Berlin has a reputation as a great walking city. But because Berlin is so spread out, it is often a good idea to travel by public transport, taxi or car.

 

On all days of the festival, the Berlinale provides a free shuttle service operating on four different routes. Get more information under shuttle service.

Berlin has a well-built and efficient transport network. The U-Bahn (underground trains) and the S-Bahn (commuter trains) are the fastest and most used forms of transport in Berlin. Potsdamer Platz, the Berlinale's main event area, is served by the S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S25 and the U-Bahn line U2. Anyone in Berlin for the first time should, on arrival, get hold of a free S- and U-Bahn map.

 

While in the western half of the city the tram system was dismantled in the 1950s, in East Berlin trams remained an important form of transport and a characteristic feature of the cityscape. After the Berlin Wall came down the tram network was renovated and extended, so that in the eastern half of the city it is often quicker to travel by tram. For anyone spending a lot of time in the eastern areas of the city (such as Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain) it’s worthwhile getting a map of the tram network.

 

Buses are also a popular and efficient mode of transport, and can be a way to avoid having to walk long distances to and from train stations. The main streets have bus lanes, which means that even in rush hour the buses very rarely get stuck in traffic. There are also lots of double-decker buses, which are often used as an economical way of seeing the city.

 

Tickets for all public transport can be bought at ticket offices and machines in underground and train stations, as well as at newsstands and from ticket machines in trams. Tickets can also be bought from the bus driver, although it is a good idea to have the correct change ready. All tickets allow use of every type of public transport in Berlin. A single journey costs 2.10 euros, a day ticket 6.10 euros. For longer journeys it is sometimes worthwhile getting a travel pass for a weekend, a week or a month.

 

Traveling by bike is very popular in Berlin. The city has a large network of bicycle paths, most of which run along the main streets. Since most bus-lanes can be also used by cyclists, it is often quicker to travel by bike than it is by car, especially in the mornings and afternoons. Bikes can also be rented and left anywhere in the city as part of Deutsche Bahn’s "Call-A-Bike" scheme. Simply ring the hotline with the mobile and receive a code to unlock the bike. The bike rental is then paid using a customer number or a credit card. These bikes can be found at drop-off points all over the city, including Potsdamer Platz S-Bahn station.

 

Taxis can be found throughout central Berlin 24 hours a day. On busy streets, you don’t usually have to wait more than 2 or 3 minutes for a free taxi to come along. Taxi stands are located not only at all airports and large stations, but also at many central points all over the city. The taxi stand at Potsdamer Platz is in the Alte Potsdamer Straße. By the way, for journeys of 2 km or less, it is possible to pay a flat fee of 3.50 euros, but only if you flag a taxi down on the street and you have to ask for a "3.50 Euro Kurzstrecke" at the beginning of the journey.

 

All major international car rental companies have branches in Berlin. However, please note that during the festival there is only a limited amount of parking space at Potsdamer Platz, all of it subject to a fee. It is necessary to pay for parking in many areas of central Berlin. On the occasion of the festival, Berlinale main partner Volkswagen is offering the Phaeton Limousine at special rental rates. Further information can be found on this page in the run-up to the Berlinale.