Car free day: 24 hours of free buses, trams and trains in Berlin on Thursday

U-bahns, S-bahns, buses and trams in Berlin can be used for free for the whole day on Thursday, September 22, as the German capital marks World Car Free Day. 

Free public transport for 24 hours in Berlin on Thursday

In an attempt to encourage residents to opt for public transport over driving, as part of the international campaign for more car-free mobility, Berlin will allow people to use its entire network free of charge from midnight to midnight on Thursday. This is the third time that Germany’s capital city has taken part in World Car Free Day. 

The day will also see 37 side streets across the city closed to car and bicycle traffic between 3pm and 7pm to make space for fun and games, chalk drawing, food and other joint neighbourhood activities. 

Berlin marks World Car Free Day

The initiative is taking place in Berlin (zones AB only) only, and so passengers heading for Brandenburg will need to buy an ABC or BC ticket. 

Bettina Jarasch, Senator for the Environment, said in a statement: “On car-free day, we can experience what Berlin could look like if the streets were opened to the people. This gives more space to linger, play and exchange ideas in the neighbourhood… The ticket-free day offers everyone the opportunity to use environmentally friendly mobility throughout the city free of charge.”