How to get to Berlin Hbf Train Station

Travel from Berlin city center to Berlin Hbf train station

Berlin, as the capital city of Germany, is known for its diverse architecture, culture, art and festivals. It’s one of the most iconic cities in Europe and is full of museums and other historically interesting sites. This trendsetting city is also Germany’s greenest city, sprawling with parks and wooded areas. Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station), also known as just Berlin Hbf, is the city’s main train station. It opened in 2006 and is located on the site of the previous Lehrter Bahnhof. It’s now where passengers arrive when on a train to Berlin. The train station Berlin is in the district of Moabit, just northwest of Central Berlin. To travel from Berlin city center to Berlin train station is fairly simple and not that far of a distance.

The Berlin Hbf is a hub for various methods of public transportation, not only the train. The station connects with the city’s U-Bahn subway, the S-Bahn, as well as the tram network. To get to Berlin Hbf from the central area of the city, Mitte, passengers can either take the U5 U-Bahn line, the S3/S5/S7 of the S-Bahn, the RE1/RE7 of the regional train, or the M5 tram line.

How far is it from Berlin city center to Berlin Hbf train station?

The city center of Berlin could be considered the area called Mitte, near Alexanderplatz square. It is about 2.5 miles (4 km) southeast of the main Berlin Hbf. There are various ways to get to the station from the Mitte area. The most simple way is most likely heading west on the B2/Unter den Linden route until it turns heading north and becomes Luisenstraße. Continue north on Luisenstraße until you reach Invalidenstraße. When you turn left, you’ll see the Berlin Hbf on your left-hand side as you’re heading southwest on Invalidenstraße. This route by car takes more or less 15min depending on the traffic.

A way to cut through the streets and shorten the ride by a minute or two, is as you’re heading north on Luisenstraße, take a left on Reinhardtstraße. Before crossing the river, head northwest on Kapelle-Ufer until you turn into the Berlin Hbf entrance on your right-hand side.

What is the best way to get to Berlin Hbf train station from Berlin city center?

There are various ways of getting to the Berlin Hbf from the city center of Berlin. Depending on which you find more convenient from your location in Mitte, the city center, travelers can take the U-Bahn underground subway, the S-Bahn over ground train or a tram. The U-Bahn is most likely the fastest way of getting to Berlin Hbf from Mitte, and you won’t have to worry about making it to your train time Berlin. It’s possible to take the U5 line from either the Rotes Rauthaus station in front of the town hall or the Alexanderplatz station in the main square. For the train station, you’d get off directly at Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

This route takes more or less 10min and subways pass every 5min, approximately. The S3/S5/S7 S-Bahn trains are probably the next fastest way of getting to Berlin Hbf. Make your way either to the Alexanderplatz station in the main square, or the Hackescher Markt station in Henriette-Hers-Platz square.

Tram near Spree River in Berlin. Source: Shutterstock

Where is the airport in Berlin and how to get there?

The main airport serving Berlin is the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER). The Berlin Hbf station is about 25 miles (40 km) north of the airport. The drive can take around 36min depending on the time of day and traffic. There are also public transportation lines that go to the Berlin Hbf. These are generally the S-Bahn trains and the DB regional trains. Upon your arrival at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport, travelers can take the S5/S7 S-Bahn lines or the RB14/RE1/RE7/FEX DB regional train lines and arrive at the Berlin Hbf in about 32min.

How accessible is the Berlin main train station for those with limited mobility?

Here is some information about the train station in Berlin. The station is equipped with facilities to ensure barrier-free accessibility for travelers with reduced mobility. All of the train tracks have step-free access on the elevated platforms. There are elevators available to get to the platforms, making them wheelchair accessible. The station entrance is at street-level and is barrier free getting around the main hall. There is a service offered at the station for passengers with reduced mobility to request assistance, whether if it’s for getting on or off the trains, as well as any necessary stopovers. Make sure to request this service with enough time in advance, at least 48h before your departure time.

Throughout the station, they have also ensured barrier-free access to restrooms as well as other services and waiting rooms. If you’re arriving at the Berlin Hbf and you wish to park a car with a European blue or orange special parking permit, you may park for free in the DB BahnPark for up to 24h.

Night trains to/from Berlin Hbf

The Austrian railway company ÖBB operates the Nightjet line that has both arrivals and departures in Berlin Hbf for overnight train rides. There are routes you can take from the Berlin Hbf central train station going to various cities over central Europe such as Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland), Przemysl (Poland), Paris (France) as well as other destinations like Moscow (Russia). The trips generally leave Berlin in the evening and arrive at the final destination the following morning.

Traveling by train in Berlin: Sustainable journey

The Berlin Hbf is one of Germany’s stations that runs on renewable power. Apart from the stations reusing energy, so to the DB long-distance trains operating through this main Berlin Hbf. DB is always looking to improve the sustainability of its facilities as well as reducing as many carbon emissions as possible. LED lamps have been installed in all DB’s stations to reduce electrical consumption and they’ve implemented an energy management system.

Local tips: Berlin train station points of interest

The Berlin Hbf train station is large and full of a variety of shops and restaurants. It practically has a shopping mall included into the station. Not only can you grab a bite to eat while passing through the station, but there is also a supermarket inside as well as a large electronics store and a sporting goods store. In the stations vicinity, there are a few selections of hotels to stay at for those who may have an early departure out of Berlin Hbf the next morning.

The Berlin Hbf has a historic railway site incorporated in its building. This is because the station we know now as Berlin Hbf was built on top of the historic Lehrter Bahnhof station. Near the train station, just across the Spree river is the Reichstag Building. This historic building houses the German Parliament. Just a couple blocks from the Reichstag Building you’ll come across the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

• Explore the Berlin Cathedral
• Museum Island
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Nobelhart & Schmutzig Restaurant with the locals
• Try some currywurst

Travelers walk on a street during a parade. Source: Shutterstock

What to do in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most iconic cities in Europe. It’s known for its history, museums and cultural diversity. When visiting Berlin, there is so much to see and so many things to try. Some of the city’s top attractions are spots like the Alexanderplatz, Museum Island and checking out the East Side Gallery of street art on a section of the old Berlin Wall. While in town there are some traditional dishes you cannot miss. Currywurst of course is their most prided snack. There are plenty of food stalls on the road or fast food places where you can try this characteristic dish. Spätzle is another favorite especially for the vegetarian visitors who can’t try the currywurst. You’ll love it, it’s basically Germany’s take on cheesy pasta. Berlin is also known for its love of techno music and famous nightlife.