Berlin has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, buses and even ferries. The system is managed by BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe). This is their website.
Children on the BVG:
Children under six travel for free, children 6-14 have cheaper fairs for the single or day tickets. Unfortunately, there is no specific 7-day ticket at a reduced rate for children on the BVG network. The 7-day ticket is only available at the standard adult rate, regardless of the passenger’s age. However, the Berlin WelcomeCard allows children to travel for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid card.
Zones:
The BVG fare zones—AB, BC, and ABC—determine the areas within Berlin and its surroundings that your ticket will cover. Zone AB covers the entire urban area of Berlin, including all major attractions, central districts, and outlying neighborhoods. If you’re staying and traveling within Berlin’s city limits, this is usually sufficient. Most visitors only need an AB ticket. Anything we are doing for the Bar Mitzva is going to be in zone AB.
Zone ABC covers everything in Zone AB plus the surrounding areas outside Berlin’s city limits. This includes Berlin’s outer suburbs, the nearby town of Potsdam (where Sanssouci Palace is located), and BER – Berlin Brandenburg Airport. If you’re planning to visit Potsdam, travel to/from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), or explore areas beyond Berlin’s central districts, you will need an ABC ticket. But it will probably be enough to get an AB ticket for your entire visit and add a single extension ticket (Anschlussfahrschein) for 1.80€
When to Choose ABC over AB:
- Airport Travel: If you’re flying into or out of BER (Berlin Brandenburg Airport).
- Visiting Potsdam: Famous for its palaces and gardens, including Sanssouci.
- Exploring Surrounding Areas: Day trips to areas outside Berlin, such as Wannsee, Köpenick, or Oranienburg (home to Sachsenhausen Memorial).
If your travel plans are limited to Berlin’s central areas, an AB ticket will suffice. However, for airport travel or excursions to Potsdam or the surrounding countryside, you’ll need an ABC or an extension ticket
Ticket Options:
- Berlin WelcomeCard: This is a popular option for tourists. It offers unlimited travel on all public transport within the chosen fare zones (AB or ABC) and discounts on various attractions. There are options for 48 hours, 72 hours, 4, 5, or 6 days. You can take one child aged 6-14 with you with this ticket.
Prices for these are: - 48 Hours (Zones AB): €27.00
- 48 Hours (Zones ABC): €34.00
- 72 Hours (Zones AB): €36.00
- 72 Hours (Zones ABC): €44.00
- 4 Days (Zones AB): €43.00
- 5 Days (Zones AB): €49.00
- 6 Days (Zones AB): €55.00
- 6 Days (Zones ABC): €65.00
- 7-Day Ticket (7-Tage-Karte): This ticket is valid for unlimited travel within the fare zones you choose (AB or ABC) for 7 consecutive days. It costs €36.00 in Zones AB and €43.00 in Zones ABC.
- Single Tickets (Einzelfahrschein): If you’re not planning to use public transportation extensively, you can buy single tickets valid for 2 hours within the chosen fare zone. These cost 3.20€ or 2.10€ for children.
- Day Ticket (Tageskarte): If you plan to travel a lot in one day, a day ticket might be more cost-effective. It’s valid until 3:00 am the following day. This costs 9.70€ or 6.00€ for children.
How to Buy Tickets:
- Ticket Machines: Found at every U-Bahn and S-Bahn station. They accept cash (coins and bills) and sometimes cards.
- BVG App: You can purchase and store tickets on your smartphone using the BVG app, which is very convenient. If you download it and set up payment before you come, you can get your ticket as you’re waiting for your luggage 🙂
- Sales Points and BVG Customer Centers: You can also buy tickets at BVG customer centers or kiosks with the BVG logo.