14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City

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Author:  Caroline

From tranquil natural reserves to bustling metropolitan cities, there are a ton of places to visit near Berlin, and the good news is they are simply a train ride away. Time to gain some serious inspiration for your next trip! Let’s get cracking.

As a vibrant metropolis, rich in history, culture and innovation, it’s safe to say there is a ton of things to do in Berlin. So much so that the temptation to simply stay within the, admittedly expansive, boundaries of the city is tempting.

Germany has excellent railway connectivity which is easy to navigate and will get you pretty much anywhere in the country. As I live in neighboring Belgium, I travel to Germany multiple times each year and always do so by jumping on the train.

Whether you’re a local seeking a break from the city’s hustle or a traveler eager to explore beyond Berlin’s boundaries, this guide promises a collection of day trips from Berlin by train that cater to diverse interests and tastes, ensuring unforgettable experiences just a train ride away.


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Where to Go From Berlin by Train

The beauty of Europe is the ease with which you can traverse the continent via train. With the increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, governments are slowly waking up to the fact that night trains might just be the perfect alternative to highly polluting flights.

Berlin has a set of night trains connecting it to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and even Stockholm. If you have enough time on your hands, you can probably get pretty much anywhere from Berlin by train. But if you are on a tight schedule and looking to maximize your day trip from the capital, it’s best to stick to the confines of Germany.

The closest day trip from Berlin is to tranquil Wannsee – a mere 23 minutes away while the furthest, Wernigerode, with its real-life Harry Potter steam train, is a comfortable 2h20 train ride. In between these two extremes, you will find a host of other great day trip options ranging from bustling cities to verdant national parks.

14 Day Trips from Berlin by Train

As much as I would have loved to see all these places near Berlin myself, there are still a few I have not made it to just yet. To ensure you have the best, first-hand information, I enlisted the help of a few fellow travel bloggers to create the most comprehensive list of realistic train trips from Berlin.

14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City

5 Train trips from Berlin under one hour from the city

14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City
Places to see near Berlin, Wannsee

1. WANNSEE

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Traveltime by train: 18 min

Why go to Wannsee: Wannsee is nestled on the outskirts of Berlin and most known for its “see” or lake, the second largest in Berlin. If like me you love outdoor activities like sailing, swimming or catching a ray of sunshine then Wannsee should be on your bucket list!

What to do in Wannsee: Wannsee is one of the quickest trips from Berlin by train, easy peasy to get to and a great escape from the bustling city. Aside from chilling out at the beach (free or paid lido) make sure to leave room to visit to the Wannsee Conference House, now a memorial and educational site that provides a somber look into the darker chapters of history, walk around the nearby Pfaueninsel (peacock island) and visit the majestic Schloss Wannsee, with its elegant architecture and lush gardens.

How to get there from Berlin: The lake is reachable from Berlin by taking one of two S-Bahn lines. The S7 from Ostbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, or Bahnhof Zoo, or the S1 from Friedrichstraße and Potsdamer Platz station to the lake.


Berlin day trips via train to Potsdam
New Palace is a palace situated on the western side of the Sanssouci park in Potsdam, Germany

2. POTSDAM

Explored by Sara from Big Adventures with Little Feet
Travel time from Berlin by train: 23 min

Why go to Potsdam: Just 36km away from Berlin lies the city of Potsdam, once the residence of Prussian Kings and the German Emperor.  A city over 1,000 years old renoknown for for its palaces, lakes, history and cultural significance.  At the heart of its most recent world history is the Potsdam Conference in 1945 where the US, USSR and UK leaders met to decide the future of Germany post WW2.

What to do in Potsdam: There are several things to do in the area starting with a visit to the Old Market Square and the monumental St. Nicholas Church. Next stroll around the Dutch Quarter which is full of small shops, cafes, and restaurants making it a perfect stop for lunch.  

