How to Reach Berlin’s Main Attractions Using Public Transport

Berlin is a city that’s easy to navigate, thanks to its extensive and well-connected public transport system, operated by the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe). With a combination of U-Bahn (underground trains), S-Bahn (overground trains), buses, and trams, you can easily access the city’s main attractions. This guide provides detailed information on how to reach Berlin’s top sights using public transport.

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. It’s located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by public transport.

  • S-Bahn: Take the S1, S2, or S25 to Brandenburger Tor station. The gate is just a short walk from the station.
  • U-Bahn: The U5 line also stops at Brandenburger Tor station.
  • Bus: Several bus lines pass near the Brandenburg Gate, including the 100 and 245.

Reichstag Building (Reichstagsgebäude)

The Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament, is a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate and is another must-see. The easiest way to reach it is by the same routes as the Brandenburg Gate:

  • S-Bahn: Use the S1, S2, or S25 to Brandenburger Tor.
  • U-Bahn: Take the U5 to Brandenburger Tor.
  • Bus: Bus routes 100 and M85 stop nearby.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel)

Museum Island, home to five world-class museums, is located on the Spree River and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • S-Bahn: Take the S3, S5, or S7 to Hackescher Markt station, which is a 5-10 minute walk from Museum Island.
  • U-Bahn: The U5 line stops at Museumsinsel station, providing direct access to the site.
  • Bus: Bus line 100 stops at Lustgarten, which is adjacent to the museums.

Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz, a central square and major transport hub, is surrounded by attractions like the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) and the World Time Clock.

  • S-Bahn: The S3, S5, S7, and S9 lines stop at Alexanderplatz.
  • U-Bahn: The U2, U5, and U8 lines serve the Alexanderplatz station.
  • Bus: Bus routes 100, 200, and M48 stop at Alexanderplatz.

Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

Standing tall over the city, the Berlin TV Tower offers panoramic views of the city. It’s located next to Alexanderplatz, making it easy to reach.

  • S-Bahn: S3, S5, S7, and S9 to Alexanderplatz.
  • U-Bahn: U2, U5, and U8 to Alexanderplatz.
  • Tram: Trams M4, M5, and M6 also stop at Alexanderplatz.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

The Berlin Cathedral, located near Museum Island, is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks.

  • S-Bahn: Take the S3, S5, or S7 to Hackescher Markt, and walk 10 minutes to the cathedral.
  • U-Bahn: Use the U5 line to reach Museumsinsel station.
  • Bus: The 100 bus stops at Lustgarten, right in front of the cathedral.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie, the famous Cold War border crossing, is located in the Kreuzberg district.

  • U-Bahn: Take the U6 line to Kochstraße station, which is a 5-minute walk from Checkpoint Charlie.
  • Bus: The M29 and N6 buses also stop at Kochstraße.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is an open-air gallery painted on a preserved section of the Berlin Wall.

  • S-Bahn: Use the S3, S5, S7, or S9 lines to Ostbahnhof station, which is a 10-minute walk from the East Side Gallery.
  • U-Bahn: The U1 and U3 lines stop at Warschauer Straße, which is about a 15-minute walk from the gallery.
  • Tram: Trams M10 and M13 also stop at Warschauer Straße.

Potsdamer Platz

A bustling modern square with shopping, entertainment, and important historical landmarks, Potsdamer Platz is well connected to the transport network.

  • S-Bahn: The S1, S2, and S25 stop at Potsdamer Platz station.
  • U-Bahn: The U2 line also serves Potsdamer Platz.
  • Bus: Buses M41 and 200 stop at Potsdamer Platz.

Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin’s largest palace, is located in the western part of the city.

  • S-Bahn: Take the S41 or S42 (Ringbahn) to Westend station, and walk 15 minutes to the palace.
  • U-Bahn: The U7 line stops at Richard-Wagner-Platz, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace.
  • Bus: Bus 109 or M45 stops directly in front of the palace.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial)

The Holocaust Memorial is located near the Brandenburg Gate.

  • S-Bahn: S1, S2, or S25 to Brandenburger Tor.
  • U-Bahn: The U2 line to Mohrenstraße or U5 to Brandenburger Tor.
  • Bus: Bus 100 stops nearby.