Berlin U-Bahn Information
The Berlin U- Bahn is a rapid transit system that serves Berlin, Germany. The system began operations in the year 1902 and presently has 10 lines that serve 170 stations. The system has a total track length of 151.7 km (94.3 miles). The system is owned and operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). As per 2012 statistics, the system had an average daily ridership of 1,390,000 passengers and an annual ridership of 507.3 million passengers. It is integrated with the Berlin S-Bahn and is an integral part of public transportation system in berlin.
This transport system is commonly referred to as the U-Bahn. With a staggering 1,390,000 passengers using its services each day, it’s a critical component of Berlin’s infrastructure. The service runs from 4:30 to 00:30 (M-D), with 24-hour operation on Friday and Saturday nights.
Although it lacks certain amenities such as air conditioning and screen doors on platforms, passengers have the convenience of being able to walk between platforms. It should be noted that there are no driverless trains in operation.
The U-Bahn ensures an average speed of 30.70km/h and can hit a maximum speed of 72km/h. It operates on an honour system, with fares set at 2.10 EUR (as of 2009), and current ticket prices range between €2.70 – €3.30. The entire operation is efficiently managed by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
For further details, you can visit the Berlin Metro Official Website or contact them via phone at +49 030 1944 9.
Berlin U-Bahn Map
Map of Berlin U-Bahn showing various lines and stations. Click on the Map to Enlarge it. You can also Download Berlin U-Bahn Metro Map PDF.
Berlin Metro Lines (U-Bahn)
The Berlin Metro comprises 10 lines, inclusive of the U55 extension. Portions of the lines run underground while others operate at surface level.
Line U1 (Green)
The U1 line spans from East to West Berlin, from Uhlandstraße to Warschauer Straße, with a journey duration of approximately 21 minutes. It covers a distance of 8.8 km and serves 13 stations. As the oldest line in Berlin, launched in 1902, it includes the system’s first stations and offers tourist attractions such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at Kurfürstendamm and the KaDeWe mall at Wittenbergplatz.
Stations: Uhlandstrasse, Kurfürstendamm, Wittenbergplatz, Nollendorfplatz, Kurfürstenstrasse, Gleisdreieck, Möckernbrücke, Hallesches Tor, Prinzenstrasse, Kottbusser Tor, Görlitzer Bahnhof, Schlesisches Tor, Warschauer Strasse.
Line U2 (Red)
The red line, U2, travels from Ruhleben station in West Berlin to Pankow in the east, ending at North Station. It serves 29 stations across a 20.7 km route, with the full journey requiring approximately 47 minutes. Noteworthy stops along this line include Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz, the zoo, and Deutsche Oper, among others.
Stations: Ruhleben, Olympia-Stadion, Neu-Westend, Theodor-Heuss-Platz, Kaiserdamm, Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, Bismarckstrasse, Deutsche Oper, Ernst-Reuter-Platz, Zoo, Wittenbergplatz, Nollendorfplatz, Bülowstrasse, Gleisdreieck, Mendelssohn-Bartholdy-Park, Potsdamer Platz, Mohrenstrasse, Stadtmitte, Hausvogteiplatz, Spittelmarkt, Märkisches Museum, Klosterstrasse, Alexanderplatz, Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, Senefelderplatz, Eberswalder Strasse, Schönhauser Alle, Vinetastrasse, Pankow.
Line U3 (Green-Blue)
The U3 line originates from the southwestern part of the city at the Krumme Lanke station and ends in central Berlin at the Nollendorfplatz station. Spanning 11.9 km, it serves 15 stations, with a full journey taking approximately 24 minutes. While it doesn’t cater specifically to tourists, it still provides vital connectivity within the city.
Stations: Krumme Lanke, Onkel Toms Hütte, Oskar-Helene-Heim, Thielplatz, Dahlem-Dorf, Podbielskiallee, Breitenbachplatz, Rüdesheimerplatz, Heidelberger Platz, Fehrbelliner Platz, Hohenzollernplatz, Spichernstrasse, Augsburger Strasse, Wittenbergplatz, Nollendorfplatz.
Line U4 (Yellow)
The U4 line, known as the yellow line, extends from Nollendorfplatz to Innsbrucker Platz. As the shortest line in the Berlin Metro, it covers 2.9 km and comprises 5 stations, with a full journey taking just six minutes. It was inaugurated in 1910.
Stations: Innsbrucker Platz, Rathaus Schöneberg, Bayerischer Platz, Viktoria-Luise-Platz, Nollendorfplatz.
Line U5 (Brown)
Beginning at Hönow in the east and terminating at Alexanderplatz, the U5 line gives access to Friedrichshain via the Frankfurter station. The U55 line to Hauptbahnhof also originates here. Covering 18.4 km, the U5 serves 20 stations, with a total journey time of about 33 minutes.
