How to get around Berlin using the public transportation system (BVG)?

The public transportation system in Berlin consists of subway (U-Bahn) (10 lines e.g. U3), urban rail (S-Bahn) (16 lines e.g. S1), metrotram (9 lines e.g. M10) and tram (13 lines e.g. Tram 12), regional rail (e.g. EC 47 to Warsaw), and several bus lines (e.g. X10, M11, 188, N88). Most of those are run by the “BVG”. The BVG offers a website (https://www.bvg.de/en/) as well as an app (https://www.bvg.de/en/Travel-information/Mobile), which includes all possible systems, gives directions to explicit addresses, and offers direct purchase of a ticket.

Freie Universität Berlin’s main campus can be reached via the subway line U3 (closest stop to the meeting venue is "Dahlem Dorf") or via the urban rail S1 (closest stop “Lichterfelde West”).

With a valid ticket, ticket holders have access to all public transport in Berlin, including the S-Bahn, subway, buses, trams and ferries. The fare depends on the tariff zone and the ticket's period of validity.

Berlin is divided into three tariff zones: AB, BC, and ABC. The tariff zone AB includes the urban center of Berlin as well as the area up to the city limits. The tariff zone ABC additionally includes Berlin's surrounding area, BER Airport, and Potsdam Central Station.

Freie Universität Berlin is located in tariff zone B.

Ticket Fares

Single Ticket

A single ticket (Einzelfahrschein) is valid for one person and a two hour journey through the city. It is a one-way ticket, meaning that round trips and return journeys are not included - for such purposes a new single-ticket must be purchased.

• Fare zone AB: € 3 (regular), € 1.90 (reduced)
• Fare zone BC: € 3.50(regular), € 2.40 (reduced)
• Fare zone ABC: € 3.80 (regular), € 2.70 (reduced)

Short Trip Ticket

A short trip ticket (Kurzstrecke) is valid for three stops on the S-Bahn or subway, change of train being permitted, or six stops on buses and trams. A change of vehicle is not permitted.

• Fare: € 2 (regular), € 1.50 (reduced)

24-Hour Single Ticket

A 24-hour ticket allows one passenger to travel during 24 hours for as many trips as desired. Transportation fares for up to three children aged six to fourteen are included in the ticket price.

• Fare zone AB: € 8.80 (regular), € 5.60 (reduced)
• Fare zone BC: € 9.20 (regular), € 5.90 (reduced)
• Fare zone ABC: € 10 (regular), € 6.10 (reduced)

Seven-Day Ticket

The seven-day ticket allows one passenger to travel for a flat rate from time of validation for 7 consecutive days until midnight at the end of the 7th day.

• Fare zone AB: € 36
• Fare zone BC: € 37
• Fare zone ABC: € 43

 

Buying & Validating Tickets

Buying Tickets

Tickets for public transport can be purchased at the multilingual ticket machines located on the platforms of S-Bahn and subway stations. On buses, fares are paid to the bus driver, on trams at the ticket machines inside the trains. In larger stations, the S-Bahn and the BVG also provide ticket counters. Tickets can also be purchased via the free BVG app.

Validating Your Ticket

Before the journey starts, tickets must be validated by stamping them at the yellow or red boxes located on S-Bahn and subway platforms and inside buses or trams. In case of inspection, a ticket that is not stamped is not valid.

Fare Evasion in Berlin

Anyone caught using public transportion without a valid ticket must pay a higher fare of 60 Euros. Even people who forgot to stamp their ticket must pay the fine. Be aware that ticket inspectors are dressed in plain clothes and will not make any exceptions for tourists. Those who get caught have to show a valid form of ID, otherwise the police will be called.