Berlin Transportation

If you come to Berlin for a short visit - for a weekend or for three days, it's very reasonable to buy a WelcomeCard. It costs 21 euros (I paid 19 euros in 2003, but the price went up a little in 2004), valid for all kinds of the city transport for 72 hours from the moment you stamp it (you need to stamp it only once). The card is for one adult, who can be accompanied by three children under the age of 14 (children under 6 travel for free). Moreover, the card includes a number of discount coupons for museums, tours, theaters, etc.

I bought it on arrival at the Shoenefeld airport, in the tourist agency on the first floor of the airport building.

You can buy it at any airport or at any tourist agency.

Currently the price is 16 euros for a two-day card and 22 euros for a three-day card. You can find the up-to-date information if you follow the link below.

The U-Bahn, S-Bahn and Trams are probably how you’ll do most of your traveling in Berlin. As with most big cities, they are simpler to understand than the bus network, and come very frequently. One ticket will take you around the whole network within city limits (you’ll need a supplement if you ride the S-Bahn to the further suburbs), and there are loads of crossover points. A great benefit of the system, too, is the fact that at weekends, a considerable portion of the system operates twenty-four hours: it’s odd to be on an S-Bahn at 2 a.m. without a seat left, the carriages full of would-be clubbers.

Of course, the downside of riding in the U-Bahn is that you generally miss out on seeing the city. There are some above-ground segments (the U2 has some such sections, for example), and the S-Bahn is also generally above ground, so take that where possible in central areas. The trams run almost exclusively within the former east, and they can be a fun way to get around – and practical, since they cover many areas not well served by U-Bahn.

What better way t get around Berlin than cycling? You can rent bikes from the DB by calling in. I'm not sure how it works as I have my own.

The website is in German only but I'm sure if you call you will get someone who speaks English if need be.

Take the Subway (Ubahn) marked with a U on all maps. Sbahn (or Schnellbahn) run on the same system, but are faster and doesnt make that many stops. The're marked with an S. In reality though, you'll only cope with the Ubahn.

Although somewhat expensive, the Berlin metro always has clean stations with clear and comprehensible maps. The week or day tickets are usually cheaper than buying a ticket for each ride. Like other systems in Germany, everything operates by the honor system (I blanche thinking about that happening in NYC), and an important thing to remember is that you stamp your ticket at the little red time machine right after you buy it so the controller knows that it is valid. The fine is quite high nowadays (something like 40 EUR) and one of my friends was chased down and tackled by a controller, so it is pretty serious money and even though most controllers look like they work in a bank (they are usually a little chunky with horrible mustaches, even the women), they can do some sweet kung fu moves!

For international travelers who go from one European country to another, here is the link for the pricing, 1st or 2nd class with or without ICE. For those 12 to 25 Twenticket is good price with 20% to 50% discount, only 2nd class, most European countries and Morocco and Turkey also.

For Non-European travelers here are passes available, and link for pricings:

GermanRailPass
Eurail Pass
Eurailpass Saver
Eurailpass Flexi
Eurailpass Saver Flexi
Eurail Selectpass
Europass
Eurailticket

These prices are subject to change because the railway system has been upgraded recently, so names are right, but prices might be different.

Except once when I was on a road trip with caravan and another time when I was on a group trip by bus I have arrived at Berlin Schönefeldt by air. The flight is a couple of hours from Sweden and for that short a distance I do not care for much else than safe and cheap.

Normally I check prices and flight schedules for Germanwings and AirBerlin from Stockholm Arlanda and Ryanair from Stockholm Skavsta when I plan my trips to Berlin. All three airlines operates in other countries in Europe too so you should check if they are an alternative for you.

I have never traveled with AirBerlin because their flights have been on the wrong days/hours or have not been able to compete prizewise with the two others. I have used both the others and even though I have 2-3 hours more by car to Skavsta than to Arlanda, Ryanair has been the best options a couple of times.

As always with budget airlines you should read the terms and conditions regarding luggage etc carefully and be aware of extra costs before you do the booking, but as long as you do this I am sure you will have pleasant trip.

This method was about the only method we used to get around. We had a week pass and the U-trains will take you all over Berlin. Just step off on the right stop because else you will have to walk a very long way. I speak from experience.