Berlin, capital of Germany, is an obvious choice for any European adventurer. A choice made easy by the incredible amount of culture, nightlife and of course good beer. If you don’t speak German, then understanding the transportation system in Berlin can be initially confusing. We have gathered all of our knowledge on travelling around Berlin and written a full guide to getting around Berlin. As well as transport options, we also discuss accommodation, what to pack and how to get into the city centre of Berlin.
If you are heading to this incredible city, make sure you check out our full, two day itinerary to Berlin for all the inspiration you will need.
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A Full Guide to Getting Around Berlin
- Where to Stay in Berlin
- Getting to Berlin
- Types of Tickets for getting around Berlin
- Metro Tickets in Berlin
- Types of Berlin tourist passes
- Fines for no valid ticket
- Types of Transport Systems
- Before you leave for Berlin
Where to Stay in Berlin
No matter what your style of accommodation is, Berlin has the perfect place for you. We have put together a list of the best places to stay in Berlin, ranging all price ranges, to make your trip a little less stressful.
Luxury – Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is a 5 star hotel situated in ’s Mitte, beside the . Soak up your experience in the city in a luxury central location.
You can book your stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin here.
Mid-Range – Hotel California Kurfürstendamm 35 is located in the heart of Berlin and features a terrace on the Kurfürstendamm Boulevard.
You can book your stay at Hotel California Kurfürstendamm 35 here.
Budget – Teikyo Berlin – Hotel und Jugendgästehaus am Zeuthener See is directly located on Lake Zeuthen and is a peaceful place to stay in south-east Berlin. There is even the option to hire a rowing boat to allow you to explore the surrounding nature on the lake.
You can book your stay at Teikyo Berlin – Hotel und Jugendgästehaus am Zeuthener See here.
For all other choices of accommodation in Berlin, click here.
Getting to Berlin
Whether you arrive by plane bus or train, we have the information for you to make it into the city centre of Berlin. If you are interested in purchasing one of the many tourist passes that offer discounts and public transport around the city, then be sure to read on and check what pass will suit you, as some include airport transport.
Train Station
If you arrive into Berlin by train, you will most likely arrive into Berlin Hauptbahnhof, which is the main railway station in Berlin. This is also a regional station and has a link to Berlin’s S-Bahn network. Using the S-Bhan it takes around 10 minutes to get to Alexanderplatz in central Berlin.
Bus Station
If you arrive into Berlin Central Bus Station then you will easily be able to catch the S-Bahn or U-Bhan into the city centre of Berlin.
Types of Tickets for Getting Around Berlin
When we first arrived in Berlin, we were overwhelmed by the choice of tickets and passes available. However, once they were explained to us the system is quite simple and easy to understand.
First of all, in order to buy a ticket, you are best heading to the station you want to leave from and finding a ticket machine. These are bright yellow and are located all train platforms and before you head to your U-bahn or S-bahn platform. These machines have a useful English option, making selecting the right ticket much easier.
If you are wanting to catch a bus, you can either pay for a ticket on the bus (only if you are buying a Short Trip, 2Hour Trip or Day Ticket), or you buy them from local shops throughout the city. These shops are usually found around the city with “Lyca Mobile” signs outside.
For trams around the city, you will find ticket machines on the platforms, which you can then validate either on the platform or on the tram itself.
Metro Tickets in Berlin
Short Trip Ticket
The cheapest ticket to buy is a Short Trip ticket, costing only €1.70. This ticket is valid for 3 stops on any service, perfect for hopping between sights around the city. This ticket works on all forms of transport.
Single Ticket
The option above this is the Single ticket, costing €3.50. This is valid for two hours after validation and is good if you require several methods of transport to reach your destinations. For example, in order to reach our campsite, we caught the U-Bahn for 4 stops, jumped off and did a quick shop before catching a bus for 10 stops to our final destination.
Day Ticket
The longest normal ticket available is the Day ticket, costing €7 exactly. This ticket is valid from the day of validation until 3am the following morning, perfect if you are going on a night out and need to stumble home.
Types of Berlin Tourist Passes
Visitors in Berlin have a choice of a many different city tourist passes, which allow public transport use and discounted access to the cities top attractions. Before you choose which card to buy, it’s important to think about what use you will get out of the card you choose, this will help you decide what card to buy.
Where is your accommodation located? How often will you be using public transport? What attractions do you want to see? Below we will discuss the different pass options and what they offer.
Many of the Berlin tourist passes allow children under 6 to ride for free. Some may also offer free transport for up to 3 children between the ages of 6-14 with an adult pass.
All-inclusive Passes
The first option we will discuss is the All-inclusive passes. These passes offer you the most potential for saving, however they are the most expensive to purchase. If you have the time, lots of energy and want to experience as many attractions whilst in Berlin. Then this may be the money saver you need.
There are two different All inclusive passes, both offering different attractions and are valid for a different length of time.
Berlin Welcome Card All-inclusive
As well has having a variety of all inclusive options, this pass also offers many more discounts to other attractions that are not included as all-inclusive. They are also available with transport included or not included.
