The train is your friend
Today we took a train ride out to Potsdam, what was so interesting was the transit system here in Germany. There was a vast network of connections and transfers, which even for the seasoned traveler or train rider could appear daunting at first.
Once you take the initial ride across the city you immediately get the sensation or prideful feeling of being a transit system veteran. When taking the transit system don’t hesitate to ask a fellow passenger how to transfer or even purchase a ticket. Purchasing train or metro tickets in Berlin is very different from let’s say the U.S., one of those differences is validating your ticket once you purchase it. At most train stations there are separate machines, one to purchase and another to validate your ticket.
Also it might appear they use the honor system in Berlin, there is hardly ever anyone around to check or collect the tickets once you jump on the train. Think twice before you try to ride without a ticket though, because the minute you try it someone will get on, wait until the doors close then approach you and say “FahrKarte”, this actually means TICKET in German. Yes they have plain clothes attendants riding the trains for situations like this.
One of the highlights of riding the metro train/rail in Germany is pulling into the famous Alexanderplatz station. This station has been the feature of many foreign films, and for the Jason Bourne fans it was featured in one of the movies in the series (The Bourne Supremacy).
Another highlight of riding the train is the ability to pick up some authentic Germany street food while you’re waiting on the platforms. So next time you’re in Germany make sure you take out some time to travel to one of your sightseeing destinations by metro rail, it will be one of the best experiences in life
