Uber in Berlin: Everything you need to know

Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride – you can find all the information you need about Uber in Berlin, alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you in this article.

Is there Uber in Berlin? 

Yes, you can use Uber in Berlin and other German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. However, due to Germany’s strict regulations surrounding ride-hailing and taxi services, Uber has had a rather complicated history attempting to solidify its presence in the country, meaning it does not offer its usual comprehensive array of services.

The Passenger Transportation Act that passed in October 2014 sparked a number of legal battles for Uber, as the company’s drivers were operating without the necessary licences. Then in 2019, officialls declared the app illegal and it was banned.

However, despite all these difficulties, the ride-hailing giant adjusted its services to align with German law and is now operating in Berlin again – providing five main services: UberX, UberXL, Premium, Green and Taxi.

UberX is the standard sedan service whilst UberXL is essentially a larger Uber X vehicle for groups of up to 6. Premium is a luxury service providing riders with high-end cars and top-rated drivers, and Green rides offer you a chance to book a transfer in an electric or hybrid vehicle, costing the same as an Uber X. Finally, the Taxi service allows you to book a trip with a local driver in a standard taxi vehicle.

How much is Uber in Berlin?

Berlin Uber rides are calculated based on taximeter rates set by the government. The app provides real-time fare estimates for your ride and allows you to pay in-app once you reach your destination – eliminating the need to carry cash in local currency.

In theory, the price of an Uber in Berlin is slightly cheaper than a regular taxi. However, the ride-hailing company applies surge pricing during times of high demand, often making Uber the more expensive choice.

Nevertheless, your final fare varies depending on the type of service you choose, the distance travelled, trip duration, and tolls. Uber X is the most affordable service, costing around €54 for a ride from BER Airport to the city centre. Likewise, you’ll pay around €12 for a 5 km ride within the city. Just keep in mind that fares fluctuate a lot due to demand so these prices are merely an estimate.

*Surcharges and tolls are excluded from the final fare estimate in the Uber app.

Uber alternatives in Berlin

From the airport

Thanks to dedicated passenger pickup zones, you can now use Uber at Berlin Airport. The zones are clearly signposted “Ride App Pick Up” and are located outside the terminals. You can also use the approach lane outside arrivals on Level E0. Whilst Uber is a popular choice for transfers to and from Berlin BER Airport, the cost of the ride from BER Airport to Berlin is known to fluctuate, especially during peak season (June-August). 

If you’d prefer a premium, pre-paid vehicle and a trained English-speaking driver, you can reserve your trip with a reliable transfer company like Welcome Pickups and secure a fixed fare before you fly.

Alternatively, if you’re arriving at T1 or T2, you can hop in a metered taxi from the north and south taxi ranks located opposite Terminal 1 on Level E0. Just remember that in this case, you won’t receive a final price in advance.

Furthermore, unlicensed drivers may approach you in or outside the terminals, so keep in mind that you should only ever get into official taxi vehicles from the designated taxi stands.

Getting around the city

If you don’t fancy taking an Uber taxi in Berlin, there are still plenty of taxis roaming the streets of the German capital. You can hail a local taxi from the street, call a company to arrange a pickup, or walk to the nearest rank.

Taxi ranks are found outside attractions and main transportation hubs like Berlin Hauptbahnhof Station, Friedrichstadt-Palast, Deutsches Theater, Reichstag and the DDR Museum.

There are also several other ride-hailing apps competing with Uber Berlin, including Bolt and FreeNow. Plus, you can still book in-city rides with Welcome Pickups if you’d rather a fixed fare and 24/7 customer support.

Is Uber safe in Berlin?

The main benefit of using Uber abroad is knowing that the company implements safety measures, which is not always the case with local taxi companies. From driver ratings to GPS, Uber Berlin has plenty of ways to ensure the safety of both its drivers and users.

However, like any capital city, it’s always best to be cautious. You can avoid issues by checking your Uber driver’s rating and keeping an eye on your journey using the map in the app. 

Likewise, official taxis in Berlin are safe and reliable, though it’s common to have a driver who doesn’t speak English. Additionally, there are instances of drivers attempting to scam passengers by taking a longer route or claiming the meter doesn’t work.

To avoid scams, always make sure the taximeter is reset before starting your trip and keep your receipt in case you need to report an issue to the taxi company.

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FAQs

Does Berlin have Uber?

Yes, you can use Uber in Berlin. Service options include UberX, UberXL, Premium, Green, and Taxi. The first four options are classic Uber services operated by Uber partners, whilst the Taxi service operates with local drivers at metered rates.

Can I pay by card?

Ride-hailing apps like Uber allow you to pay by card through the app once you’ve reached your final destination. Just save your card details in the app and the payment will go through automatically once your trip is over. You can also pay by card in advance by booking a private transfer with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups.

Do I need to tip my Berlin Uber driver?

It’s customary to tip your taxi driver in Berlin around 10% of your total fare. If you’re using Uber or another ride-hailing app, you can tip your driver in the app during your ride.