Stations: Alexanderplatz, Schillingstrasse, Strausberger Platz, Weberwiese, Frankfurter Tor, Samariterstrasse, Frankfurter Allee, Magdalenstrasse, Lichtenberg, Friedrichsfelde, Tierpark, Biesdorf-Süd, Elsterwerda Platz, Wuhletal, Kaulsdorf Nord, Neue Grottkauer Strasse, Cottbusser Platz, Hellersdorf, Louis-Lewin-Strasse, Hönow.
Line U55
The U55 line is an extension of the U5 line. Covering a length of 1.8 km, it serves only three stations. This line was built in 2009 and the total travel time is approximately 2 minutes.
Stations: Hauptbahnhof, Bundestag, Brandenburg Tor.
Line U6 (Purple)
The U6 line begins at the Alt-Tegel station in the northwest and travels to the Friedrichstrasse station in the center, finally ending at the southern Alt-Mariendorf station. Covering a distance of 19.9 km, it serves 29 stations with a complete journey taking about 38 minutes. A notable station on this line is Kochstraße.
Stations: Alt Tegel, Borsigwerke, Holzhauser Strasse, Otisstrasse, Scharnweberstrasse, Kurt-Schumacher-Platz, Afrikanische Strasse, Rehberge, Seestrasse, Leopoldplatz, Wedding, Reinickendorferstrasse, Schwartzkopffstrasse, Zinnowitzer Strasse, Oranienburg Tor, Friedrichstraße, Französische Strasse, Stadtmitte, Kochstrasse, Hallesches Tor, Mehringdamm, Platz der Luftbrücke, Paradestrasse, Tempelhof, Alt-Tempelhof, Kaiserin-Augusta-Strasse, Ullsteinstrasse, Westphalweg, Alt Mariendorf.
Line U7 (Light Blue)
The U7 line, marked in light blue, is the longest in the Berlin metro system. Covering a distance of 32 km, it serves 40 stations with a total journey time of 57 minutes. The line originates from the Rathaus Spandau station in the northwest and ends at the Rudow station in the southeast. A station of interest on this line is Richard-Wagner-Platz, which is located near Charlottenburg Palace.
Stations: Rathaus Spandau, Altstadt Spandau, Zitadelle, Haselhorst, Paulsternstrasse, Rohrdamm, Siemensdamm, Halemweg, Jakob-Kaiser-Platz, Jungfernheide, Mierendorffplatz, Richard-Wagner-Platz, Bismarckstrasse, Wilmersdorferstrasse, Adenauerplatz, Konstanzer Strasse, Fehrbelliner Platz, Blissestraße, Berlinerstrasse, Bayerischer Platz, Eisenacherstraße, Kleistpark, Yorckstrasse, Möckernbrücke, Mehringdamm, Gneisenaustrasse, Südstern, Hermannplatz, Rathaus Neukölln, Karl-Marx-Strasse, Neukölln, Grenzzallee, Blaschkoallee, Parchimer Allee, Britz-Süd, Johannisthaler Chaussee, Lipschitzallee, Wutzkyallee, Zwickauer Damm, Rudow.
Line U8 (Dark Blue)
Line U8 traverses the city from north to south, extending from the Hermannstraße station to Wittenau. The line is 18 km long, serving 24 stations, and a complete trip takes about 36 minutes.
Stations: Wittenau, Rathaus Reinickendorf, Karl-Bonhoeffer-Nervenklinik, Lindauer Allee, Paracelsus-Bad, Residenzstrasse, Franz-Neumann-Platz, Osloer Strasse, Pankstrasse, Gesundbrunnen, Voltastrasse, Bernauer Strasse, Rosenthaler Platz, Weinmeisterstrasse, Alexanderplatz, Jannowitzbrücke, Heinrich-Heine-Strasse, Moritzplatz, Kottbusser Tor, Schönleinstrasse, Hermannplatz, Boddinstrasse, Leinestrasse, Hermannstrasse
Line U9 (Orange)
The U9 line, marked in orange, runs from north to south, spanning a distance of 12.5 km from Osloer Straße to Rathaus Steglitz in the south. It serves 18 stations, with a total travel time of 23 minutes.
Stations: Osloer Strasse, Nauener Platz, Leopoldplatz, Amrumer Strasse, Westhafen, Birkenstrasse, Turmstrasse, Hansaplatz, Zoologischer Garten, Kurfürstendamm, Spichernstrasse, Güntzelstrasse, Berliner Strasse, Bundesplatz, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz, Walther-Schreiber-Platz, Schlosstrasse, Rathaus Steglitz.
Berlin Underground Hours and Frequency of Service
The Berlin Metro operates from 4:30 to 00:30 on weekdays.
