Flight-Free Travel to Berlin from the UK

Travel by Train

Getting to Berlin by Train or Coach from the UK

Travel by Ferry

Getting to Berlin by Ferry and Train from the UK

DIY Walking Tours For All

Accessible DIY Walking Tours in Berlin

Travel to Berlin without flying.

There are currently four different options of travelling from the UK to Berlin in Germany which don’t involve going anywhere near an airport. And where you are located in the UK will probably determine which way to reach Berlin is best for you:

The very first London to Amsterdam Eurostar train (you need to be at London St.Pancras station by 5am though!!!!); then the direct Amsterdam to Berlin afternoon train (13:00-19:25). All on Day 1.
Any later Eurostar train (that departs from London before 6pm); spend the night of Day 1 in an Amsterdam hotel; then take an earlier Amsterdam to Berlin train (07:00-13:15; 09:10-16:49; 11:00-17:25) on Day 2.
The overnight Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry on Day 1; then the direct Amsterdam to Berlin afternoon train on Day 2 (13:00-19:25);
A FlixBus coach from London to Berlin (24-28 hours). There are no direct coaches though (but there will be only one change).
All coaches from London to Berlin, arrive in Berlin at the Berlin Zentralen Omnibusbahnhof (sometimes referred to as Berlin ZOB).
The London to Berlin coach is NOT an accessible option though (yes, some coaches are accessible, but until coaches have accessible toilets too they’re to be avoided – 28 hours is a long time to cross your legs).

There may be another option too soon though (and it will make the Flight-Free journey from London to Berlin even easier):

A direct train between Paris and Berlin is planned for 2024 (and it will leave from Paris Est – which is an easy walk from Paris Nord, where the Eurostar train to Paris from London arrives). So the Eurostar from London to Paris; a short walk; then a direct train between Paris and Berlin, will soon be an option too.

Option 1a (Accessible): Eurostar Train from London to Amsterdam

The direct London to Amsterdam Eurostar train takes just under 4 hours (just under 5 hours to Amsterdam when you include the time difference).

However, you’ll need to be at London St.Pancras Station by around 5-5:30am (!!), to catch the very first London to Amsterdam train (which departs London St.Pancras at 06:16 – but you have to check in no later than 30 minutes before travel – longer is recommended). Otherwise, you’ll have to spend the night in a London hotel on the first night, and travel on to Amsterdam the following morning.

Accessibility:

There’s a real benefit for wheelchair travellers travelling on Eurostar trains:

Wheelchair spaces are indeed available – but these spaces are only available in the pricier Standard Premier and Business Premier class carriages.

However. They are sold to wheelchair using passengers at a discounted Standard Class rate.

And, although your companion/assistant also has to buy a ticket too (no free companion tickets here I’m afraid), they too travel at this same reduced rate.

For full details of the accessibility of the London to Amsterdam train, see the Accessible Eurostar Train from London to Amsterdam guide.

Option 1b (Accessible): Direct ICE Train from Amsterdam to Berlin

There are four direct Amsterdam to Berlin trains each day: 07:00-13:15; 09:10-15:25; 11:00-17:25 and 13:00-19:25.

However, if arriving in Amsterdam on the very first Eurostar train from London (which arrives in Amsterdam Centraal Station at 11:13), and if you want to make it to Berlin on the same day, you will only be able to use the later train (which departs Amsterdam Centraal Station at 13:00; arriving at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 19:25).

Accessibility:

The TWO most important things to know before you book (which is actually very simple to do):

It is not possible to book wheelchair spaces on the Amsterdam to Berlin train online. You can ONLY book wheelchair spaces via the NS International Service Centre, by calling +31(0)30 2300023, (or at an NS International desk in the Service Shop in an NS station, if you are already in the Netherlands).
Reserving by telephone is easy though – with English-speaking customer service agents too.
The issuing of travel tickets, and arrangements for travel assistance – are done by two completely different departments within NS.
However, just ONE phone call is required (to +31[0]30 2300023).
When you call to buy your wheelchair space tickets, once you have done so, the NS agent will transfer you to the department which arranges travel assistance. You simply tell them your ticket booking reference number (which you will just have obtained during your initial conversation), and they will then arrange for your assistance.

