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It is easy to get around Berlin by public transport. There is a network of buses (Bus), U-Bahn (subways U), elevated railways (S-Bahn S) and streetcars Tram. Don';t be surprised to find that quite a lot of the U-Bahn subway run on elevated tracks above the street - and that the elevated S-Bahn sometimes dives below ground to run in tunnels. It has all to do with the strange transit history of Berlin. But it doesn't need to trouble you.
Tickets are good on any vehicle: buy a two hour ticket for Euro 2,10, or (better value) a day ticket for Euro 6,10. Transfers are unlimited and free. Tickets are sold from machines in stations and some bus and tram stops, and at shops where you see the sign "BVG-Wertmarken". You have to validate the ticket the first time you use it: put it in the slot of the yellow machine "Entwerter" on the station platform, or on board the bus or tram, and take it out when you hear the machine stamp the ticket. |
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The fine for having no valid ticket is Euro 30,00 cash, on the spot! For a quick and easy tour to the main sights of Berlin, hop on Bus 100. It covers most of the main tourist spots.
If you prefer to go by cab, then call one of Berlin´s famous Schnauze. The word means "The Mouth", and at the end of your ride you will know why. But they know their way round, are hard working and honest, and don´t expect a fat tip! And almost all of them drive around in cream colored Mercedes diesels - a car built especially to be a cab.
Pay the meter plus a mark or two. That´s enough! Of course, heavy bags carried to the door deserve a little more.
You can specify smoking or non-smoking when you book your cab. "Ein Nicht-Raucher, bitte!" (eye-nisht-rowker, bitter) will get you a smokefree ride. "Ein Raucher, bitte" (eye-n-rowker-bitter) gets you the other kind. |
