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How to get around in Berlin
Public transport
Berlin is rightly proud of its impressive public transport system.
Tube, tram and busses assure reliable transportation. Public transport
is comfortable, reliable and fast. One ticket is valid for all trains,
trams, busses and ferries run by the public transport authority
(BVG). The website (http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/) offers comprehensive
information on time tables, services and discounts.
During the night, there often exists a network of night buses, obviously
a cheaper alternative to taking a taxi.
Getting around by bicycle
The locals love to cycle around the city. Especially in
Western Berlin, a broad network of designated bicycle lanes invites
to discover the city on a bike! You can rent a bicycle for a day
or a weekend - often at attractive rates.
If you get tired, you can board a tube with your bicycle. Just check,
if the train compartement features a bicycle sign.
Getting around by cab / taxi
Taxis are easily available most of the time. Taxi stands are in
front of all major train stations and close to many hotels. You
can also hail an available taxi from the street or call a taxi company
to order one.
Getting around by car
Roads in Berlin are spacious and - considering the city's size -
comfortable to navigate. However, like almost all bigger cities,
Berlin suffers from a parking problem. Space is
scarce and can be expensive.
One way streets and traffic jams often take the enjoyment out of
the journey. Remember cycling routes are common and drive carefully.
To protect the inhabitant's health and quality of life, Berlin has
banned high emission cars from its inner districts. The environmental
zone lies within the suburban rail ring.
Getting around in Germany
Germans are known to be a nation of car lovers. Hence,
Germany boasts an excellent road network. However, like almost all
bigger cities, Berlin suffers from a severe parking problem. Space
is scarce and expensive. One way streets and traffic jams often take
the enjoyment out of the journey. When driving on Germany's motorways,
drivers should be aware of frequent tolls which can make the cost
of their journey considerably higher.
Germany's rail network is comfortable, reliable
and fast. The website offers comprehensive information on time tables,
services and discounts. Whenever possible, taking the train is to
be recommended over taking the bus which although cheaper is far
less comfortable.
Cheap flights are available within Germany and
from abroad. Berlin has 3 international airports: Tegel, Tempelhof
and Schönefeld.
Tegel is modern, passenger friendly and easily accessible
by public transport. For example, the TXL is a rapid bus connection
that takes you directly to the main station or Berlin Alexanderplatz
to name just a few stops.
Tempelhof, the smallest of the three, is centrally located
and just a few stops on the tube away from the city center.
Schönefeld lies south of Berlin and was the
airport of the Eastern Part of Berlin. The best way to reacht the
city is by boarding the 'Airport Express'.
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