Berlin Hauptbahnhof is one of the largest stations in Germany. Its 16 long-distance, S-Bahn and U-Bahn tracks are spread over three levels, with Berlin Hauptbahnhof having a total of five levels. However, it is not difficult to find the right track. This overview shows you where to go when changing trains at Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
If you prepare for changing trains at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and have an overview of the station's levels and tracks, you will find your way around even better once you arrive at the station.
Levels and tracks: an overview for changing trains at Berlin Hauptbahnhof low
Berlin Hauptbahnhof currently has eight mainline tracks and two underground tracks on the second basement level (lower level) and six mainline and S-Bahn tracks on the second upper level. The track number indicates the level of the station. The tracks on the lower level are numbered in single digits (tracks 1 to 8) and those on the first floor in double digits (tracks 11 to 16).
The arrangement of the tracks both at the lower level and on the first floor can lead to confusion. In connection overviews, you will often find the information "change at Berlin Hauptbahnhof low" or "change at Berlin Hauptbahnhof". This is not a reference to two different stations that are located at the same place at first glance. The actual transfer location and therefore its name depends on the departure at the station. Anyone travelling on one of the six west-eastbound tracks on the first floor will see "Berlin Hauptbahnhof" as the transfer station. If, on the other hand, the train departs from the eight tracks on the second basement floor in a north-south direction, the name "Berlin Hauptbahnhof low" appears in the connection overview.
Change from the train to the train at Berlin Hauptbahnhof low
As the tracks are assigned according to the cardinal directions, travellers often change trains at the level at which they arrive. For example, anyone travelling from München via Berlin to Rostock is travelling on a north-south axis. Accordingly, arrivals and changes at the station usually take place at the low level of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. However, anyone changing trains from Berlin to Köln, for example, is travelling on an east-west axis and therefore usually on the first floor of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. An overview of all arriving and departing trains at Berlin Hauptbahnhof can be found on the station's details page under the title “departure and arrival”.
If the change at Berlin Hauptbahnhof involves neighbouring tracks (for example track 3 and 4), this is usually possible within five to ten minutes. But even if the tracks within the Berlin Hauptbahnhof low level are a little further apart, such as tracks 8 and 5, this is usually not a problem. From the underground level, you can take the stairs, an escalator or an elevator from the second basement level up to the first basement level. From there, access to the appropriate transfer track takes you back down to the second basement level and thus to the lower level. Depending on the time of day and the volume of travellers at the station, ten to 15 minutes should generally be sufficient for a relaxed changeover.
If you change trains on the first floor and need to change platforms, you must first take the stairs, an escalator or an elevator down to the first floor. You then have to walk or drive back up to the corresponding track access point to continue your journey. A buffer of ten to 15 minutes is usually sufficient when changing trains on the first floor. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or a pushchair, it is best to use one of the lifts to change trains. These are located in the centre of each platform.
However, a little more time is needed to change from the lower level to the first floor or vice versa. This is possible using an elevator, escalators or stairs. At least 20 minutes should be allowed for the journey across the four levels of Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
Changing from the train to the U-Bahn
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the start and end point of U-Bahn line 5, which connects the station with the eastern part of the capital and runs to Hönow. Users of this means of transport can reach the Brandenburger Tor in three minutes and Alexanderplatz in nine minutes. The entrances to the U-Bahn are located on the first basement level. If you arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof underground station, you only need to travel up one level. On the other hand, if you arrive at the first floor of Berlin Hauptbahnhof, you have to go down three levels.
Changing from the train to the bus
There are connections to local public transport buses on both sides of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Most buses leave from the northern exit of the station at Europaplatz and connect Berlin Hauptbahnhof with Charlottenburg and Wedding, among others. At the bus stop at the southern exit of the station at Washingtonplatz, however, buses depart in the direction of Friedrichstraße.
Changing from the train to the tram
If you want to change from the train to the tram, use the exit at Europaplatz on the ground floor of the station. The tram stop "S+U Berlin Hauptbahnhof" is located on the station forecourt in Invalidenstraße. The trams mainly serve the eastern part of the city and allow travellers to continue their journey towards Hackescher Markt.