When thinking of organizing your visit to Berlin, one of the first questions that may come across your mind is whether the means of public transport in the location are free of charge or not. Anyway, free transportation is a rather important detail when it comes to the definition of the travelling costs. In this article, the author looks at public transportation in the Germany capital of Berlin in a bid to providing the answer to this burning question.
Let’s start with some of the most fundamental facts you need to know about Berlin’s public transport.
Berlin has a rather developed and highly effective network of using buses, trams, trains, and the most popular – the underground – U-Bahn and suburban – S-Bahn. It is worked by BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe), BVG being the most critical transit organization in Berlin.
You will need a ticket to move around within Berlin most of the time. However, there are some conditions that allow a person to travel for free. Let’s dive into the details.
When is it Legal to Travel on Public Transport for?
Public transport in Berlin is not absolutely free; however, there are some cases as well. The following situations allow you to travel without purchasing a ticket:
Children under the age of 6:
Free access for children below the age of seven to any form of transport in Berlin electronics. It doesn’t matter that they do not have a ticket and can sit beside an adult without any extra payments.
Accompanying a stroller or wheelchair:
If you have a stroller or a wheelchair, you can go anywhere using public transportation without charge. As for free rides, any passenger is allowed to use only one folded stroller or wheelchair at a time.
Special cases involving a companion:
This came in as good news for those with a disability who need a companion; if they have a “+B” disability pass, they will be allowed to travel for free. The companion, too, may not be required to buy a ticket.
Types of tickets available for usage of Public transportation.
Small wonder, as for most of the passengers obtaining a ticket is mandatory in order to use the public transportation in Berlin. The BVG offers a variety of ticket options to cater to different needs:
Single Ticket:
With a ticket, you can travel for the maximum of two hours one way within the city of Berlin. For instance, you can change trains in the same direction you’re traveling in as long as you stick to your travel time. Do not forget, that you have to confirm your ticket at the beginning of your travel.
Day Ticket:
If however, you intend to make extensive usage of public transport in the city as your mode of transport a day ticket might suit you the best. It makes one totally free to move in all types of public transports in Berlin for one day from the time the ticket is validated.
WelcomeCard:
The Berlin WelcomeCard is an integrated ticket for local transport in Berlin and a sightseeing ticket which offers numerous reductions. They come in different packages that include 48 hours, 72 hours, 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days as the long-lasting package.
Weekly/Monthly Passes:
If you’re going to be in Berlin for a while, there are also options for a weekly or for a monthly ticket for using the public transportation for the entire duration of your pass. These passes are good for residents, students or even individuals who are in a leisurely stay in Berlin.
As earlier highlighted be sure to check for the train number and validate your ticket.
So it will not be a surprise if individuals who are caught using public transportation in Berlin have not validated their ticket. Ticket validation machines are often dispensed on the tram and bus stops, near the entrances of U-Bahn and S-Bahn. You don’t want to find yourself desperately searching for your ticket and still get fined when a ticket inspector comes around.
Final Thoughts
Even though public transportation is not free in Berlin, there are some cases when the fare is not charged: children under six years, if a person is accompanied by a stroller or a wheelchair, disabled persons and one companion. For most of the travellers, buying a ticket is vital when using the efficient and comprehensive public transport in Berlin. Deciding on which ticket kind to purchase in view of your travel requirements will prove useful in terms of cost and convenience in moving around the city.
I would like to remind you to always have a valid ticket and have fun discovering the colourful and interesting sites of Berlin.
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