Berlin is a city with excellent public transport. Take advantage of the Berlin public transport network during your stay!
One of the best ways to get to know Berlin is to use the city’s excellent public transport network. Metro, Bus, Tram, and Urban Trains are excellent allies for all those who choose to visit Berlin.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OF BERLIN
Berlin has an intricate but understandable public transport network consisting of U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (city trains), Straßenbahn (trams), buses, and regional trains (RE).
What is the difference between U-Bahn and S-Bahn?
The only difference is that the services are managed by two different companies, but both can be used with the same ticket. For those who use transport there is no difference and both fall within the concept of the Berlin Metro.
Where do you buy public transport tickets in Berlin?
Tickets for public transport in Berlin can be purchased at all S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations. It is also possible to buy tickets on board trams (from special machines) and buses (directly from the driver).
How do I validate my ticket?
Public transport tickets in Berlin must be validated only once before boarding the trains. Weekly or monthly tickets must also be stamped only once before the first use. You will always find special punching machines on the platforms and near the automatic counters.
On board trams and buses, you can buy already stamped tickets. Regardless of where you buy tickets, they are valid on any public transport.
What is the difference between an AB ticket and an ABC ticket?
Berlin is divided into three rings: Zones A, B, and C. Zone A is the center of the city, zone B is the urban area, and zone C is the outskirts of Berlin which includes Potsdam and Oranienburg, where the Memorial of the former concentration camp of Sachsenhausen and BER Airport are located. There are therefore AB, BC, and ABC tickets.
Are there discounted tickets?
There are reductions for children between 6 and 13 years of age. Children under 6 years of age are free of charge. Students do not receive any reduction!
What happens in Berlin if I don’t have a valid ticket?
The transport companies carry out regular checks on trains, metro, trams, and buses. If you do not have a valid ticket in Berlin, the fine to be paid is € 60 and the checks are inflexible. Failure to pay or refusal to show your identity card will require the intervention of the police.
Berlin’s public transport network at night
U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run from Sunday to Thursday until approximately 12:30 am. Night buses and trams run from midnight to around 4:30 am. Night buses are marked with an N and the line number. U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run all night on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays, with the exception of a few lines.
BEFORE TAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN BERLIN, KEEP IN MIND THAT:
– Children under 6 years of age are exempt from buying a ticket.
– From the age of 14 you are considered an adult.
– Reduced rates are not applied for foreign students or retirees.
– An adult can accompany up to three children from 6 to 14 years of age free of charge with a day ticket.