How to Get Around Berlin, Germany, by Subway (U-Bahn & S-Bahn)

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is a landmark.

Berlin may be a very large city, but if you understand its superb subway (or "U-Bahn") system, getting around town is simple. Ease your travel worries to make the most of your visit to this vibrant German capital.

Things You'll Need

• Berlin metro map
• Validated ticket

Instructions

1. Pick up a free subway map, or print a copy before leaving. This will include the subway lines (U-Bahn), above-ground trains running through the city (S-Bahn) and the bus and tramway lines that make travel through Berlin so convenient.

2. If you arrive by plane to one of Berlin's two airports (Tegel or Schonefeld), you can easily use public transportation to get to the city center. As of time of publication, Tegel airport was scheduled to be replaced when construction is complete on a new airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

3. From Berlin Tegel Airport, the bus is an easy way to get downtown, making frequent stops including Unter den Linden and Alexanderplatz. Single tickets can be purchased at the counter inside the airport.

4. From Berlin Schoenefeld Airport, follow the signs to the S-Bahn station into the city. Buses toward Alexanderplatz and Schoeneberg come very frequently, with a faster Airport Express train running every half hour.

5. A single fare ticket is valid for two hours, including unlimited transfers between U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines. If you will use public transportation often during your stay, consider buying an all-day pass (Tageskarte) or a Welcome Card.

6. Buy a Berlin Welcome Card if you will be using the subway frequently during your two- to five-day trip and are interested in the affiliated museums. This card offers a flat-rate fare on the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tramways and bus lines within Berlin, as well as discounts and promotions at many of Berlin's museums. If you only want the unlimited transport, however, an all-day or weeklong pass might be cheaper.

7. If you will spend your trip within Berlin's city limits, buy tickets for zones A and B only.

8. Do not forget to validate your tickets. The Welcome Card must be validated when first used, but if you use single-ride tickets instead, be sure to validate these before boarding. If you forget to do so, you could be fined.

Tips & Warnings

• Validate your tickets or risk a fine from patrolling ticket inspectors.

• Bikes and large dogs are permitted on trains, but require additional tickets.

References

• Frommer's: Getting There in Berlin
• Frommer's: Getting Around in Berlin
• Berlin Flughafen: Berlin Brandenburg Airport: Schedule

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Berlin Airport Transport Information
• Berlin Public Transportation Fare Listing
• Berlin Subway Map