Berlin has a vast and fairly efficient public transport system with the main focus on the sprawling U- and S-Bahn rail networks. There is also a bus network, though given the city's size the urban train networks are usually the best option.

The Berlin Welcome Card offers unlimited travel on the city's network of buses and trains for a three-day period, as well as substantial discounts on the majority of Berlin 's main attractions. It is valid for one adult and up to three children under 14 and is available from all S-Bahn offices and tourist info offices. Alternatively, a seven-day travel card is available for individuals for zones A and B.

Trains

Usually U-Bahn trains stay underground and S-Bahn trains rattle overground, but this rule is broken many times on Berlin 's network. The U-Bahn and the S-Bahn are accessible with a ticket that is valid in two connecting zones for a period of two hours. Day Passes (valid until 03h00 hours the following day) are useful for travellers intending to travel several times in a day. There is also a more limited network of trams in East Berlin . The surburban train network is of little use to tourists.

Buses

The bus system in Berlin is fairly comprehensive, but unusually for Germany , can be slow and sometimes not very punctual. Individual tickets can be purchased on Berlin buses, but U- and S-Bahn travel tickets are also valid for bus travel. The most useful aspect of the network is that it offers night buses, on which standard tickets are applicable.

Public bus number 110 is one of the most useful for tourists, providing an unoffical sightseeing trip of the city, starting at the TV Tower, and driving through the Tiergarten, under the Brandenburg Gate, along Unter den Linden and up to Alexanderplatz.

Driving

You will need to bring your own national driving licence if planning to drive while in Germany . An international driving licence is not necessary however you must carry your driving licence and vehicle documents with you at all times.

The minimum driving age is 18. If driving your own car you should be aware that a sticker identifying your country of origin must be displayed. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers where fitted.

All motorways are toll-free. When driving on motorways always drive in the right hand lane except when overtaking. Ensure that you keep to the speed limits (where applicable), as speed cameras are widespread. The autobahnen (motorways) have no official speed restriction although 130km per hour is considered the recommended maximum speed. A speed limit of 100km per hour (62mph) applies on major non-urban roads, which reduces to 50km per hour (31mph) in built up areas and 30km in residential zones.

For breakdown assistance call ACE (Autoclub Europa): Tel: +49 (0)1802-336-677.

Renting a car is easy to arrange, but a combination of endless construction, congestion and street signs that seem to change with the wind make Berlin a nightmare for drivers not familiar with the city. For those brave enough to rent a car, major car hire firms can be found at the airport and in the city centre.

Taxis

With such an extensive urban rail network there is little need ever to use cabs. Taxi travel also tends to be expensive and slow, owing to Berlin 's increasingly bad traffic and the seemingly endless post-unification construction work. Cabs can be caught from ranks on the street, or you can call one on Tel: +49 (0)30-261-020 (Funk Taxi Berlin ) or Tel: 0800-8001-1554 (Taxi Fon).