Berlin WelcomeCard: Is a City Pass Right for You?

The Berlin WelcomeCard is the official visitor card. It is not a single magic ticket, so decide by what you plan to do rather than by the marketing.

What does the WelcomeCard actually bundle?

The basic version covers local public transport in the zones you choose and gives discounts at a large number of partners such as tours, attractions and some restaurants. A discount is not free entry, so the card only pays off if you use enough partners. Check the official site for the current partner list before you buy, because the offer changes.

Which version should I pick?

There are three kinds. The standard city card is the transport-plus-discounts bundle. A second version adds admission to the museums on Museum Island, with special exhibitions excluded. An all-inclusive version covers entry to a larger set of participating attractions. Choose the zones carefully, because the airport sits in zone C, as our getting around guide explains, and a card for AB alone will not cover it.

When does a city pass make sense?

It suits short, busy trips with many paid sights and a lot of public transport. Two days of museums, a TV tower visit and a boat trip may justify an inclusive card. In 2026, think twice about the island version, because the Pergamonmuseum is scheduled to reopen on 4 June 2027, which removes its best-known exhibit from the list. Our island guide shows what is open.

When should I skip it?

Skip it if your plan is built on free sights such as the Reichstag dome, the Wall Memorial and Tiergarten, which our budget guide covers. Skip it too if you only want to see one or two paid places. Add up the sights you really want, check each official price, then compare with the card. A separate museum pass also exists, so compare that as well. If the card does not clearly win, buy plain tickets and keep the flexibility.