In this article, tourists will find various means of transport that they can use when in Berlin which is the lively capital of Germany. There is much more, from the cheap public transport to the main tourist transportation means, and all these are served within the borders of this massive city. This comprehensive guide will assist any tourist in trying to identify the best means of transport within the city of Berlin.
1. Public Transportation
The rate of car usage in the city has somewhat reduced making Berlin one of the easiest cities to explore through its public transport network. The systems of Berlin are good connected, punctual and few means of transport are missing in this biggest city of Germany.
a) U-Bahn (Underground)
The subway also called the U-Bahn is a rapid transit railway system of Berlin, which is fast and suitable for longer distances. You find many underground stations that connect you to famous places such as Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the Berlin Zoo among others. Stations on the U-Bahn are signposted with the letter ‘U in blue and white.
b) S-Bahn (Suburban Train)
Another type of train system in Berlin called the S-Bahn mostly runs on elevated rails. However, it connects to the suburbs of the city; it is suitable for making a trip to Potsdam or Schönefeld Airport in Berlin known as SXF. Stations served by S-Bahn are indicated by the green and white ‘S’ symbol.
c) Trams and Buses
The integrated communications of the trams and buses replace the U-Bahn and S-Bahn where they are unavailable in the city of Berlin. They are particularly suitable for getting around and discovering particular districts and neighbourhoods. There is hardly any place in the city where there are trams or buses are stopped that are not properly marked.
2. Cycling
It’s also essential to note that Berlin is a very cyclists’ friendly city meaning that cycling is advisable within the city. Contrasting with other modes of transport the route mainly has a flat ground and this has bike lanes that make cycling as a mode of transport not only fun but also eco-friendly. Bicycles can be hired from numerous shops with rental services dotted all over the city.
3. Walking
Walking not only makes the journey less monotonous but let you get to know several aspects of Berlin at first hand. Most of the principal sights including the Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie are also located nearby, within a walking distance from the building. First of all, walking is not accompanied by any costs, second, it can help you find places you were not initially aware of and feel the atmosphere of the location.
4. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
If you want to organize your trip on your own but wish to see all the tourism ‘hot spots,’ then tourist buses are a good fit. These tours are useful for visitors wishing to easily view the most famous attractions of the city and to listen to the tour guide’s comments. As with most light rail systems, it is possible to get on and off at any stop along the line and that means that visitors have the luxury of visiting each attractions at his or her own convenient time.
5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Transportation by taxi and Uber is present in Berlin but they are fairly costly than other means of transport. All the same, you may consider a taxi especially if you are traveling with other people, or if you have many bags. Make sure always when engaging a taxi that it is fitted with a taximeter, if not ask for fare estimate before getting into the taxi.
6. Guidelines to Moving Around Berlin
a) Purchase a Travel Card
One might want to go for the Berlin WelcomeCard or even the daily/weekly AB zone ticket for the free use of all means of transport with additional reduced prices on top attractions.
b) Use Map Apps
Use the map applications of your smartphone, like Google Map or City-map, to manage with Berlin’s transport easily.
c) Validate Tickets
When you are in public means the ticket that you use should always be validated by the use of machines at the fee firing point and this formalities must be done before even considering boarding the train or the bus. Placing an insufficiency or failing to do so may lead to high charges being levied.
d) Check Station Names
This is in keeping with the fact that while some U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines have such station names that are bi-directional there are cases where trains may bifurcate along different routes.
e) Be Aware of Cyclists
When cycling in Berlin, it is always important to keep aware of other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Observe traffic signs and signals and used the right hand signals whenever necessary.
f) Learn Basic German Phrases
Learning a number of German words such as ‘hello,’ ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ goes a long way in instances where someone is trying to get directions from the natives e.t.c.
If you apply the mentioned tips and use these modes of transport, you will easily get yourself around Berlin and explore the best it has to offer. If you like using the public transport, cycling or just walking then there are so many means and ways through which one can move around Berlin as a tourist depending on your desire and pocket now.
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