RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund). For more information about the Student Ticket, please visit the RMV website under “Further Links.”
Students and apprentices who are not eligible for travel expense reimbursement from the Fulda district can purchase the Hessen Student Ticket as a single ticket or as a subscription at the usual sales locations of the Fulda Local Public Transportation Company or RhönEnergie. Further information is available from LNG and RhönEnergie in the “Related Links” section.
What should you do if your chip card is lost or damaged?
If a student ticket is lost or damaged, the relevant transit authorities will issue a new ticket upon presentation of the proof of purchase (cover letter accompanying the Hessen student ticket). The old or lost student ticket will be deactivated. A processing fee of 10 euros is required to issue a replacement card. You can report the loss of your student ticket via the links below.
What should you do if you change schools or move to a new place?
If you change schools or move to a new place of residence, you must submit a new application in all cases so that the Schools Support Service can reassess your eligibility for reimbursement of transportation costs.
When does the school year begin and end?
It is important to note that, regardless of the actual dates of the summer vacation, the school year begins on August 1 and ends on July 31 of the following calendar year. The Fulda District Schools Department uses the aforementioned period as the basis for reimbursing transportation costs.
Travel expenses are reimbursed twice a year for the school year; for example, for the 2025–2026 school year:
- Refund for the First Half of the Year (August through January)
- Refund for the Second Half of the Year (February–July)
The application for reimbursement of travel expenses is automatically submitted once eligibility has been determined (after receipt of the approval notice).
Do I need to submit a new application at the start of a new school year?
No, you do not need to submit a new application. The pass will be automatically extended until you complete your chosen program of study, provided there are no changes. A new application for coverage of transportation costs must be submitted only if you change schools or move to a new place of residence.
My child is entering high school (11th grade). Am I still eligible for reimbursement?
No, eligibility ends upon completion of 10th grade (lower secondary level).
My child is in a shared custody arrangement. Which parent is entitled to reimbursement for transportation costs?
The child's primary residence, as defined by registration laws, determines who is responsible for covering travel expenses.
What is the Exempt Student Transportation Program (FSV)?
Exempt Student Transportation (FSV) is a free transportation service for students organized by the school authority that is not considered public scheduled service. It is used when public transportation is insufficient or when special transportation solutions (often minibuses) are necessary for health or educational reasons. Use is limited to the commute to and from school.
Where can I buy a Hessen Student Ticket (STH)?
If you are not eligible for a free student pass through the school transportation authority, you can purchase the student pass directly from the transportation companies Lokale Nahverkehrsgesellschaft (LNG) and RhönEnergie Fulda GmbH. RhönEnergie Fulda GmbH offers the option to pay in installments.
How can I tell if my Hessen student pass is valid?
The information stored on the ticket (including its validity) can be checked at any time at ticket vending machines.
Who do I need to notify when I move?
Any change of address must be reported immediately in writing to the Fulda District (Schools Department) and to the child’s school.
When will I receive the reimbursement request?
Notifications are sent automatically in January and June, either through the school or directly to the applicant.