Travel Note
U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Germany, but make sure you have a passport that is valid at least 6 months past your travel dates. Check now, thank us later!
Flight
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the closest to Potsdam, about 45-60 minutes by car or train. Book flights early for the best prices. Arrive at the gate 2.5-3 hours before international departures and check baggage policies for size and weight limits. Germany uses Type C/F plugs, so bring a travel adapter.
House Or Rental
There are tons of great hotels near Sanssouci Park and the city center. Airbnbs and Vrbos are also great if you’re coming with a group or want your own space. We’ll share more details about the venue closer to the wedding date, but for now, focusing on accommodations near Sanssouci Park is a great starting point!
Hotel
This hotel is a very close walk to the venue and directly next to Sanssouci Park!
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
This hotel is just a short walk from the wedding venue, with great views and a convenient location.
Hotel
Hotel
A bit farther from the wedding venue, but there are beautiful views of the lake.
House Or Rental
You can book an apartment with Design Apartments Potsdam. Almost every apartment is within easy walking distance of our venue and other local attractions.
Travel Note
The easiest and CHEAPEST way to reach Potsdam from BER is by regional train or express bus: Option 1: Regional Train (RB22 or RB23) - Trains RB22 or RB23 leave about once every hour from BER Terminal 1–2 Level U2 - Ride time is about 50–60 minutes to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) - Buy a Zone ABC ticket at airport ticket machines or on the DB Navigator mobile app - Before boarding, scan or validate your ticket at the platform (ticket checks are very strict in Germany) Option 2: Airport Express Shuttle Bus (BER2 - Departs from Terminals 1–2 and Terminal 5 - About a 1-hour ride to Potsdam Hbf Central Station - Requires a Zone ABC ticket plus a small express fee - Tickets can be purchased on the shuttle bus S-Bahn (S7 Line) - A longer route from downtown Berlin to Potsdam - First, take a train from the airport to central Berlin - Then hop on the S7 train toward Potsdam Hauptbahnhof - Same Zone ABC ticket rules apply You can find more details about transportation listed below!
Travel Note
If you choose to travel by bus, the Express Bus BER2 leaves from Terminals 1–2 and Terminal 5, providing a direct route to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof via Teltow and Stansdorf. Operating every hour, the journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes. You can buy tickets from machines at the station or from the bus driver on board. For bus service, tickets require a Zone ABC ticket fare.
Train
Traveling from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Potsdam by regional train is a quick and straightforward option. Start by purchasing a ticket that covers Berlin Zones ABC, which includes Potsdam. One-way tickets can be bought at ticket machines in the arrivals area or train station or via apps like DB Navigator or BVG. The RB22 or RB23 trains run hourly from Terminals 1–2 (on level U2) to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Follow signs marked “Bahnhof” or “Train Station” to locate your platform. The journey takes about 45-60 minutes. Check the electronic displays on the platform to confirm the train’s destination and departure time. Before boarding, scan or validate your ticket at the platform's yellow or red validation machines to avoid fines. Once you arrive at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, you can easily reach your destination by taxi, rental bike, Uber, or the city’s well-connected buses and trams. Regional trains offer a faster and more comfortable ride than the S-Bahn for this route. Remember to keep your ticket handy during the journey, as conductors may ask to see it. If you have any questions, the DB Navigator app or station staff can help guide you to the correct train and platform.
Travel Note
Potsdam’s bus and tram network is incredibly user-friendly, affordable, and perfect for reaching palaces, parks, and cafés. You can travel to nearly any location in the city using a bus or tram. Where to buy tickets: - Via the VBB app (best option) - On board buses and trams - At ticket machines located throughout the city
Train
To reach Potsdam using the S7 line, board the train heading toward Potsdam Hauptbahnhof. If you’re arriving at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), take a train into downtown Berlin first, then transfer to the S7 line. It’s essential to purchase and validate your train ticket before boarding, as ticket inspectors are strict, and fines for riding without a valid ticket are high. You’ll need a ticket that covers Berlin Zones ABC, which includes Potsdam. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in the arrivals area, train station, or through apps like DB Navigator or BVG. Once you have your ticket, validate it at the yellow or red machines located on the platform. Check the electronic displays to confirm the train is headed toward Potsdam or stops at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof.
Travel Note
Potsdam has a super fun public bike rental system called PotsdamRad, run by Nextbike. You can register online or via their app, unlock a bike with a code, and return it to any station in the city. To register, go to www.nextbike.de and download the nextbike-app.
Travel Note
Download an eSIM before your trip; it’s way cheaper than using your regular cell service abroad. Just double-check your phone is compatible. Ask Eric for a discount code!
Travel Note
Not sure how to ride the trains? Watch this helpful YouTube guide to Berlin’s train system. It’s way easier than it looks—and BVG (Berlin’s transit app) is a must-download for navigating like a local.
Travel Note
Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) [German for Berlin Transport Company] is the main public transport company of Berlin, the capital city of Germany. We strongly recommend downloading the phone app.
Travel Note
(Overall Guide)