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Getting around Berlin

Public transport: 

Berlin has a highly integrated transport system comprising U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (commuter rail), bus and tram services, with easy connections to regional and mainline rail services.

There are nine U-Bahn lines, 15 S-Bahn lines and 27 tram routes (the latter in east Berlin only). Bus services crisscross the city. Tickets are priced for either two or three zones - almost all visitors will use the AB tariff (though note that Schönefeld Airport lies just within zone C). The City Tour Card combines transport in zones A and B and an advantage card for around 50 tourist attractions.

Taxis: 

Taxis in Berlin are plentiful, cheap and scrupulously honest. It is standard practice to simply round up the price to the nearest euro, though for longer journeys, add a couple. Taxis can be ordered from Taxi-Funk Berlin (tel: (030) 443 322) and Würfelfunk (tel: (030) 210 101).

Driving: 

Berlin has an excellent public transport system, so it should not be necessary to drive in the city. The city centre is now a 'Particle Free Emission' area and drivers must display a specially approved sticker or risk a fine. The ticket is available from Umwelt Plakette (www.umwelt-plakette.de).

Car hire: 

All of the major car hire firms are represented in Berlin and all have multiple locations throughout the city. Some of the most central are Avis (tel: (030) 230 9370; www.avis.com) and Europcar (tel: (030) 240 7900; www.europcar.de). Drivers must be over 23 years old and require a valid national driving licence.

Bicycle hire: 

Bicycles are plentiful in Berlin - the flat terrain and extensive network of bicycle paths make cycling in the city a pleasure. Bicycle hire is available from Berlin by bike-Fahrradstation (tel: 0180 510 8000; www.fahrradstation.de), which has offices throughout the city.

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