Berlin has an impressive bus network that consists of over 1300 vehicles covering over 300,000 kilometers per day. The Berlin bus system has over 325 regular lines as well as 39 night lines and has a daily ridership of just over one million people. Buses are essential to the transportation system in Berlin and visitors should not ignore them, they may be the quickest way to your destination!
How to ride the bus in Berlin
If you’ve never rode a bus in your life, or just aren’t familiar with how it works in Berlin, don’t worry! Riding the bus in Berlin is an easy, comfortable way to get around the city and usually not as busy as other transportation methods.
Buy a ticket
If you are transferring from U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram, you can continue using your original ticket as long as it is still valid A normal transportation ticket in Berlin is valid for 2 hours but does not allow return trips. If you are starting your journey with the bus, you can buy a ticket directly from the driver.
Please take note:
- Drivers usually only accepts coins, keep some ready for cases like this.
- Tickets purchased from a driver are instantly valid, you do not need to validate them in a machine.
Get on
In Berlin, passengers are requested to board at the front doors. Show your ticket to the driver or purchase a ticket directly from the driver. Passengers with a stroller can board at the second door to easier accommodate their needs.
Get off
Each bus is equipped with a digital information board which shows the current location as well as the next stop. When your stop appears on the screen simply press one of the “STOP” buttons located throughout the bus. The screen will show a red box indicating a passenger has requested to get off at the next stop. The doors open and close automatically.