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A Full Guide to Getting Around Berlin
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. ยSchรถnefeld (SFX) Airport
Schรถnefeld (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. ยTegal 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 Berlinโs S-Bahn network. Using the S-Bhan it takes around 10 minutes to get to Alexanderplatz in central Berlin. ยBus 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. ยTypes 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 โLyca Mobileโ 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. ยMetro Tickets in Berlin
Short Trip Ticket
The cheapest ticket to buy is a Short Trip ticket, costing only โฌ1.70. 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. ยSingle Ticket
The option above this is the Single ticket, costing โฌ3.50. 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. ย Day Ticket The longest normal ticket available is the Day ticket, costing โฌ7 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. ย ยAlso Read โย Top Destinations in Europe for 2019
ย ยTypes 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, itโs 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. ย ยAll-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.
ยBerlin 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.
ยBerlin Welcome Card All-inclusive Prices
- 2-day pass โย โฌ69 for Adults | โฌ49 for Children
- 3-day pass โ โฌ85 for Adults | โฌ59 for Children
- 4-day pass โ โฌ99 for Adults | โฌ65 for Children
- 5-day pass โ โฌ115 for Adults | โฌ69 for Children
- 4-day pass โ โฌ129 for Adults | โฌ79 for Children
Berlin Welcome Card All-inclusive Prices Including Transport
- 2-day pass โ โฌ79 for Adults | โฌ49 for Children
- 3-day pass โ โฌ105 for Adults | โฌ54 for Children
- 4-day pass โ โฌ125 for Adults | โฌ59 for Children
- 5-day pass โ โฌ145 for Adults | โฌ69 for Children
- 4-day pass โ โฌ165 for Adults | โฌ79 for Children
The Berlin Pass
This pass offers a different variety of free attractions 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. ย Berlin Pass Prices- 3-day pass โ โฌ120 for Adults | โฌ75 for Children
Discount Passes
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. ย- 48 hours โ โฌ20
- 72 hours โ โฌ29
- 4 days โ โฌ34
- 5 days โ โฌ38
- 6 days โ โฌ43
- 48 hours โ โฌ23
- 72 hours โ โฌ32
- 4 days โ โฌ37
- 5 days โ โฌ42
- 6 days โ โฌ47
Also Read โย Travel the World โ Money Saving Tips
ย ยBerlin 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 โ โฌ46
- Transport ABC Zone โ โฌ48
Easy City Pass
Another pass offering a different variety of discounts across Berlin as well as free transportation around the city. ย Easy City Pass Prices (AB Zone)- 48 hours โ โฌ19
- 72 hours โ โฌ26
- 4 days โ โฌ32
- 5 days โ โฌ36
- 6 days โ โฌ40
- 48 hours โ โฌ21
- 72 hours โ โฌ28
- 4 days โ โฌ35
- 5 days -โฌ41
- 6 days -โฌ46
Berlin City Tour Card
This tourist card option offers less 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. ย Berlin City Tour Card Price (AB Zone)- 48 hours โ โฌ19
- 72 hours โ โฌ26
- 4 days โ โฌ32
- 5 days โ โฌ36
- 6 days โ โฌ40
- 48 hours โ โฌ21
- 72 hours โ โฌ28
- 4 days โ โฌ35
- 5 days โ โฌ41
- 6 days โ โฌ46

Also Read โย Best Bank for Travelers โ Starling vs Monzo Card Review
ยFines for No Valid Ticket
There are validation machines in the stations that 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 โฌ60. 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 donโt think you are safe simply because you canโt see anyone. A cheeky tip from one of the locals we met was if you are asked by an inspector for a ticket, make sure you take your time getting it out so as to give your fellow passengers time to escape if need be. Fight the power! ย
Also Read โย Undiscovered Europe โ Europeโs Hidden Gems
ย ยTypes 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. ยU-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 donโt 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! ย 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. ยTram 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. ยBuses
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! ย
Before You Leave for Berlin
Before you head off on your trip to the German capital, there are a few things to organise to ensure your trip runs smoothly and you have the best experience on your adventure in Berlin. These include what to pack for Berlin, what insurance to get, where to stay and how to get around. ยWhat to Pack for Berlin
Berlin tends to be a seasonal city, therefore if you are visiting in summer, it will most likely be hot and if you visit in winter, it will be cold. No matter the season, however, it is still possible to save money on your trip and pack only hand-luggage. We have travelled to the coldest and hottest places in the world, all with the same amount of luggage. The most important part of packing light is considering the layers you will take. Try to avoid big, nulky clothing and instead opt for layers that are much lighter and smaller, but when worn together provide real heat. If you need inspiration on what to pack, have a look at our full packing guides over here. ย Berlin is a truly fascinating city, with lots of stunning sights to see. There is also a lot of beautiful street art around the city of Berlin, so one of the most important things to pack is definitely a good camera. Have a look at what is in our camera bag right here.Travel Insurance for Berlin
Whenever we travel, we always make sure that we have travel insurance. Buying travel insurance is definitely one of the least enjoyable ways to spend money, however the thought of forking out money for any accidents that may happen is even worse. To save us worrying about potential medical costs, we take out cheap and reliable travel insurance with World Nomads, a backpacker friendly travel insurance company. These guys offer a huge range of travel insurance cover, excellent customer support and all for a backpacker friendly budget. Get a quote for your cover right here and have peace of mind on your trip. ย ยAlso Read โย The Ultimate Berlin Itinerary โ Two Days in the Capital
ยWhere 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. ย Luxury โ Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is a 5 star hotel situated inย Berlinโs Mitte, beside theย Brandenburg Gate. Soak up your experience in the city in a luxury central location. You can book your stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlinย here.ย ย Mid-Range โ Hotel California Kurfรผrstendamm 35 is located in the heart of Berlin and features a terrace on the Kurfรผrstendamm Boulevard. You can book your stay at Hotel California Kurfรผrstendamm 35 here. ย Budget โ Teikyo Berlin โ Hotel und Jugendgรคstehaus 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 โ Hotel und Jugendgรคstehaus am Zeuthener See here. ย ยFor all other choices of accommodation in Berlin, click here.
If hostels are more your social scene, Berlin has a huge range of hostels available in all locations across the city. Make new friends and enjoy the social side to travelling with a hostel.
Browse all of your best hostel options for Berlin right here.
ย ย
Also Read โย Berlinโs Best Attractions โ Top Nine Activities in Berlin
ย ย There you have it, your full guide to getting around Berlin. We hope this guide can help you to find the cheapest and best way for you to get around Berlin. Have you been to Berlin before and rode on the public transport? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below. If you know anyone who is visiting Berlin, make sure you share this guide with them so that they can maximise their experience getting around in this awesome city. If you enjoyed reading this, you can check out the rest of our Germany content here to get planning the rest of your trip. Make sure you catch up with us on social media to see where we are in the world, and tag us in your photos so we can share them with our community of adventurers. ย ย Now Read:- The Ultimate Berlin Itinerary โ Two Days in the Capital
- Berlinโs Best Attractions โ Top Nine Activities in Berlin
- Top Destinations in Europe for 2019
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I am hoping to go to Berlin later in the year, so this is a very helpful post! ๐
Thank you โ I will pin for later!
I love Berlin! itโs 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 Berlinโs 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 havenโt been there yet but itโs 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!