Berlin Transport

Berlin has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation networks in Europe, consisting of a nicely integrated subway system (U-Bahn), suburban train lines (S-Bahn), buses and trams (in eastern Berlin). The system is easy to figure out and the routes are fairly straight-forward. The public transportation system operates daily from 04:30 until 00:30 including 62 night buses and trams and a couple of U-Bahn lines. The price per ride isnt exactly cheap, but if you buy a 24-hour ticket, its a great deal.

By Metro

The U-Bahn is Berlins Metro subway system, which covers an impressive area within the metropolis. Most of the tourist destinations fall within fare zones A and B, which is how all public transport travel is charged. From Sunday through Thursday, the trains stop around 00:45. On Friday and Saturday nights, most lines run all night.

A single ticket allows you to make a one-way trip with unlimited transfers between buses, trams and trains. A kurzstreckentarif ticket is half the price, but it is only good for short rides of up to three U-Bahn stops. If you plan to travel around a lot during one day, the best deal is the tageskarte, which is good for unlimited travel in zones A and B until 03:00. A seven-day version is also available at an even cheaper rate.

By train

Berlins intercity train system is called the S-Bahn and efficiently services the suburbs surrounding the city. The fare system works the same as the Metro, with different zones. From Sunday to Thursday the trains stop around running by 01:30, but on Fridays and Saturdays they run all night.

By bus

The citys bus system is integrated into its metro, train and tram network. Although slightly less convenient or interesting than the subway, the buses are easy to use and can get you to very specific points within the city. Ticketing works under the same zone system as the other transport options.

Taxis

Taxis in Berlin are metered and not very cheap. You can hail them on the street or call ahead for one. Taxis have a complex system of tariffs, which makes determining the fare rather frustrating.

Tourist services

There are several sightseeing deals in Berlin. You can purchase a tageskarte at all state-run museums, allowing entry to all the museums for one to three days. The Berlin Potsdam Welcome Card gives holders 72 hours of free public transportation as well as reductions at city attractions.

From the airport

Private bus shuttles constantly connect Berlins three airports, making it fairly easy to catch a connecting flight. You can also reach any of the airports by train or bus, which is much cheaper than a taxi fare.

Berlin Tegel is the most convenient airport to the downtown area. The express X9 airport bus operates at 10-minute intervals between the terminal and the Zoo Station in the centre of western Berlin. The 25-minute trip departs from outside the Arrivals Hall. From the Zoo Station, you can connect to anywhere in the city by subway, train or bus. Taxis are also available, though substantially more expensive. If you rent a car, simply follow the signs for the Stadtautobahn into Berlin, where the Halensee exit will lead you to Kurfurstendamm.

Berlin Schoenefeld is the furthest airport from the city centre, but you can catch the S-Bahn train from here directly to Zoo Station in the city centre, which takes 55 minutes. You can also take bus number 171 from the airport to Rudow, where you can transfer to the U-Bahn.

Berlin Tempelhof is linked directly to the city centre by the U-6 subway line. You can also take bus number 119 to Zoo Station, but it costs the same and takes longer.