Berlin is known for its vibrant nightlife, and the city’s public transport system reflects this, offering extensive services that operate throughout the night. Whether you’re out late enjoying the bars, clubs, or simply navigating the city during off-hours, Berlin’s night transport network ensures that you can get around easily and safely.

Here’s an updated guide to Berlin’s night transport system, including the active lines, their operating hours, and the areas they cover.

Night S-Bahn and U-Bahn

Unlike many cities where the subway shuts down after midnight, Berlin keeps its S-Bahn and U-Bahn running during the night on weekends, with slightly reduced service but still offering regular connections throughout the city.

S-Bahn (Stadtschnellbahn)

The S-Bahn operates night services on the following lines:

  • S1: Connecting Oranienburg in the north with Wannsee in the southwest, passing through central hubs like Friedrichstraße and Potsdamer Platz.
  • S2: Runs from Bernau in the northeast to Blankenfelde in the south, stopping at key stations such as Gesundbrunnen, Alexanderplatz, and Potsdamer Platz.
  • S3: Serves the east-west route from Erkner to Spandau, with stops at Ostbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, and Zoologischer Garten.
  • S5: Links Strausberg Nord with Westkreuz, passing Alexanderplatz and Charlottenburg.
  • S7: Travels from Ahrensfelde to Potsdam, stopping at important locations like Alexanderplatz, Hauptbahnhof, and Wannsee.
  • S8 and S9: These lines provide services connecting Schöneweide, Treptower Park, and Spandau, making them vital for east-west journeys during the night.

On weekends (Friday and Saturday nights), these lines operate every 20 to 30 minutes, ensuring that all major parts of the city are connected. However, during weekdays, S-Bahn service ends at around 1:30 AM, after which night buses and trams take over.

U-Bahn (Underground)

Berlin’s U-Bahn also provides night services on weekends, covering the majority of the city’s underground lines:

  • U1: Travels from Uhlandstraße to Warschauer Straße, serving popular nightlife districts such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
  • U2: Connects Pankow in the north to Ruhleben in the west, with stops at Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz, and Zoologischer Garten.
  • U3: Runs from Krumme Lanke to Wittenbergplatz, passing through Schöneberg and Dahlem.
  • U5: Extends from Hönow in the east to Brandenburger Tor, stopping at Alexanderplatz and the newly extended central section.
  • U6: Links Alt-Tegel in the north with Alt-Mariendorf in the south, passing through the Mitte district.
  • U7: Runs from Rudow to Spandau, passing through Neukölln and Charlottenburg.
  • U8: Connects Wittenau to Hermannstraße, passing through major nightlife areas such as Kottbusser Tor and Alexanderplatz.
  • U9: Travels between Osloer Straße and Rathaus Steglitz, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city.

On weekends, these U-Bahn lines operate 24 hours, with trains running every 10 to 15 minutes. During weekdays, the U-Bahn stops service around 1:00 AM, and night buses (N-lines) take over.

Night Buses (N-Lines)

When the U-Bahn and S-Bahn are not operating during weekdays (Sunday to Thursday nights), Berlin’s night buses (N-lines) take over. These buses run on routes that mirror the subway lines, ensuring that no part of the city is cut off at night. Key N-lines include:

  • N1: Mirrors the U1 line, serving Warschauer Straße and Uhlandstraße.
  • N2: Covers the U2 route from Ruhleben to Pankow.
  • N5: Follows the U5 line between Alexanderplatz and Hönow.
  • N7: Replaces the U7 line from Rudow to Spandau.
  • N8: Serves the U8 route between Wittenau and Hermannstraße.

Night buses typically run every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route and time, ensuring reliable connections across the city.

Night Trams

Berlin’s tram network operates night services primarily in the eastern part of the city. Key M-lines that run all night include:

  • M1: From Frohnau to Rosenthaler Platz, passing through the bustling Prenzlauer Berg district.
  • M4: Connects Hackescher Markt with Falkenberg, providing service to Alexanderplatz and Greifswalder Straße.
  • M5: Runs from Hauptbahnhof to Hohenschönhausen.
  • M10: One of the most popular night trams, running from Hauptbahnhof through Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg, serving key nightlife areas.

Night trams operate every 10 to 20 minutes, ensuring that the eastern districts are well-connected during the night.