Berlin by Train
Your complete guide to exploring Germany's vibrant capital by train. From major connections to local transport and best day trips.
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.
Book Your Train to Berlin
Find the best prices for trains to and from Berlin. Compare all options and book directly.
Book with OmioThe easy way to book German trains in English
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many train stations does Berlin have?
Berlin has two main train stations: Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Berlin Ostbahnhof (East Station). Hauptbahnhof is the primary hub for long-distance trains. The city also has numerous S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations for local transport.
How do I get from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to the city center?
Berlin Hauptbahnhof IS in the city center! It's located in the Mitte district. From there, you can take S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, or bus to any part of Berlin. The S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, and S9 connect directly to major attractions.
What's the best train ticket for exploring Berlin?
The Berlin Welcome Card (AB zones) or a day ticket is ideal for unlimited travel on S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, and buses. For longer stays, consider the 7-day ticket. All tickets are valid on all public transport within the chosen zones.
Can I reach Berlin airports by train?
Yes! Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is connected by S-Bahn lines S9 and S45, as well as regional trains. The journey to Hauptbahnhof takes about 30 minutes. Tegel Airport (TXL) is now closed.
Are there direct trains from Berlin to other European cities?
Yes! Berlin has direct train connections to Prague, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, and Copenhagen. Night trains connect to Stockholm, Malmö, and Basel. Journey times range from 4-12 hours depending on the destination.