How to Get to Potsdam from Berlin: Your Easy Transport Guide
- Matti Geyer
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Planning a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin? You're in for a treat—Potsdam is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities just outside the German capital, famous for its palaces, gardens, and charming old town. The best part? It’s very easy to get there, whether you prefer public transport or a private transfer.
I offer private tours in Potsdam and can help you make the most of your visit, including private transportation in a comfortable, upscale vehicle if you prefer a more relaxed experience. But for most travelers, getting to Potsdam from Berlin by train is simple and affordable—here’s how.
🚆 The Easiest Way: Take the S7 S-Bahn
The S7 line runs every 10 minutes from many major Berlin train stations directly to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Potsdam Hbf)—that’s the city’s central station.
Main stations to board the S7 in central Berlin (from east to west):
Ostkreuz
Warschauer Straße
Ostbahnhof
Jannowitzbrücke
Alexanderplatz
Hackescher Markt
Friedrichstraße
Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Hbf)
Bellevue
Tiergarten
Zoologischer Garten
Savignyplatz
Charlottenburg
Westkreuz
Travel time: ~45 minutes from central Berlin to Potsdam Hbf.Frequency: Every 10 minutes during the day.Last train: Around 1:00 AM, though service becomes less frequent after 10:00 PM.
Bonus Stop: Grunewald Station
If you're taking the S-Bahn, consider stopping at Grunewald Station, home to the Platform 17 Memorial (Gleis 17)—a moving Holocaust memorial.
🚄 The Faster Way: Regional Express RE1
If you're near a bigger station and want a quicker journey, hop on the RE1 (Regional Express). This train is faster and more spacious than the S-Bahn, taking about 30 minutes to Potsdam.
Stops in Berlin where you can catch the RE1:
Ostkreuz
Ostbahnhof
Alexanderplatz
Friedrichstraße
Hauptbahnhof
Zoologischer Garten
Charlottenburg
Final destination of RE1: Either Magdeburg or Brandenburg an der Havel — don’t worry if Potsdam isn’t the final stop, it’s on the way!
🟢 Tip: About once an hour, the RE1 to Brandenburg stops at Potsdam Park Sanssouci Station — perfect if you want to start your day right near the Sanssouci Palace.
Bonus Stop: Wannsee
Both the S7 and RE1 stop at Wannsee, a scenic lake district where you’ll also find the House of the Wannsee Conference, an important WWII historic site.
No matter which train you take (S-Bahn or RE1), you’ll need an ABC ticket for Berlin public transport. These are valid on:
S-Bahn, U-Bahn, RE trains
Buses and trams in Potsdam
👉 Pro tip: Your ABC ticket covers all public transport in Potsdam, including trams and buses that connect the train station to palaces and other sights.
🗺️ Getting Around Potsdam
From Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Old Town (Alter Markt) and Museum Barberini.
To reach the main palaces like Sanssouci, Neues Palais, or Cecilienhof, you can take local buses or trams—but routes can be a bit confusing. For first-time visitors, I recommend:
🚍 Hop-on hop-off buses that leave from the station
👟 Booking a guided tour with me for a smooth and insightful experience
Potsdam is larger and more spread out than most people expect—don’t underestimate the distances!
👤 Want a Guided Experience?
I offer private tours of Potsdam, tailored to your interests—whether that’s royal history, Cold War espionage, or hidden gardens. I can also arrange private transportation from Berlin, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride in style.
Feel free to reach out for:
🧭 Help with train directions
🚘 Private transfers in a comfortable vehicle
🗣️ A friendly, knowledgeable guide in Potsdam
🧳 Final Thoughts
Getting to Potsdam from Berlin is easy and well worth the trip. Whether you ride the S7, take the faster RE1, or book a private transfer, you’ll arrive in one of Germany’s most picturesque cities ready to explore royal palaces, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes.
Need help planning your visit? Contact me for tips, directions, or a private tour—I'd be happy to make your Potsdam trip unforgettable.
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