So, just ONE phonecall is required – but you will speak to TWO different people.

The train departs at 13:00 – but you need to be in Amsterdam Centraal Station 1 hour before that, to obtain assistance (the exact time & place will be communicated to you when you book your train tickets/assistance on the phone).

The train will arrive in Berlin HbF at 19:25 – leaving you time for a late supper in Berlin.

Arranging Wheelchair Assistance on the Amsterdam-Berlin train.

The recommended method is just to arrange assistance at the same time as you buy your travel tickets (as explained above).

However, if you did not do so, and you require to arrange assistance only, then you should call the travel assistance team directly: +31(0)30 235 78 22 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day). I would recommend doing this as soon as you have booked your tickets – but at the very latest, it must be done no later than 7 days before travelling (this time is so long, because NS staff need to arrange assistance at Berlin HbF too – and the assistance at that end is actually provided by Deutsche Bahn station staff).

There are normally just two wheelchair spaces on every ICE International train – but there are FOUR wheelchair spaces on the Intercity Amsterdam to Berlin train. These spaces are ONLY available in a 2nd class carriage though.

And accessible toilet facilities are located near these wheelchair spaces.

Plus, there is a seat reserved for a companion beside each wheelchair space.

Maximum wheelchair size permitted is 125 x 70 cm.

Powerchairs are not a problem (as long as they are within the allowed dimensions of course). However, there are restrictions when travelling with a mobility scooter. For advice contact: +31(0)30 235 78 22 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day).

Option 2a (Accessible): Eurostar Train from London to Amsterdam

There are four direct Amsterdam to Berlin trains each day: 07:00-13:15; 09:10-15:25; 11:00-17:25 and 13:00-19:25.

And as Option 2 also involves an overnight stay in an Amsterdam hotel, and then travelling on to Berlin the following day (or days – if you fancy turning this into a “two-destination trip”, visiting both Amsterdam and Berlin), you will be able to take whichever train best suits your travel plans.

I would prefer this option, as the overnight stay in an Amsterdam hotel acts as a kind of “buffer” against any Eurostar delays (even knowing that the Eurostar usually runs like clockwork, I would be happier in the knowledge that any delay had been taken into consideration).

Accessibility:

There’s a real benefit for wheelchair travellers travelling on Eurostar trains:

Wheelchair spaces are indeed available – but these spaces are only available in the pricier Standard Premier and Business Premier class carriages.

However. They are sold to wheelchair using passengers at a discounted Standard Class rate.

And, although your companion/assistant also has to buy a ticket too (no free companion tickets here I’m afraid), they too travel at this same reduced rate.

For full details of the accessibility of the London to Amsterdam train, see the Accessible Eurostar Train from London to Amsterdam guide.

Option 2b: Spending at least one night in an Amsterdam hotel

As you will be arriving at Amsterdam Centraal, and leaving from there again on the Amsterdam to Berlin train (either the very next morning, or a few days later if you wish to spend some time in Amsterdam too), then it makes sense to stay in a hotel near Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Both the mid-budget ibis Amsterdam Centre, and the more up-market DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station are perfectly situated. And if you’re looking for a hostel in Amsterdam that’s as close as possible to Amsterdam Centraal train station, then The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel is just a few minutes walk away.

4-Star Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton

Amsterdam Centraal Station

Location, Location, Location….

Just a few minutes WALK from Amsterdam Centraal Station – THE Metro, Tram & Bus hub in central Amsterdam

Accessible Rooms Also Available

3-Star Hotel

ibis Amsterdam Centre

Amsterdam Centraal Station

The perfect Amsterdam hotel if you are arriving on the Eurostar train from London

Any closer to Amsterdam Centraal Station – and you’d be on the tracks!

