Berlin’s transportation system is truly one of the best in the world. It will zip you through the city at pretty much any hour of the day.

Berlin Public Transit Tips

Here are 10 of our best tips for how to ride the Berlin public transit system like a pro.

1. Know which ticket to buy (and how to buy it)

Unfortunately, this is no easy task. Although the ticket machines all have an English language option, they can still be very difficult to figure out, and the locals waiting behind you are likely to get impatient with any greenhorn taking too long to buy a ticket. To avoid too many nail-biting sessions at the ticket machine, it’s better to know which ticket to buy in advance.

Related: Getting the most for your money with Berlin public transit tickets

Here’s a list of all the single fares and some tips for how to understood what the heck they mean by them:

• Short-trip ticket = up to three stops in one direction
• Single ticket = ticket in one direction, including any transfers, valid for up to two hours
• Reduced = ticket fare for children, students, and seniors
• AB = fare zone for central Berlin and outlying suburbs
• BC = fare zone for outlying suburbs and Potsdam
• ABC = fare zone for all three

If this seems confusing to you, it’s because it is. A better option — and one that will save you some dough — is to buy a ticket that’s valid for a longer period of time. Depending on how much longer you plan to stay, you can either buy a day ticket, a 7-day ticket, or a monthly pass.

(If you’re also interested in visiting some museums, you may also want to opt for the Berlin WelcomeCard, a ticket specifically designed for tourists that includes admission to attractions and covers public transportation.)

The good news? Although tickets are a bit tricky to figure out at first, they’re valid for any form of Berlin public transit. You won’t have to worry about having to buy a separate ticket if, for example, you want to ride both the bus and the U-Bahn.

Familiarizing yourself with the transportation map will help, too. Download the route map here.

2. No credit cards

As is often the case in Berlin, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn ticket machines do not accept credit cards. Unless you have a German bank card, your only option is to pay with cash. Machines accept any coin ten cents and above as well as €5, €10, and €20 bills.

Please note that they will give you your change in coins only, so if you’re buying a ticket for a smaller amount, it’s better to use a smaller bill, so you won’t be overly weighed down with a pocket full of change. Not all machines accept bills, so if you don’t have enough small change, look around until you find the one that does.

3. Stamp it — or be shamed!

Once you successfully buy the ticket you need, there’s one more crucial step you need to take before you hop on the train: Stamp and validate that baby!

Unless you’re riding the bus (more on that below) it’s unlikely that anyone will “control” (ask to see) your ticket, but it’s still very important that you remember to stamp it. To do so, locate a validating box and insert the top of the ticket in the slot that says “please stamp here” (the machines are usually near the ticket machines on the platform).

If you fail to validate your ticket (or, gasp!, board without a ticket), you’ll be riding schwarz (black), which is German slang for fare dodgers.

If you’re caught during one of the checks they do periodically, you’ll have to pay a €60 fine. If you have a ticket but forgot to stamp it, you might get lucky and be controlled by someone who has mercy on clueless tourists, but you may not luck out. Don’t take a chance — stamp it!

4. Know the difference between the U-Bahn and the S-Bahn

If you want to impress someone with your nerdy BVG knowledge, you can tell them U-Bahn stands for Untergrundbahn (underground train) and S-Bahn for Stadtbahn (city train). While “underground” train is clear, we think a better word for the S-Bahn would be Übergrundbahn (above ground train).

Although they sometimes break those rules, both train systems usually stick with the program, the U-Bahn staying underground and the S-Bahn running above ground. Although this means the S-Bahn can make for a more scenic ride, there are other differences. The U-Bahn makes more frequent stops in the city, while the S-Bahn functions more as an “express”. The S-Bahn can more quickly whisk you off to the suburbs.

The U-Bahn also runs more often (every two to three minutes during rush hour) and is generally more reliable. The S-Bahn is sometimes notoriously late — in winter, it’s been known to sometimes even shut down completely.

A bus rolling through the streets of Berlin near Alexanderplatz. Photo robdammers

5. Taking the bus

As we mentioned above, your transit ticket is also valid on the bus. If you have a valid ticket, get on in the front of the bus. Then, show your ticket to the driver.

You can also buy a ticket on the bus. To do so, you’ll need to tell the driver which kind you need, for example, single ticket AB (in German, Einzelfahrt AB (Eyen-cell-fart ah-beh). The fare is the same price and can be paid in coins only. Once you’ve achieved this feat — and don’t take it personally if the driver was grumpy, because they almost always are — the driver will hand you a ticket, which you don’t need to stamp.

