Among those questions may appear, the first one is whether public transport is free in Berlin for the visitors. Indeed, this would be a tremendous boon if you are on a shoestring budget as transits can really eat deep into your pocket. In this article, the reader will learn more about the public transportation system in Berlin and answer the question I have mentioned above.
The Basics of Berlin’s Public Transportation System
Berlin is well equipped with an elaborate means of transport that include buses, trams, trains, underground better known as U-Bahn and the suburban trains S-Bahn. It is a public transport system which is managed by BVG known as the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe which is a Greater Berlin transportation organization.
When it comes to moving around the city in Berlin, you will require a ticket most of the time. Nevertheless, there are some conditions under which you can free ride: Let’s dive into the details.
When Can You Ride Public Transportation for Free?
Even though traveling in Berlin using public means is partially actually paid for by the taxpayers, there are some instances where one does not have to pay. The following are circumstances which one can travel without a ticket:
Children under the age of 6:
Free rides are offered to all children under the age of 6 in all the public transports within Berlin. They do not need ticket and can follow an adult either single free of charge.
Accompanying a stroller or wheelchair:
Another important regulation is that a person with a stroller or a wheelchair has an opportunity to use public transportation free of charge. For instance, in a given trip, only one stroller or wheelchair is allowed to travel for free.
Special cases involving a companion:
Disabled persons who need a carer to accompany them need not pay fares if they hold a “+B” disability card. The companion, too, have no need for ticket.
Ticket Options for Public Transportation
To use Berlin‟s public transportation most of the passengers are required to acquire a ticket. It therefore provides multiple ways of ticketing to full flexibly by offering the following tickets/��avors.
Single Ticket:
The basic ticket enables the travelers to cover up to two hours inside Berlin in one direction. But you can transfer within the same direction you’re given as long as your transferring time does not exceed the given time limit. Take care to validate them at the beginning of the trip;
Day Ticket:
In case you want to make use of the transport system for a whole day, the best bet would be the day ticket. It allows for free travelling in all the forms of public transport in Berlin within a single day from the time the ticket is activated.
WelcomeCard:
The Berlin WelcomeCard is, in fact, a city pass that is valid for the use of local means of transport in Berlin as well as a number of discount coupons. These are 48 hours, 72 hours, 4 days, 5 days and 6 days with the 6-days parking tickets being relatively cheaper than the rest.
Weekly/Monthly Passes:
If one would like to use the mode of transport for more than a day, it is advisable to buy the weekly or monthly ticket which allows one to travel within the specified time. These passes offer a perfect stay for either residents or a student, or even for those who are likely to be in Berlin for quite a long time.
Remember to Validate Your Ticket
In as much as people may wish to travel by public transport, at some point or the other, one should ensure to validate their ticket in Berlin. Ticket vending machines are mostly placed on the tram and bus stops and near the entrances of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. These tickets usually require validation and catching one without it or failing to validate it properly can lead to paying a fine.
Final Thoughts
Members of the population who do not pay for the usage of public transportation in Berlin include disabled persons, simple members of the society, parents with children below the age of six, and people who use either wheelchairs or baby prams. While there are several ways how travelers can get around Berlin there is no way of getting around without purchasing a ticket that will allow use of the efficient and broad network of public transport. Therefore to make the best choice for a particular ticket based on the requirement needed for traveling around the city, will help save on your money, additionally your travelling will be comfortable.
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