Accessible Rooms Also Available

Hostel

The Flying Pig Downtown

Amsterdam City Centre

Situated in the real heart of Amsterdam

Just a few minutes WALK from Amsterdam Centraal Station in one direction, and a few minutes walk to Dam Square in the other

Dorms & Private Rooms Available

More....

For details of other Amsterdam hotels, Amsterdam hostels and apartments in Amsterdam, see Booking.com Amsterdam

Accessible Amsterdam Hotels, Hostels & Apartments:

Both the mid-budget ibis Amsterdam Centre, and the more up-market DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station are accessible (and have accessible rooms with accessible toilets ensuite).

Other options for accessible hotels in Amsterdam?

Finding a truly accessible hotel, hostel or apartment anywhere can be a bit of a nightmare.

But the accessibility filters on the Booking.com Amsterdam Hotel search (simply scroll down on the left), make it much easier.

There’s a wee trick though:

By default, the filters are a bit limited. So, ignore the filters initially, simply enter your desired dates, and make an initial search. You will then be presented with ALL properties that are available on your desired dates – and much more detailed filters (on the left – keep scrolling down until you see the “Property accessibility” and “Room accessibility” filters). NOW, filter the results as required. As I need step-free access & a roll-in shower as a minimum, I select BOTH of the “Wheelchair accessible” Property and “Roll-in shower” Room filters.

IMPORTANT: Always specify that you MUST have an accessible room, in the “Comments” during the hotel booking process.

Option 2c (Accessible): Direct ICE Train from Amsterdam to Berlin

As you will be staying overnight (at least for one night), then you will be able to use any if the four direct Amsterdam to Berlin trains each day: 07:00-13:15; 09:10-15:25; 11:00-17:25 and 13:00-19:25.

Accessibility:

The TWO most important things to know before you book (which is actually very simple to do):

It is not possible to book wheelchair spaces on the Amsterdam to Berlin train online. You can ONLY book wheelchair spaces via the NS International Service Centre, by calling +31(0)30 2300023, (or at an NS International desk in the Service Shop in an NS station, if you are already in the Netherlands).

Reserving by telephone is easy though – with English-speaking customer service agents too.
The issuing of travel tickets, and arrangements for travel assistance – are done by two completely different departments within NS.

However, just ONE phone call is required (to +31[0]30 2300023).
When you call to buy your wheelchair space tickets, once you have done so, the NS agent will transfer you to the department which arranges travel assistance. You simply tell them your ticket booking reference number (which you will just have obtained during your initial conversation), and they will then arrange for your assistance.

So, just ONE phonecall is required – but you will speak to TWO different people.

The train will arrive in Berlin HbF at 19:25 – leaving you time for a late supper in Berlin.

Arranging Wheelchair Assistance on the Amsterdam-Berlin train.

The recommended method is just to arrange assistance at the same time as you buy your travel tickets (as explained above).

And accessible toilet facilities are located near these wheelchair spaces.

Plus, there is a seat reserved for a companion beside each wheelchair space.

Maximum wheelchair size permitted is 125 x 70 cm.

Option 3a (Accessible): Overnight Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam

The biggest advantage of taking the DFDS ferry between Newcastle and Amsterdam, is that the crossing is overnight. So, even after the Ijmuiden-Amsterdam Centraal transfer on the Amsterdam side), you arrive in Amsterdam in plenty of time to catch the afternoon Amsterdam to Berlin train.

It may seem like a more expensive option at first, but this is definitely the best option for those of us who live north of Birmingham, as it saves on a night’s hotel accommodation in London too (which is no small thing – a somwhere-decent London hotel can cost up to £200 a night).