The frequency of service varies according to the time of day. On weekdays, from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, trains run every 5-10 minutes. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the frequency is every 10 minutes. During night hours, from 00:30 to 05:30 on Saturdays, and from 00:30 to 07:00 on Sundays, the frequency is every 15 minutes. All lines, except for the U4, provide night service on weekends and holidays.
On weekdays, the metro night service is replaced by less frequent bus services, specifically the N1, N2, N3, N5, N6, N7, N8, and N9 bus lines.
Tickets and Fares
Berlin is segmented into three tariff zones: Zones A, B, and C.
- Zone A comprises the city center and the suburban train (S-Bahn) ring.
- Zone B extends to the boundary of the urban area of Berlin.
- Zone C covers the greater Berlin area, including Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, Potsdam, Oranienburg, and Sachsenhausen.
Based on these three zones, three types of tickets can be purchased: tickets for the AB zones, for BC zones, and for the entire system – the ABC zones. There are three fare classes: regular fare applicable to adults, reduced fare for children aged 6 to 14, and free fare for children under 6. Tickets are valid across the metro, suburban trains, buses, and trams.
While vending machines at stations offer the most direct and easy way to purchase tickets, they can also be bought at any BVG or S-Bahn sales point and even online.
Einzelticket (Single Ticket)
A single ticket for zones AB costs €2.70 and is valid for two hours of travel in the same direction. A ticket for zone B-C costs €3.00, and a ticket for zones ABC costs €3.30.
Tagesticket (One Day Ticket)
These tickets can be used from the moment they are validated until 3 am the next day. The price is €6.90 for zones AB, €7.20 for zones BC, and €7.40 for zones ABC.
Kleingruppenkarte (Small Group Ticket)
This ticket is a good option for groups of up to 5 people. It is cost-effective for groups of 3 or more people. The price is €16.90 for zones AB, €17.20 for zones BC, and €17.40 for zones ABC. It is valid for one day until 3 am.
Welcome Card
If you’re planning to stay in Berlin for two or more days and are looking to explore, it’s recommended to purchase a Berlin WelcomeCard. This card gives you a special ticket for 48 or 72 hours that allows for unlimited travel on all transport in Berlin. It also provides up to 50% savings in museums and other tourist and cultural attractions in Berlin and Potsdam. The WelcomeCard comes with a guide containing maps and recommendations for sightseeing in the city.
The Berlin Welcome Card for zones AB for one person is priced at €16.50 for two days and €21.50 for three days. The WelcomeCard-Berlin/Potsdam ticket for all three zones is perfect for those traveling with children as it is valid for one adult and up to three children under 14 years. When compared to regular ticket prices, the Welcome Card can offer significant savings.
If you wish to take your bike on some trains, you will need to pay an extra fare provided there is enough space. For passengers with dogs, a reduced fare ticket is required.
There are also weekly, monthly, and other passes and types of tickets. You can get all the updated information about tickets on the official website.
How to Use the Berlin Metro?
Firstly, it’s recommended to obtain a metro map, which is available at any station. If you purchase a Berlin Welcome Card, you will also receive detailed guides and a map. While the map might seem complicated at first, don’t worry – it’s not. Travelling by subway can get you almost anywhere in the city. In cases where there’s no metro service to your destination, buses or trams can take you there.
On the map, you’ll need to identify your destination stop and the direction in which you’re heading. Once you know your direction, look for the last stop on the line, which will serve as your reference point. Look for signs in the station and displays at the entrances to each platform, as well as the header of each train, for this information.
Next, you’ll need to buy a ticket. As a general rule, a ticket for zones AB should suffice for travel through the center of Berlin and its most interesting neighborhoods and points of interest. However, if you’re planning to visit Potsdam or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp on the outskirts of Berlin, you’ll need a ticket for zones ABC. You can purchase tickets from machines at every station, which accept both cash and credit card. These machines have menus in six languages.
While there are no barriers or turnstiles preventing access to the platforms, you are required to validate your ticket in the machines provided for this purpose (usually small red or yellow machines located next to the ticket vending machines). Random checks are performed by staff who will request to see your ticket. If you’re found without a valid or properly validated ticket, you could face an on-the-spot fine. In some cases, staff may even accompany the passenger to an ATM. The fine can be up to €60.
Interesting Facts
The Berlin metro, like many other systems in Germany, is called the U-bahn. U-bahn is an abbreviation of the German word Untergrundbahn, meaning underground or subway.
Even during rush hour, it’s often possible to find a seat on the Berlin subway.
The Berlin metro is one of the most efficient and least polluting systems in Europe.
Berlin metro trains are easily recognizable due to their distinctive yellow color.
Wikipedia Berlin Metro Map
Accessibility
Berlin’s metro stations are designed with accessibility in mind. Facilities such as elevators and ramps are provided to ensure that people with disabilities can access the stations. Moreover, there are intercoms in every station to offer assistance when needed.