Berlin: Reiseführer, Preise und kostenlose Unterkunft · 2026

Regional trains, the Airport Express, and urban rail lines run directly from the station beneath the airport terminal into central Berlin. Local buses connect to outer subway stations, and taxi ranks operate outside the terminal buildings. Passengers traveling by rail must purchase a transit ticket covering the outer airport fare zone before boarding.

Many dining establishments and bars across the city do not accept card payments and operate on cash. Where electronic payment is permitted, businesses primarily take major credit cards or domestic debit cards. Patrons should verify accepted payment options before ordering and carry physical currency.

Dining establishments in Berlin rarely provide complimentary tap water to diners. Mineral and bottled water must be ordered from the beverage menu as a paid item. Bringing a refillable container helps manage personal drink expenses during the day.

Passengers may transport bicycles on regional trains, urban rail, subway carriages, trams, and night buses. Bringing a bicycle aboard requires purchasing a dedicated bicycle transit ticket. Cyclists have access to marked cycling paths across the city, and pedestrians must avoid walking in bike lanes.

Establishments serving prepared meals must enforce smoking prohibitions indoors. Bars without food service frequently permit indoor tobacco smoking under local exceptions. Music clubs and concert venues also regularly allow smoking across their dance floors and lounge areas.

Rental listings distinguish between base rent and utility-inclusive rent. Cold rent covers only the basic space and excludes heating and shared building fees. Warm rent incorporates regular operating expenses including water, heating, and trash disposal, reflecting the total monthly housing payment.

Prepaid plans offer flexible mobile data without requiring domestic bank accounts or long-term commitments. Standard contracts typically enforce extended lock-in durations, mandatory credit checks, and complicated cancellation rules. Starting with a prepaid card allows immediate mobile connectivity while establishing residency.

Berlin public transit operates across concentric fare rings designated as zones A, B, and C. Journeys within the central metropolitan area require coverage for zones A and B, defined by the orbital rail ring. Traveling to outlying locations like Potsdam or Berlin Brandenburg Airport requires tickets extending through zone C.

Pickpocketing occurs most frequently in crowded railway stations and around major tourist landmarks. Common distraction schemes involve individuals presenting petition clipboards or storytelling notes while accomplices target unattended bags. Travelers should keep bags zipped in transit hubs and ignore unsolicited approaches in public squares.