Routes and stations
The U-Bahn has nine lines (U1 to U9) and the S-Bahn about 16 lines, including the Ringbahn circle lines S41 and S42. Trams mainly serve the eastern half of the city.
Hauptbahnhof (main station), Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße and Zoologischer Garten are the main hubs. Most sights, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, are in zone A.
Tickets and fares
Most visitors only need zones AB, which cover the whole city. A single AB ticket costs €4.00 and is valid for 2 hours in one direction with changes. For BER airport or Potsdam you need an ABC ticket (€5.00).
The 24-hour ticket costs €11.20 for AB or €12.90 for ABC. A group 24-hour ticket for up to five people costs €35.30 (AB) or €37.70 (ABC), which is good value for families. Up to three children aged 6–14 travel with a 24-hour ticket.
The Deutschlandticket costs €63 a month in 2026 and covers all local and regional transport in Germany. It is a monthly subscription that you must cancel, so it suits longer stays.
The single AB fare stays at €4.00 in 2027, but most other tickets rise on 1 January 2027.
How to buy
Buy tickets in the BVG Tickets app, at machines on platforms, or from bus drivers. Machines accept bank cards.
Paper tickets must be stamped in the small red or yellow boxes on platforms or inside buses and trams before you travel. An unstamped ticket counts as no ticket and leads to a fine.
Tips for travellers
From BER airport, the FEX Airport Express and regional trains reach Hauptbahnhof in about 30 minutes. The S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 are slower but useful for some districts. All need an ABC ticket.
U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run all night on Friday and Saturday nights. On other nights, night buses and trams replace most lines.
Hold on to your ticket: there are no gates, but plain-clothes inspectors check often.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
