Berlin’s efficient public transportation system is cheap, straightforward and punctual. The U-bahn system is a fast and efficient way to see this immense metropolis (stations are marked by a big "U"). For your three days here, buy a 72-hour WelcomeCard pass for only 18 EUR; not only will you get unlimited public transit rides, you'll get significant discounts at museums, theaters and other attractions. There are actually 2 cards - one for zones A & B, and one for zones A,B & C and the latter for 72 hours costs 24.5 Euros. Why go for 3 zones - well it includes travel by S-Bahn from Berlin Schoenefeld airport into the city & return, and also travel to and within Potsdam. Ideal to see Schloss Sansoucci!

Tickets are valid on bus, U-bahn (underground), S-bahn (overground rail), trams, buses and small ferries. A 2 Zone ticket covers most sights visitors will want to see (in Zones A and B), but if you want to go further, get an ABC 3 Zones ticket or pass.

The map you get with the welcome card only covers U & S-Bahn: you need to buy a map, 1 or 2 Euros, at the airport to get the bus routes which give you additional flexibility between U & S-Bahn stations e.g Schloss Charlottenburg.

Single Ticket - Normaltarif - €2.10 (2 zones) or €2.70 (3 zones), valid for 2 hours.

Short-Hop Ticket - Kurzstreckentarif - €1.20, valid for three U or S Bahn stops and six bus or tram stops.

Day Ticket – Tageskarte - €6.10 (2 zones) or €6.30 (3 zones), valid until 3 am the day after cancellation, so perfect for bar and club hoppers.

7 Day Ticket – Wochenkarte - €25.40 (2 zones) or €31.30 (3 zones), the ticket is transferable.

Small Group Ticket - (Gruppentageskarte) – is ideal for more than two people traveling together. Valid for up to five people it’s €15.40 (2 zones) or €15.60 (3 zones).

Trains run on the honor system and there are no ticket barriers to use the U-bahn. Plain clothes transport officials patrol bus, rail, underground and tram, so make sure and validate tickets before boarding. Both validating and ticket machines are straightforward and easy to use, generally found in the entrance of stations or on the platform. Machines have English translations.

Save on costly city tours and board Bus 100, regular 2 Zone tickets and passes are valid on this double decker. Leaving Zoo Station every five to ten minutes, it runs from West to East, passing many landmarks such as the Europa Center, The Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower and other sights along the way, ending its route at Prenzlauerberg’s Michelangelostrasse. The 200 is also a great way to see the city, but follows a slightly different route.

If you have the bus map route, travelling by bus is easy - all buses show the final destination, and the next stop is announced in good time for you to press the stop button. If no-one presses the button, and there is no-one waiting at the stop, the bus will not stop - unlike the trains which always stop at scheduled stations.