The U-bahn (underground train with 10 tracks) and the S-bahn (above ground train with 16 tracks) are the main ways to get around in Berlin. Unlike where I am from in Pennsylvania, Berlin has too many people and not enough space for everyone to own a car. Because of this, most people rely on the train system to get where they need to go!
Most Berliners (that’s what you are called if you live in Berlin) get around using the public transportation system. The public transportation system consists of the U-bahn (underground train), the S-bahn (above ground train), as well as buses and trams. The U-bahn and S-bahn are the most popular because they are often the fastest and most direct. Specifically, 3.5 million people live in Berlin and 1.5 million use U-bahn and S-bahn every day! Bicycles are also very common and even have their own lane on the roads, but now that the weather here is cold, people do not bike as often! Cars and motorcycles are much less common as parking is usually sparse and expensive.
It took me a long time to get used to the public transport system here. The public transport map, which shows where the train lines go and how they connect, is very complicated and easy to get lost in–especially if you are new to the city.