After lunch, I highly recommend exploring a few of the palaces. The most popular ones to visit include the UNESCO World Heritage New Palace and Sanssouci Palace with its tiered gardens and decadent buildings.  Time permitting you might also want to pop into the Schloss Cecilienhof where the infamous Potsdam Conference was held.

TIP | My favorite way to visit Potsdam was through a self-guided cycling tour. As the area to cover is pretty expansive, it’s great to have a pre-planned cycle route with an audio guide in app format providing information about the various locations you will be visiting.

How to get there from Berlin: Potsdam is an easy day trip around Berlin by train as the train is direct and leaves every 10 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Potsdam Station.


Sachsenhausen train trip form Berlin

3. SACHSENHAUSEN

Explored by Sydney from A World in Reach
Traveltime from Berlin by train: 35 min

Why go to Sachsenhausen: Visiting the former Nazi concentration camp is a somber yet moving experience, and is a must for history buffs who want to gain a deeper understanding of the horrors that occurred there during the Holocaust.

What to do in Sachsenhausen: Visiting the memorial itself is a solemn experience – it’s difficult learning about what the prisoners held in the camps endured. However, it’s also an eye-opening experience, and visiting a historic site like Sachsenhausen gives you much more perspective than simply reading about it in a history book.

How to get there from Berlin: Sachsenhausen is located in the town of Oranienburg, which is about a 45-minute train journey from Berlin. To get there, board the S-Bahn at Berlin Oranienburger Straße station in the direction of S. Oranienburg Bhf, which is your final destination. At the station walk 25 minutes to the memorial or hop in a taxi or take a bus ride.

If you don’t feel comfortable navigating the trains yourself, you can book a guided tour of Sachsenhausen from Berlin that includes a guide who helps you navigate the train system and then leads a tour of the memorial.


4. WITTENBERG

Explored by Renee from Dream Plan Experience
Travel time from Berlin by train: 45 min

Why go to Wittenberg: A delightful day trip to Wittenberg offers a blend of history and charm. Wittenberg, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lutherstadt is best known for being the birthplace and residence of Martin Luther, and the pivotal moments of the Protestant Reformation.

What to do in Wittenberg: Wittenberg is one of the prettiest places to visit near Berlin and is brimming with activities. One of the best things to do in Wittenberg is to visit the All Saints’ Church (Schlosskirche), home to the famous 95 Theses door that started the Reformation movement. Part of the 15th-century Gothic church includes the Wittenberg Tower. Climb the 299 steps and you will be awarded panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Old Town.

Wittenberg is worth visiting not only for its historical significance but also for its picturesque streets and the serene River Elbe. Take a stroll through the Old Town, where you can find charming shops and cafes. Stop at the picturesque Wittenberg Market Square to admire the colourful buildings most notably the impressive Town Hall and two bronze statues.

For a courtyard dining experience, head to Brauhaus Wittenberg, which serves German classics like Weiner Schnitzel and local brews on tap.

Wittenberg is a perfect destination for history buffs and those who enjoy discovering quiet hidden gems. It’s a place where you can step back in time, soak in local charm, and have an experience that sticks with you

How to get there from Berlin: Catch the direct train at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof and get off at the Wittenberg Hauptbahnhof station.


Places to visit outside Berlin Brandenburg an der Havel

5. BRANDENBURG AN DER HAVEL

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Travel time from Berlin by train: 45 min – 1 hour

Why go to Brandenburg an der Havel: Brandenburg an der Havel is one of the oldest cities in Germany and has played a significant role in the early history of the Brandenburg State. It’s also a welcome escape from the bustling city.

What to do in Brandenburg an der Havel: Founded in the 12th century, it was a vital center of trade during the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location along the Havel River. These days it’s a much lesser-known day excursion from Berlin, known for it’s beautiful churches.

Start your day by visiting the Old Town Square, next explore the Romanesque Brandenburg Cathedral nestled on the Dominsel (Cathedral Island).

