Getting Around

By Public Transportation

The Berlin transport system consists of buses, trams, and U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (elevated) trains. The network is run by the BVG, or Public Transport Company Berlin-Brandenburg. Public transportation throughout the city operates from about 4:30am to 12:30am daily (except for 68 night buses and trams, and U-Bahn lines U-9 and U-12). For information about public transport, call tel. 030/19449, or visit www.bvg.de. For a plan of Berlin's U-Bahn and S-Bahn system, see the inside back cover of this guide.

The BVG Einzelfahrschein (standard ticket) costs 2.10€ to 2.60€ ($2.75-$3.40) and is valid for 2 hours of transportation in all directions, on all forms of public transport, transfers included. A 24-hour ticket for the entire city costs 5.70€ to 6€ ($7.40-$7.80). Only standard tickets are sold on buses.

Tram tickets must be purchased in advance. All tickets should be kept until the end of the journey; otherwise you'll be liable for a fine of 40€ ($52). Unless you buy a day pass, don't forget to time-punch your ticket into one of the small red boxes prominently posted at the entrance to city buses and underground stations. Standard tickets, good for all BVG services valid for all public transport within the city of Berlin, are available at all BVG and S-Bahn and U-Bahn ticket counters.

If you're going to be in Berlin for 3 days, you can purchase a 21€ ($27) Berlin-Potsdam Welcome Card, which entitles holders to 72 free hours on public transportation in Berlin and Brandenburg. You'll also get free admission or a price reduction of up to 50% on sightseeing tours, museums, and other attractions, and a 25% reduction at 10 theaters as well. The card is sold at many hotels, visitor information centers, and public-transportation sales points. It's valid for one adult and three children under the age of 14.

Two excursion bus lines make some beautiful scenic spots accessible. Bus no. 218 operates from the Theodor-Heuss-Platz U-Bahn station (near the radio tower) via Schildhorn, Grunewald Tower, and Wannsee Beach to the Wannsee S-Bahn station, and bus no. 216 and 218 runs from the Wannsee S-Bahn station to Pfaueninsel.

By Taxi

Taxis cruise restlessly along the major boulevards, indicating their availability by an illuminated roof light. The meter begins ticking at 2.50€ ($3.25). Within the city center, each kilometer costs around 1.50€ ($1.95), depending on the time of day. Prolonged taxi rides that you arrange to distant suburbs are factored at a per-kilometer rate of 1€ ($1.30). Staff members at hotels and restaurants can easily summon a cab for you, in some cases simply by throwing a switch on their phone. Otherwise, dial tel. 030/21-02-02, 030/26-10-26, or 030/44-33-22.

By Car

U.S. companies have outlets in Berlin. If possible, you should make reservations in advance. You'll find Hertz at Berlin-Tegel Airport (tel. 030/41704674) and at Budapesterstrasse 40 (tel. 030/2611053). Avis is also at Berlin-Tegel (tel. 030/41013148) and at Budapesterstrasse 43 (tel. 030/2309370).

In general, we don't recommend driving in Berlin. Traffic is heavy, and parking is difficult to come by. Use the excellent public transportation instead.

Parking -- If you're driving into Berlin, chances are that you'll want to safely store your car once you arrive. Many hotels offer parking facilities; otherwise, you'll find parking garages that remain open throughout the day and night. Those located near the Ku'Damm and the Europa Center include the Parkhaus Metropol, Joachimstaler Strasse 14-19; Parkhaus Los-Angeles-Platz, Augsburger Strasse 30; Parkhaus Europa Center, Nürnberger Strasse 5-7; and Parkhaus am Zoo, Budapesterstrasse 38. Charges start at 3€ ($3.90) per hour.

City Driving -- One problem that often infuriates drivers in Berlin is that it's almost impossible to turn left on major avenues (except at major intersections in the east) because of the positioning of metal barriers and tram lines. Oversize signs tell you to drive straight on. Drivers have to make a right-hand turn, swing around the block, and then proceed straight across the tram lines wherever a traffic light will allow.

By Bicycle

Bicycling in Berlin's crushing traffic is not a very appealing prospect, but you may want to rent a bike to explore the city's outlying parks and forests. Both the U-Bahn and S-Bahn provide specific compartments for bicycles for an extra 2.60€ ($3.40). Transport of bicycles, however, is not permitted during rush hour (Mon-Fri before 9am and 2-5:30pm). In the city and suburbs, try to confine your bicycling to cycle zones, delineated with solid red lines running between pedestrian sidewalks and traffic lanes.

A good place for bike rentals is Fahrradstation, Rosenthalerstrasse 40-41 (tel. 030/28384848; S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt), open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. A 24-hour rental costs 15€ to 30€ ($20-$39).