Zoo Railway Station

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a multi-level structure. The platforms for the S-Bahn (city railway) and regional trains are located on the upper level, offering a view of the city. The U-Bahn metro stations (lines U2 and U9) are located underground. Navigation at the station is clear, but due to the heavy flow of people, it is worth paying close attention to the exit signs: some lead to the Zoo, while others lead to the bus terminal and Hardenbergplatz.

• Official website: bahnhof.de (Deutsche Bahn portal)
• Address: Hardenbergplatz 13, 10623 Berlin
• Information phone: +49 30 2970 (DB hotline)
• Opening hours: the station is open 24/7, the DB Reisezentrum service centre operates daily (usually from 08:00 to 20:00)
• Luggage storage: automated lockers are available 24/7
• Accessibility: the station is equipped with elevators to the platforms, and boarding assistance (Mobility Service) is available upon prior request

Getting to Berlin Zoologischer Garten station is very simple, as it is perfectly integrated into the city's transport network. From the historic centre (Mitte district), the fastest way is to take the S-Bahn city railway (lines S3, S5, S7, S9); the trip from Alexanderplatz will take about 15 minutes.

The station is also served by the metro: line U2 connects the station with the eastern and western parts of the city, and line U9 connects it with the north and south. Next to the station is a large bus terminal, where popular routes 100 and 200 arrive, passing through the main attractions, as well as express buses X10 and X34.

If you are travelling from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), use the regional trains (RE7, RB14) or the FEX express with a transfer at Ostkreuz or Hauptbahnhof. The travel time will be approximately 40–50 minutes. A taxi ride from the centre will cost an average of 20–25 Euros.

Zoologischer Garten station offers a wide range of services for travellers. At the DB Reisezentrum service centre, you can purchase tickets for long-distance trains and receive consultations. For quick purchase of public transport passes, numerous ticket machines are installed (yellow BVG machines and red DB machines).

Free Wi-Fi (WIFI@DB network) is available throughout the territory. For luggage storage, automated lockers of various sizes are provided, accepting coins. The station also features paid toilets from the Sanifair system, shower cabins, ATMs, and a police station. For passengers with reduced mobility, elevators are in operation, ensuring access to all platforms.

"Zoo" Station is an excellent place to have a snack, thanks to the large number of establishments inside and around it. Within the station building, you will find popular bakery chains such as BackWerk or Kamps, where you can grab coffee and fresh pastries for the road (average bill 3–5 Euros). Fast food options include spots serving traditional German sausages Currywurst and quick-service restaurants (McDonald’s).

Particular attention should be paid to the Ullrich supermarket, located under the railway tracks. It is one of the few grocery stores in Berlin that operates on Sundays and public holidays, making it a lifesaver for tourists. If you have more time, step out onto Kantstraße near the station — it is famous for a multitude of excellent and affordable Asian restaurants.

The history of the station began in 1882, when it opened as a city railway station. Over time, its importance grew, and after the division of Germany, Berlin Zoologischer Garten became the main railway hub of West Berlin. During the Cold War era, it was the only window to the wider world for residents of the western part of the city, from where trains departed to West Germany.

In the 1970s and 80s, the station acquired a controversial reputation, becoming a centre of counterculture, which was reflected in the book and film "We Children from Bahnhof Zoo". However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and large-scale reconstruction, the area was transformed. With the opening of the new Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) in 2006, "Zoo" lost its status as the main long-distance hub but remained a vital point for regional connections and a symbol of the capital's western district.

Arrive at the station in advance, especially if you plan to buy tickets at the counter — there may be queues. If you are using Berlin's public transport, you must validate your ticket in a yellow or red validator before stepping onto the platform; otherwise, it will be invalid, and you may face a fine.

The station is very busy, so keep an eye on your belongings and pockets, especially in crowds and near escalators. The station remains open at night, but some entrances may be closed. If you are transferring between the S-Bahn and U-Bahn, allow at least 5–7 minutes for the transfer, as you will need to change several levels. For waiting for a train, it is better to go up to the platform: there are benches and glass-enclosed waiting areas that protect against the wind.