Anzeige / Werbung
Planning a trip to Berlin often starts with a single, daunting question: "How am I going to get around, and how much is it going to cost?" Berlin is a massive city—nine times the size of Paris—and while its public transport is legendary, the costs of individual tickets can add up quickly. Enter the Berlin CityTourCard.
Marketed as the "cheaper sibling" to the famous Berlin WelcomeCard, the CityTourCard promises unlimited travel and discounts at over 20 top attractions. But in a city with so many options, is it actually worth your hard-earned money? In this 2,500-word deep dive, we'll strip away the marketing fluff and look at the cold, hard numbers for 2026.
The Quick Verdict: The Berlin CityTourCard is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize unlimited transport and only plan to visit a few major landmarks. If you are a "museum marathoner," the WelcomeCard might be better. If you just want to get from A to B, a standard 24-hour ticket might suffice.
The Berlin CityTourCard is an all-in-one travel pass. It combines two main benefits into one physical or digital ticket:
It is available for different durations: 48 hours, 72 hours, 4 days, 5 days, or 6 days.
Prices for 2026 have seen a slight adjustment to account for inflation and expanded transport services. Here is what you can expect to pay:
| Duration | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|
| 48 Hours | €24.50 |
| 72 Hours | €33.50 |
| 4 Days | €42.50 |
| 5 Days | €49.50 |
| 6 Days | €55.50 |
| Duration | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|
| 48 Hours | €31.50 |
| 72 Hours | €41.50 |
| 4 Days | €51.50 |
| 5 Days | €59.50 |
| 6 Days | €66.50 |
Important: If you are arriving at BER Airport, you MUST buy the ABC version. The AB version will not get you to or from the airport.
To see if the card is worth it, let's compare it to the cost of standard tickets. In 2026, a standard 24-hour ABC ticket costs €11.40.
Scenario: A 72-Hour Trip (ABC Zone)
In this scenario, the CityTourCard is €7.30 more expensive than just buying transport tickets. To make the card "worth it," you need to save at least €7.30 using the discounts.
Total Potential Savings: €23.50. After subtracting the €7.30 extra cost of the card, you are €16.20 in profit!
This is the most common comparison. The WelcomeCard is the "premium" version. It costs about €5-€10 more but offers discounts at over 200 locations (compared to the CityTourCard's 20).
| Feature | CityTourCard | WelcomeCard |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Unlimited (AB or ABC) | Unlimited (AB or ABC) |
| Discount Partners | ~20 (The "Big" ones) | 200+ (Everything) |
| Guidebook | Digital map only | Full guidebook + map |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Which to choose? If you only want to see the "mainstream" hits (TV Tower, Wall Museum), the CityTourCard is better. If you want to explore smaller museums, theaters, or specific restaurants, the WelcomeCard is the clear winner.
In Berlin, the weather dictates your itinerary. A sunny day means parks and walking tours; a rainy day means museums and indoor attractions. This is where the CityTourCard shines.
Because the card gives you unlimited transport, you can change your plans on a whim without worrying about ticket costs. If it suddenly starts pouring, you can hop on a tram to the nearest museum for free. Before you head out, always check the Berlin hourly weather to decide which discount partners to visit that day.
Verdict: Maybe. If you walk a lot and only use the U-Bahn twice a day, individual tickets are cheaper. However, if you want the peace of mind of never having to look at a ticket machine again, the 4-day or 5-day passes offer great value.
Verdict: Yes! One of the best features of the CityTourCard (and WelcomeCard) is that up to 3 children (ages 6-14) can travel for free with one adult. This makes it an incredible deal for families.
Verdict: Highly Likely. If you're only here for two days, you'll likely be moving fast between the major sites. The time saved at ticket machines alone is worth a few extra euros.
To truly see if the card is worth it, let's look at a realistic three-day itinerary for a first-time visitor staying in Mitte and using the 72h ABC CityTourCard.
Transport Value: €42.20
Discount Savings: €20.39
Total: €62.59
Cost of 72h ABC Card: €41.50. Net Profit: €21.09.
Another popular option is the Museum Pass Berlin (3 days, €32.00). It's important to note that the CityTourCard is NOT a museum pass. It gives you discounts, but not free entry.
While the card has about 20 main partners, some offer significantly better value than others. Here are the "High Value" partners for 2026:
1. Berlin Dungeon: A hilarious and spooky journey through Berlin's dark history. With 25%
off, it's a great rainy-day activity.
2. Little BIG City Berlin: Located right under the TV Tower, this miniature world brings
750 years of Berlin history to life. Great for kids and history buffs alike.
3. Body Worlds (Körperwelten): The famous exhibition of plastinated human bodies. It's
fascinating and educational, and the CityTourCard discount is one of the highest available.
City Sightseeing Berlin: The classic Hop-On Hop-Off buses. If you're only in town for a
short time, these are the best way to see the layout of the city. The 20% discount applies to the 24h and
48h tickets.
Berlin on Bike: One of the best ways to see the city is on two wheels. They offer guided
tours through the Wall area, Kreuzberg, and more. Your card gets you a solid discount on both tours and
rentals.
No. The card is valid for all local public transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Regional trains like RE and RB, buses, and trams). High-speed long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC) are not included.
Surprisingly, no. The CityTourCard has a flat rate for adults. However, children under 6 travel for free, and children aged 6-14 are included in the adult ticket (up to 3 children per adult).
Unfortunately, lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced or refunded. If you have a digital ticket on your phone, you can simply re-download it, which is a major advantage of the digital version.
The CityTourCard offers a small discount at some museums, but for full access to Museum Island, you would need the Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island version or a separate Museum Pass.
The Berlin CityTourCard is not a "magic" money-saver for everyone. If you are a slow traveler who prefers walking, you won't see much benefit. However, for 90% of visitors, the combination of stress-free transport and meaningful discounts at the city's most famous landmarks makes it a solid investment.
In 2026, with rising transport costs, the "insurance" of having an all-access pass is more valuable than ever. It allows you to focus on what really matters: enjoying the incredible history, culture, and energy of Berlin.
Final Pro Tip: Always have your ID with you when using the card. While rare, inspectors may ask to see a photo ID to ensure the card belongs to you. Also, keep an eye on the Berlin weather—if it's a beautiful day, use your card to head out to the lakes (like Wannsee or Schlachtensee), which are all included in the ABC zone!
Ready to explore? Grab your CityTourCard, check the Berlin weather, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to one of the world's greatest cities!
Happy travels! 🇩🇪🎟️
Anzeige / Werbung