Plan in enough time to discover the art and history exhibits in the beautifully preserved nearby St. Paul’s Monastery as well as a stroll through the Industrial Museum of Brandenburg, housed in an old steel mill. End the day with a refreshing swim in the Plauer See (or go boating for that matter) and end the

How to get there from Berlin: Simply hop on the direct train at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and get off at Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof.

14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City

9 Places to visit near Berlin by train between 1 and 2 hours

14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City

The following train trips from Berlin are between one and two hours each way, with the furthest being Szczecin, Poland. I was a little cheeky and added a day trip from Berlin that takes longer than 2 hours, but I promise it is worth the additional mileage as it involves the coolest steam train in Germany!

GOOD TO KNOW | There are restrooms on most trains however food and drinks are not sold onboard. Therefore make sure to bring everything you need for the longer train journeys.

Best day trip from Berlin, Spreewald

6. SPREEWALD

Explored by Ali from Berlin Travel Tips
Travel time from Berlin by Train: 1h10

Why go to Spreewald: The Spreewald is a forest located about an hour south of Berlin, and it’s a UNESCO biosphere. It’s a great choice for a day trip if you love nature and you want a change of scenery from the city.

What to do in Spreewald: Since this is a nature area, outdoor activities are most people’s first choice. You can rent a canoe or kayak to explore the Spree River. Or take a tour in a punt boat, which is a flat-bottomed boat common in this area. If you are looking for active outdoor things to do outside Berlin, you will love the hiking and cycling trails in this region.

Lübbenau’s old town is cute and has a nice pedestrian area and a museum about the town and the Spreewald region. The Spreewald is also well known for pickles, so check out Gherkin Mile in the morning. It’s a handful of stalls, not actually a mile long, but they have an incredible variety of pickles to choose from. For a nice meal or coffee and cake, try the restaurant at the Lübbenau Palace.

How to get there from Berlin: To get from Berlin to Spreewald, take the RE2 or RE7 train from Berlin Hbf (main station) to Lübbenau, which takes about 1 hour 10-20 minutes. Note that there is another town called Lübben, so don’t get confused.


7. LEIPZIG

Explored by Sharon from Germany Footsteps
Travel time by train from Berlin: 1h25

Why go to Leipzig: Leipzig is a wonderful place to visit from Berlin by train if you love interesting history, beautiful architecture and are looking for a vibrant cultural scene. The city is best known for its musical past (thanks to being the home of Johann Sebastian Bach) as well as the role it played in the Monday Demonstrations and the peaceful end to the German Democratic Republic.

What to do in Leipzig: There is plenty to do in Leipzig, so let’s squeeze in as much as we can in one day. I recommend you walk straight to the Marktplatz in the center of the Old Town from the train station. Here, you can soak up the energy of the city and pop into the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum (City History Museum) in the Old Town Hall to learn about Leipzig’s history. It’s the perfect starting point.

Next up is a short walk to Zeitgeschichtliches Forum (Forum Of Contemporary History) to learn about the German Democratic Republic before heading to Nikolaikirche (Church Of St Nicholas), the starting point of the Monday Demonstrations.

Stop for lunch at Lerchennest to have some typical local food before heading to the Bach-Museum to learn about Leipzig’s most famous resident. Visit Thomaskirche (St Thomas’ Church).

Finally, finish the day at Augustusplatz with an elevator up to the City-Hochaus’ viewing platform for great views of the city before heading back to the train station. Everything on this itinerary is walkable and easy to visit in a fabulous day from Berlin.

How to get there from Berlin: Hop on the direct train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof and get off at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.


8. COTTBUS

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Travel time from Berlin by train: 1h32

Why go to Cottbus: Cottbus is an often overlooked, surprisingly quaint and colorful university town. It has remained blissfully untouched by the hands of over-tourism and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle that accompanies Berlin.

