Daily Transportation in Berlin

Berlin has an excellent network of public transportation and roads that make commuting an easy task for its people. Everyone can get to their destination without even needing to own a car because of the city’s efficient and reliable buses, trains and trams. 

Owning a car can be considered as least of the priorities of a majority of people in Berlin. Aside from the fact that parking is scarce and expensive, driving also means being caught in heavy traffic during peak hours. Those who live in the areas near the city centre and central business districts such as Mitte are often seen travelling on foot. Another considerable option is to ride a bicycle which is starting to be popular in Berlin where there are more than 620 miles of red-brick cycling paths. As mentioned above, the most common way of travelling in the city is by public transportation.

Buses 

Buses are the oldest type of public transport in Berlin which first operated in 1846. Today, it still continues to be a very reliable and comfortable way of getting around the city where the signature double-deckers offer a great view while travelling. BVG is the largest bus operator in Berlin and has routes that are not covered by trains or trams. There are three types of lines in the city: Day lines that connect the metropolitan to the suburban areas, Metro Buses that operate 24/7 and the Night Buses that provides transportation at night. 

Trains 

There are two types of trains in Berlin: the U-Bahn or underground metro system and the S-Bahn or suburban trains. Expats who are planning to use the city’s trains can get maps and schedules at every station. There are also customer service posts that offer assistance to commuters who are new in Berlin or to those who do not speak German. 

Trams 

There are over 20 tram lines in Berlin that operate as an extension of the U-Bahn’s route network. Currently, only the eastern part of the city has trams since the west part has demolished its system. There is also the Metrotram that bears the “M” sign on orange plates. Metro trams have nine lines which are marked one to 17 and are being supplemented by 13 tram lines. Day trips arrive every ten minutes while night lines operate at 12:30 in the morning and run at 30-minute intervals. 

Tickets

All of the above mentioned public transportation are being operated and uses the same ticket provided by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe BVG. Commuters can purchase tickets at any vending machines at the U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. Once purchased, a ticket must be validated at the stations or in the bus where a time stamp will be printed on it. Expats must always keep their validated tickets when travelling because there are some inspectors dressed as civilians that conduct inspections whereas riding public transport with an invalidated ticket has €40 civil fine.