Getting around Berlin!?

Question

I'm going to Berlin very soon, but the train systems are very confusing. I know that you buy the ticket and validate it at the platform. I also know that ticket checkers come around the trains to make sure you have a ticket. But is there something easier? Like a three days pass to unlimited train rides? What would you recommend? Take the bus? Call a cab?

Answer 1

I visited Berlin in the summer of 2006 with a foreign exchange student that studied at my school in America.  I spent 3 months over the summer with her and her family in Fürstenwalde/Spree.  However, it is only a 20 minute train ride to Berlin, so we were frequents.  Here goes nothing:

U-Bahn and S-Bahn.  These are the two main subway systems, and they work like a charm...however, they fill fast, and once the doors start to shut, get in because they shut fast.  They are really user-friendly once you ride them a few times.  I, being a student, got a pass for the whole summer; unlimited U- and S- Bahn and Regional Express travelling within Brandenburg and Berlin, even though I was American.  Ask at the local Bahnhof (train station), and they'll give you more info. (Don't worry if you don't speak German, Berliners either speak English or French; I speak English and broken German and I had NO problem)  I believe last year, it was something like 35 Euros for 4 months of unlimited travel.  Which is not bad at all; but there is a catch: you can only travel in the state of Brandenburg (which surrounds Berlin) and Berlin.  If you are not going outside this, it is a phenominal deal!  If you are frequently going to be travelling outside of Brandenburg (Poland, Dresden, Czech Rep.) then it is probably not the best way because you will have to buy seperate tickets.  Just be sure to bring your student I.D..  Trains going from state to state are called "Regional trains."  Student passes cover U/S Bahns, and Regional trains travelling within Brandenburg and Berlin.

Tickets aren't validated on the platform; rather on the train en route, if ever.  Don't worry - if you are running late for a train, just hop on and they'll sell you a ticket once the ticket checkers come around for around a Euro more (this is called your "fine").

If you aren't a student, then, yes, there is a one-day-pass, which is somewhere around  Euros 1,70.  Which can get expensive.  And yes, they do check for tickets - especially to/from Brandenburg and Berlin (called Regional trains).  So, make sure.  A lot of times on the U/S Bahns, the ticket checkers can be wearing street clothes, a lot like undercover cops.  And they WILL fine you.  But, before I bought the student pass, I only bought one U/S Bahn ticket, and I was never checked.  It's a come-and-go thing.  

They also have visitor cards, which you can pick up from your hotel.  They are a nominal fee, and it gives you 3-7 days of travel on the Bahn system.  Ask your hotel.  Hostels generally won't have those however.  If you are staying at a hostel, you can go to the Berlin tourism office and pick one up.

I would only take the Bahn system when otherwise, you'd have to walk more than 2 kilometres.  It's simply not worth it; seeing the sights on street level is much more culturally educating, and well worth the exercise.  I'd recommend walking most of the time; taxis are WAY too expensive.

The major Bahnhofs are, from East to West: Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße, and Hauptbahnhof. They're all really accommodating, and you can get virtually anywhere within the city from them - they are great!  They also have lots of restaurants, from fast food to Sushi to coffee shops, they have everything.  

Again, the U/S Bahns are the way to go for longer expeditions - they are very clean, and generally on-time.  I hope this helps!

Answer 2

I went there for a week in March - if you are going to be travelling a lot on the u-bahn / s-bahn (trains) the best option is a weekly pass which gives you unlimited travel on all lines & buses.  The cost came to €31.30 and was definitely worth it as you only validate it once and rail is the fastest and most straightforward way to get around Berlin.

Answer 3

i actually like the trains in germany.  just make sure you either have your ticket/reciept.  it's a good way to get around.

Answer 4

Go to the tourist office and get the 3 day pass for buses and subways....Jezz it's not that complicated...

Answer 5

I know you're probably looking for a better answer than this, but ....

Check you local library! Libraries have soooooooo many travel guides (usually up-to-date), there is simply no reason why anyone should buy a travel guide. Many travel guides even come with public transportation maps and all the information you'll need as soon as you get off the plane.

The best guides are "Let's Go," "Frommer's," "Michelin," and "Rick Steves."

Answer 6

The answer of a.ginn is mostly correct.

If you do not have a ticket, or if you forget to validate it, DO NOT enter the train. If you have an invalid ticket (no validation) on Berlin S- and U-Bahn you'll have to pay a 40€ (!!) fine.

This is the website of BVG (Berlin city transportation).

http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Start

I'll recommend the "Berlin Welcome Card".

http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Detai...

It is valid in the ABC-zone (City of Berlin and surrounding area) for 48 or 72 hours on busses, trams, regional- and regional express trains, S-Bahn (urban rail) and U-Bahn (subway).

There is also a cupon book included.

You'll need to validate your ticket before entering the first train. Only one validaton is needed.

Sorry for my bad English, but I hope it helps