Are you on a Baltic cruise stopping in Warnemünde and dreaming of visiting Berlin? Or perhaps you're on a North Sea cruise docking in Hamburg with a desire to explore Germany's vibrant capital? While Berlin isn't just around the corner, many cruise passengers make the trip, and it's worth it! Your ship will likely offer excursions, but large groups in big buses can mean less flexibility. Some group members might not be keen walkers, slowing things down, and there's always that one person who’s late getting back to the bus. As an experienced guide leading these excursions, I can tell you firsthand: it’s best to do your own private tour. That's where I come in!
1. How to Get from Warnemünde to Berlin on Your Own
Private Transfer: You can ask your private guide (like me!) to book a transfer in a comfortable car or minibus for larger groups. While this option can be expensive (over €1000 for a bus, slightly less for a smaller car), it picks you up at the port and takes about 2.5 hours to reach Berlin, depending on traffic. Having a car in Berlin means we can cover a lot of ground, including sights like Charlottenburg Palace or the Olympic Stadium, before heading back.
Cruise Shuttle: Check if your cruise offers a shuttle ride to Berlin. Sometimes they provide bus rides to the city and free time to explore (you can meet your private guide in Berlin) before the shuttle brings you back.
Train: For a more budget-friendly option, take the train. The Warnemünde S-Bahn station is right next to the ferry terminal. Take an S-Bahn to Rostock, with trains running every 10 to 15 minutes. From Rostock, it’s a 2 hour 15-minute journey to Berlin, costing between €22 and €45 each way if booked early. Allow 3 hours one way and plan to leave early. You’ll want at least four hours in Berlin to see the main sights, more if possible for a snack, souvenirs, and extra sights according to your interests. Talk to your private guide for help planning this.
2. How to Get from Hamburg to Berlin on Your Own
Private Transfer: As with Warnemünde, I can organize a private driver. The price is similar, with the journey taking over 3 hours one way.
Cruise Shuttle: Your cruise ship may organize drop-offs and pick-ups in a coach, so check with them!
Train: Direct trains from Hamburg to Berlin take 2 hours, some even 1 hour 45 minutes, and run frequently. Prices vary, so book early for the best deals. You’ll want to get a taxi (Germany has Uber) from the port to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, around 20 minutes by taxi. Alternatively, use public transport: a bus and an S-Bahn or a public ferry and a U-Bahn take over 45 minutes.
3. What to Do on a Cruise Ship Excursion in Berlin
Most people opt for a private tour. Seeing the main sights takes roughly 4 hours, plus time for a quick snack (save the big meal for dinner on the ship) and souvenir shopping. Private guides are flexible and can adjust the tour, food, shopping, and free time to your needs. Check your arrival and departure times to see how much time you have in Berlin. The more time you have, the more you can see, and your guide will ensure you make the most of your whirlwind sightseeing day!
4. Will I Have Time to See All of Berlin and Make It Back on Time to the Cruise Ship?
Fear not—many people have done this before you. We guides and drivers know you can’t be late. We’ll make sure you leave Berlin on time and assist with choosing the best train times during your booking process. Usually, cruise ship clients have between 4-6 hours in Berlin, ample time to see all the top sights and more! Everything depends on your interests and pace.
5. Berlin is Too Far for Me—Is There Anything Else I Could See?
Sure! If Berlin feels too far, consider these closer alternatives:
Rostock: Visit the Rostock Zoo, St. Mary’s Church, or the Warnemünde lighthouse.
Wismar: Explore the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Market Square.
Schwerin: Discover the beautiful UNESCO Schwerin Castle and its gardens.
Lübeck: Wander through the medieval UNESCO old town, visit the Holstentor gate, and taste the famous marzipan.
Stralsund: Check out the Ozeaneum aquarium and the historic town center, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
Schwerin
While I don’t organize tours in these cities, I do have guide recommendations for Hamburg and for Rostock, Schwerin and Wismar.
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