I'm researching getting into lodging in Berlin from Brandenburg Airport on Google Maps. The station closest to my lodging shows S1, S2, S25 and S26 as options. S1 is purple, the others are green. Can someone help me understand the color system?
Directions suggest I take the FEX. What's the FEX and do I want to take that vs. an S-Bahn?
Thanks,
FEX appears to be the airport express. I’m guessing it makes fewer stops to whisk you into town faster?
FEX is the airport express train, which runs several times an hour between the airport and the central train station. It’s very quick and very convenient. However, depending on what hotel you are staying at, it could be quicker to take the S-Bahn. For example, the S-Bahn goes directly from the airport to Hackescher Markt, which is where my hotel was - so it was easier just to take that.
Where are you staying?
Near the north end of Museum Island. Google maps showed a total of 44 minutes, about 30 minutes on FEX, seven walking from the airport and another 16 minutes walking to the hotel. The S-Bahn stop nearest the hotel is only a few blocks.
If you're staying in Hackescher Markt, then it would be quicker to take the S-Bahn. At the airport, just head for the S-Bahn station and grab the S9 (S Spandau Bhf) train. That will take you directly to the Hackescher Markt stop (no changes), where you will get off and walk to your hotel - probably on 2-3 minutes. Very easy - takes about 45 minutes, and no changes. You can plot it in Google maps as well, which can show you which way to walk to the hotel once you get off.
You can buy a ticket at the airport (you will have to use the higher cost zone (B-C) or you can download the app ahead of time and purchase it there. Just go to the app store and search for BVG app. It's easy to buy tickets using it. You can also download the S-Bahn Berlin app but that's for planning only. Tickets are purchased on the BVG.
What station are you looking at? From what you describe, you could take the FEX and transfer at Gesundbrunnen to the S1 or S2 to get where you are going. Or just use the VBB journey planner.
https://www.vbb.de/en/
Sounds like Brandenburger Tor from what you describe.
Dark Green is just the color code for the S2. Since it splits into separate lines south of the city, they are designated S25 and S26. Purple is the color code for the S1.
Thanks for the responses. Very helpful.
I'm thinking I'll buy some version of the Berlin Welcome Card because I expect to visit a fair number of museums and galleries. As for zones, I'll spend four nights in Berlin (where an AB is fine), then two nights in Potsdam (where a BC is fine). The trips where I'll likely need an extender would be getting from the airport to downtown and going to Potsdam initially. Otherwise, a three-zone pass is probably wasted.
Regarding the colours: S25 and S26 are just branches of the S2. In the downtown they run on a common route, and thus they share the colour.
