Getting Around Berlin: S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Trams and Zones

Berlin's public transport is one system run by several operators. The S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses all share the same tickets, the same fare zones and the same journey planner, so you can mix them freely on one trip.

What do the zones A, B and C cover?

Zone A covers the inner city, inside the circular S-Bahn line known as the Ring. Zone B stretches from there to the city boundary, and zone C covers the region beyond, including Potsdam and BER Airport. Nearly every sight in this guide sits in AB, so an AB ticket is what most visitors need. Add C only if you are going to the airport or Potsdam, as our arrival guide explains.

Which line should I use for what?

The S-Bahn is the overground network, with long cross-city routes and the Ring, and it suits long hops. The U-Bahn runs under and above the streets and gets you into the neighbourhoods, such as Kreuzberg and Schöneberg. Trams mostly serve the east, including Prenzlauer Berg, and are the scenic option because you see the street. Buses fill the gaps and run through the night. Use the S-Bahn for distance, a tram or bus for short links, and walk the last bit. If you plan a lot of paid sights, compare a single-ticket approach with a city pass.

How do I buy and validate a ticket?

Tickets are sold in the BVG and S-Bahn apps, at station machines and from some kiosks. A phone ticket is ready to use, but a paper one must be stamped in a validator before you board or it is treated as invalid. Stations have no gates, and inspectors in plain clothes check regularly, so keep your ticket until you leave the station. Single tickets let you change between lines in one direction within their time limit, but not go back where you started.

Does it run at night?

On weekends the U-Bahn and many S-Bahn lines run all night, and a network of night buses covers the rest of the week. That makes late evenings in Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg easy to end without a taxi. Service patterns change, so check the journey planner for your date.