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Public Transportation in Berlin
Information about S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams in Berlin: Tickets, fares, regulations, networks, schedules and more
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Tickets, tariff zones and route maps of public transport in Berlin.
With a valid ticket, ticket holders have access to all public transport in Berlin, including the S-Bahn, subway, buses, trams and ferries. The fare depends on the tariff zone and the ticket's period of validity.
Berlin is divided into three fare zones: AB, BC, and ABC. The fare zone AB includes the urban center of Berlin as well as the area up to the city limits. The fare zone ABC additionally includes Berlin's surrounding area, BER Airport, and Potsdam Central Station.
A single ticket is valid for one person and a two-hour journey through the city. It is a one-way ticket, meaning that round trips and return journeys are not included - for such purposes a new ticket must be purchased.
A short trip ticket costs €2,40 (reduced fee €1.90). It is valid for three stops on the S-Bahn or subway, change of train being permitted, or six stops on buses and trams. A change of vehicle is not permitted.
Small children up to the age of five travel free of charge when accompanied. Children from 6 to 14 years travel with a reduced fare ticket.
Persons with severe disabilites in possession of a Schwerbehindertenausweis with supplement and valid token can ride all VBB public transport free of charge. An accompanying person and, if applicable, a service dog also travel free of charge.
A 24-hour ticket allows one passenger to travel during 24 hours for as many trips as desired. Transportation fares for up to three children aged six to fourteen are included in the ticket price.
The small-group day ticket allows up to 5 people to use all public transportation services for 24 hours. One dog can also be taken along
The seven-day ticket allows one passenger to travel for a flat rate from time of validation for 7 consecutive days until midnight at the end of the 7th day.
Tickets for public transport can be purchased at the multilingual ticket machines located on the platforms of S-Bahn and subway stations. On buses, fares are paid to the bus driver. German girocards and major credit cards, the Apple or Google Pay digital services and the rechargeable BVG credit card can be used for payment. It is not possible to pay with cash on the bus. On trams, there are ticket machines for buying tickets on the spot. In larger stations, the S-Bahn and the BVG also provide ticket counters. Tickets can also be purchased via the free BVG app.
Before the journey starts, tickets must be validated by stamping them at the yellow or red boxes located on S-Bahn and subway platforms and inside buses or trams. In case of inspection, a ticket that is not stamped is not valid.
Anyone caught using public transportion without a valid ticket must pay a higher fare of 60 Euros. Even people who forgot to stamp their ticket must pay the fine. Be aware that ticket inspectors are dressed in plain clothes and will not make any exceptions for tourists. Those who get caught have to show a valid form of ID, otherwise the police will be called.
It is generally permitted to take your bicycle or dog with you on public transport in Berlin. However, some special rules and conditions apply and an additional ticket may be necessary. E-scooters are prohibited on underground trains, trams and buses. Find out more information:
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Information about S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams in Berlin: Tickets, fares, regulations, networks, schedules and more
© dpa
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