Berlin employs an ultra-modern mass transit system – in this case, an integrated network of light-rail trains (S-Bahn), subway lines (U-Bahn), buses and trams. Run by the BVG (www.bvg.de), the system operates from 4:30am to 12:30am daily - later on weekends. Tickets may be purchased from bus drivers, on trams or at vending machines in any U- or S-Bahn station. And don't forget to validate your ticket.

Single-ride fares valid for 2 hours (in one direction) on bus, train and tram:
Zones AB €2.10, Zones BC €2.40, Zones ABC €2.70.
Day Pass unlimited travel until 3:00am
Zones AB €6.10, Zones BC €6, Zones ABC €6.30.

Wise alternatives for multiple-day stays are the 48-hour Welcome Card (Zones AB) for €16.50 or the 72-hour Welcome Card (Zones AB) for €21.50. The Welcome Card also gives you discounts on museums and cultural venues. If you're staying longer, check out the 7-day ticket, which costs €25.40 for Zones AB, Zones BC €26.20 and €31.30 for Zones ABC.

Another option for travelling around Berlin proper is via taxi – €3 base rates, and large items of luggage may incur an extra €1 per piece. Taxi 'call columns' are placed throughout the city. More unique are student-operated Velotaxis, or rickshaws. Rates for these begin at around €5 for the first kilometer, and €2 for every kilometer after that.