|
Berlin Transport
Berlin has an efficient, cheap and punctual transportation system. It comprises the U-Bahn system (subway), S-Bahn (city rail), buses and trams.
Tickets
You can buy tickets from ticket offices, machines on station and directly from the bus drivers. All tickets can be used on any part of the system. It is necessary to validate the ticket in the red or yellow ticket-stampers on the platform before you get on the train or tram. One validated, maybe you won’t need it anymore but it is advisable to keep it because of ticket inspection at nights.
The most suitable tickets for visitors are the day passes for individuals or groups up to 5 people, single fare ticket ideal for up to 2 hours travel after validation, short trip ticket which is good for up to 3 stops on the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, or up to 6 tops on buses or trams and the WelcomeCard special offer for tourists that is valid through 72 hours and costs 18EUR.
Bus
The bus routes are crowded in Berlin but they are comfortable. It is possible to catch a bus about every 5 to 10 min; bus stops are marked with a large “H” and the name of the stop. The next stop is usually announced or displayed on a digital board so you can push the button on the handrails to signal where you want to stop. There are also special night buses that cover all the important stops and operate from around midnight until 4:30am. The buses run at around 30-minute intervals and normal fares apply.
Car
Driving in Berlin is probably easier that in most of big cities in Europe but there is still roadworks resulting in sudden dead ends and mysteriously rerouted roads which are the biggest hassle. Maybe the public transport system is a better choise. It is necessary to watch out for signs regulating the traffic because most motorways has a speed limit of 130km/h.
Walking
To explore Berlin’s historic center on foot is a good idea because it is compact. It’s safe to walk anywhere in the central city including in the large parks. Like in any other city, to take a extra careful at night is a must.
Tram
Today Berlin has modern versions of trams, they operates only in the eastern section of the city and there is a ferry from Kladow to Wannsee. The trams carry their numbers close to the front door and smaller number on the frame on the non-door side.
Berlin Tram
Taxi
There are also taxis, it can be ordered by telephone but they are cheaper if flagged down. The bulky luggage cost extra and there should be no surcharges for night trips. It is possible to find taxi ranks at the airports, train stations and throughout the city. A trip to and from Berlin city center costs about 20 to 30 EUR and takes around 30 to 50 minutes.
Bicycle
Another good way for exploring Berlin is by bicycle, because the city is very bicycle friendly; there are specially marked bike lanes everywhere and plenty of bike rental shops.
Rail
This is the most efficient way to travel around Berlin. There are 10 U-Bahn and 13 S-Bahn lines which operate from 4:00 to 24:00, expect at weekends and around public holidays. Most trains to major cities pass through Zoo and Ostbahnhof, some also stop at Alexanderplatz and Friedrichstrasse and some others stop only at Lichtenberg station.
U-bahn train
S-bahn train
Back to:
German in Berlin
German in Germany
German courses
|
|
|
Send to a friend