The ferry actually docks a bit outside both Newcastle (North Shields) and Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) though. DFDS run shuttle buses at either end though (from Newcastle train station to North Shields; and from Ijmuiden to Amsterdam Centraal train station), meaning that your entire journey is from Newcastle Train Station to Amsterdam Centraal Train Station.

Accessibility:

The DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam is very accessible. And accessible cabins (which have accessible toilets/showers) are available.

There’s a wee bonus too:

The shuttle bus from Newcastle to North Shields is accessible too.

However, the coach used to transfer passengers between Ijmuiden and Amsterdam Centraal train station on the Netherlands side, is NOT accessible – but DFDS do take accessibility seriously, so a wheelchair accessible taxi from Ijmuiden to central Amsterdam is included in the price of your accessible cabin. Result!

For full details of the accessibility of the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, see the Accessible Newcastle Amsterdam Ferry guide.

Option 3b (Accessible): Direct ICE Train from Amsterdam to Berlin

There are four direct Amsterdam to Berlin trains each day: 07:00-13:15; 09:10-15:25; 11:00-17:25 and 13:00-19:25.

However, as you’ll be arriving in Amsterdam on the overnight ferry from Newcastle, and then travelling on the Ijmuiden-Amsterdam Centraal shuttle service, and if you want to make it to Berlin on the same day, you will only be able to use the later train (which departs Amsterdam Centraal Station at 13:00; arriving at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 19:25).

Accessibility:

And accessible toilet facilities are located near these wheelchair spaces.

Plus, there is a seat reserved for a companion beside each wheelchair space.

Maximum wheelchair size permitted is 125 x 70 cm.

Public Transport in Berlin

BVG is the public transport operator in Berlin (operating the Berlin U-Bahn and the Berlin S-Bahn trains – plus the buses and trams in central Berlin).

https://www.bvg.de/en/connections/network-maps-and-routes

U-Bahn or S-Bahn? What’s the difference?

The U-Bahn is the metro / subway / underground system in Berlin.

Whereas the S-Bahn is the Berlin suburban rail network. The distance between stations is generally longer on the S-Bahn than on the U-Bahn. So just think of the S-Bahn as an express service.

Many, but not all, central Berlin stations are served by BOTH the U-Bahn and the S-Bahn though.

Buying tickets for public transport in Berlin:

[This information is for buying single-journey tickets only. It may be worth buying a multi-day Berlin WelcomeCard instead though].

Tickets for travel on the Berlin U-Bahn and Berlin S-Bahn trains can be purchased from automatic ticket machines in the stations – BEFORE you travel.

Tickets for travel on the Berlin trams and central Berlin buses can either be bought from automatic ticket machines on the platform before boarding, or additionally, from the tram or bus driver (if you are indeed buying your ticket on board, you should enter the tram/bus from the FRONT door only, and buy your ticket as you enter).

In all cases, and on all forms of public transport in Berlin, you MUST validate your ticket on the platform before you travel (or onboard trams and buses). Otherwise, your ticket will not be valid – and there are fines for travelling without a valid travel ticket.

There are validation machines (red or yellow boxes) on all U-Bahn and S-Bahn train platforms, and on board all Berlin trams and buses (however, if you have purchased your ticket from the tram or bus driver directly as you boarded, it will already be validated).

The Berlin WelcomeCard. Is it worth buying instead?

The Berlin WelcomeCard certainly makes getting around a lot simpler – as you have an unlimited travel card for the duration of your visit (so no worrying about buying tickets for each individual journey that you make in Berlin).

It also covers various durations (from 2-6 days).

The Berlin WelcomeCard will also give you discounts of up to 50% at around 200 Berlin shops, restaurants and attractions.

Berlin Hotels / Berlin Hostels / Berlin Apartments

5-Star Hotel

Grand Hyatt Hotel Berlin

Potsdamer Platz Berlin

Perfectly situated in central Berlin

And the views from the rooftop spa (including an enclosed swimming pool) are simply breathtaking

No swimming pool hoist though

3-Star Hotel

ibis Hauptbahnhof Berlin

Berlin Hauptbahnhof Station

The ideal Berlin hotel if you are arriving on the ICE train from Amsterdam

Any closer to Berlin Hauptbahnhof train station – and you’d be on the tracks!

