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I'm planning to fly from Berlin Brandenburg airport next Tuesday afternoon and I planned on getting there by train from Berlin centre.

However, I know that there are rail strikes planned from Sunday until Tuesday and, as I understand, all trains are cancelled. I was wondering what (public transportation) routes should still be available despite the strikes?

Edit: it's a bit late, but since this became a hot network question, I think it's worth repeating here after comments: the strike has been called off and most trains run according to schedule (but don't take my word for it and do check your train if you might be affected).

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    Tricky. Taking public transportation on that day may be difficult especially if you have luggage. The Berlin S-Bahn moves significantly more than 1 million passengers a day (not counting the regional trains): while busses and subway are running, they might be VERY crowded. Consider using a ride share (Uber or Miles) but I would expect peak pricing here as well. It depends a bit on the time of day: I recommend giving yourself plenty of time and stay outside rush hours. Make sure you go to Terminal 1/2 NOT to Terminal 5
    – Hilmar
    May 13 at 12:09
  • @Hilmar: I won't have much luggage, just my backpack. Hopefully I will manage, but yeah, I will make sure I have enough time!
    – tomasz
    May 13 at 13:23
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    It looks like most of the trains will run but do check if you decide on going by train as some companies might still be affected.
    – Willeke ♦
    May 13 at 16:59
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    @Willeke: What do you mean? Is the strike cancelled?
    – tomasz
    May 13 at 18:42
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    Yes, the Deutsche Bahn and the trade union have agreed to: "Now to negotiate quickly and constructively, with the goal of an early conclusion". The S-Bahn should be running normally Tuesday.
    – Mark Johnson
    May 13 at 18:50

1 Answer 1

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Try the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). They are not striking.

You can install the BVG Fahrinfo application and give in precise details.

Depending from where you start, find an underground connection that crosses the U7 (most North/South lines cross it)

  • U9 (Bahnhof Zoo): U7: Berliner Straße
  • U6 (Bahnhof Friedrichstraße): U7: Mehringdamm
  • U8 (Alexanderplatz): U7: Hermannplatz

Below is a screenshot for Tuesday, 10:00.

Take the underground (U7) to Rudow (on the map where the blue line ends) and then the X71 (every 10 minutes) to the Airport (Terminal 1-2).

An ABC ticket (€4.00) is required

  • or an AB ticket (€3.20) plus a connection-card (Anschlussfahrausweis) for €2.00 (which you can stamp when the journey starts)
    • most of the Tourist/24h cards are for the AB area

Zone C starts at the city limits, which the X71 will cross. So the connection-card must be stamped at the latest when getting on the X71 Bus.

enter image description here

@user253751
The BVG app [Fahrinfo] is also very useful because it gives you very current routing based on very up-to-date conditions, even things like real-time train delays.

Why, just yesterday I thought I was being smart by taking an earlier tram on a different route that would get me towards my destination, even though it wasn't indicated by the app.

Turns out a segment of that route is closed for building work and replaced by bus, which is why it wasn't suggested.

And yes, it shows you all services not just BVG services.

This is also true for special events, such as Marathons, which often block north/south bus connections on Saturday/Sundays. Based on the given date/time of arrival you can see if the bus line is effected or not, with alternative routes being suggested to bypass the area of the event.

The services (Bus, Trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) can be turned on/off effecting what is shown on the map and used for the suggested route. Pressing the icon can set the destination/starting point.

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    The BVG app is also very useful because it gives you very current routing based on very up-to-date conditions, even things like real-time train delays. Why, just yesterday I thought I was being smart by taking an earlier tram on a different route that would get me towards my destination, even though it wasn't indicated by the app. Turns out a segment of that route is closed for building work and replaced by bus, which is why it wasn't suggested. And yes, it shows you all services not just BVG services.
    – user253751
    May 15 at 17:41

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