Berlin Central Station, also known as "Berlin Hauptbahnhof", is located in the western part of Moabit in the Mitte district, on the banks of the Spree River, adjacent to the northern edge of the government district. It is the core station of Deutsche Bahn (DB) and one of the few stations in the world where trains can arrive from four different directions. Its cross-shaped ("+" shape) railway layout makes it an essential transport hub connecting Eastern and Western Europe as well as Northern and Southern Europe. The station was officially opened just before the 2006 FIFA World Cup, symbolizing the modernization of Berlin after reunification.

The station is famous for its unique architecture, with a curved glass dome that reflects the concept of "transparency and openness". It is considered the third most iconic building in Berlin. The station has a total of five levels, including three above-ground and two underground levels. The east-west high-speed railway tracks are elevated, while the north-south tracks are deep underground. With its multi-level design, it is one of the largest three-dimensional transport hubs in Europe.

Berlin Central Station is also one of Germany’s busiest railway stations, with a daily passenger volume of around 300,000. It connects high-speed trains (ICE), intercity trains (IC/EC), regional trains (RE/RB), the metro (U-Bahn), and city express trains (S-Bahn). The station offers direct connections to major German cities such as Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne, as well as international destinations including Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Warsaw, Prague, and Vienna.

Berlin Central Station has multiple entrances, mainly distributed across two main squares (north and south) and passages on the east and west sides.

• North Entrance: The most commonly used entrance, located near Washingtonplatz, directly facing the Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery), close to the Spree River and the Reichstag building. It features a ticket hall, information desk, shops, and restaurants. From here, you can directly access the long-distance train platforms (ICE/IC) on the third floor or the regional train (RE/RB/S-Bahn) platforms in the underground area. This is also the main taxi pick-up area.

• South Entrance: Located near Europaplatz, adjacent to the bus station, ideal for passengers arriving by bus or taxi. From here, you can directly access the underground level 2 to take the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, or visit the shopping area.

• Metro/S-Bahn Entrance: Located on level -2. After exiting the metro/S-Bahn (U-Bahn/S-Bahn), you can take escalators or elevators to the long-distance train platforms or enter the station hall.

The station is divided into five main levels, connected vertically with a height difference of 40 meters.

• L3 (Second Floor Above Ground): Primarily serves the east-west S-Bahn (city rapid train) lines. Platform numbers 21, 22. The 450-meter-long glass dome and viewing gallery are key highlights.

• L2 (First Floor Above Ground): Primarily serves east-west ICE (high-speed trains), IC/EC (international intercity trains), RE/RB (regional trains), and some night trains. Platform numbers 11-16.

• L1 (Ground Floor): The main station hall and commercial area. It includes a ticket hall, DB information center, shops, a supermarket, restaurants, fast food outlets, as well as services such as luggage storage lockers, ATMs, currency exchange, and a post office.

• L-1 (Underground Level 1): Primarily serves east-west S-Bahn (city rapid train) lines. Platform numbers 15, 16.

L-2 (Underground Level 2): Primarily serves north-south ICE (high-speed trains), IC/EC (international intercity trains), and RE/RB (regional trains). trains).trains), IC/EC (international intercity trains), and RE/RB (regional trains). Platform numbers 1-8.

Wi-Fi Service: Wi-Fi is available throughout all floors, with free limited-time access, allowing travelers to browse and gather information anytime.

Luggage Storage: Automatic luggage lockers are located at the north exit on the ground floor and in the underground level, suitable for small backpacks and suitcases, offering 24-hour storage service. The manned luggage storage counter is located on the ground floor next to the DB Information Service Center, for valuable items and large luggage, open on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00.

Accessibility Facilities: The station provides accessible paths, escalators, elevators, and other facilities for travelers with mobility impairments, ensuring barrier-free travel. DB Assistance Service is located at the DB Information Service Center on the ground floor, offering wheelchair rentals and assistance with boarding and alighting, available by prior reservation.

VIP Lounge: Located on the east side of the first floor. Available for passengers holding DB first-class tickets or BahnCard 100. The lounge offers comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks. Operating hours: daily from 06:00 to 22:00.

Free Rest Area: There are several seating areas in the main waiting hall on the ground floor and in the S-Bahn transfer zone, providing spaces for travelers to rest while waiting.

Dining Services: The station offers a variety of dining options, including fast food chains like McDonald's, Subway, and KFC, as well as coffee and light snack shops such as Starbucks and BackWerk located on the ground floor. On the first floor's food court, you can find Hans im Glück German burgers, Le Crobag French bakery, Asia Gourmet Asian cuisine, and Dunkin’ Donuts for desserts.

Shopping Area: The main shopping areas are located in the commercial zones on the ground floor and parts of the first floor, including supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, bookstores, and souvenir shops,making it convenient for travelers to purchase souvenirs or daily necessities. making it convenient for travelers to purchase souvenirs or daily necessities.

DB Information Center: Located in the central hall on the ground level, near the main entrance. Provides train schedules, platform details, transfer routes, station maps, and lost & found services.

• Hours: Daily 06:00 - 22:00

Ticket Counters:Located on the south side of the central hall. Offers ticket sales (ICE, IC, EC, RE, RB, international & night trains), travel consultation, BahnCard services, and baggage booking.

Hours:

• Mon-Sat: 06:00 - 22:00

• Sun & Holidays: 07:00 - 22:00 (subject to change)

Ticket Machines: Available on all platform levels for ticket purchase, e-ticket printing, and travel card top-ups. Supports multiple languages, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and some accept cash.

Open 24/7

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor): About 1.5 km, 20 minutes on foot. Once part of the Berlin Wall's border, it symbolizes Germany's reunification and is one of Berlin's most famous landmarks.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): About 2.5 km, 30 minutes on foot. One of Berlin’s most famous churches, known for its magnificent architecture.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel): About 2.5 km, 30 minutes on foot. Located on an island in the Spree River, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to world-renowned museums like the Pergamon Museum.

Reichstag Building (Reichstagsgebäude): About 1.2 km, 15 minutes on foot. The seat of the German Federal Parliament, famous for its unique glass dome.

Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten): About 3.5 km. Direct access via S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, S9 (~5 minutes), or by bus M85 or 245 (~15 minutes). It is one of Berlin's oldest and most famous zoos.Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, S9 (~5 minutes), or by bus M85 or 245 (~15 minutes). It is Berlin’s oldest and most famous zoo.