6. After 1 a.m. on a weekday? Take the Nachtbus

Berlin is famous for its late nightlife, but the U-Bahn runs around the clock only on the weekends. If you feel like living it up on a Tuesday, you’ll find the U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations shuttered and closed down between around 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Although you could always take a taxi — and luckily they are not as expensive in Berlin as they would be in, say, London and Paris — you’ll still have to dig deeper into your wallet than you might want to pay.

But never fear, the Nachtbus is here to save the day (or, in this case, night). When the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and regular bus lines shut down for the night, the Nachtbus (night bus) takes over, and all for the nice price of a regular ticket.

7. Get used to silence and stony faces

Yes, it’s true. Many Berliners you’ll see on the BVG will look as if they’ve been having a bad day… for the past 20 years. Tourists often find the frowns and silence a little intimidating and spooky, but true Berliners often just don’t see the need for idle chit-chat when they’re on their way from A to B among strangers.

If you’re on one of those trains, filled to the brim but as silent as the grave, be sure you aren’t too loud yourself or people might start giving you dirty looks. And take comfort. They’re smiling… inside.

8. Don’t put your feet or bags on the seats

If Berliners have one pet peeve (aside from giddy American extroverts), it’s riders who put their bags on the seats of a busy train. When the train is not full, you can place your bags there. Be sure to move them right away when more people get on, not just when someone wants to sit down. If not, someone is likely to get annoyed, and Berliners aren’t shy when they’re irritated.

Want to tick them off even more? Put your feet on the seats. That was a joke — don’t do it. In Berlin, it’s just about one of the rudest things a person can do.

9. You’re probably not getting hit on

Some tourists think Berliners stare because they’re silently judging them, and others think it’s because they think they’re hot. Neither one of them are right. Staring is just what you do here, so do as the locals do and stare away.

If the person next to you is also sitting so close you can feel their leg touching yours, it’s also not likely that they’re coming on to you and/or creepy. In general, Berliners aren’t as particular about personal space in crowded spaces, so it’s likely they’ll sit more snugly next to you than you might, um, expect.

10. Get used to being pushed around

Although German has words for “excuse me”, Entschuldigung for example, means “sorry”, it’s unlikely that you’ll hear it too often during your trip. In a crowded place like the U-Bahn, you will get pushed and prodded and sometimes elbowed. Your toes might get stepped on. If you’re very unlucky, it will be strong enough to leave a bruise. Don’t expect an apology, because it’s not coming.

However, even with the occasional push, leg touching and stony face, the BVG is an expansive and efficient transit system. It’s far more reliable than most of the public transportation networks in other countries (including, obviously, the US!).

Enjoy the ride. And seriously — she’s not hitting on you.

Need even more tips?

We have many more posts in our budget guide to Berlin. Check out these 12 simple ways to save on your trip to Berlin, plus this recommended list of budget hotels in the city center.

The post Berlin: 10 tips for riding public transit like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But to get you started, let’s take a ride on the #22 – an excellent route that takes you past some of the most renowned landmarks in the Czech Republic.

And we’re off!

Tram 22 runs from Nádraží Hostivar to Bílá Hora. You’ll be headed in the direction of the latter and will catch the tram running on the same side of the street as the square, Námestí Míru, which is also the name of the stop where you’ll begin the journey. Peace square (as the name translates) is just outside the main center, but you will start off in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods – Vinohrady.

Also the site of a metro station, Námestí Míru is dominated by the twin-towered, Neo-Gothic St. Ludmila church and during the holidays hosts one of Prague’s most well adored Christmas markets.

From Námestí Míru, the next stops are I.P. Pavlova and Štepánská. As you’re headed to the following stop, Karlovo Námestí, look out on the left side (on the corner just before the rectangular green square) for the beautiful Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, built in the 1600’s.

Once past it, look straight ahead and way down the street toward the left corner and you’ll catch a glimpse of the famous Frank Gehry building, The Dancing House.

You’ll then turn the corner and head toward the stop Národní trída. The one after it, Národní Divadlo, is named after one of Prague’s most renowned landmarks: The National Theater. Located directly on your left at the stop, look up at the gold railings on its domed roof, the triga or three-horse chariot and other sculptures. Just before heading over the bridge, look on the right corner for Café Slavia, one of the city’s most famous gathering places, attracting artists and intellectuals since the late 1800’s.