You can find out more about the attractions available on the Berlin Welcome Card All-inclusive here.
Berlin Welcome Card All-inclusive Prices
- 2-day pass – €69 for Adults | €49 for Children
- 3-day pass – €85 for Adults | €59 for Children
- 4-day pass – €99 for Adults | €65 for Children
- 5-day pass – €115 for Adults | €69 for Children
- 4-day pass – €129 for Adults | €79 for Children
Berlin Welcome Card All-inclusive Prices Including Transport
- 2-day pass – €79 for Adults | €49 for Children
- 3-day pass – €105 for Adults | €54 for Children
- 4-day pass – €125 for Adults | €59 for Children
- 5-day pass – €145 for Adults | €69 for Children
- 4-day pass – €165 for Adults | €79 for Children
The Berlin Pass
This pass offers a different variety of the best things to do in Berlin and is only available in the form of a 3-day pass. This pass includes free tours as well as free transportation around the city.
Berlin Pass Prices
- 3-day pass – €120 for Adults | €75 for Children
Discount Passes
If you are unsure about what activities you will want to do during your time in Berlin, you could think about purchasing one of the discount passes. These include free transport, making getting around Berlin really easy, and discounts to some of the top attractions and restaurants. This will give you more flexibility and freedom to travel around the city.
The ticket price ranges from being more expensive if you wish to travel in the ABC (includes Tegal and Schönefeld Airport) zone or you can purchase the cheaper option if you only plan to travel in the AB (includes Tegal Airport) zone.
Berlin Welcome Card
Included in this card are over 200 discounts on a huge range of activities, tours, attractions and restaurants. The minimum length of time this pass is valid for is 48 hours, which was perfect for our trip to Berlin as it got us around the city and then back to the train station to leave.
Before you buy this pass, we recommend researching the discounts to find out if you are going to use any of the discounts, as if you are not going to this pass is not good value for money. Check out the full list of activities by downloading the guide from the Berlin Welcome Card website.
Berlin Welcome Card Price
AB Zone Ticket (including Tegal Airport)
- 48 hours – €20
- 72 hours – €29
- 4 days – €34
- 5 days – €38
- 6 days – €43
ABC Zone Ticket (including Tegal and Schönefeld Airport)
- 48 hours – €23
- 72 hours – €32
- 4 days – €37
- 5 days – €42
- 6 days – €47
Berlin Welcome Card + Museum Island
This 72-hour ticket offers the same as the Berlin Welcome Card, however you will also be granted free access to five of the most popular museums in Berlin. These museums are:
- Old National Gallery
- Altes Museum
- Bode Museum
- Neues Museum
- Pergamon Museum
Berlin WelcomeCard + Museum Island Price
- Transport AB Zone – €46
- Transport ABC Zone – €48
Easy City Pass
Another pass offering a different variety of discounts across Berlin as well as free transportation around the city.
Easy City Pass Prices (AB Zone)
- 48 hours – €19
- 72 hours – €26
- 4 days – €32
- 5 days – €36
- 6 days – €40
Easy City Pass Prices (ABC Zone)
- 48 hours – €21
- 72 hours – €28
- 4 days – €35
- 5 days -€41
- 6 days -€46
Berlin City Tour Card
This tourist card option offers fewer discounts, however, it will also be cheaper to purchase. All means of transport are included in the price of the pass and you can buy a pass for either the AB or ABC zone.
Berlin City Tour Card Price (AB Zone)
- 48 hours – €19
- 72 hours – €26
- 4 days – €32
- 5 days – €36
- 6 days – €40
Berlin City Tour Card Price (ABC Zone)
- 48 hours – €21
- 72 hours – €28
- 4 days – €35
- 5 days – €41
- 6 days – €46
If you are unable to purchase these passes online, they can also be bought from either ticket machines or from your local corner shop. When you do get the ticket, make sure you are given the corresponding discount booklet, (which is roughly 200 pages of discounts and information). You are required to show this and your validated ticket to the attraction ticket desk or restaurant in order to use your discount.
Fines for No Valid Ticket
There are validation machines in the stations you must have your ticket stamped once for it to become valid. If you are caught riding any of the public transport with either an invalid ticket or no ticket at all, you will face an on the spot fine of €60.
We cannot advise you precisely how often this happens, however, although we only saw one ticket inspector our entire trip, we also saw two people getting fined. It is up to you to decide if it is worth the risk or not.
Ticket Inspectors usually patrol the transport in plain clothes and only announce who they are once the doors have closed and there is no escape. However, you may also see uniformed inspectors so don’t think you are safe simply because you can’t see anyone.
Types of Transport System
Around Berlin there are a large variety of transport systems available. In the city centre, you are spoilt for choice between the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram network and Public Buses. As you leave the city centre, you will find U-Bahn and S-Bahn stops and plenty of frequent buses running.
U-Bahn and S-Bahn
These transport systems and a mixture between underground and overground trains. During the day and into late evening you will find them running every 10 minutes, so don’t worry if you miss the first one. One disadvantage of these methods of transport is the lack of air-conditioning on board.
