Public Transport in Berlin

Tickets & prices

The more basic ticket you can get is the KurzeStrecke, which costs €2 and offers up to three stops on the S- and U-Bahn, or up to six stops on buses and trams. A pack of four tickets costs €6. This is a great option for quick trips.

A more universal alternative is the one-way AB tickets, which cost €3 each and are valid in zones A and B. This will get you across the city. A pack of four tickets costs € 9,40.

For €3.80, you can get the ABC ticket, valid in zones A, B, and C. A pack of four costs €13.80. If there are two of you, get the pack of four – the ticket machine will give you two tickets with two places to stamp: one at the top, one at the bottom. Stamp one side of the ticket when leaving the airport, then the other on your way back.

For €8.80, you can get the 24-Stunden-Karte, valid for 24 hours, and you can bring three kids under 14 with you for free.

For €10, you can get the 24-Stunden-Karte ABC, which is the same as the above, but valid across zones A, B, and C (which includes central Berlin, the airport, and Potsdam).

For €10, you can get the 24-Stunden-Karte Kleingruppe AB – a group ticket for up to five people.

For €26.50 you can get the 24-Stunden-Karte Kleingruppe ABC, which is the same as above, but valid across zones A, B and C (which includes central Berlin, the airport, and Potsdam).

Berlin underground

The Berlin underground is known as the U-Bahn, that's why you'll see the letter "U" everywhere. It was first opened in 1902 and has since grown to operate with ten lines and 173 stations, making it not only the oldest underground in the country but one of the largest networks in the world. And it's still growing!

In addition to the U-Bahn, there's the S-Bahn, which is made up of 16 lines and 166 stations. These trains mostly operate overground, only diving underground every now and again. So, don't be afraid when they do!

West Berlin is home to many doubledecker buses. Tourist favourites include numbers 100, 200, and 300, which pass many of the top sights to see.

East Berlin is mostly about trams. They're still building more, even though they're already the third best tramline network in the world!

You'll find a ticket machine and transport map at every station. If you'd like to carry a map with you, just ask for one at the information desk or service centre. Once stamped, all tickets are valid on every kind of transport, from trains and trams to buses and undergrounds. The only place a ticket won't fly is in a taxi.

Using public transport

If you've flown into Berlin via BER, you'll probably take the train into the centre. You can get ABC tickets at the machines. Be sure to stamp your ticket on the platform with the date and time before you board the train!

The trains stop at every station on the line, but the doors only open if you press the button. You use any of the doors to board or disembark.

Buses work a little differently: you stamp your ticket upon boarding. The bus won't stop everywhere, so you have to indicate that you want to get off by pressing one of the many stop buttons.

You might need to get a tram while you're here, especially if you're arriving at Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or staying in East Berlin. Ticket machines and stampers are onboard, and you only have to stamp them once before your first journey.

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