Public Transportation in Berlin
It won’t cost you and arm and leg to get around in Berlin. The BVG is the integrated public transport system in Berlin. It’s probably one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city.
The system has three zones (ABC) and patrons only need one ticket. This allows you to ride from one destination to the next with only one ticket. The system uses fast trams on the streets and ferries to travel across the lakes of Berlin. Although there are three zones in Berlin, (ABC) most people travel within A and B.
Grab a Ticket!
Resist the temptation to dodge fares. It’s not worth the hassle, embarrassment and expense of getting caught riding without a ticket. Although there aren’t ticket barriers along the routes, often plain clothes transport authorities do random checks. It can cost you dearly in the form of a high fine, so don’t risk it. Find a validating machine so you can get the validated ticket you need to ride the transit system. The machines display instructions in English as well, so it’s not a hassle to use.
Be sure to check out the packages for transport fare and museum tickets.
Berlin By Taxi
Probably the only time you’ll run into a problem snagging a taxi in Berlin is on New Year’s Eve. The vast majority of the time, you won’t break a sweat getting one. Many taxis are lined up on the streets, grouped by rank. This allows patrons to ride without fear of being ripped off over fare.
Here in Berlin taxis aren’t expensive. Although you probably will use other means of transport while in Berlin, you can still get to where you need to in a Taxi if you need to. A ride from the central Berlin to Tegel in a taxi only costs €20.
You can find taxis at airports, outside hotels and at stations around town. Many drivers can converse in English as well. Taxi fares average about € 3 for 2km and shorter rides when you grab a cab from a street corner. Others start at € 2.50.
Berlin By Car
It’s easier to navigate by car in Berlin than many other European cities. It doesn’t cost a lot to park either. When driving along the streets, it doesn’t take long to adapt if you keep a few things in mind. Right of way traffic stays on the right side of road ways. Yellow diamond-shaped signs alert you to right of way traffic.
- Pay attention and look out for cyclists. There are several routes for cycling around the city. At right hand turns, you should yield to cyclists continuing straight.
- Trams have the right of way
- Ringroad is called designated the Berliner Ring.
Be aware of the construction in Berlin. This sometimes creates problems for drivers when construction projects constrict streets. Parking in central Berlin can cost more. Many tourists traveling frequently throughout the city, often choose to utilize public transport to avoid these hassles.
Berlin by Bicycle
Berlin encourages cycling. There are many lanes for cyclist traveling the roadways. Berlin definitely caters to cyclists and travelers who are avid cyclists will definitely enjoy a visit to Berlin. Safety is important, and Berlin has constructed separate lanes for cyclists to keep them safe while riding bicycles.
U-Bahn and S-Bahn allow riders to bring their bicycles along. Look for a train displaying a bicycle sign to identify which compartments are designated. Other rides often make room for riders bringing their bikes. You will still need to purchase a ticket for the bike as well.
