Berlin Getting Around

Getting around Berlin
Berlin is a large city and seeing the major sights involves a fair amount of travel. Fortunately, getting around Berlin is easy thanks to an efficient integrated transport system that includes buses, trams, the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (local trains). One ticket is valid on all public transport. Tickets must be validated in machines before travel. Berlin is divided into zones A, B and C but most visitors will not travel beyond A and B. Daily, weekly and monthly tickets are available. Day passes are valid until 03.00 the next day. The Berlin Welcome Card is valid for 3 days and offers unlimited travel for an adult and three children as well as museum and theatre discounts.

Getting from Berlin Airport
Berlin has 3 important airports. Tegel airport is 5 miles north west of the city centre and is easily reached by buses with connections to the underground and the S-Bahn. The X9 goes to the West Centre in 15 minutes. Taxis take about 20 minutes to the city centre. The best way to Tempelhof airport is underground line 6 or by bus. Many low-cost airlines operate from Schoenefeld airport which is well served by a variety of trains and buses. The brand new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport will handle all flights from around 2011.

Underground
The Berlin underground is called the U-Bahn. Buy tickets from ticket offices or machines on the platform. Machines give change and have information in English. Validate tickets in special machines before boarding the first train of your journey. 9 U-Bahn lines are open between 0600-0000 plus some limited night services.

Trams
Berlin trams are a popular way of getting around East Berlin. Berlin trams are fast and efficient and operate around 30 routes.

Train
Berlin’s commuter trains or S-Bahn are a good way to make longer journeys east-west between the two city centres. The impressive, new, glass-roofed Hauptbahnhof train station is the largest in Europe and worth a look even if you are not travelling by train.

Bus
Most visitors to Berlin will probably find the U-Bahn and trams more useful than buses but Berlin buses will take you to parts of the city not served by train. Tickets can be bought from the driver. Night buses serve most parts of the city and run when the trains have stopped.

Taxis
Cream-coloured Berlin taxis are easy to find and are always metered. Hailing a taxi in the street is cheaper than calling for a taxi. There is a minimum fare and a tip of up to 10% is expected. Bicycle taxis called velotaxis operate in some areas of Berlin.

Cycling
Cycling in Berlin is popular, well developed and enjoyable and the city is largely flat. West Berlin in particular has plenty of cycle lanes and you can take a bicycle on many trains. Renting a bicycle is easy. Pick up a map showing bicycle lanes and related information.

Ferry
Berlin ferries cross Berlin’s lakes and connect Kladow with Wannsee.

Tours
Berlin tour buses are a good way of covering longer distances and making the journey from West Berlin to East Berlin, particularly if you are staying in the west and time is short. Berlin has a good selection of walking tours in English.

Berlin City Breaks  Getting Around Berlin

Things To Do In Berlin  Berlin Weather