The guide to Berlin provides insights on how to best plan your upcoming trip, particularly beneficial for those who have recently moved to the capital and are still getting acquainted with the local transportation system.
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Berlin is well-served by an efficient, reliable, and affordable public transportation network comprising buses, trams, and trains (S-Bahns and U-Bahns). Managed by BVG and S-Bahn Berlin, the integrated network allows seamless transfers between different modes of transportation on a single ticket.
Exploring Berlin through some of the Best modes of transportation
Every day, the yellow trains of the metro network transport millions of passengers to every corner of the city.
The Berlin U-Bahn network (which sometimes runs above ground) is dense, consisting of nine lines, 175 stations, and 155 kilometers of tracks.
This means it's challenging to be far from the blue sign with a large white letter "U," indicating a metro station.
Trains run every 5–10 minutes during the day and every 15–20 minutes at night. Most operate from 4:00 am to 1:00 am on weekdays and around the clock on weekends.
Where the U-Bahn can't take you, the S-Bahn probably can. The red and yellow above-ground trains (which sometimes go underground) cover vast distances across the city, with a network of 15 lines.
The most notable city railway lines are S41 and S42, the "Ringbahn", encircling central Berlin and providing the fastest way to cover long distances. City railway trains run every few minutes during the day and every 10–15 minutes at night.
Trams and buses, while not the fastest means of transportation (as they navigate roads and can encounter traffic during peak hours), remain popular.
For newcomers exploring Berlin, using these modes of transportation provides a chance to observe the city's dynamics.
Throughout Berlin, there's an extensive network of 152 bus lines complemented by numerous tram lines, mostly covering East Berlin. Some buses and trams operate 24/7, making them a viable option for nighttime travel.
For those interested in city landmarks, taking the double-decker bus No. 100 or 200, for a small fee, offers a scenic route past some major attractions. Berlin's public transportation system is divided into three tariff zones – A, B, and C.
Tickets
The ticket price depends on the zones through which the journey is planned.
Tickets cover either zones A and B, B and C, or all three. After purchase, single tickets are valid for 120 minutes. In addition to one-time tickets, 24-hour and seven-day passes for the transportation network or specific subscriptions are available.
As an alternative, consider the option of purchasing a Deutschlandticket, providing access to all public transportation throughout Germany (excluding high-speed intercity trains) for just 49 euros per month.
Bike rentals
With over 620 kilometers of bike lanes, many of which are entirely separated from traffic, Berlin is a bike-friendly city.
During rush hours, bike lanes are filled with commuters traveling to and from work.
Many hotels and bike shops offer bike rental services, and there are several bike-sharing apps such as:
- Tier;
- DB;
- Lime;
- Donkey Republic.
These apps typically charge an unlocking fee and then a fixed per-minute usage fee.
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After exploring Berlin's U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks, you might want to consider using the city's extensive bus and tram system. With over 152 bus lines and numerous tram lines, particularly in East Berlin, these modes of transportation provide an opportunity for newcomers to observe the city's dynamics.
Additionally, if you plan on visiting various landmarks in Berlin, taking a double-decker bus No. 100 or 200 for a small fee can offer a scenic route past major attractions.
