Public transportation

Public transport with the Berlin Pass

Use the bus, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and streetcar in Berlin - included or discounted, depending on the type of pass. Check the included services of your pass in advance.

Buy Berlin Pass

The Berlin WelcomeCard as a ticket for local public transport

The Berlin WelcomeCard is your ticket for Berlin's local public transport. Depending on the variant, it is valid in Berlin AB (city area) or ABC (incl. Potsdam and BER airport). It includes subway, S-Bahn, bus and tram. It is not valid on long-distance trains (IC/ICE) or on sightseeing buses. The WelcomeCard allows unlimited travel during its validity (e.g. 48 hours, 72 hours or 4-6 days).

Activation: Before your first journey, you must validate (stamp) the ticket once - for paper tickets. Online tickets with a fixed start time are valid from the specified time (no stamping required). With a WelcomeCard, 1 adult can also take up to 3 children (6-14) for free (under 6 travel for free).

Practical use

  1. Purchase: You can get the Berlin WelcomeCard in advance online (as a print ticket) or on site at ticket machines and points of sale (e.g. in train stations or tourist information offices).
  2. Validation: Stamp the paper ticket before the first journey** at a validation machine (on the platform or in the bus/tram). Online tickets with a time stamp are valid immediately and do not need to be validated.
  3. Travel & control: With a valid WelcomeCard you can travel and change as often as you like within the valid area. If you are checked, simply show your WelcomeCard to the staff. (Without a valid ticket, you may be fined.)

Timetable and public transport app

The BVG Fahrinfo app (free for iOS and Android) helps you with route planning. Enter your start and destination - the app will show you the best connection and real-time departures. Operating times: Underground and suburban trains run from around 5:00 am to 0:30 am. At weekends, many lines run all night long. During the week, night buses and some night streetcars take over the traffic when the streetcars take a break.

Important lines for tourists

  • Airport & train stations: With WelcomeCard (ABC) you can get from airport BER to the city center quickly - about 30 minutes with the express train FEX or ~40 minutes with the S-Bahn. The main train station is centrally located and is a major transfer hub; other long-distance train stations are also well connected.
  • Sightseeing attractions: You can reach many highlights directly by public transport - e.g. Brandenburg Gate (U5/S-Bahn), Television Tower (Alexanderplatz) or East Side Gallery (Warschauer Straße).
  • Recommended routes: The 100 bus connects the zoo and Alexanderplatz and passes many sights - ideal for a cheap city tour. The Ferry F10 across the Wannsee is free with the WelcomeCard.
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