Accessible Rooms Also Available

Hostel

Berlin Generator Hostel

Berlin Mitte

Centrally located in Berlin

Both Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn Train Station and Oranienburger Tor U-Bahn Metro are within 500 metres

Dorms & Private Rooms Available

More....

For details of other Berlin hotels, Berlin hostels and apartments in Berlin, see Booking.com Berlin

Accessible Berlin Hotels, Hostels & Apartments:

Finding a truly accessible hotel, hostel or apartment anywhere can be a bit of a nightmare.

But the accessibility filters on the Booking.com Berlin Hotel search (simply scroll down on the left), make it much easier.

There’s a wee trick though:

By default, the filters are a bit limited. So, ignore the filters initially, simply enter your desired dates, and make an initial search. You will then be presented with ALL properties that are available on your desired dates – and much more detailed filters (on the left – keep scrolling down until you see the “Property accessibility” and “Room accessibility” filters). NOW, filter the results as required. As I need step-free access & a roll-in shower as a minimum, I select BOTH of the “Wheelchair accessible” Property and “Roll-in shower” Room filters.

IMPORTANT: Always specify that you MUST have an accessible room, in the “Comments” during the hotel booking process.

DIY Walking Tours of Berlin

There are currently two different DIY Walking Tours of Berlin. The same route, but split in two if you have the time (recommended).

It is indeed possible to see Berlin in a day – but that’s all you will have time for (seeing Berlin attractions).

Plus, it’s long walk in 1 day (so possible, but definitely not recommended):

Berlin in a Day DIY Walking Tour

Points of Interest:
Berlin Hauptbahnhof > Reichstag Building > Brandenburg Gate > Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe > Panoramapunkt > Topography of Terror > Checkpoint Charlie > Gendarmenmarkt > Humboldt Forum > Berliner Dom > Altes Museum > Neues Museum > Alte Nationalgalerie > Pergamonmuseum
Berlin in 2 Days DIY Walking Tour

Points of Interest (Day 1): Berlin Hauptbahnhof > Reichstag Building > Brandenburg Gate > Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe > ending Day 1 with seeing the Berlin sunset from the top of Panoramapunkt.
Points of Interest (Day 2): Topography of Terror > Checkpoint Charlie > Gendarmenmarkt > Humboldt Forum > Berliner Dom > Altes Museum > Neues Museum > Alte Nationalgalerie > Pergamonmuseum.

Accessibility:

Both DIY Walking Tours of Berlin are completely accessible/step-free.

Most crossings are light-controlled – but in ALL cases they have dropped kerbs on both sides.

Individual accessibility guides are available for many of the “Points of Interest” on each Berlin DIY Walking Tour:

Berlin in a Day DIY Walking Tour

Points of Interest: Berlin Hauptbahnhof > Reichstag Building > Brandenburg Gate > Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe > Panoramapunkt > Topography of Terror > Checkpoint Charlie > Gendarmenmarkt > Humboldt Forum > Berliner Dom > Altes Museum > Neues Museum > Alte Nationalgalerie > Pergamonmuseum.
Berlin in 2 Days DIY Walking Tour
Points of Interest (Day 1): Berlin Hauptbahnhof > Reichstag Building > Brandenburg Gate > Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe > ending Day 1 with seeing the Berlin sunset from the top of Panoramapunkt.
Points of Interest (Day 2): Topography of Terror > Checkpoint Charlie > Gendarmenmarkt > Humboldt Forum > Berliner Dom > Altes Museum > Neues Museum > Alte Nationalgalerie > Pergamonmuseum.

If this Flight-Free Travel to Berlin information has helped you in any way, please consider making a donation here

Thank you so very much – and have a great time in Berlin!