by public transport in Berlin

Comprehensive guide to Berlin Germany with information on by public transport.

by bike

by car

by public transport

Berlin by Tram

by taxi

If you can't get your hands on a bike , Berlin's integrated public transport system (known as the BVG) is the next best way to get about. One ticket allows travel on all trains, trams, busses and ferries run by the public transport authority (BVG).

Timetable information , route maps , and general information are all available through the BVG site.

Fares

BVG fares in Berlin have been increasing steadily over the past few years, but they are still reasonable when compared to those in other European capitals. The most recent changes will hit tourists and one-off travellers the hardest as the price of a day ticket has increased substantially from DM8,70 to DM12. Fares are calculated in the basis of tariff zones and lenth of validity.

The whole city of Berlin is covered by zones A & B. Only outlying suburbs are situtated in zone C.

Fares in €	2hrs	Day*	Week**
Zones A+B+C	4.70	12.40	55.00
Zones A+B	4.20	12.00	44.00

For longer stays in Berlin, monthly tickets bring the price of public transport down. In the A+B zone these tickets cost DM81 for students or DM110 for adults. A special premium ticket (€ 126) entitles the holder to take their bike with them on all BVG trains. Yearly tickets can be purchased for the price of 10 monthlies.

Special Fares

WelcomeCard:

DM32 for one adult accompanied by up to three children under the age of 14. The WelcomeCard is a public transport ticket valid for 72 hours on all buses, trams and trains circulating within the A,B and C fare zones of the VBB (Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association) network. In addition, WelcomeCard holders are entitled to free admissions or up to 50 % reductions on guided tours or walks, boat trips, museums, theatres and recreational and leisure facilities in Berlin and Potsdam. Check individual listings for details. WelcomeCards are available at all VBB ticket offices, Berlin Tourismus Marketing offices and many Berlin hotels.

Group Tickets:

These have been discontinued and are only available for groups of 10 children or more.

Fare Evasion

Ticket inspections are not uncommon. The ticket inspectors can be in or out of uniform. They dish out fines of DM60 and are hard to avoid because they board trains, busses, and trams in groups of three or more. The inspectors speak enough English to point out the fact that the ticket machines have instructions in English and German so feigning ignorance of the local fare scheme/language probably won't help you wheedle your way out of a fine.