Berlin’s transportation system is excellent, similar to other Western European cities. The metro network is particularly outstanding, often making it sufficient to rely solely on rail transportation.
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Transportation between airports and the city center
There are two airports in Berlin, with the newest one (Brandenburg) opening in 2020. The latter is the largest and Berlin’s main airport.
Tegel Airport was closed at the end of 2020, while Schönefeld now operates as one of the terminals of Brandenburg Airport.
Berlin-Brandenburg Airport
Located 18 km south of Berlin’s center, next to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport.
It has two terminals (T1, T2) and is easily accessible from Berlin’s center in multiple ways.
Berlin public transport tickets are only valid with a „C” zone supplementary ticket.
S-Bahn
S9 and S45 trains (similar to suburban rail) take you to the T1-T2 station.
Transfer options to the metro are available at various stops for both lines.
X7 ExpressBus
Operates 24/7 between Rudow U7 metro station and the T1-T2 stop. Also stops at T5 (Schönefeld).
The fastest way to get in by bus (about 18 minutes travel time from the metro station), as it has no intermediate stops outside the terminals.
Schönefeld Airport (Terminal T5 of Brandenburg Airport)
Schönefeld Airport became Terminal T5 of Brandenburg Airport.
You can travel between T1-T2 and T5 terminals using the S9 and S45 trains.
Berlin public transport tickets are only valid with a „C” zone supplementary ticket.
Airport-Express Schönefeld
RE7, RB14, or RB19 trains can take you to the city center between 4:30 and 23:00.
Transfer options to the metro are available at various stops for all lines.
S-Bahn
S45 and S9 trains also provide access to the city.
Transfer options to the metro are available at various stops for both lines.
Buses
Several bus lines operate to the airport, providing transfers to metro or train in the suburbs.
The best choice is the X7 bus, operating 24/7 to Rudow U7 metro station (with its other terminus at the T1-T2 stop).
Additionally, buses 163, 164, and 171 operate with longer travel times.
You can find all information about transportation between T1, T2, and T5 (Schönefeld) terminals and Berlin here!
Berlin city public transport
Berlin has an excellent public transportation system, with easy access everywhere by metro (U-Bahn), bus, and suburban rail (S-Bahn).
We must highlight bus 100, which covers the main attractions in the city center. It’s worth using this service.
Berlin is divided into three zones (A, B, C), with almost all attractions located in zones A and B. For Brandenburg and Schönefeld airports, an ABC ticket or an AB ticket with a „C” supplement is required.
Tickets
AB tickets (Einzelfahrschein) and ABC tickets are valid for 2 hours with unlimited transfers but cannot be used for return trips.
If you only have an AB ticket, you need a „C” supplement to travel to zone C.
In the AB zone, you can also buy a short-trip ticket (Kurzstrecke) for a maximum of 3 metro or S-Bahn stops, or 6 bus or tram stops.
The 4-trip collective ticket allows 4 trips and is available for AB and ABC zones.
The 4-trip short-trip ticket (4-Fahrten-Karte Kurzstrecke) contains 4 short-trip tickets, valid for a maximum of 3 metro or S-Bahn stops, or 6 bus or tram stops.
Day ticket, weekly pass
AB and ABC day tickets (24-Stunden-karte) are available, valid for 24 hours after validation.
Group day tickets (24-Stunden-Karte Kleingruppen) can be purchased for up to 5 people. Valid for 24 hours after validation.
AB and ABC 7-day passes (7-Tage-Karte) are available, valid until midnight of the 7th day. These allow free travel for up to 3 children aged 6-14 with an adult on holidays, weekends, and weekdays after 8 PM.
Prices can be found collected here!
Ticket prices
For prices, the first price is for those over 14, the second price is for ages 6-14 (except for the last row).
| Ticket type | Price (€) | Plus information |
| Ticket „AB” zone | 3.50 / 2.20 | valid for 120 minutes |
| Ticket „ABC” zone | 4.40 / 3.20 | valid for 120 minutes |
| Short-trip ticket „AB” zone | 2.40 / 1.90 | max 3 stops on metro, 6 stops on tram |
| 4-trip collective ticket „AB” zone | 10.80 / 6.60 | |
| 4-trip collective ticket „ABC” zone | 15.00 / 10.60 | |
| 4-trip short-trip ticket „ABC” zone | 7.00 / 5.40 | max 3 stops on metro, 6 stops on tram |
| Supplement for „C” zone | 2.10 / 1.60 | supplement for „AB” zone ticket |
| 24-hour ticket „AB” zone | 9.90 / 6.50 | |
| 7-day passes „AB” zóna | 41.50 | single price for children over 6 years |
