Berlin Transportation

I found Berlin's transportation system very easy. We had a three day pass, and we validated it like good visitors. However, we were never asked for our passes, nor did we see anyone get asked. Most people either have weekly passes or they just don't pay. I'm sure a local person can comment on this more effectively. Anyway, it was easy to navigate, very CLEAN, and very timely.

I love the doors. They don't open automatically, so just push the button or pull back the lever to open it. This is true for inside and out. I loved that feature.

The U bahn has a blue U and the S bahn has a green S. Check out the link below for maps.

The subway / metro in Berlin and Germany is called the "U-Bahn" and "Bahnhof" is a station. The Berlin U-Bahn is very easy to navigate using the maps and typically to get to your destination you simply need to know where to get off. Trains are always on time but I did have trouble operating the ticket machines as I do not know any German. I recommend buying an all day subway pass if you want to explore different areas of the city.

Most trains heading westwards (e.g. to Frankfurt, Hanover or Hamburg) arrive and depart from 'Zoo Station'. Zoo Station is linked to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn public transport networks and numerous buses leave from the forecourt.

Due to its central location near Breitscheidplatz and Kurfürstendamm, Zoo Station is a popular meeting point for tourists and young Berliners as well as tramps and drug dealers. So it's a good idea to be aware of your surroundings here.

The station is the inspiration for the U2 song "Zoo Station" and in fact the U2 subway line has a stop at the station.

I must say that the subway system in Berlin is the best I have seen so far. With U- and S-bahns you can get everywhere in the city. In day time (6am-24pm) they usually have only some minutes between shifts, in nighttime in maximum 20 minutes.. Prices are ok, especially if you buy a day ticket. With the same ticket you can use also busses...

You can find the route maps in kiosks near the stations.

If you are in Berlin you can travel by a great and fast subway system.
It's called die U -Bahn and takes you everywere you want to go in Berlin.
You can also take the S-Bahn, you will see how it works in the Station.

In the Hostel or at the stations you can find a Map of the Subwaysystem.

I put the map in the Url. just scroll down a little bit and you will find Berlin...

Berlin was restored as the German capital right after the unification of the two German states in 1990 and has about 3.5 million inhabitants. The city has one of the oldest and most extensive metro networks in Europe. The rapid transit network actually consists of two independent systems, the U-Bahn with 9 lines, and the S-Bahn.

See web site for more information.

Berlin has an excellent public transport system. While access to the subway (U-Bahn) is still quite limited to disabled people, most of the buses are equipped with easy-to use folding ramps enabling wheelchair users to get on board.

It is amazing how the buses will get you nearly anywhere in the city and how friendly and helpful the bus drivers are!

I found this bus on my picture parked on southern side of Kurfurstendamm (Ku-Damm) by number 225. It was 2-floor, scheduled bus line called City Circle Tour. It costed 18 euros (full day ticket with unlimited boarding) or 14 euros (half-day ticket, till 2.00 pm). The first bus started at 10.00 am, the last one at 3.00 pm. every 15-30 min. (4.00 pm and every 10-15 min. in summer = 4 April - 2 November). The full non-stop trip lasted 2 hours.

The itinerary contained 14 stops by most famous points of interests around Berlin including:
- Potzdamer Platz,
- Jewish Museum,
- Checkpoint Charlie,
- Alexanderplatz,
- Berlin Cathedral
- Unter den Linden,
- Branderburg Gate
- Palace Charlottenburg.
On Sat. and Sun. add 17 Juni Flea Market.

Nice itinerary but definetely NOT my recommendation. Why?
1. One day ticket for public transportation (bus, U-bahn, S-bahn, tram) costed over 3 times less: 5.60 euros;
2. Public transportation was very efficient in Berlin (which meant more flexibility and no need to wait up to 30 min. for next City Circle Tour bus);
3. There were bus lines 100 and 200 which passed by most of the tourist attractions mentioned above.

Enjoy!