Getting Around

Overview

Berlin abounds with ways to navigate its streets. Unlike many major cities, it's friendly to both cyclists and pedestrians, and its U/S Bahn is a model of efficiency. Buses are slow, but comfortable. In the eastern sections of the city you can take sleek new trams. Driving is possible, but probably not advisable considering the plethora of public transport options, which includes a scenic ferry that runs between Kladow and Wannsee. If you want to take a taxi, bear in mind that its cheaper to flag than to call.

Water

The F10, which shuttles between Kladow and Wannsee, makes for quite a scenic trip, and you can use regular public transport tickets to board it. Ferries operate hourly all year, weather permitting, usually from about 09:00 to sunset.

Rail

The U/S Bahn is the most efficient way to travel around Berlin. There are 10 U-Bahn and 13 S-Bahn lines which operate from 04:00 to just after 24:00. Exceptions are the U1 and the U9 which operate a limited service (about two trains an hour) all night. Most S-Bahns also run hourly on Saturday and Sunday between 24:00 and 04:00. The S-Bahn network is supplemented by the Regionalbahn (RB) and Regionalexpress (RE) lines.

Bus

Berlin's buses are rather slow, but comfortable. Bus stops are marked with a large 'H' and the name of the stop. Drivers sell tickets and can give change. The next stop is usually announced or displayed on a digital board. Push the button on the handrails to signal to the driver that you want to get off. Night buses operate from around midnight until 6am, running at roughly 30-minute intervals. Normal fares apply.

Tram/trolley

The rickety trams of Berlin's past have been replaced with sleek new versions. They operate only in the eastern sections of the city; about 30 lines crisscross the entire eastern half of Berlin.

Car

Driving in Berlin is easier than in most big cities, but it's no walk in the park, either. There's still plenty of construction going on, resulting in gridlock, mysteriously rerouted roads and sudden dead ends. A better choice is to stick with the excellent public transport system.

Taxi

There are taxi stands with 'call columns' throughout the city - it costs more to call than to flag one down. In the inner city there are also some two-seater pedicabs, assisted with electric engines, called Velotaxis.

Bicycle

Berlin is very bicycle friendly, and it's a good way to get to know the city - there are specially marked bike lanes everywhere. There are also plenty of bike rental shops.

Walking

The historic centre of Berlin is surprisingly compact and is best explored on foot. It's safe to walk anywhere in the central city, including in the large parks like Tiergarten, though as in any city, be extra careful at night.