Planning a trip to Berlin comes with plenty of decisions, including whether the Berlin Welcome Card or Museum Pass Berlin is worth the cost. I’ve lived in Berlin and used both, so I know firsthand how they work—and when they make sense.
The Berlin Welcome Card covers unlimited public transport and offers discounts at museums, tours, and restaurants. The Museum Pass Berlin is more focused, giving access to many of the city’s top museums and galleries.
I’ll share my experience using both, breaking down the costs and benefits, and when you might be better off buying individual tickets. If you’re wondering which option fits your travel style, this guide will help you decide.
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The Pros & Cons of the Berlin Welcome Card
The Berlin Welcome Card is a popular option for visitors looking to get around the city with ease. As the official tourist pass, it offers unlimited access to Berlin’s extensive public transport system, making it a convenient choice for getting from one attraction to the next. I’ve used it myself and found that beyond transportation, it also comes with discounts on museums, tours, and restaurants—which can add up if you plan to visit multiple sites.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Unlimited public transport within Berlin’s ABC zones (includes airport and Potsdam) ✔ Discounts on attractions, tours, and dining at over 180 partner attractions ✔ Multiple duration options to fit different trips ✔ Free city map and guide ✔ Flexible duration options of 48 hours up to 6 days ✔ Family-friendly, especially for children up to the age of 14; travel for free and many attractions that appeal to families | ✖ Discounts may not be significant enough for some ✖ Doesn’t include free entry to top museums; in some cases, it may offer a reduced rate ✖ May not be cost-effective if you don’t use public transport often ✖ No skip-the-line access privileges ✖ Possible exclusion of special exhibits |
Who Should Get a Berlin Pass
This Berlin travel card is designed for visitors who plan to see as many top attractions as possible.
I recommend making a list of the places you want to visit, including any free museums in Berlin. Then, compare your list with the discounts below to see where you can save.
- Tours by boat, bus or bike = 25% off
- Find out if a Berlin boat tour is worth taking
- Berlin walking tours = 25%
- Berlin TV Tower = 25%
- Find out the 15 best vantage points in Berlin
- DDR Museum = 25%
- I recommend it for families, but not serious Cold War enthusiasts
- Berlin Cathedral = 28%
- Checkpoint Charlie museum = 25%
- Find out how to plan your visit to Checkpoint Charlie
- Anne Frank museum = 25%
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin = 37.50%
- Panoamapunkt (Europe’s fastest elevator to Berlin viewpoint) = 33%
- Charlottenburg Palace = 25%
- Find out if Charlottenburg Palace is worth visiting
- Stasi Museum = 25%
- Potsdam Experiences, Tickets, Tours = 25%
- Find out if Potsdam is worth visiting
An Overview of the Types of Berlin Welcome Cards
48 hours Berlin Travel Card
- Berlin urban area €26 / Berlin surrounding area €31
72 hours Most Popular Travel Card in Berlin
- Berlin urban area €36 / Berlin surrounding area €41
- Or, the special Museum Island (which includes Free Entry to 5 Museums): Berlin urban area €54 / Berlin surrounding area €57
4 days Berlin Travel Pass
- Berlin urban area €45 / Berlin surrounding area €51
5 days Berlin Tourist Pass
- Berlin urban area €49 / Berlin surrounding area €53
6 days Berlin Tourist Card
- Berlin urban area €54 / Berlin surrounding area €57
Berlin Welcome Card All-Inclusive (includes Museum Berlin Pass)
This special pass is for travellers who want to experience more of the city and not worry about the extra costs. It includes:
- Public transport throughout Berlin: Tariff zone AB and surrounding Berlin of zone ABC
- Hop-on hop-off bus*
- Entry to 5 Museums on the UNESCO-listed Museum Island*
- Access to over 180 partner attractions, including museums, tours, and restaurants, up to 50% off
- 33+ free entry included*
- Valid for 48 hours to 6 days
- Includes CityGuide & city map
* shows how this is superior to the classic Berlin Welcome cards and includes extras (such as the Television Tower is free with this pass)
My Experience with the Welcome to Berlin Card
I had a 6-day Welcome to Berlin Card. This is how I used it. However, keep in mind I’ve been living in Berlin for 3 months, and my need to see everything in 6 days wasn’t as important to me as a first-time visitor to Berlin.
But it gives you an idea of the advantages you would enjoy by concentrating on exploring as much as possible during the duration of your pass.
| A Day Trip to Potsdam | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Berlin to Potsdam S5, S7 | €4.40 each way / Saved €8.80 |
| Admission to Sanssouci Palace | Price: €22 / Saved €5 |
| Charlottenburg Palace | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Berlin transit U-bahn, S-bahn | €2.40 each way / Saved €4.80 |
| Admission to Charlottenburg Palace | €24 / Saved €6 |
| DDR Museum | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Admission to Museum | €13.50 / Saved €5.50 |
| Berlin Cathedral | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Admission to Cathedral | €10 / Saved €3 |
| Stasi Museum | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Berlin transit U-bahn, S-bahn | €2.40 each way / Saved €4.80 |
| Museum Entrance | €10 / Saved €2.50 |
| Anne Frank Museum | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Museum Entrance | €8 / Saved €2 |
| Natural Museum | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Berlin transit U-bahn, S-bahn | €2.40 each way / Saved €4.80 |
| Museum Admission | €11 / Saved €4 |
| Panoramapunkt | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Berlin transit U-bahn, S-bahn | €2.40 each way / Saved €4.80 |
| Viewing Platform | €9 / Saved €2.25 |
| Rausch Schokoladenhaus | Cost / Savings |
|---|---|
| Berlin transit U-bahn, S-bahn | €2.40 each way / Saved €4.80 |
| Chocolate bar (I indulged in more) | €4.90 / Saved €2.45 |
The Final Verdict
The cost of the 6-day Berlin Tourist Card was €57, and the total savings were €65.50. This is the minimum as I didn’t account for the extra times I used Berlin transit to go out for dinner at night, and I did buy more than one chocolate bar from the amazing chocolatier shop. How can you say no to chocolate and 50% off?
The card turned out to be a good deal, and for that reason, I recommend anyone visiting Berlin to consider its immense value.
Travel tip! DO NOT buy your Berlin Card through third-party booking services like Get Your Guide, Viator or Trip Advisor, as you will pay more. To get the best price, buy directly from Berlin Tourism. You can purchase the Berlin Welcome Card online, at tourist information centers, airports, train stations, and many hotels throughout Berlin.
Using the Berlin Welcome Card is simple. Activate the card by stamping it at the designated area on public transportation. For attractions and discounts, simply present the card at the ticket counter or participating venue, and you’ll receive the applicable discount.
Final Thoughts
For travellers intending to explore all the top sites, landmarks, and attractions during their visit to Berlin, the Welcomecard is a must-have!
Other articles I think you’ll enjoy:
- Where to find the best Berlin souvenirs
- My Berlin food tour experience
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