It would be unfair to deny, that for every first-time visitor who plans to travel to Berlin, they always wonder how easy it is to get around in the city. With its excellent and integrated transport network, therefore, Berlin is easily navigable. In the following lessons, you will be introduced to a closer look at the different means of transport and some important guiding tips to move around Berlin.
1. Public Transportation
Public transportation in Berlin is rail based, the modes of the public transportation being trains, trams buses, and underground rail which is referred to as the U-Bahn while the over ground rail is known as the S-Bahn. As for the public transport there is an agency called Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe which operates mechanisms of transport.
1.1 U-Bahn and S-Bahn
The U-Bahn and S-Bahn are the main routes of getting around Berlin by public transport. The U-Bahn is a metro served by fully automated train while the S-Bahn is a metro and suburban railway served by metro and suburban trains. These trains are punctual, easily accessible and will get one pretty much anywhere in the city. It is particularly important to note that they are the most commonly used means of transportation by most people within the region and guests.
1.2 Trams and Buses
Apart from the U-Bahn and S-Bahn Berlin is served by a fast and efficient tram and bus service. Trams are another means of transportation which are in relevance especially in the center of Berlin giving a unique way of sightseeing. Where trains or trams cannot go, buses are able to extend their coverage.
2. Purchasing Tickets
Now it is essential to know something about ticketing in public transport in Berlin prior to hopping on a vehicle of choice. There is the option for single tickets, day tickets or passes for a number of days. The ticket tariffs are zonal and Zone AB costs money for the centre of the town while Zone ABC costs money for the entire area including outskirts.
There is one piece of advice that might be helpful: Purchase a WelcomeCard – it allow you to use all types of urban transport within the selected zones and get a discount for many sightseeing tours. It is especially suitable for tourists who are going to take a lot of different means of ground transportation.
3. Cycling in Berlin
Cycling is one way to move around Berlin and this city has cycling paths all over. By cycling most of the population and the tourists prefer moving around since it is cheap and efficient means of transport. Bicycle rental is a good idea if you wish to ride around Berlin comfortably without losing too much time on sightseeing and dedicate your attention to parks and other attractions.
4. Walking in Berlin
However, it is easy to underestimate the opportunities for exploring Berlin as long as one takes a walk will indeed take advantage of it. Most of what Berlin has to offer tourists is clustered and the centre of Berlin is compact enough that you can cover most of it on foot. Stroll through the Unter den Linden boulevard, visit Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts or have a walk through the museums located on Island with museums.
5. Useful Mobile Apps
Make the most of your time in Berlin with these helpful mobile apps:
Google Maps: The most popular app that gives turn-by-turn guidance for travel using public transport, bike, or on foot.
BVG FahrInfo Plus: The official copyrighted app from BVG which allows you to plan your trip, view the timetable, and purchase tickets.
Berlin Travel Guide and Offline City Map: An offline map and travel guide containing information on tourist places of interest and general information about Berlin.
Conclusion
Berlin is quite a friendly city when it comes to transportation there are good networks of transport, good cycling tracks and many areas of the city are were one can walk. Therefore, it becomes easier for you to move within the city if you have an understanding of the options which are available and some useful applications of a mobile phone. No matter you decide to take U-Bahn, rent a bike, or even walk, Berlin has lots of facilities to provide safe and comfortable traveling.
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