Berlin Hbf Railway Station

Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) is not just the capital's main transport hub, but also an impressive architectural masterpiece made of glass and steel. Opened in 2006, it is considered the largest two-level railway station in Europe, serving hundreds of thousands of travellers daily. The building is located in the very centre of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the government district and the Reichstag, making it a convenient starting point for exploring Berlin.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a unique multi-level structure. Trains arrive at the upper level (platforms 11–16, East-West direction) and at the underground level (platforms 1–8, North-South direction). Between them, there are three floors with shops, ticket offices, and exits, so please allow at least 10–15 minutes for transfers. The main exits lead to Europaplatz (North) and Washingtonplatz (South).

• Official website: bahnhof.de (Berlin Hbf section)
• DB Information Phone: +49 30 2970 (general Deutsche Bahn hotline)
• Address: Europaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany
• Opening Hours: The station itself is open 24/7, however, the ticket office (Reisezentrum) hours are usually from 06:00 to 22:00.
• Luggage Storage: Available 24/7, with automatic lockers of various sizes.
• Accessibility: The Mobility Service for passengers with reduced mobility operates by prior request; there are lifts to all platforms.

Getting to Berlin Hauptbahnhof is very simple thanks to its central location. The most popular method is the S-Bahn city train (lines S3, S5, S7, S9), which passes through the upper level of the station and connects it with Alexanderplatz and the Zoo. The U-Bahn metro line (U5) also leads here, linking the station with the Brandenburg Gate.

Right in front of the exit at Europaplatz, trams (M5, M8, M10) and numerous buses stop. If you prefer a taxi, ranks are located at both main exits; a trip from the city centre will take about 10–15 minutes. Those who enjoy walking can reach the station from the Reichstag in just 5–7 minutes by crossing the River Spree.

The station provides a full range of services for a comfortable wait. A large DB Reisezentrum is available for ticket purchases and consultations, while numerous red machines are installed for quick transactions. Free Wi-Fi (network WIFI@DB) is available throughout the area, and power outlets for charging gadgets can be found in the waiting halls.

For First Class passengers, there is a comfortable DB Lounge. The station is equipped with modern Sanifair toilets (paid entry, a voucher is issued), shower cabins, and automatic luggage lockers. Spacious lifts connecting all five levels of the building are available for passengers with reduced mobility and families with strollers.

Dining options at Berlin Hauptbahnhof are comparable to a good shopping mall. You can find everything here: from a quick bite at popular fast-food chains (McDonald's, Burger King) to cosy coffee shops like Starbucks or Einstein Kaffee. Most food outlets are concentrated on the intermediate floors.

A practical tip: there are supermarkets at the station (such as Rewe and Edeka) that are open even on Sundays, when regular shops in the city are closed. This is an excellent option to buy water, fresh pastries, or fruit at standard city prices. The average cost for a coffee and a sandwich is around 5–8 Euros.

The history of this site began back in the 19th century when the old Lehrter Bahnhof stood here. It was heavily damaged during the Second World War and later demolished. The idea of creating a new central hub arose after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, to link the separated transport flows of the East and West.

The construction of the modern complex, designed by architect Meinhard von Gerkan, lasted more than 10 years. The grand opening took place in May 2006, just in time for the FIFA World Cup. A distinctive feature of the project was the "mushroom concept" (Pilzkonzept), involving the intersection of railway tracks on different levels, which fundamentally changed the logistics of the entire city.

The main advice is to arrive early. The station is huge, and the journey from the entrance to the required platform, especially with luggage, can take time. Carefully check the track number: platforms 1–8 are located underground (Tief), while 11–16 are upstairs. Timetable screens are located everywhere, and information is duplicated in English.

From a safety perspective, the station is calm, with police constantly patrolling, but it is worth keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowds. If you have a long overnight transfer, keep in mind that although the building is open, most shops and cafes close after 22:00–23:00. Always use the lifts for heavy luggage, as the escalators can be long and multi-staged.