Berlin Transportation Tips by antistar

City Transport

Berlin's transportation is a unified system combining the U and S-Bahns of West Berlin with busses and the trams of East Berlin. The U and S-Bahns are the underground (U) system and the suburban trains (S). All of these can be accessed with the same tickets and everything is run by the BVG. You'll mostly be travelling in the AB region, and tickets for that cost two euros for a "einzelfahrausweis", or single ticket, which is valid for two hours after validation. For e5.60 you can also buy a day ticket, which is valid until 3am the next day. If your ticket isn't automatically franked with the date and time, like the ones you buy on the machines in trams, then you will need to validate your ticket in a machine, or else risk a fine. You will see this validating machines as you get on, but just watch what the locals do if you aren't sure. You can also buy weekly and monthly tickets, if you plan on staying a long time.

Be warned that the system can be confusing when it comes to the transition from East to West Berlin.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Subway/Metro

Berlin by Train

Being the capital city, Berlin is obviously well served by trains from all over the country. It is also the starting point for ventures to the east, with long-distance trains to places as far afield as Moscow and Kiev. Berlin currently has three main stations, with the Zoo and Ostbahnhof dealing with trains to western Europe and Bahnhof Lichtenberg handling those to the east. Berlin's new main station, built on the historic Lehrter Stadtbahnhof, was completed in 2006.

Mode: TO

Type: Train

Berlin by Air

Berlin has two main airports, Tegel and Schonefeld. Tegel is the busiest one, and serves most of the major airlines and destinations. Schonefeld used to be the airport for the cities in eastern Europe, but now serves a number of budget airlines, including Ryan Air. Tegel airport has plenty of regular bus services to the centre, including #X9 and #109 to the Bahnhof Zoo. Schonefeld is further out, but links to the city center via the S-Bahn and regular train are easily available.

Mode: TO

Type: Airplane