Berlin's Public Transport: The BVG
The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is the main public transport company in Berlin. It operates the city's underground railway (U-Bahn), tram, bus, replacement services, and ferry networks, but not the S-Bahn urban rail system.
The BVG provides a range of services to make traveling around Berlin convenient and efficient.
Here are some key points about the BVG:
Ticket Zones and Fares
The BVG uses a zone-based fare system in Berlin. There are three zones, each with different fares:
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Zone A: Berlin's inner city up to and including the S-Bahn (urban rail) ring
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Zone B: Outside the S-Bahn (urban rail) ring, up to the city boundary.
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Zone C: Greater Berlin area, including the city of Potsdam and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Subarea C also belongs to the counties surrounding the city.
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Depending on from where to where you want to travel, you can buy tickets for the combined subareas AB, BC or the entire ABC network. If you are only traveling within the city limits of Berlin, you are on the right track with an AB ticket
Types of Tickets
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The BVG offers various types of tickets to suit different travel needs:
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Single Ticket: Valid for two hours in one direction. You can change between buses, trains, and trams as often as you like within the two-hour validity period. However, if you want to return to your starting point, you will need to purchase a new ticket.
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Short Trip Ticket: Cheaper tickets for short trips, allowing travel for up to three stops by train or up to six stops by bus or tram.
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4-Trip Ticket: If you buy four single tickets at once, you can get a small discount.
Ticket Validation
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Validation of tickets is required before you can embark on your journey. To validate your ticket, you can stick it in the ticket punch, which is available on platforms or inside vehicles. Tickets may be randomly inspected by ticket examiners during your journey.
Monthly Tickets and Subscriptions
The BVG offers monthly tickets and subscriptions for regular travelers:
VBB Eco-Ticket
The ticket can be shared with family and friends with this subscription. It offers unlimited trips within the designated fare zones, including trips to additional rural districts. It also provides free travel for children under 6 years of age, hand luggage, buggies, wheelchairs, one dog, and up to four people (with one person older than 14) on specific days and times.
Berlin Abo
This subscription is valid for unlimited journeys inside the Berlin AB fare zone. It is non-transferable and has a minimum subscription period of 12 months. Certain exceptions apply, like free travel for children under 6, one dog, and certain luggage and mobility aids.
Deutschland Ticket
The Deutschlandticket, or "D-Ticket," is valid for all public and regional transport within Germany, excluding long-distance trains like IC, EC, and ICE. During its validity period, it allows for unlimited journeys, which start on the last day of the previous month at 0 a.m. and end on the first day of the following month at midnight. Children under 6 can travel for free, and the ticket also includes the free transport of hand luggage, baby carriages, wheelchairs, and other orthopedic aids.
VBB Trainee Ticket
This ticket is valid for the entire VBB network and will allow for unlimited journeys on any means of transport. It is available to trainees and requires proof of eligibility from an educational institution.
BVG Student Ticket
This ticket is free of charge for students and valid within the AB fare zone. A connecting ticket must be bought for tariff zone C.
The BVG Student Ticket can only be purchased online through the BVG website. Passport photo, student ID, and certificate of registration with your Berlin address are required.
BVG Apps and Ticket Purchase
The BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe) offers several apps that make ticket purchasing and travel information easily accessible. These apps can be downloaded from the respective app stores for iOS and Android devices. Let's take a look at each app:
BVG Ticket-App
This app allows you to download tickets directly to your smartphone using this app. It offers the option to purchase individual tickets, day tickets, and short-trip tickets. You can also buy a 4-trip ticket and add additional journeys for other travelers.
BVG Fahrinfo-App
You can use this app to get detailed travel information and buy tickets. It serves as a journey planner, showing you the fastest route to your destination. The app includes maps of all transport throughout the city, including buses, trains, subways, and trams. Payment options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA direct debit, PayPal, pre-paid, credit card, or cash.
BVG Jelbi-App
This app provides access to all of Berlin's mobility offers in one app. Car, bus, train, bike, scooter and taxi services are included. The Jelbi app also allows you to add the Deutschlandticket, which offers unlimited travel throughout Germany.
Ticket Machines
Ticket machines can be found directly on the platforms at various locations throughout Berlin. The BVG operates nearly 500 ticket machines equipped with touch screens and offering multiple language options. These machines accept cash, German debit card, and credit card payments. Accepted coin values and banknotes of 5, 10, and 20 EUR are also accepted. Please note that tickets purchased at the ticket machine must be validated before you can board the means of transportation.
Shops
Tickets can be purchased in person at the official BVG service and ticket counters that have the yellow BVG sign. These counters can be found at various locations throughout Berlin. However, it is worth mentioning that these shops usually only accept cash or German debit cards, and credit cards are not usually accepted.
Finding a BVG Sales Outlet
For information on the nearest BVG sales outlet, please visit the BVG website or use the BVG apps. These outlets can assist you with ticket and subscription information and provide a wide range of services.
For further information and answers to frequently asked questions about ticket purchases via the app, you can visit the BVG website's FAQ section. Remember, these apps are designed to make ticket purchasing and travel information easily accessible. They provide convenience and flexibility in Berlin's public transportation system. Please note that the information provided may be subject to change.
