It runs the tram and bus network within the city, as well as the Turmbergbahn funicular railway.

The VBK is also a partner, with the Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (Alb Valley Transport Company, AVG) and Deutsche Bahn (DB), in the operation of the Karlsruhe tramway network, and the Karlsruhe Stadtbahn, the pioneering tram-train system that serves a larger area around the city.

The first bus line opened between Mühlburg and Daxlanden on 30 December 1911 and operated for only three months due to large losses.

In 1928, the first bus line that still exists today was opened, connecting to the Weiherfeld district.

Other bus routes were established over the decades to complement the tram network.