Travel to Berlin by train | PolishTrains
Berlin, the German capital, is one of Europe's most thrilling cities. Every corner of Berlin hides fascinating attractions, and train travel not only provides convenience, but allows you to savour the picturesque sights as you pass through as well. So how do you organise a rail journey to this vibrant city full of contrasts?
At a glance
At a glance
- Direct trains to Berlin depart from Poznań (approx. 2–3 hours) and Warsaw (approx. 5–6 hours)
- All Berlin-bound trains from Poland terminate at Berlin Hauptbahnhof in the city centre
- Kraków–Berlin connection available either directly or with one change
- Tickets available on PolishTrains up to 60 days before departure with no registration required
- Berlin is easily explored on foot and by public transport — no car needed
- Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and East Side Gallery are all within easy reach of the station
Berlin, the German capital, is one of Europe's most thrilling cities. Every corner of Berlin hides fascinating attractions, and travelling by train not only provides convenience, but allows you to savour the picturesque sights as you pass through as well. So how do you organise a rail journey to this vibrant city full of contrasts?
Why Take the Train to Berlin?
Travelling to Berlin by train is a quick and comfortable option, allowing you to enjoy the scenery en route. Berlin itself is a city full of contrasts, rich history and intense cultural life, making it one of the most attractive places to visit in Germany. The short travel time from Poland to the German capital makes train travel all the more tempting, especially given the central location of the station in the heart of the city. The train from Poznań takes just over two hours, making it a much more attractive and cheaper option than planes, where you have to wait to check in and get to the city centre from the airport.
Route planning and train selection
Before you start planning your journey, you need to establish your starting point. Trains to Berlin are available from most major Polish cities, so the choice is wide. It is also worth considering the type of train - the Pendolino provides the most comfortable journey and shorter journey times. It is also worth considering the differences between carriage classes, speed and available amenities when planning your journey.
There are many direct connections to Berlin from Poland, which run primarily from:
Poznań-Berlin
Warsaw-Berlin
Krakow-Berlin
Booking and ticket prices
Booking train tickets is a key step in planning a trip. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the tourist season. This can be done conveniently, in just a few steps on our website. Ticket prices vary depending primarily on the destination, departure date, popularity of the connection and season. Check out the different types of tickets by comparing prices and options for a one-way or return journey. It is also worth taking into account the travel time and facilities offered in different carriage classes and train types. You may find that it may be better to choose a more expensive connection to shorten your journey time and save it for sightseeing. You will find many connections to Berlin from Poland at a variety of prices, and tickets without discounts can be found for prices as low as 73 PLN.
Facilities on the train
Travelling by train is not only a way to reach your destination, but also a chance to enjoy comfort during the journey. Trains offer many amenities such as electrical sockets, Wi-Fi and dining cars. Bathrooms are available in various carriages and air-conditioning systems ensure comfort even during long journeys. Those with special needs can make use of appropriate amenities such as seats with extra space, and those studying or working on the move can make use of quiet zones.
Preparing for your trip
It is advisable to re-check your tickets and timetable changes before you travel, and make sure you have the correct identity documents, even in the Schengen area. It is also a good idea to pack appropriately for the journey, ensuring that you are entertained and relaxed during the journey. A train journey is also a good time to plan a sightseeing tour of Berlin, which offers many attractions for tourists with different interests.
What to visit in Berlin
Did you know that Berlin has the most museums and art galleries in Europe? But that's not the only thing the German capital is famous for. What is worth seeing during your stay in Berlin? The list of attractions and sights is really long, but we've taken it upon ourselves to put together the most important ones that are hard to do without on a tourist adventure.
The Brandenburg Gate
This is one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, symbolising the unification of city and country. This monumental gate, built between 1788 and 1791, impresses with its neoclassical architectural style and the history behind it. Be sure to see it and take a commemorative photo against its backdrop!
Museum Island
That is, Museumsinsel, is a group of five museums located on Spree Island in the centre of Berlin. These museums are true cultural treasures, preserving a wealth of artworks and historical artefacts. Among them, the Pergamon Museum, which is famous for its monumental monuments of antiquity, is worth a visit. And also the Bode Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery and the Old Museum.
Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery
The traces of the division between East and West Berlin are still visible in the form of the remains of the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery is the longest section of the surviving wall and features extraordinary murals by artists from all over the world, which are both an expression of history and art.
Berlin Television Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)
This is one of the tallest buildings in Europe and a symbol of the city's modernity. From its 368-metre height, you can enjoy panoramic views sweeping across Berlin. As well as being a landmark, the Television Tower is the perfect place to get a bird's eye view of the city.
Hitler's bunkers
During World War II, Berlin was Hitler's main strategic location, which makes the city full of historical bunkers. By visiting these sites, you can understand the dramatic events that took place during the war and during the Third Reich.
Berlin flavours
While in Berlin, be sure to try the local dishes, which are not only delightful in their flavours but also reflect the diversity of German cuisine. For example, try currywurst, a sausage served with spicy curry sauce and fries, which is a popular fast food in the city. Also not to be missed is eisbein, a traditional pork knuckle dish served with sauerkraut and potatoes. For dessert, go for apfelstrudel, an apple pie with cinnamon and sultanas, which is served with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.