Mass Transit: Berlin has a wide network of buses. It is also connected to many European cities by bus. The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) operates the bus service in Berlin. The buses run in all parts of the city. They run daily from 0600 to 2300 hours. East Berlin has a further advantage of a network of trams. Train service in Berlin consists of two types of trains. The underground railway is called U-Bahn. The overground rail system of Berlin is called S-Bahn. The U-Bahn was started in 1902. It now has nine subway lines and a total track length of 144.2 kilometers. In the peak traffic hours, the trains of U-Bahn run every two to five minutes, covering the entire Berlin. The S-Bahn is run by the Deutsche Bahn and consists of 16 lines. These two forms of rail transport form the core of Berlin's public transportation system.
Airports: Berlin is serviced by three major airports - Tegel International Airport, Schonefeld International Airport, and Tempelhof International Airport. Among these, the Schonefeld International Airport is being expanded and will be called by the new name of Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI) after its renovation and expansion is complete. Schonefeld Airport is situated just 11 miles to the south west of central Berlin. This is the main airport of Berlin. The other two are smaller airports, which will be closed when the expansion of this airport is complete.
Taxis: Taxis are a popular and comfortable means of transport in Berlin.
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They charge on the basis of metered readings. You can catch a taxi at one of the numerous taxi stands located in the city. A lot of the taxi drivers of Berlin are able to converse in English. The standard taxi charge is €2.50 and it rises by €1.50 for the initial six kilometers. After seven kilometers, the fare rises by €1 per kilometer. A unique type of taxi, called Velotaxi is found in Berlin. They seat two people and are ideal for short distance travel.
Cycling: A unique way of traveling, which is very popular among the people of Berlin, is by cycle. There is a large network of bicycle paths. There are a lot of bicycle rental shops in Berlin. On the roads, there are well marked lanes that allow for safe cycling. You are also allowed to take your cycles on the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. There are specially marked train compartments in which you can take your cycle.
Ferries: You also have the option of traveling by ferries in Berlin. Berlin has many seasonal and all year round ferries that travel to various ports.
Online Booking of Flights: Most of the flights that go to Berlin require a connecting flight in between. Some of the airlines whose flights travel to Berlin are Air Canada, American, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa, Northwest, United, and US Airways. The convenience of booking flights to and from Berlin online is available for travelers.
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