Disability Discounts

Overview

Berlin offers a range of discounts and free admissions for disabled visitors. The exact benefits depend on your documentation, the type of disability card you hold, and where you are visiting. This guide covers the main discount programs and how to use them.

Schwerbehindertenausweis Benefits

The Schwerbehindertenausweis (German disability pass) provides the most comprehensive benefits. While this card is only issued to German residents, understanding its benefits is useful because some Berlin venues extend similar courtesies to holders of equivalent cards from other countries.

The "B" Marker (Companion Free Entry)

One of the most valuable benefits is the "B" (Begleitperson) marker on the disability card. This means the cardholder is entitled to a free companion. The companion:

• Rides BVG public transport for free
• Gets free entry to most museums and attractions
• Is admitted free at cinemas, theaters, and concert venues that participate

If your national disability card indicates that you require a companion, bring documentation that explains this in English or German. Many Berlin venues will honor it.

Free Public Transport

German disability card holders with the "G" (limited mobility) or "aG" (exceptional walking disability) markers, combined with a Wertmarke (purchased from the pension office), ride all local public transport for free. This does not apply to visitors from other countries, but companion benefits often do.

European Disability Card (EDC)

The European Disability Card is increasingly accepted across Berlin:

• Museums: Most state museums on Museum Island and other Staatliche Museen zu Berlin locations offer reduced admission for EDC holders
• Attractions: Many private attractions offer discounts when shown an EDC
• Transport: BVG does not currently offer general EDC discounts, but individual programs may apply
• Cultural events: Some theaters and concert venues offer reduced tickets

Berlin WelcomeCard

The Berlin WelcomeCard is the city's official tourist pass, and it has options that benefit disabled travelers:

Standard WelcomeCard

• Unlimited public transport (BVG and S-Bahn) for 48, 72, or 120 hours (or 5/6 days)
• Up to 50% discount at over 200 attractions, museums, and restaurants
• Available for zones AB (central Berlin) or ABC (including Potsdam and the airport)
• Prices start at about 25 euros for 48 hours (AB zone)

WelcomeCard All Inclusive

• Includes free entry to over 30 top attractions
• Unlimited public transport
• Skip-the-line access at some venues
• Starts at about 59 euros for 48 hours

Accessibility Considerations

• The WelcomeCard works on all accessible BVG services
• If your companion rides free (with a qualifying disability card with "B" marker), you only need to buy one WelcomeCard for yourself
• Purchase online at visitberlin.de or at tourist information centers and BVG ticket offices

Museum Discounts

State Museums (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin)

Berlin's state museums, including those on Museum Island, generally offer:

• Reduced admission for disabled visitors with valid documentation
• Free companion entry for those who require assistance
• Free entry on certain days: Some museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month

State museum venues include:

• Pergamon Museum
• Neues Museum
• Alte Nationalgalerie
• Bode Museum
• Gemäldegalerie
• Hamburger Bahnhof

Museum Pass Berlin

The Museum Pass Berlin (about 32 euros for 3 consecutive days) gives free entry to over 30 museums. There is a reduced rate for disabled visitors. This can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple museums.

Other Museums

Many non-state museums also offer disability discounts:

• Jewish Museum Berlin: Reduced admission for disabled visitors, free companion entry
• German Historical Museum: Free entry for all visitors
• Topography of Terror: Free entry for all visitors
• DDR Museum: Reduced rates with disability documentation
• Berlin Wall Memorial: Free entry

Transport Discounts

BVG Reductions

• Standard BVG fares do not have a general disability discount for international visitors
• Companions of disabled travelers may ride free if the disability card has a "B" marker (or equivalent documentation)
• Children under 6 ride free on all BVG services
• The BVG short trip ticket (Kurzstrecke) at about 2.20 euros covers 3 stops on the U-Bahn/S-Bahn or 6 stops on bus/tram

Taxi and Ride Services

• Some taxi companies offer flat rates or reduced fares for disabled passengers. Ask when booking.
• BerlKoenig (BVG's on-demand shuttle) sometimes offers accessible vehicles at standard fares

Other Discount Programs

Berlin Pass (for residents)

The Berlin Pass is for Berlin residents with low incomes and is not available to tourists. However, it is worth mentioning because some venues list "Berlin Pass" discounts alongside disability discounts.

Student and Senior Discounts

If you qualify for student or senior discounts in addition to disability discounts, check which offers the best rate. Venues typically apply only one discount, not both.

Practical Tips

• Carry your disability card at all times. Keep a photo of it on your phone as a backup.
• Ask about companion benefits specifically. Even if a venue does not know about your country's disability card, the concept of a free companion is widely understood in Germany.
• Check venue websites before visiting. Discount information is often listed under "Tickets" or "Eintrittspreise" (admission prices).
• Tourist information centers at Hauptbahnhof and Brandenburg Gate can help you understand which discounts apply to your situation.
• Keep receipts. If you are charged full price by mistake, you may be able to get a refund at customer service.