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Berlin- Getting Around


General Information  /   Getting Around

Arriving & Airports

Berlin has two main airports, but getting into the city centre from each of them is relatively easy.

  • Berlin SCHÖNEFELD Airport (SXF)
  • Easyjet and Ryanair fly to Berlin Schonefeld.

Schönefeld is situated approximately 18 km south-east of the city centre. This is the old East Berlin Airport where most charter flights arrive. The easiest way to get into town is by the Airport Express trains RE4 and RE5, which will get you to the Ku'damm (Berlin Zoo Train Station) in around 30 minutes.Tickets for both buses cost around €2.10 per person

  • Berlin TEGEL Airport (TXL)
  • Air Berlin fly to Berlin Tegel.

Tegel is a convenient, recently revamped, passenger-friendly airport in the north-west of the city, approximately 8 km from the centre. To get into central Berlin by bus, take the 109, X9. Bus connections are located just outside the airport terminal. Tickets for both buses cost around €2.10 per person.

Berlin Zoo Train Station (Bahnhof)

Bahnhof Zoo is the main station for trains to western Germany, and Western Europe including Frankfurt (Main), Munich, Hamburg & Amsterdam. Offers a range of after hours shopping possibilities.

City Centre Transport

Berlin has an excellent public transport system, divided into three zones (ABC) and run by the local transport authority, the Berliner Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVG). It comprises two urban railways and numerous bus and train routes. Tickets can be bought from station foyers or from vending machines on platforms and are interchangeable for the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (railways.) You must validate the ticket before boarding a train. The 24-hour ticket (Tageskarte, € 5,80) and the weekly ticket (7-Tageskarte, € 25,40) allow unlimited travel on the entire BVG (trains, buses, trams – even the ferry from Wannsee to Kladow). The weekly ticket covers unlimited travel during any seven-day period from validation until midnight on the seventh day. Alternatively, the Berlin-Welcome-Card entitles one adult and up to three children aged 6-14 to free BVG travel for three days as well as reductions on sightseeing trips, museums, theatres and other attractions.

The best way to get your bearings upon arriving in Berlin is to sign up for a city tour. The cheapest one is on the top deck of the regular number 100 bus, which passes most of the major sights. Alternatively, the Insider Tour is a three-and-a-half-hour guided walk conducted in English. Also, lots of boats run up and down the River Spree – the commentary is in German, but the journey is relaxing enough.

Eating & Drinking

If you’re feeling in need of refueling while shuttling between Berlin’s various sights, the omnipresent “Imbiss” stands will serve you Berlin's favorite snack, the Currywurst – a spicy sausage in curried tomato sauce. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something more substantial, most cafés also serve food and alcohol. The traditional fayre consists of plate piled high with the two local staples: meat (usually pork), and potatoes. The latter is often accompanied by pickled cabbage (Sauerkraut), peas and yet more pickle. Bulleten (meatballs) and Kartoffelpuffer (savoury potato pancakes) are Berlin specialities. However young Germans, seeking a lighter, healthier diet, are eschewing this cuisine and in an increasing number of restaurants the menus have been adapted accordingly.

For a night on the town, head over to Oranienburger Strasse in the eastern district of Mitte. This strip of designer bars, lounges and restaurants in the former impoverished east has long since stolen the in-crowd away from the more expensive Kufürstendamm in the west. Resident DJs provide a background of chilled-out sounds in most places. There’s no entrance fee and everyone is equally welcomes, regardless of age or attire: a refreshing emphasis on equality perhaps explained by the many years Berlin endured as a divided city.