Over the bridge and into the picturesque Lesser Town

As you head over the bridge, hold you’re breath- the view of Prague’s most photographed scene – Prague Castle on the hill and the Charles Bridge just below it – will take it away. You’ll also pass over one of Prague’s many islands, Strelecký ostrov.

At the next stop, “Újezd”, look directly in front of you and you’ll see a series of provocative statues on the stairs. This is the “Memorial to the victims of Communism”. The work of renowned Czech sculptor, Olbram Zoubek and architects Jan Kerel and Zdenek Holzel, the statue symbolizes how political prisoners under the regime were affected.

As you turn the corner, you’ll now be entering one of the city’s most picturesque areas, Malá Strana or Lesser Town. Petrín park will be on your left as will many of the narrow cobblestoned streets that characterize the area.

After the stop “Hellichova” you’ll cross over Tržište street (where many embassies are located). Keep your eyes open now for one of Central Europe’s most shining examples of Baroque architecture, St. Nicholas Church. It’s white stucco and has a huge green dome. It will be in front of you toward the left just before your next stop, Malostranské námestí – one of Prague’s most well-known squares.

To the castle

From here, you’re headed toward castle territory. Once through the winding streets, under a short tunnel and onto the next stop, Malostranská (a metro station), look up to your left and you’ll be able to see parts of the castle and its gardens. The two tall, dark spires dominating the skyline are that of Prague’s largest church, St. Vitus Cathedral.

But it gets even better. Headed up the hill with two sharp turns you’ll have a look at one of the city’s best views on your right side. It’s expansive and breathtaking and everything that makes Prague the wondrous city that it is.

Once up top, the backside of Letna park will be on your right and to your left, Villa Bílek – an Art Noveau building designed by architect and Art Noveau and Symbolist sculptor, František Bílek. Designed to serve as his home and studio, today it is a museum that was recently reopened after an extensive renovation.

The next stop, Královský Letohrádek, will sit you beside The Royal Summer Palace (on the left). An excellent example of Renaissance architecture, it’s situated in the Royal Garden and is open to the public when hosting art exhibitions.

Although the tram goes on, our journey will end after heading along the track with grass on both sides, toward our final destination, Pražský hrad, Prague Castle. You can, of course, opt to journey on (there’s more treasures up ahead) or you can cross the street and take to your feet through the castle grounds and down into Lesser Town.

Additional tram recommendations to consider: tram 3, tram 17 and historic tram 91 (runs from March through November).

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BVG, Berlin’s public transit authority, runs an efficient network of trains, buses, trams and ferries all over town. Use them for cheapo-style sightseeing: A 2-hour ticket goes for €3, a day pass for €8.80. (more prices here) Hop on, hop off. Enjoy. Here’s how:

By bus #100 and #200: The Tourist routes

Veritable BVG institutions, the “tourist” routes served by yellow double decker buses hit all the guidebook-worthy sights. You may have to elbow your way up to the front seats upstairs, but the view’s worth it. Both buses depart every ten minutes from the Zoo station.

On #100, you’ll go past the Reichstag, and then cruise by the Brandenburg Gate before heading down the stately Unter den Linden.

With the #200, you get to marvel at the Berlin Phiharmonic and then Potsdamerplatz (where you’ll see remnants of the Wall on display).

Both routes stop at the Museum Island and Berliner Dom (cathedral) before ending up at the TV tower in Alexanderplatz.

By train (S-3, S-5, S-7)

The overground suburban train lines 3, 5 and 7 offer fantastic views as they travel east to west straight through the heart of Berlin. The 20-minute ride between Savignyplatz and Warschauer Strasse is a good introduction to the city and its changing landscape.

Get your camera ready as the train crisscrosses over the Spree and canals where you’ll see some choice architectural jewels like the Bode Museum.

The M1 tram in action. Photo by fazhil

By the M1 tram

Start from the business district of Friedrichstrasse after a day of shopping. The M1 tram line will take you over the river to the Oranienburger Strasse neighborhood, where bars, restaurants and galleries abound. Resist the urge to stop for a coffee, because two stops later at Rosenthaler Platz, you’ll have even more cafes to choose from.

From there, the tram travels uphill to Prenzlauer Berg, which needs no elaboration. Just follow the crowd off the tram and you’ll find yourself in some place very cool.

By the F10 ferry

For those of you who want to get off the beaten path, take a breather from the city with this 20-minute ferry ride. Every hour, the F10 ferry sails from the cute, well-to-do suburb of Kladow to Wannsee, one of the most beloved lakes in Berlin. It’s a great way to unwind and mingle with the locals, (very) far away from the bustle of the city.

