Overview
Berlin's public transport system is one of Europe's most comprehensive, integrating the U-Bahn (underground metro), S-Bahn (suburban trains), buses, trams, and ferries under a single ticket system. As a visitor, you can move seamlessly between all modes using one pass or ticket, valid across designated fare zones. The system is maintained and operated by the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe). Most journeys require purchasing a ticket before boarding, which you validate in yellow or red boxes on platforms; plainclothes inspectors enforce this rule with a €60 fine for invalid or unvalidated tickets. The BVG app lets you buy digital tickets that activate automatically without physical validation.
The network
U-Bahn (Underground)
The U-Bahn is an electric rapid transit system opened in 1902, serving 175 stations across nine lines with a total track length of 155.64 kilometres, approximately 80% of which runs underground. Trains run every two to five minutes during peak hours, every five minutes during the rest of the day, and every ten minutes in the evening. It is the most extensive underground network in Germany.
Key U-Bahn lines for visitors include:
- U2: Connects Alexanderplatz to Zoologischer Garten (Zoo), running east–west across the city centre.
- U5: Connects Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) to Alexanderplatz and destinations further east, passing through Museum Island. (Note: older guides may reference U55, which merged into the lengthened U5 in 2020.)
- U6 and U8: The two U-Bahn lines historically allowed to pass through East Berlin without stopping during the Cold War partition; now fully reopened.
- U7: Serves Rudow in the south and other areas; the X7 bus connects Berlin Brandenburg International Airport to U7 Rudow.
S-Bahn (Suburban Rail)
The S-Bahn is a network of suburban train lines that form part of Berlin's main public transport system. Key lines include:
- S3, S5, S7, S9: Four S-Bahn lines serve Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
- S41 and S42: Form a ring line circling the city centre and serve Messe Nord/ICC (International Convention Centre).
- S46: Also serves Messe Nord/ICC.
- S9 and S85: Slower options to Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, useful in case of disruption to regional train services.
Regional Trains
Regional and express trains connect the airport and city centre. Key services include:
- FEX (Flughafen Express) and RE20: Fast regional trains from Berlin Brandenburg International Airport to the city centre, departing about every 15 minutes at peak periods and taking approximately 23 minutes.
- RB24 and RB32: Regional trains serving Ostkreuz but avoiding the city centre.
Trams (Straßenbahn)
A tram network operates primarily in the eastern parts of the city. Key tram lines include:
- M5, M8, M10: Three tram lines serve Berlin Hauptbahnhof, with M10 particularly known as a "party tram" due to its route serving several nightlife hotspots.
- MetroTram (M lines): Operate 24/7, providing night transport when the U- and S-Bahn are not running.
Buses
Berlin's bus network provides comprehensive coverage across the city. Local buses may be used to reach specific neighbourhoods, though they do not directly serve the city centre from the airport. Buses accept only contactless cards and pre-purchased tickets; cash is no longer accepted.
Ferries
Ferry services, including the F10 line and others, cross scenic lakes within Berlin and are included in standard AB tickets.
Tickets & fares
Ticket Types
All tickets are valid across U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, trams, and ferries within your chosen fare zones. All prices listed below are approximate and subject to change.
- Single journey ticket (Einzelfahrschein): approximately €4.00 for zones AB or €5.00 for zones ABC; valid for 2 hours with unlimited transfers.
- Short trip ticket (Kurzstrecke): approximately €2.80; covers up to 3 stops on the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, or 6 stops on tram or bus.
- 4-trip ticket (4-Fahrten-Karte): approximately €12.40 for zones AB; shareable across multiple people and valid on different days.
- 24-hour ticket (Tageskarte): approximately €11.20 for zones AB or €12.90 for zones ABC; includes unlimited journeys for one person from the time of validation; allows up to 3 children (ages 6–14) and 1 dog to travel free.
- 24-hour small group ticket: approximately €35.30 for zones AB or €37.70 for zones ABC; covers up to 5 people for 24 hours.
- Monthly ticket: approximately €113.00 and upwards; valid until midnight on the last day of the month.
- Student and trainee discounts: Special monthly rates available, approximately €74.10 for trainees and €95.70+ for school students.
- Bicycle tickets: Single trip approximately €2.70, short trip €1.90, 24-hour €5.90, and monthly approximately €14.60.
