Ostbahnhof Railway Station

Berlin Ostbahnhof is a major railway junction located in the bustling district of Friedrichshain. Historically, this station served as the main gateway to the East and even held the title of Central Station of East Berlin. Today, it is a modern transport hub serving long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC) as well as regional expresses and the S-Bahn suburban trains. Thanks to its convenient location near the city centre and the famous East Side Gallery, the station is very popular among tourists.

It is important for passengers to know that the station building has a simple and clear layout. The main hall with shops and services is located on the ground level, while the platforms are situated on the upper level. For navigation, follow the blue signs: tracks for long-distance and regional lines are usually separated from the S-Bahn suburban train tracks. The exits lead either to Koppenstraße or to Stralauer Platz, from where you can easily reach the banks of the River Spree.

To plan your journey and receive the latest information, please use the following contacts:

• Official Website: bahnhof.de (Berlin Ostbahnhof section)
• Information Service Phone (DB): +49 30 2970 (Deutsche Bahn general hotline)
• Address: Koppenstraße 3, 10243 Berlin, Germany
• Opening Hours: The station itself is open 24 hours a day. Ticket counters and the DB Information desk usually operate from 06:00 to 22:30.
• Luggage Storage: Automated lockers are available 24/7, located in the main hall.
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators to all platforms, tactile guidance systems, and a Mobility Service to assist passengers with reduced mobility.

Getting to Berlin Ostbahnhof is very easy, as it is fully integrated into the city's transport network.

Public Transport: The fastest way is the S-Bahn (suburban train). Lines S3, S5, S7, S9, and S75 pass through the station, connecting it to Alexanderplatz (5 minutes), the Central Station (10–12 minutes), and Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Bus routes 140, 142, 147, 240, 300, and the night bus N40 also stop here.

Taxi and Transfer: Taxi ranks are located at both main exits (Koppenstraße and Stralauer Platz sides). A trip from the Brandenburg Gate will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

On Foot: The station is within walking distance of the famous East Side Gallery (about 5 minutes on foot) and the vibrant Friedrichshain district. You can walk from Alexanderplatz in 20–25 minutes, though the journey may be tiring with heavy luggage.

Berlin Ostbahnhof offers a full range of services for a comfortable wait and journey.

Tickets and Information: At the DB Reisezentrum (Travel Centre), you can purchase tickets and receive consultation from staff. For quick purchases, red DB ticket machines (accepting cards and cash) and yellow BVG machines for city transport are placed throughout the station.

Comfort and Connectivity: The WIFI@DB network is available on the premises (free for a limited time). There is a waiting lounge for first-class passengers (DB Lounge). To charge your devices, look for power outlets in the waiting areas or cafes.

Luggage and Hygiene: Automated luggage lockers of various sizes allow you to store items for up to 72 hours. The Rail & Fresh restrooms (paid, accepting coins and cards) are maintained to high standards of cleanliness and are equipped with shower cabins.

It is difficult to stay hungry at Ostbahnhof: there are numerous dining options available here to suit any budget.

Quick Bites: In the main hall and passageways, you will find popular bakery chains (such as Le Crobag, Ditsch) where you can buy fresh pretzels, sandwiches, and pastries. There are also fast-food chains (McDonald's, KFC) and outlets serving Asian noodles or German Currywurst sausages.

Coffee and Shopping: You can enjoy good coffee in one of the many coffee shops. It is important to note the presence of large supermarkets (REWE, Rossmann), which operate inside the station even on Sundays and public holidays when regular shops in the city are closed. This is an excellent place to buy water and snacks for your journey at standard prices.

The history of the station is rich with changes in names and status. It was opened in 1842 as the Frankfurter Bahnhof (Frankfurt Station), as the line led to Frankfurt an der Oder. Later, it was renamed the Silesian Station (Schlesischer Bahnhof) and became the main "Gateway to the East" for travellers heading to Russia and Poland.

During the GDR era, from 1987 to 1998, the station bore the proud name Berlin-Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) and was the central transport hub of East Berlin. After the reunification of Germany and the construction of the new central station in 2006, the station returned to its historical geographical name — Ostbahnhof (East Station). The building has been reconstructed several times; the last major renovation in the early 2000s gave it a modern look with a glass facade and a bright interior space.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, please pay attention to a few tips.

Time and Boarding: Arrive at the station 15–20 minutes before departure. The platforms are long, and your carriage may be in a distant sector (A–G). The carriage order (Wagenstandsanzeiger) is always displayed on the information boards.

Tickets: If you are using city transport (S-Bahn) for a transfer, do not forget to validate your ticket in the small pillars on the platform before boarding, otherwise you risk receiving a fine. Tickets for long-distance trains (ICE/IC) usually do not need to be validated in this manner.

Safety: As with any major station, please keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowds. There is a Federal Police station within the building. At night, the station is well-lit and guarded, but it is best to wait for your train in areas visible to cameras or staff.