Berlin by Train

Getting to Berlin

Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)

Berlin Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest crossing station and the main hub for all long-distance trains. Located in the heart of the city, it connects to all major German cities and international destinations.

Key Connections:

• Munich: ICE trains every hour, 4 hours
• Hamburg: ICE trains every 30 minutes, 1h 45min
• Frankfurt: ICE trains hourly, 4 hours
• Cologne: ICE trains hourly, 4h 30min
• Prague: Direct EC trains, 4h 30min
• Amsterdam: Direct ICE trains, 6h 30min

Berlin Ostbahnhof (East Station)

The second major station, serving eastern routes and many regional trains. Some long-distance trains also stop here, particularly those heading to/from Eastern Europe.

From Berlin Airport (BER)

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is connected by S-Bahn (S9, S45) and regional trains (RE7, RB14). Journey time to Hauptbahnhof: 30 minutes. Tickets cost €3.80 (AB zone).

Pro Tip

Buy your Berlin tickets at least 3 days in advance for Sparpreis fares starting at €17.90. Book even earlier for popular routes like Munich or Hamburg to secure the best prices.

Getting Around Berlin

S-Bahn (Suburban Railway)

The S-Bahn is the fastest way to travel across Berlin. Key lines from Hauptbahnhof:

• S3, S5, S7, S9: Connect to major attractions and districts
• S41/S42 (Ringbahn): Circle line around the city center
• Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes during the day
• Operating hours: 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM (24 hours on weekends)

Ticket Options

• Single Ticket (AB): €3.20 - valid 2 hours
• Day Ticket (AB): €9.50 - unlimited travel until 3 AM
• 7-Day Ticket (AB): €41.50 - best for longer stays
• Berlin Welcome Card: €25-57 - includes transport + museum discounts

Zones Explained

Berlin is divided into three zones:

• Zone A: City center (inside the Ring)
• Zone B: Outer city areas
• Zone C: Brandenburg region (includes BER Airport)

Most visitors need only AB tickets. Add zone C only for the airport or Potsdam.

Important

Always validate your ticket before boarding! Ticket inspections are frequent, and fines are €60. Validation machines are on S-Bahn platforms and inside trams/buses.

Top Attractions by Train

Brandenburg Gate

S-Bahn: S1, S2, S25 to Brandenburger Tor
From Hbf: 5 minutes

Berlin’s iconic symbol. Visit early morning for photos without crowds.

Museum Island

S-Bahn: S5, S7, S9 to Hackescher Markt
From Hbf: 8 minutes

UNESCO World Heritage site with 5 world-class museums.

Alexanderplatz

S-Bahn: S3, S5, S7, S9 to Alexanderplatz
From Hbf: 10 minutes

TV Tower, shopping, and vibrant city life. Major transport hub.

Checkpoint Charlie

U-Bahn: U6 to Kochstraße
From Hbf: 15 minutes (via U55 + U6)

Famous Cold War border crossing. Museum nearby tells the story.

East Side Gallery

S-Bahn: S3, S5, S7, S9 to Ostbahnhof
From Hbf: 12 minutes

1.3 km of Berlin Wall covered in street art. Free to visit.

Charlottenburg Palace

S-Bahn: S41/S42 to Westend
From Hbf: 20 minutes

Berlin’s largest palace with beautiful baroque gardens.

Best Day Trips from Berlin

Potsdam

Duration: 30 minutes by S-Bahn (S7)
Ticket: ABC zone ticket (€3.80)

Visit Sanssouci Palace, the “Prussian Versailles”, with stunning gardens and the Dutch Quarter. Perfect half-day trip combining history, architecture, and nature.

Dresden

Duration: 2 hours by ICE
Ticket: From €19.90 (Sparpreis)

The “Florence on the Elbe” features reconstructed baroque architecture, the Zwinger palace, and Frauenkirche. Early morning departures give you a full day to explore.

Leipzig

Duration: 1h 20min by ICE
Ticket: From €17.90 (Sparpreis)

Cultural hub with Bach Museum, vibrant street art scene, and excellent cafes. More affordable than Berlin for shopping and dining.

Spreewald

Duration: 1h 30min by RE to Lübbenau
Ticket: Brandenburg ticket (€33 for up to 5 people)

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for canal network and traditional punts. Try the famous Spreewald pickles and enjoy nature away from the city.

Frequently Asked Questions