What to do in Cottbus: I started my day at Branitz Park, a masterpiece of landscape gardening by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, as I was super curious about the famous Earth Pyramids. Next, I headed to the Wendish Museum, to learn a little more about the Sorbian community, an ethnic minority in the region.

If like me you love architecture make a beeline for Old Town, weather permitting sit down with a cold beer and indulge in the age-old sport of people-watching. After a bit of liquid courage, I clambered up the Spremberger Tower for the best views over the city! And finally, I loved simply strolling through the little cobblestoned streets of Old Town.

Additional interesting places to visit are the Cottbus State Theatre, the Church of St. Nikolai, the pharmacy museum, and the university library.

How to get there from Berlin: Take the direct train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof and get off in Cottbus Bahnhof. Cottbus is one of the places to visit near Berlin by train that merits an early departure to ensure you get the most out of your day. Aim to catch the 08.00 am train.


9. HAMBURG

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Time to travel from Berlin by train: 1h41

Why go to Hamburg: Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and has a plethora of activities to offer visitors. I spent one full day traipsing through the city and loved the diverse architecture especially the Kontorhauses and Speischerstadt as well as the very cool museums!

What to do in Hamburg: You have only one day, so make it count! Start your day by exploring the UNESCO-classified Speicherstad – the old warehouse district of the city built entirely out of red brick. The very best way to experience this part of town is by way of a 2-hour guided boat tour.

Next walk around the Kontorhause district, Five hectares and six large office buildings that have been UNESCO-classified because of the innovative brick expressionism style in which they were built. If you get lucky the Chilehause might be open and you can take a peek inside.

Additional places I really liked were the Dialogue in the Dark Museum, renting a bike and crossing the Alte Elbetunnel and popping inside the beautiful city hall.

If you have the time, end your day trip on top of the Elbphilharmonie building, the best spot to catch the sunset. Simply head to the ticket office and mention you want access to the rooftop, they will give you a token ticket and let you pass (entrance is free).

How to get there from Berlin: Take the direct ICE (high-speed train) leaving from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Get off at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. This train requires you to pre-book tickets in advance.

Read More: 7 Day road trip through Northern Germany


Erfurt by train from Berlin

10. ERFURT

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Travel time by train from Berlin: 1h43

Why go to Erfurt: I first stumbled upon Erfurt on social media and immediately fell in love with the colorful half-timbered houses and Medieval old town.

What to do in Erfurt: I started my day at the Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church, towering over Domplatz, the magnificent Gothic architecture is really worth a snap, or two. The Merchants’ Bridge (Krämerbrücke), a unique covered bridge lined with artisan shops and cafes, offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and is perfect for souvenir hunting.

For a taste of local culture, I headed to the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe, now housing a fascinating museum dedicated to Jewish history. The Egapark, a sprawling garden and park, is ideal for leisurely walks, especially on a sunny day!

How to get there from Berlin: Take the direct ICE (high-speed train) leaving from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Get off at Erfurt Hauptbahnhof. This train requires you to pre-book tickets in advance.


11. HANNOVER

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Train travel time from Berlin: 1h46

Why go to Hannover: Hannover is a bite-size city and can easily be visited in a day from Berlin. My favorite part was the lively Old Town – especially in the evening – and the majestic Neues Rathaus (pictured above).

What to do in Hannover: We started our day by visiting the small Old Town of Hannover, we sauntered over to the Neues Rathaus and took a hair-raising elevator ride up to the viewing platform up top. The elevator has a glass ceiling and roof and is rather small. If you are suffering from vertigo or claustrophobia I would recommend skipping it altogether.

Next up we took the bus to the beautiful baroque Herrenhausen Gardens on the outskirts of town. If you are visiting over the summer, the gardens have a lovely light spectacle which is well worth going to.

TIP | Car enthusiasts might like to visit nearby Autostadt, the largest open-air car museum run by the VW group. It has everything from old timers to a whole floor dedicated to the future of the electric car. We spent half a day here and half a day in Hannover itself.