Tourist Passes
- Berlin WelcomeCard: Available for 48 hours (approximately €28.50+), 72 hours (approximately €39.50+), or 4–6 days (approximately €49.50–€58.50+); includes unlimited public transport and discounts of up to 50% at 170+ attractions.
- WelcomeCard Museum Island: approximately €62.00+; includes free admission to Museum Island in addition to unlimited transport.
- CityTourCard: Available for 48 hours to 6 days (approximately €23.80–€51.00+); offers discounts of up to 40% at 30+ partner attractions.
Fare Zones
Berlin's public transport is divided into fare zones:
- Zone AB: Covers the inner city and city boundary, including major tourist sites such as Alexanderplatz, Charlottenburg, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, and Museum Island.
- Zone ABC: Includes zones A and B plus surrounding areas, Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, and Potsdam. Note that the separate BC-only option was discontinued in January 2026.
Purchasing and Validating Tickets
You can purchase tickets at ticket machines located at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, which accept Girocard, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, as well as coins. Onboard tram machines are also available. The free BVG app (available in English) allows you to buy digital tickets that activate automatically without requiring physical validation. Paper tickets must be validated in yellow or red boxes on the platform before boarding. Buses accept only contactless card payments or pre-purchased tickets; cash is not accepted.
From the airport
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER), which opened in October 2020, is located in fare zone C. You must purchase an ABC ticket to avoid a €60 fine; an AB ticket alone is not valid. The train station is in the basement of Terminal 1, with Terminal 2 a short walk away.
By Train
The fastest option is to take any regional train—the FEX (Flughafen Express) or RE20—which depart approximately every 15 minutes at peak periods and reach the city centre in about 23 minutes. The S9 and S85 S-Bahn lines are slower options (taking 45–50 minutes to reach Alexanderplatz or Friedrichstraße) but useful if other services are disrupted. Regional trains RB24 and RB32 also serve the airport but only reach Ostkreuz and do not serve the city centre. Periodic IC trains also run on the Dresden–Berlin–Rostock route.
By Bus
The X7 local bus connects the airport to U-Bahn station U7 Rudow. Unless your destination is in the far south of the city or there are rail disruptions, this option is less convenient than train services. Flixbus offers long-distance bus service to Dresden and Szczecin.
By Taxi or Car
A taxi from the airport to the city centre typically costs approximately €60–70, with a well-served taxi stand available at the terminal. If driving, use the A113 motorway and follow signposting.
Etiquette & customs
Public transport in Berlin operates with certain behavioural norms that visitors should observe. While there are no formal ticket barriers, plainclothes inspectors patrol the system and enforce ticket validation; always validate your paper ticket in the yellow or red boxes before boarding, or use the BVG app for automatic digital validation.
- Queuing and boarding: Queue orderly at stations and board in an organized manner. Allow passengers to exit before boarding.
- Priority and reserved seating: Seats marked for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers should be vacated when needed. Offer your seat when these passengers board.
- Escalators: Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to walk up on the left side.
- Eating and drinking: While eating and drinking are generally permitted on public transport, be respectful of others and avoid strong-smelling foods. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed, though drunken behaviour is frowned upon.
- Noise and conversation: Keep conversations at a reasonable volume, particularly on quieter cars or during off-peak hours. Use headphones for music and videos.
- Rush-hour behaviour: During peak hours (typically 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM), trains and buses are crowded. Be patient, move into the carriage to make room for others, and avoid blocking doors.
- Bicycles: Designated bicycle areas exist on many trains and trams; use these spaces and purchase a bicycle ticket if required.
Official links
Survival terms
- U-Bahn (Untergrundbahn): Underground railway / metro / subway
- S-Bahn (Schnellbahn): Rapid / suburban railway
- Fahrkarte or Ticket: Ticket
- Linie: Line
- Eingang: Entrance
- Ausgang: Exit
- Umsteigen: Transfer / change
- Einzelfahrschein: Single journey ticket
- Tageskarte: Day pass / 24-hour ticket
- Kurzstrecke: Short trip ticket
- Straßenbahn: Tram / streetcar
Always carry your ticket or have the BVG app active during your journey, as plainclothes inspectors conduct random checks throughout the system and unvalidated tickets incur a substantial fine.