Berlin Public Transport Guide: Tickets, Zones & Getting Around
Photo by Heye Jensen on Unsplash.
Berlin’s U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses work together as a local transport network. Start by choosing the fare zones for your journey, then buy a suitable ticket and make sure it is valid before boarding. For most journeys within Berlin, choose AB; travel between central Berlin and BER airport or Potsdam needs ABC coverage.
Which transport should you use?
U-Bahn
The U-Bahn connects many central sights and neighbourhoods. Follow the line number and the destination shown on the train; a familiar station may be served in both directions.
S-Bahn
The S-Bahn connects the centre with outer districts and surrounding areas. It can also be useful for journeys across the city and for airport travel. Check the current route before leaving.
Buses and trams
Buses reach places between rail stations. Trams are especially useful in the eastern districts. Let people get off before boarding and keep the doors clear.
How to buy a ticket
Use station ticket machines, BVG customer centres or official BVG apps. For current prices and the conditions of each ticket, use the official BVG ticket list.
Validate or activate your ticket before travel
Paper tickets that require validation must be stamped at a validator before the journey. Check whether your ticket is already valid. For digital tickets, check the start time and activate the ticket in the app before travelling if it has not already been activated. Buying a ticket and having a ticket valid for travel are separate steps.
Follow the instructions for your specific ticket. The BVG visitor FAQ explains ticket purchase and validation.
Image courtesy of Jonathan Whitlam
Choose a ticket for your plans
Single ticket: one journey in one direction, with transfers, within its validity period. Return and round trips are not included.
24-hour ticket: unlimited journeys within the selected zones for 24 hours from validation.
Longer stays: compare the currently available multi-day options with how often you expect to travel.
Berlin WelcomeCard: compare the variant, duration and zones. Some versions include public transport and some do not. Check the official WelcomeCard comparison before buying.
Fares and conditions change. Check the official ticket page when planning your trip.
Understand Berlin’s fare zones
A: the inner city, including the S-Bahn Ring.
B: the area outside the Ring up to Berlin’s city boundary.
C: the surrounding area, including Potsdam and BER airport.
An AB ticket covers travel within Berlin. If your journey connects central Berlin with BER airport or Potsdam, make sure your ticket covers ABC. Read the BVG fare-zone information for the route you need.
Plan your route and check accessibility
Use the BVG journey planner for current departures, changes and disruptions. If you need a step-free journey, check the route and lift status before leaving rather than assuming every station entrance is accessible.
Night services vary by day and route. Check a connection for the time you actually plan to travel, especially after a late flight or evening event.
Use transport to reach your walking tour
Check our Berlin walking tour meeting point and the instructions for your chosen departure. Leave time for the walk from the station and any service disruption. Our Discover Berlin walking tour introduces the city’s major sights and history on foot.
For a longer visit, our Berlin in two days itinerary can help you combine walks, sights and travel time.
See dates and book the Discover Berlin tour →
Common ticket questions
Does an AB ticket cover BER airport?
No. For a journey between BER airport and central Berlin, you need coverage for ABC.
Does a 24-hour ticket end at 3 a.m.?
No. BVG’s 24-hour ticket runs for 24 hours from validation. Check the validity shown on your ticket.
Is every app ticket active immediately?
No. Check the ticket’s start time and status, and follow the app’s activation instructions before travelling.