How to pay for Berlin public transport in 2026: single tickets, day tickets, the Deutschlandticket, and the Berlin Welcome Card explained.
How to Get the Berlin Welcome Card & Transport Tickets
Buy at any U-Bahn/S-Bahn ticket machine, BVG app, or Berlin tourist information offices. Berlin Welcome Card also sold at airports and major hotels.
Berlin Welcome Card & Transport Tickets Benefits
- Deutschlandticket (€58/month), unlimited transport across all of Germany including Berlin.
- Day ticket AB (€9.90) covers unlimited U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus for the day.
- Berlin Welcome Card includes transport + 200+ museum/attraction discounts.
- BVG app allows digital tickets, no need to find a ticket machine.
- 7-day AB ticket (€36) works out to €5.14/day for unlimited travel.
Fare Reference (EUR)
Payment methods: BVG app (Handy-Ticket) · VBB ticket machines · Berlin Welcome Card · 7-day ticket · Deutschlandticket (€58/month nationwide).
💡 The Deutschlandticket (€58/month) covers all public transport across Germany including Berlin, if you're staying a month or visiting multiple German cities, it's exceptional value.
| Journey | Off-Peak (EUR) | Peak (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Single AB (2 hours) | €3.50 | €3.50 |
| Single ABC (2 hours) | €4.40 | €4.40 |
| Short trip (3 stops) | €2.40 | €2.40 |
| Day ticket AB | €9.90 | €9.90 |
| Day ticket ABC | €11.20 | €11.20 |
| 7-day ticket AB | €36.00 | €36.00 |
| Deutschlandticket | €58.00/month | €58.00/month |
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge, flat zone-based fares at all times.
Berlin Welcome Card & Transport Tickets vs Single-Journey Ticket
| Berlin Welcome Card & Transport Tickets | Single-Journey Token / Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare benefit | Deutschlandticket (€58/month), unlimited transport across all of Germany including Berlin. | Standard full fare |
| Queue time | Tap and go, no queue | Buy at a machine each time |
| Initial cost | Card fee or deposit | Journey cost only |
| Best for | Frequent riders | A single one-off journey |
Tips for Using the Berlin Welcome Card & Transport Tickets
- Tap in and tap out with the same card at every gate. The fare is worked out when you exit.
- Top up before you travel, through the official Berlin U-Bahn app or website where available, or at station machines.
- If you lose the card, contact Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). Many systems can move the balance to a new card.
- Travelling to or from the airport? See the airport transfer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Berlin Welcome Card worth it?
Yes if you plan to visit 3+ paid attractions (Berlin Wall Museum, Pergamon Museum, Berlin TV Tower all charge €15–€20+). The 2-day AB Welcome Card is €23, if you use the transport and visit two paid museums, you are already ahead.
What is the short-trip ticket (Kurzstrecke)?
The short-trip ticket (€2.40) is valid for 3 U-Bahn or S-Bahn stops (6 stops on trams/buses) within one direction. No transfers allowed. Use it for short hops in the city centre to save money.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay for U-Bahn tickets?
Yes, buy tickets via the BVG app and pay with Apple/Google Pay. Digital tickets display on your phone, show to inspectors if checked. No need to visit a ticket machine.
Does the Deutschlandticket work in Berlin?
Yes, the €58/month Deutschlandticket covers all BVG transport in Berlin (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus) and all regional public transport across Germany. Excellent value for monthly residents or multi-city visitors.
See also: Berlin U-Bahn ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Berlin U-Bahn guide
Source: Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). Fares and card terms change from time to time, so verify before travel.