IMDRF 2023
24th session
25-26 September 2023 | Berlin, Germany
Public transport
Berlin has an extensive and well-developed network of public transport that includes buses, trams, ferries and trains (subway, light-rail trains called S-Bahn and regional trains). With a valid ticket, you have access to all public transport in Berlin, including the S-Bahn, subway, buses, trams and ferries.
The public transport system in Berlin (U-, S-Bahn, bus, tram, regional rail) uses a common ticket system based on three zones (zone AB, BC and ABC). The fare zone AB includes the urban centre of Berlin as well as the area up to the city limits. The fare zone ABC additionally includes Berlin's surrounding area, Airport Berlin Brandenburg (BER), and Potsdam Central Station.
The standard single journey ticket is valid for any travel within two hours of validation, in a single direction, within the appropriate fare zones. There is no limit to transfers, but return journeys are not allowed. Price: Berlin AB €3 (reduced €1.90); Berlin ABC €3.80
All tickets are available at multilingual vending machines at the airports, subway and S-Bahn platforms or via the free VBB app or the BVG app. On buses, fares are paid to the bus driver, on trams at the ticket machines inside the trains.
Find here the map of the public transports in Berlin.
Find more ticket information here.
Find more travel information here.
Train from the airport
The railway station "BER Terminal 1-2" is located in Terminal 1 on level U2. The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains run several times an hour between Berlin Central Station (“Berlin-Hauptbahnhof”) and the station "Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2". The trains of the S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 run every 20 minutes to Berlin city centre.
Plan your journey here.
Find here more Information about the transfer by train to the Airport Berlin Brandenburg (BER).
Taxi service
Passengers arriving at the airport Terminals 1 and 2 use the north and south taxi ranks in front of Terminal 1 on Level E0.
All Taxis in Berlin are cream/ivory in colour and have a yellow and black “TAXI” sign on the roof. Most taxis accept debit and credit card, but it’s best to check before starting your ride. Taxis in Berlin are licensed, metered, and the fares are regulated - price fixing is forbidden. Please note that taxi drivers are not obliged to accept all types of cards, so it's best to carry some cash.
A taxi can be ordered by phone call, app, at taxi stands, or simply by hailing one on the street. The most popular app used by locals in Berlin for securing a taxi, is the free FreeNow app. This app is multilingual and allows you to pre-schedule a ride and estimate costs.
Phone Numbers of the Largest Taxi Companies
Find more information on taxi number, fares and passenger rights in Berlin here.
Currency
As in most European countries, the currency of Germany is the Euro (EUR, €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change your national currency at one of the many currency exchange offices located throughout the city or airport (“Travelex”). Unlike in other countries, however, credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Carrying some cash is recommended, especially in restaurants and smaller stores.
Find more information about currency exchange and money here.
ATMs and banking hours
Most ATMs (“Geldautomat”) are contained inside the bank itself, and outside of opening hours you'll have to insert your card into a slot in the door to gain access. It's very rare to find a "hole-in-the-wall" type of ATM directly on the street. However, in Berlin many subway stations now boast an ATM on the platform.
Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw cash from a foreign bank or financial institution, either by credit card or using a bank card which is compatible with the Plus, Maestro and/or Cirrus networks. Credit cards like VISA, Master Card and others are widely accepted, but American Express Cards are often refused.
Weather in September
September days are warm and bright but start getting chilly towards the evening. It is best you carry some warm clothes alongside the light ones.
Emergency numbers
An efficient and integrated network of the various police forces, emergency services, organisations and agencies are ready to respond to emergency calls.
European emergency number, valid in Berlin and throughout Europe, for all medical emergencies:
The number is free 24 hours a day from a landline, a public telephone, or a mobile phone (even when networks are not available or overloaded).
Voltage
As most of the European countries, Germany has Type F power outlets (Schuko or CEE 7/3 sockets). They have a voltage of 230V, you might need a travel adapter to charge your devices.
Berlin at your fingertip
Going Local Berlin is a well-known App that can be particularly useful for anyone visiting the capital, as it provides useful telephone numbers, weather, points of interest, traffic info and more. App store & Google Play