Berlin | Public transport

Berlin's public transport system is highly efficient, comprehensive, and integrated, allowing you to reach practically anywhere in the city.

It is managed primarily by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and Deutsche Bahn (DB), but a single ticket is valid for all modes of transport.

Types of Transport

The network consists of various complementary modes of transport:

- U-Bahn (Subway): underground trains (and elevated in some sections) identified by the letter "U". It has nine lines covering much of the city center and suburbs.

- S-Bahn (Urban Train): surface trains, identified by the letter "S", connecting the center to outlying areas and neighboring towns. The ring line (Ringbahn, S41 and S42) circles the central area.

- Straßenbahn or Tram: prevalent in the former East Berlin, identified by the tram symbol. It is excellent for short distances above ground.

- Bus: an extensive bus network complementing train and tram routes, with stops marked by the letter "H" (*Haltestelle*, meaning "stop").

- Ferries (*Fähre*): ferry lines operate across rivers and lakes within the city.

Ticket System and Zones

The fare system is based on three concentric zones:

- Zone A: the city center, inside the S-Bahn ring (Ringbahn).

- Zone B: the area outside the ring but still within Berlin's city limits.

- Zone C: covers neighboring towns and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).

You must purchase a ticket valid for the zones you intend to travel through (e.g., AB for most tourist attractions, ABC to get to the airport).

Ticket Types

- Einzelfahrschein (Single Ticket): valid for a one-way trip, allowing transfers but not round trips or stopovers. Costs €4.00 (AB) or €5.00 (ABC).

- Kurzstrecke (Short Trip): valid for a journey of 3 S-Bahn or U-Bahn stations (allowing transfers but no stopovers) or up to 6 bus or tram stops (no stopovers or transfers). Costs €2.80 (AB).

- 24-Stunden-Ticket (24-Hour Ticket): offers unlimited travel on all modes of transport for 24 hours. Costs €11.20 (AB) or €12.90 (ABC).

- 4-Fahrten-Karte (4-Trip Ticket): a pack of four single tickets at a slight discount. Costs €12.40 (AB) or €16.80 (ABC).

- Monatskarte (Long-term Tickets): monthly passes are available.

- Berlin Welcome Card: a tourist pass that offers discounts on various city attractions in addition to public transport.

All prices listed above are for adult tickets; reduced fares apply to children up to 14 years of age and seniors.

How It Works in Practice

- No Turnstiles: most metro and train stations do not have turnstiles. Entry is open, but you must hold a valid ticket and validate it using small machines before boarding or on the platform—unless the ticket was purchased via an app, in which case it is already validated.

- Ticket Inspections: plainclothes inspectors check tickets at random on board vehicles. Failure to produce a valid ticket results in a significant fine.

- Ticket Purchase: tickets can be bought from automated machines (accepting cash or card) at stations, from bus drivers (who generally accept only cards), or via the official BVG app.

- Schedules: the system operates frequently throughout the day and night, every day of the week (U-Bahn and S-Bahn run 24 hours a day, though with longer intervals during the early morning hours).

Check the maps available at the stations to determine the best mode of transport from your hotel to the attractions.