How to get there from Berlin: Take the direct ICE (high-speed train) leaving from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Get off at Hannover Hauptbahnhof. This train requires you to pre-book tickets in advance.


Best day trips from Berlin by train to Magdeburg

12. MAGDEBURG

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Travel time from Berlin by train: 1h46

Why go to Magdeburg:

What to do in Magdenburg: Magdeburg is one of the day train trips from Berlin that is still on my bucket list! The main reason I want to go is to check out the beautiful Gothic Magdeburg Cathedral. It is in fact the oldest Gothic cathedral in the country, housing the tomb of Emperor Otto I. T

The Green Citadel is another must-visit. Designed by the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this colorful and whimsical building houses shops, cafes, and a hotel, offering a unique blend of art, architecture, and lifestyle.

For nature and science enthusiasts, the Elbauenpark with the Millennium Tower presents interactive exhibitions spanning 6,000 years of human achievement, set within a beautiful park ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics.

The Old Market Square, with its historic buildings and the iconic Golden Rider statue, is perfect for experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Magdeburg’s combination of historical significance, architectural wonders, and green spaces makes it an intriguing destination for all visitors.

How to get there from Berlin: Take the direct train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Magdeburg Hauptbahnhof


Dresden train trip from Berlin
A visit to Dresden is one of the prettiest trips from Berlin by train

13. DRESDEN

Explored by Marianne from Pasta Pretzels & Passports
Travel time from Berlin by train: 1h50

Why go to Dresden: The city, often nicknamed “Florence at the Elbe,” is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. From baroque architecture to contemporary art galleries, there’s something for everyone.

What to do in Dresden: Dresden is one of the best train trips from Berlin for lovers of architecture. Like many of the larger cities in Germany, it was flattened in WWII but uncharacteristically the historical center was almost fully rebuilt, and boy is it magnificent. Better get your camera ready!

A few must-visit locations are the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, and the iconic Frauenkirche located in the city center. One of the biggest pluses of visiting Dresden is that the city is compact enough to explore comfortably in a day. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

For a bite to eat, check out Augustiner an der Frauenkirche. This charming restaurant is conveniently located right by the Frauenkirche. It offers delicious German cuisine, as well as the popular Augustiner beer, in a casual atmosphere. And when you see the amount of locals that this restaurant attracts, you just know it has to be good!

TIP | If you are looking to travel onward there is now a direct night train connecting Dresden to Brussels.

How to get there from Berlin: Catch a direct ICE (high-speed) train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Dresden Hauptbahnhof. This train requires pre-booking tickets in advance.


14. WERNIGERODE

Explored by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer
Travel time from Berlin by train: 2h45

Why go to Wernigerode: While the travel time to Wernigerode is long, I promise it is worth it just to be able to take the prettiest steam trains in Europe: The Brocken Bahn. Wernigerode itself is located in the beautiful Harz Mountains of Germany, home to (legends of) witches & the country’s best hiking paths.

What to do in Wernigerode: I loved visiting Wernigerode with its half-timbered houses and picturesque main square. Check out the lavish 15th-century town hall (Rathouse Wernigerode), saunter past the Krummelsches Haus and see if you can find the smallest house in town (kleinstes house).

A must-visit is the Wernigerode Castle, perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the town and beyond. This turreted beauty is arguably one of the most iconic castles in the entire region and has no less than 50 rooms you can visit.

Most of the Berlin day trips by train are under 2 hours, but this one is closer to three. And the real reason for this is because Wernigerode is the starting point of the Brocken Bahn. This Harz Narrow Gauge railway provides a nostalgic journey through the scenic Harz National Park by way of a steam train transporting you from Wernigerode all the way to the top of Brocken Mountain.