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Despite much debate and controversy regarding the new transportation system, the tramway (or tramvia) has made a significant change (dare we say improvement?) in the lives of many Florentines. But you may be wondering how this new form of transportation will affect you on your journey to Florence. Take note:

How to use the tram

The T1 (tramway line #1) runs from the Santa Maria Novella train station all the way to the center of the southwestern suburb of Scandicci. You can pick up the tram at the outdoor stop on the southern side of the main train station, in Via Alamanni.

Tickets, which are also valid for the bus system, cost €1.20 and are valid for 90 minutes. Trams leave about every five minutes and waiting times are displayed at each tram stop. To head outside of the city, look for the trams leading toward Villa Costanza. To return to the city center, hop on a tram heading in the Stazione Alamanni direction.

Where to go

So why would you want to use the tramway? Well, if you have a bit of time in Florence and you’d like to venture away from the museums and tour groups, hop on the tramway at Santa Maria Novella and take it one stop. This leaves you right across the street from the Stazione Leopolda, an old train station that has been converted into a large event space. Interesting and innovative events are hosted here periodically, such as a biannual vintage fair featuring sellers from all over Europe, music festivals, food and wine shows, fashion merchandising events and much more! Upcoming events are listed here (in Italian).

If the weather is forbidding, continue onto the second stop which leaves you at the start of the Cascine, Florence’s largest park that runs along the Arno River. Come here for a relaxing day of tanning on the sprawling lawns, running down the tree-lined boulevards or joining a game of pick-up soccer.

Beyond the Arno River

After these two initial stops, the tram takes you over the Arno River, offering a lovely view of the bridges as well, and heads out towards Scandicci. This area is mostly residential and industrial, so unless you are interested in really venturing out and people watching, you can skip the rest of the tram journey.

One benefit of Florence’s new tramway is that areas beyond the city center are now just a short ride away from the city’s main attractions. Whether you choose to explore the Cascine area, or head out farther towards Viale Etruria or even Scandicci, you will still have easy access into Florence’s city center. The trip from Florence to Scandicci only takes about 20 minutes and it puts you that much closer to the Tuscan hills.

So give the tramway a try and keep an eye out for the second and third tram lines, one of which is planned to provide quick and easy access to Florence’s airport!

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Tucked away along the Belgian coast are some quite remarkable spots. And the tram route that every 20 minutes links communities along the coast is an essay in surrealism.

The tram binds René Magritte’s magnificent murals at the casino in Knokke (near the Dutch border at the northeast end of the tram route) to the gnomes who preside over affairs at Plopsaland at the southwest end of the route at De Panne (just a stone’s throw from the French border). In between those two end points there are giant bananas dangling from flagpoles, piers that lead nowhere, and sedate belle époque hotels that have had their sea views obliterated exactly midway along the route. It is a superb port community, and one that boasts one of the finest fish markets along the coast. The dunes may have been sacrificed to high-rise passions, but some perspectives are simply stunning. To walk from the terrace of the Thermae Palace Hotel at Oostende towards the port on a fine day is utterly memorable. There are graceful arcades, the inevitable statues of one or the other Leopold, and then the graceful curves of the casino. This is a town that once affected to be the Monte Carlo of the North. It is not for nothing that the square on the landward side of the casino is called Monacoplein.

And then there is De Haan, easily the most attractive of the communities along the tram route. Until the tram arrived in 1886, De Haan was a poor seaside village, populated by shrimp fishermen and families. It was just a scattered collection of huts, regarded with disfavor by folk in neighboring villages who judged De Haan to be the haunt of scoundrels and thieves. Within a few years of the arrival of the tram, De Haan developed into a select coastal resort—one that was later to number Albert Einstein among its visitors.

Coastal art

The Belgian coast has long been home to some of Europe’s most audacious artistic traditions. Surrealism was born here. And the coastal tram route features some striking modern art along the way. Expect anything from fake elephants to bronze nudes on the beaches. And yet amid the contemporary art by the sea, there are the reassuring routines of coastal life: “moules et frites,” the clanging bell of the soup man’s white van as he makes his morning deliveries to apartment blocks, the joggers with their dogs running along the promenade. Not to mention the tasty North Sea “bouillabaisse.”

A modest investment of €5 will give you the run of the coastal tram for an entire day, and the ticket is also valid on the bus routes that connect the tram stops with lovely Flanders villages inland. There is more than enough of interest to enjoy a longer stay exploring the coast. A three-day pass for tram and buses costs merely €10.

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