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Trains to Berlin

Traveling by train to Berlin is a great way to take in the German countryside before arriving at this remarkable city. Trains run to Berlin from all directions in Europe, and from London via the Channel Tunnel. Most trains to Berlin are run by Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national rail provider, or Flixtrain, with fast and comfortable connections to major cities. The main hub for DB’s high-speed ICE trains run out of Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), however following a legacy of the division between East and West Berlin, trains also arrive at stations that were previously central to the infrastructure to the East or West. Read on to find out about direct train routes to Berlin from cities in Europe, Berlin’s main train stations, how to buy cheap tickets, train schedules and the incredible landmarks which make the city so unique.

Berlin’s famous TV tower, the Fernseheturm at Alexanderplatz. Credit: Unsplash

Fantastic international train routes to Berlin

Deutsche Bahn AG is the main provider for train connections within and to Germany, with links being divided into either ICE (InterCity Express), IC (InterCity) and EC (EuroCity). Today, it is one of the largest rail networks in central Europe, running over 40,000 daily trains on 33,000 km of track. Its high-speed Intercity Express trains (ICE) connects major cities with affordable, fast and modern carriages, running at speeds of 320 km/h.

The Berlin to Amsterdam train: There are direct trains from Berlin to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Trains leave from Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof station and arrive at Amsterdam Centraal. The fastest direct train from Berlin to Amsterdam takes around 6 h 15 minutes to get from city center to city center. There are also indirect routes which tend to be cheaper.

Paris to Berlin train: Passengers traveling from Paris to Berlin can get a number of direct and indirect trains. Trains leave from Paris’ Gare de L’Est station and arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Changes are usually required in Stuttgart or Frankfurt, with the average journey taking around 8 h 38 m.

Night trains to Berlin:There has been a surge in demand for night trains with more and more passengers looking to travel sustainably and economically over long distances. Sleeper trains offer a variety of cabin options, saving on accommodation for a night and getting passengers to their destination for breakfast the next morning. The latest night train route has opened between Stockholm and Berlin, with a stop in Hamburg for anyone wanting to get off earlier.

Travel first class to Berlin with Deutsche Bahn

It’s worth thinking about upgrading to first class to enjoy a little bit of luxury while traveling to Berlin. First class carriages offer several perks to ensure that passengers arrive truly relaxed. For a small extra fee, first class ticket holders get unlimited Wi-Fi, extra-wide, comfortable chairs, plug sockets, seat service for food and drinks, a free newspaper, seat reservation, plus access to the DB lounge at major train stations. Note: WiFi, food and beverage services are only available on long distance ICE trains.

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Your trip to Berlin: Getting around the city

Once your train to Berlin has pulled into the main station, there are lots of different transport options for getting around. You can hop on the U-Bahn (underground train network), S-Bahn (over ground train which skirts around the city), tram, buses and regional RER trains. Berlin’s train ticket system is very simple, with options for whole day travel cards, single journey or return tickets. There are ticketing machines at the station and onboard buses. All tickets need to be validated before use, which you can do with the time stamp machines located next to the ticket machines.

Your trip to Berlin: discover the landmarks

Berlin has fast become one of Europe’s most fashionable destinations with its lively music scene, its spirited DIY culture and its thriving art communities. While areas of the city are fast developing, there are still pockets which retain its charm of old. Sample German beers at a local kneipe (dive bars), hop on the tram through Friedrichshain to discover the grand boulevard of Karl Marx Allee, or visit the impressive museums on Museum Island. Anyone with an interest in history will find a huge number of important landmarks in Berlin.

Tempelhofer Feld – this airfield in old West Berlin has been turned into a huge public park and it’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. First built and opened by the National Socialist then used as an American military base after WWII, today Tempelhof is a hive of activity. Walk up the empty runway to find disused planes, watch the rollerbladers and the kite flyers, or even take a tour of the old airport building.

DDR Museum – located on the Spree (Berlin’s river) in the center of the city, this interactive museum gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like in former East Germany. It covers all parts of life, from Christmas food to sports, music and fashion. Its proximity to other museums on Berlin’s museum island means you can easily spend a day museum hopping and soaking up plenty of culture.

The Holocaust Memorial – a somber but important landmark in Berlin, the memorial is dedicated to the Jewish lives lost in Europe during World War Two. Located just 15 minutes from the Topography of Terror – a museum documenting the atrocities of the National Socialists.

Berlin train stations

Berlin Hauptbanhof: Berlin’s Central train station, also simply known as Berlin Hbf, is a busy connecting hub for travelers across Germany. The station is based in the district of Moabit, just northwest of central Berlin and is easy to access via public transport and taxi. The station is well-equipped with coffee shops, restaurants, restrooms, ATMs, help desks and cafes.

Berlin Ostbahnhof: the train station located in the popular area of Friedrichshain to the east is a busy transport hub. Over 100 long distance trains and 200 local trains stop at this station. The station is equipped with coffee shops, restaurants, restrooms, ATMs, help desks and cafes.

How to book train tickets to Berlin

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Arriving into Berlin Hauptbahnhof station: Free things to do nearby!

There are a huge number of free things to do in Berlin, whether you’re transferring for a few hours or simply looking to discover the city without breaking the bank. Indeed, the city’s rich history means there is plenty to see and soak in simply by wandering around and taking in the different styles of architecture. Here’s our list of top free things to do after getting the train to Berlin.

• Visit Mauerpark flea market – one of the biggest flea markets in Europe which attracts thousands of visitors on Sundays. Pick up a small souvenir and soak up the atmosphere with street performers, food and music.
• Walk through the Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of peaceful reunification, the gate is just a 20 minute stroll from the station and located next to the beautiful Tiergarten where you can soak in the sunshine or have a glass of cold beer.
• Book a ticket to the Reichstag: The historic government building has an impressive glass dome atop its roof, with a terrace too! It’s a great place to see Berlin from high-up, and it’s free too! Just register for a ticket in advance and enjoy the sights.
• For more inspiration about things to do in Berlin, visit Omio’s travel magazine – The Window Seat.