PUBLIC TRANSPORT

1. Comfortable but not always on time

Public transport in the Potsdam and Berlin–Brandenburg region is generally comfortable — but delays or cancellations do occur, especially with regional trains and S-Bahn due to construction work or occasional strikes. Use reliable apps like VBB, BVG, and DB Navigator to monitor real-time schedules, connection updates, and platform changes.

2. RB22 — the train you may take to the airport

The RB20 and RB22 trains run together between Potsdam Griebnitzsee and Golm, then split at Golm station.

• RB22 heads toward BER Airport and continues to Königs Wusterhausen.

• RB20 continues toward Oranienburg (a totally different direction).

If you're traveling from Potsdam Griebnitzsee, Potsdam Hbf, Potsdam Charlottenhof, Potsdam Park Sanssouci, or Golm, double-check that you're in the correct half of the train. Look at carriage displays and ask fellow passengers if needed—they are usually helpful and many will speak English. 

3. Ticketing tips & validation rules

• Potsdam falls under fare zone Berlin C; tickets are sold in combinations: AB, BC, or ABC. If you are traveling from Berlin to Potsdam, you will need a BC or ABC ticket (you can check this on the app as well). Within Potsdam, it would be Potsdam AB.

• Buy single-trip tickets for zones you are using (e.g. ABC), and validate them upon first use. This is done at yellow/red validators on train/S-Bahn or U-Bahn platforms, or inside trams and buses.

• If you purchase your ticket via an app (VBB, BVG or DB), it’s already timestamped (“validated”) at the time of purchase and doesn’t require stamping.

• These tickets are valid across all transportation modes within their zones—S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional trains, buses, and trams.

• Buses/trams: Tickets are stamped inside; if bought from the driver, no further validation is required.

4. ICE (Intercity Express) travel restriction

Public transport tickets (e.g., AB, BC, ABC) do NOT allow travel on ICE or long-distance trains—you must use specific Intercity or ICE tickets for those services.

5. RE1 and RB21: different routes

• RE1 and RB21 both connect Potsdam with Berlin—but they follow different paths.

  • RB21 goes via Golm, Wustermark, and Berlin Spandau toward Gesundbrunnen.

  • RE1 heads via Potsdam Park Sanssouci, Potsdam Hbf, and Berlin Wannsee toward Frankfurt (Oder) or Magdeburg.
    Always verify which train you’re boarding using the app or platform display.

6. Frequency of trains

Many regional lines, like RB22, operate on an hourly schedule—so mistiming can mean a long wait.

Final takeaway: be alert, use the apps, choose and validate the right ticket, and always double-check your train—especially regarding split trains or similar-sounding routes.