How to get there from Berlin: Get on at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and take the train to Wernigerode Hauptbahnhof. There is no direct train, the fastest route requires two transfers while the slightly longer route 3h20 requires only one. Check the schedule and where to transfer on the Deutsche Bahn website.

Read More: 15 Things to do in Harz National Park

Where to Stay in Berlin

14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City
Image Courtesy of Booking.com

RECOMMENDED: Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt

Located right next to the Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The Steigenberger Hotel is great value for money, a top location and I love their strong commitment to sustainability by using renewable energy and offsetting their carbon footprint.


14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City
Hotel Romy by Amano:
Courtesy of booking.com

UNIQUE DESIGN: Hotel ROMY by AMANO

This beautiful little design boutique hotel is located within walking distance from the Berlin Hauptbahnhof. I am a big fan of the sustainability ethos of the hotel: Use of renewable energy throughout the property, vegetarian and vegan in-house dining options and conscious efforts to reduce food waste.


14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City
Urban Loft Berlin:
Courtesy of booking.com

TRENDY HOTEL: Urban Loft Berlin

Located slightly further from the Berlin Hauptbahnhof than the abovementioned hotels but still within comfortable walking distance. This hotel has a really trendy and young design, great gym facilities and a fabulous rooftop terrace. Oh and it’s pretty good value for money too!


Day trips from Berlin by train

Practical Info to Book Your Day Trip from Berlin by Train

Before delving into the various train destinations from Berlin, let’s first cover the practicalities of actually getting on the train.

TOP TIP | When embarking on your day trip make sure to always check which station your train leaves from. Keep in mind Berlin is a very large city, it might take you up to one hour to get from one side of the city to your train station of departure.

Train stations in Berlin

BERLIN HAUPTBAHNHOF: The main train station in Berlin, this is where most of the day trips mentioned in this article leave from. The station is splayed over various levels and can be confusing at times (I nearly missed my train to Brussels because I got lost trying to find the right platform).

SUDKREUZ: South Cross is the station for regional and long-distance trains heading to the South.

SPANDAU: Located on the Western side of the city – slightly outside of the city center. This is the train station used to service day trips between Berlin and Hamburg.

Train companies operating out of Berlin to be used for a day trip

DEUTSCHE BAHN: The National Railway Company of Germany is the Deutsche Bahn, it connects Berlin to the various cities and towns inside of Germany and a select few cities in the neighboring countries. The day trips in this article are all feasible with Deutsche Bahn.

FLIXTRAIN: While the low-cost Flixbusses have been operating for years across Europe, the Flixtrain is relatively new. It connects Berlin to a couple of different cities and can be used for the above-mentioned Berlin to Hamburg day trip.

Types of Deutsche Bahn trains to take from Berlin

REGIONAL-EXPRESS (RE): The Regional Express connects cities. Tickets can be bought right before departure.

REGIONALBAHN (RB): The Regionalbahn runs between the various local stations, connecting the regions to the city centers. Tickets can be bought right before departure.

S-BAHN: The S-Bahn or services high-density areas, leaving in quick, regular intervals. Some S-Bahn stations have access to longer-distance regional trains, making travel within the city and between cities a breeze. Tickets can be bought right before departure.

INTERCITY (IC) / EUROCITY (EC): The IC Connects Berlin to other major cities in Germany, while the EC connects Berlin to various other European cities. Can reach speeds up to 200 km/h. Tickets can be bought right before departure.

INTERCITY EXPRESS (ICE): A plush high-speed train connecting Berlin to various cities in Germany as well as other countries. Comes in 5 different models (ICE 1, 2, 3, T and ICE Sprinter) and reaches speeds of 300 km/h. Tickets need to be bought in advance as the seats are fixed.

Trains in Germany
Regional express train in Germany

Purchasing tickets & taking the train in Berlin

How to purchase train tickets

Traveling around Berlin on the train requires you to purchase a train ticket, in advance. Long-distance, high-speed train tickets can be bought up to 6 months in advance, while regional tickets can be bought just before departure. Tickets that are bought on the train are subject to an additional fee which can be as high as €40.

Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways: Online, inside the stations from the automated blue and white vending machines, or from the service desk inside the station. The machines accept cash and (credit) cards – Visa & Mastercard.

FLIXTRAIN | Tickets for the Flixtrain need to be bought in advance online.

Types of train tickets in Germany

Regular DB Tickets: Come in three variants Super Sparpreis and Sparpreis (limited availability, discount tickets to be bought in advance); Flexpreis (full price flexible fair bought on the day itself).

DB Germany Day Ticket: Covers all of the Regional Trains in Germany for €49 a person, add €7 for each additional passenger (up to 5).

Bahncart 50 (Trial): If you are planning on extensively using the train network in Germany then it might be worth looking into the Trial Bahncart 50 which is valid for 3 months and can be used across all types of trains (both high speed and regional).

Interrail: If you are planning on traveling to more countries within Europe the Interrail Pass is a great save money.

Flixtrain: Has only one type of ticket.

Finding the right track

The various trains with their arrival times & platforms are indicated on the large overhead screens at the entrance of each station. Check the timetable and which train to take online (or via Deutsche Bahn). Once you get on the train the stops of the train will be indicated on a small screen, usually located above the seats next to the door. “Abfahrt” means estimated time of departure while “Gleis” means platform.

Useful information: Check the latest timetables and book your tickets for both domestic and international trains online.

Day trips from Berlin

Where to Store Your Luggage When Exploring Around Berlin

Perhaps you do not want to lug around your bags on your day trip from Berlin. I know I absolutely had no intention of exploring with my larger-than-life suitcase and wanted to drop it off. Aside from the Hauptbahnhof, we found no storage spaces in train stations that could accommodate bags slightly larger than a carry-on suitcase.

INSIDE BERLIN HAUPTBAHNHOF: To find the storage space simply follow the well-indicated signs which lead you to an underground parking. Here you have a variety of different-sized lockers. The storage space is open 24/7 and only accepts cash (coins).

MORE LUGGAGE STORAGE PLACES: Luggage storage for all types of luggage (XS to XL) around Alexanderplatz or Kurfürstendamm is also available starting at US$6.69 a day. Book your locker online, in advance to get the best deal.

Quick Planning Guide for Places to Visit Around Berlin

Where is the nearest country to Berlin by train?

The closest country to visit from Berlin is Poland believe it or not. I traveled from Berlin to the beautiful city of Gdansk by hopping on a direct train a few years back.

What is the closest city to Berlin by train

Potsdam is the closest city to Berlin located a mere 26km (16 mi) away.

Day trips from Berlin with the €49 ticket

If you are planning on spending a considerable amount of time in Germany, you might want to sign up for a Deutschland Ticket When you sign up online, it will say it is a monthly subscription. Do not let this deter you as it can be cancelled after the first month. This ticket includes every type of local (regional) transport throughout Germany. The ICE and IC/EC are not included in the ticket.

The various train destinations from Berlin on a map

Have a look at the interactive Google Map to get an idea of where the various train trips from Berlin discussed above are located. Yellow pins are under one hour from Berlin while red pins are under two hours from the city.

map of places to visit around Berlin
Best day trips from Berlin by train in under two hours from the city
14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City

MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING GERMANY

KARLSRUHE: Top things to see in and around Karlsruhe
NORTHERN GERMANY: 7-Day Roadtrip in EV through Northern Germany
CENTRAL GERMANY: 15 Things to do in Harz National Park

14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City
Day trips from Berlin by train: Pin it
14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City
14 Day Trips From Berlin by Train: Places to Visit Near Berlin Under 2 Hours From the City

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Caroline Muller

Thanks for dropping in! My name is Caroline, and I am a full-time writer & photographer. With this blog, I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism, and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. Adventure awaits!

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