Travelling around the city is quick and easy considering the distances, the city area covers 891 km². Despite the transport systems being divided for over 40 years, today´s public transport system is well integrated, efficient and inexpensive. You probably won´t need a car unless your traveling to the less populated parts of the neighbouring region of Brandenburg.
Public transport
The main types of public transport are the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (urban rail system) which are supplemented by buses, trams (in the east) and even ferries (look out for signs with BVG or VBB displayed).
It is often possible to choose from a varity of routes from A to B using either the U-Bahn or S-Bahn. If the choice is available, as a rule of thumb,
opt the S-Bahn if you are covering larger distances as they do not run quite as regularly but the stations are further apart
opt for the U-Bahn for shorter distances
if your using the tram or bus watch out for the Metro routes as these are the most frequented routes and run at least every 10 minutes during usual operating hours
Tickets can be used for all public transport systems in and around Berlin so long as you have the correct zones. After purchasing a ticket, don´t forget to validate it by stamping it in either the yellow (underground ) or red (s-bahn) machines which are found on or near the platforms. Single tickets are valid for two hours in the same direction of travel.
The Berlin fare zone is divided into three sub-zones:
Zone A: the Berlin city centre, up to and including the urban rail (S-Bahn) Ring Line
Zone B: from the urban rail (S-Bahn) Ring Line to the city borders
Zone C: a belt surrounding Berlin that includes the city of Potsdam
If you stay within the Berlin city borders, which includes Schönefeld airport, you are covered by an AB ticket.
For public transport information in English click here.
Some plans that may be useful, these are also widely available at public information points:
Rail network
The rail network is fast and reliable. It can be expensive for non-residents for long distances, budget airlines being a viable alternative. Residents who use the train a lot can purchase various discount cards which halve fares.
National network,the main train station in Berlin is the Hauptbahnhof (which logically translates to main train station), with major hubs at Gesundbrunnen, Potsdamer Platz, Spandau, Südkreuz and Ostbahnhof. The Inter City Express (ICE) is the high speed train service between major stations. The 286km journey to Hamburg takes just 60 minutes. Regional network,there is an extensive network to link smaller towns to each other and to the centres of population. Major hubs within Berlin are as with national trains plus Charlottenburg, Friedrichstrasse, Lichtenberg and Zoologischer Garten.
It is simpler and better value to book online in advance. For national and regional train information and bookings in English click here.
Cycling An efficient way to get around is by bike, as distances in Berlin can be considerable. Callbikes is a cycle rental system organised by the national rail company (DB). Their bikes are scattered around zone A, which can be used by phoning the number displayed and giving your credit card details to register. They are usually easy to locate near major tourist attractions with their bright red and silver colourings. If you want to take your bike with you on the public transport, you have to purchase a separate ticket. More info about Callbikes here.
