Tickets & Payment Methods
Everything you need to navigate Berlin’s public transport system
BVG Ticket Options
-
1.
Single Ticket (€3.80) – Valid for 2 hours in one direction, including transfers.
-
2.
Short Trip Ticket (€2.60) – For rides up to 3 U-Bahn/S-Bahn stops or 6 bus/tram stops (no transfers).
-
3.
24-Hour Ticket (€10.60) – Unlimited travel for 24 hours from validation.
-
4.
7-Day Ticket (€44.60) – Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days.
-
5.
Berlin WelcomeCard – Includes unlimited transport + discounts at 200+ attractions (€23-€46).
Children under 6 travel free. Reduced fares available for students/seniors.
Where to Buy & Payment
Digital Options
- • BVG Ticket-App & Fahinfo-App (official apps)
- • Jelbi App – Combines tickets with shared mobility options
Physical Purchase Points
- • Ticket machines at all U-Bahn/S-Bahn stations
- • BVG Sales Points (Hauptbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, etc.)
- • On buses (cashless only – cards/mobile pay)
Important: Validate paper tickets before boarding (stamp machines at stations/on trams/buses). Digital tickets activate immediately.
✈️ Getting to Central Berlin
Berlin is served by Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and several major train stations, including Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Here’s how to reach Alexanderplatz, Mitte, and other central areas using public transport, taxis, and rideshares.
| Transport | Route | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚄 Airport Express (FEX) | BER → Hauptbahnhof | 30 min | €4.40 (ABC Ticket) |
| 🚆 S-Bahn (S9, S45) | S9 → Alexanderplatz / S45 → Südkreuz | 40–45 min | €4.40 (ABC Ticket) |
| 🚌 Express Bus (X7, X71) | BER → U7 Rudow → U-Bahn to City | 45–50 min | €4.40 (ABC Ticket) |
| 🚖 Taxi | Direct to Central Berlin | 30–40 min | €50–60 |
Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
• Served by S-Bahn (S3, S5, S7, S9), U-Bahn (U5), trams, and buses.
• Easy transfer to anywhere in the city.
Berlin Ostbahnhof
• S-Bahn hub with direct access to Alexanderplatz & Friedrichstraße.
Berlin Südkreuz & Gesundbrunnen
• Important ICE and S-Bahn stations on Berlin’s Ringbahn.
💡 Tip: If arriving by train, a standard AB Ticket covers most journeys within the city!
Berlin Tourist Travel Passes
Choose the best ticket option for exploring Berlin’s extensive transport network
Which Option is Best For You?
⏳ Short Stay (1-3 days)
- • WelcomeCard for best discounts
- • CityTourCard for budget option
- • Day ticket if minimal attractions
📅 Medium Stay (4-7 days)
- • 7-day WelcomeCard/CityTourCard
- • Multiple day tickets if not sightseeing
- • Compare discount offers before choosing
🗓️ Long Stay (1+ weeks)
- • Deutschland-Ticket for flexibility
- • WelcomeCard + extension if needed
- • Monthly AB zone pass (€91)
| Feature | WelcomeCard | CityTourCard | Standard Tickets | Deutschland-Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Included | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ⏱️ Time-limited | ✅ Unlimited (all Germany) |
| Attraction Discounts | Up to 50% (200+) | 25-30% (50+) | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Best For | Tourists doing many attractions | Budget travelers doing some sights | Minimal transport needs | Long stays with regional travel |
Alternative Transport in Berlin: Bikes & Boats 🚲⛴️
Nextbike: Berlin’s Bike Sharing
- 🚲 €1 per 30 minutes or €9 daily flat rate
- 🗺️ 3,000 bikes at 400 stations citywide
- 📱 Rent via Nextbike app, BVG app, or call
- 🔓 Smart locks allow flexible parking
Berlin Water Transport: Spree River
- ⛴️ BVG ferries included in public transport tickets
- 🏛️ Unique views of Museum Island & government district
- 💳 Pay with BVG ticket or Berlin WelcomeCard
- 🚢 6 ferry lines crossing lakes and rivers
📍 Popular Routes
- • F10: S Wannsee ↔ Alt-Kladow (every 15-30min)
- • F12: Tegelort ↔ Murellenberge (scenic route)
- • F24: Osthafen ↔ Spreefeld (urban commute)
Pro Tip: Berlin’s public transport tickets (AB zone) cover both Nextbike rentals (first 30min free) and all ferry routes!
Berlin’s Most Scenic Transport Routes
Experience the city’s iconic sights from these beautiful transportation routes
Bus 100 – The Classic Sightseeing Route
Connects Alexanderplatz with Zoologischer Garten past all major landmarks including Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column.
U1 U-Bahn – The Viaduct Ride
Elevated tracks offer unique views of Kreuzberg’s rooftops and landmarks.
Spree River Ferry – Waterfront Views
See Berlin’s landmarks from the water on BVG ferry route F10.
Ferry InformationS-Bahn Ringbahn – Circular City Tour
Circle the entire city with views of parks, neighborhoods and landmarks.
Ringbahn InfoTram M1 – East Berlin Time Travel
Passes through Prenzlauer Berg with its beautiful Altbau architecture.
Tram M1 ScheduleAccessible Public Transport in Berlin
U-Bahn Accessibility
Over 70% of U-Bahn stations have elevators. Look for the wheelchair symbol on station maps. New trains have automatic gap fillers.
S-Bahn Services
All S-Bahn trains are wheelchair accessible with boarding assistance available. Major stations have tactile guidance systems.
Low-Floor Buses & Trams
100% of buses and trams are low-floor vehicles with boarding ramps. Drivers will kneel buses upon request.
Assistance Services
Book free boarding assistance 24 hours in advance via BVG Mobilitätsservice (+49 30 349049).
Accessibility Resources
BVG Accessibility Guide – Detailed station accessibility information
Wheelmap – Crowdsourced accessibility map (created in Berlin!)
Accessible Berlin – Tourist accessibility information