During our visit to Berlin, the weather peaked at 35oC each day, making any journey on these trains very hot and sweaty. Make sure you pack plenty of water!
These are also the best modes of transport for making day trips outside of Berlin, to places such as Potsdam. The tickets to these places can be bought in the same way as previously discussed.
Tram System
The tram system runs all over the city centre of Berlin and is also very reliable and frequent. There is also a small amount of air-conditioning available on these vehicles, making them slightly more pleasant for travelling on.
Buses
Buses run frequently throughout the day and tend to run twice an hour as you get into the evenings. They also offer a very reliable form of transport to the outskirts of the city. Another fine example of German efficiency!
Before You Leave for Berlin
Before you set off on your trip to Berlin, there are a few things you will need to get sorted to ensure a smooth and unforgettable adventure. Here is everything you need to know before you set off on your journey to Berlin.
How to Get to Berlin
Whether you arrive by plane bus or train, we have the information for you to make it into the city centre of Berlin. If you are interested in purchasing one of the many tourist passes that offer discounts and public transport around the city, then be sure to read on and check what pass will suit you, as some include airport transport.
Schönefeld (SFX) Airport
Schönefeld (SFX) is one of two international airports in Berlin, located in the south eastern side of the city. If you are flying into Berlin on a low-cost budget airline such as EasyJet or Ryanair, then this is the airport you will most likely fly into. The quickest way of getting to Berlin city centre from this airport is the airport express train, which runs every 30 minutes from 4am till 11pm.
Tegal Airport
Train Station
If you arrive into Berlin by train, you will most likely arrive into Berlin Hauptbahnhof, which is the main railway station in Berlin. This is also a regional station and has a link to Berlin’s S-Bahn network. Using the S-Bhan it takes around 10 minutes to get to Alexanderplatz in central Berlin.
Bus Station
If you arrive into Berlin Central Bus Station then you will easily be able to catch the S-Bahn or U-Bhan into the city centre of Berlin.
Where to Stay in Berlin
No matter what your style of accommodation is, Berlin has the perfect place for you. We have put together a list of the best places to stay in Berlin, ranging all price ranges, to make your trip a little less stressful.
Luxury – Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is a 5 star hotel situated in ’s Mitte, beside the . Soak up your experience in the city in a luxury central location.
You can book your stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin here.
Mid-Range – Hotel California Kurfürstendamm 35 is located in the heart of Berlin and features a terrace on the Kurfürstendamm Boulevard.
You can book your stay at Hotel California Kurfürstendamm 35 here.
Budget – Teikyo Berlin – Hotel und Jugendgästehaus am Zeuthener See is directly located on Lake Zeuthen and is a peaceful place to stay in south-east Berlin. There is even the option to hire a rowing boat to allow you to explore the surrounding nature on the lake.
You can book your stay at Teikyo Berlin – Hotel und Jugendgästehaus am Zeuthener See here.
For all other choices of accommodation in Berlin, click here.
What to Pack for Berlin
What you pack for your trip to Germany’s capital city will depend on what time of year you visit. Berlin experiences all four seasons (sometimes in one day), so it is good to always be prepared. In the winter, temperatures can reach well below freezing, so it is a good idea to pack warm and waterproof clothing. In the summer, it can reach sweltering temperatures, so light and breezy clothing is best.
Overall, during your trip to Berlin you are going to be doing a LOT of walking, so comfy shoes are the most important item to pack. Also bring swimwear and a towel for your visit to the famous thermal baths.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Berlin, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 2
Camera Bag – Lowepro Flipside 300 AW and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Berlin
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, our guide to getting around Berlin. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience visiting Berlin.
If you are planning a Germany trip soon then check out our other Germany content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- The Ultimate Berlin Itinerary – Two Days in the Capital
- Berlin’s Best Attractions: Top Nine Activities in Berlin
- The Perfect Munich 3-Day Itinerary – A Complete Guide to Visiting Munich
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I am hoping to go to Berlin later in the year, so this is a very helpful post! 🙂
Thank you – I will pin for later!
I love Berlin! it’s quite dirty relatively other German cities, but it has its own charm.
I definitely agree that it has its own charm! Such an interesting city with so much history!
One of the most intimidating parts of visiting a larger metropolis for me is figuring out how to navigate the local transportation systems. I have come to rely on my own vehicle and my own GPS to get me everywhere, but in a foreign city, most often I will not have access to these things. This is a very thorough guide that will definitely help navigate Berlin’s transport system!
I agree! It can be a bit of a stress trying to find the cheapest way as well! Glad you found it helpful ?
This is a very helpful post on affordable transportation in Berlin! I haven’t been there yet but it’s on my bucket list for the next time we are in Europe (which will hopefully be sometime in 2019!) so I will pin your post for later. Cheers!
This blog really helped me a lot, its really such an detail blog, keep writing such stuff. thank-you such stuff.
Glad you found it helpful!