|
|
Getting Around Berlin
Public Transport in Berlin
Getting around Berlin is phenomenally easy and relatively inexpensive. Berlin's integrated public transport system (known as the BVG) is the best way to get about.
An interconnected three-zone system (ABC) which only demands one ticket, permits you to hop from bus to underground (U-Bahn) to surface rail (S-Bahn) and tram with one ticket. Trams are fast and comfortable and small ferries will get you across Berlin's lakes.
Berlin is separated into transport zones A, B and C but for most travel purposes A and B will be sufficient.
Tickets and Travel Cards in brief for: AB (2 zones) and ABC (3 zones)
Get a Ticket!
Berlin doesn't have ticket barriers in the underground network. However, fare-dodging is not worth it. You must possess a validated ticket so look out for the validating machine before beginning your journey. Getting caught (spot-checks are regularly carried out by civilian clothed transport officials) is a disagreeable and costly experience!
There is an English translation on ticket vending machines at each station, so you will have no excuse! More information: BVG
Berlin Welcome Card offers a good package for combined transport and museum entry tickets.
Online route and fare information is available from the BVG |
Berlin By Taxi
A precise thing, unless it's New Year's Eve, you will never have problem finding a taxi in Berlin! Most principal streets and hotels offer a taxi rank and all taxis are grouped so there will be no rip offs over the cost.
Taxis in Berlin are affordable. With such an important public transportation network, nevertheless, you'll very likely never require to step in a taxi. If you must, take solace in the fact that you can get from the center of Berlin to Tegel by taxi for less than €20.
TAXIs are numerous and accessible almost all the time. Taxi stands can be located at all main stations and airports in addition to outside KADEWE and hotels. Most Berlin taxi drivers speak English, but don't take it for granted.
Taxi Fares: Start at € 2.50 and € 1.53 per km; Short Ride (Kurzstrecke): a € 3 ride for up to 2 km drive if you hail the taxi from the street.
Berlin By Car
Berlin is presumably easier to drive around than several other big cities in Europe with road works being the biggest hassle. Parking isn't too difficult and is reasonably cheap.
You will soon get the hang of driving in Berlin with its wide, long avenues and main roads and civilized traffic. Right of way is to traffic coming from the right - a diamond shaped yellow sign means you have right of way.
- Remember that cycling routes are common and a cyclist going straight on has precedence at a right hand turn.
- In the East trams have the right of way.
- The ringroad is called the Berliner Ring.
Note: Sometimes, driving in Berlin can be difficult; some reconstruction works frequently block the roads. And despite the fact that parking in the centre is expensive, you still have to search to find a spot. The best thing to do, for all but the dedicated motorist, is to leave your car at home and rely on the splendid public transport.
Berlin By Bicycle
Cycling is highly suggested in Berlin, as it is convenient and safe. Cycle lanes are a comfort to follow usually around the Tiergarten park area. If you like cycling, Berlin is a cyclists' heaven so don't miss the occasion to explore Berlin on your bike.
Berliners love cycling all-year round and the city accommodates cyclists by providing splendid cycle paths which isolate cyclists both from cars and from pedestrians.
You are also permitted to take your bicycle on the U- and S-Bahn, just see which train compartment offers the bicycle sign and if anyone happens to be standing there they will generally make way for you and your bike.
Cycle paths are huge in West Berlin but the Eastern half still requires to catch up and the standard of roads lags behind. With the amount of road and building work going on it can be a ambitious ride!
Bikes need an underground ticket, too.
|
|
|
|
|
