BVG ticket Berlin: zones AB/ABC, prices and when they pay off

The single ticket (Einzelfahrschein) is valid for two hours in one direction, transfers included. For very short hops (up to three S-/U-Bahn stops or six bus stops without transferring) there's the cheaper short-trip fare (Kurzstrecke).

The day ticket (Tageskarte) is valid until 3am the following day and, as a rule of thumb, pays off from three to four single rides. If you're staying longer, the 7-day ticket is usually cheaper than buying single tickets daily.

The fare is split into zones: Zone A is the city centre inside the S-Bahn ring, Zone B extends to the city boundary. A Zone AB ticket covers most sightseeing destinations.

Zone C covers Berlin's surrounding area, including Potsdam and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). So for a trip to or from the airport you need an AB-plus ticket or an ABC ticket, depending on your starting point.

On Lake Wannsee there are also short BVG ferry lines, for example to Pfaueninsel or Kladow – they're part of the regular fare and covered by a valid ticket for the matching zone.

Paper tickets must be validated at the small machine on the platform or bus before travel; digital tickets in the app or on a BVG FahrCard are valid automatically from purchase or your chosen start time. Checks are frequent, and the increased fare for fare-dodging costs far more than a ticket.

If you're staying longer than a week, the nationwide Deutschlandticket subscription is an alternative; for short city trips classic VBB single or day tickets are usually better value, since the Deutschlandticket is billed monthly.