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What does "S-Bahn" mean in English?

Geography, Transportation • 
Last updated on 10 April 2024

The S-Bahn is a rapid transit railway system in Germany, with the Berlin S-Bahn being one of its most notable networks. The term “S-Bahn” is short for “Stadtschnellbahn,” which translates to “city rapid railway” in English.

What is “S-Bahn”?

The S-Bahn is integral to public transportation in German cities, particularly in Berlin, where it serves as a key component of the urban and suburban transport infrastructure. The Berlin S-Bahn is known for its distinctive red and yellow trains and has a rich history dating back to the late 1920s. It operates both above and below ground, connecting the city center with outlying districts and neighboring towns, making it essential for daily commuting and sightseeing[1][2].

More information about “S-Bahn”

The Berlin S-Bahn network spans over 330 kilometers, featuring 15 lines and 166 stations, making it the largest S-Bahn system in Germany. It is unique in that it offers sightseeing opportunities due to its elevated tracks in many areas, providing passengers with panoramic views of the city. The network is operated by S-Bahn Berlin GmbH, a subsidiary of the national railway company Deutsche Bahn, and is part of the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) fare system, allowing seamless travel with other forms of public transport[2][3][4][5][11].

Here are some additional terms that are related to S-Bahn:

  • U-Bahn: Berlin’s underground metro system, which complements the S-Bahn with extensive coverage within the city[2].
  • Ringbahn: A circular S-Bahn line that loops around central Berlin, providing connections to various other lines[2][11].
  • Stadtbahn: A major east-west S-Bahn route that passes through central Berlin, offering views of key landmarks[2][11].
  • VBB: The public transport authority that manages the integrated fare system for Berlin and Brandenburg, including the S-Bahn[5][11].

The S-Bahn is a vital part of Berlin’s transport system, enabling efficient and convenient travel across the city and beyond.

Sources

[1] https://sbahn.berlin/en/about-us/company-profile/history-of-s-bahn-berlin/ [2] https://www.tourbytransit.com/berlin/public-transport/S-Bahn [3] https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/146194/new-s-bahn-for-berlin-is-now-complete-and-in-service/ [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Bahn [5] https://www.berlin.de/en/public-transportation/1772016-2913840-tickets-fares-and-route-maps.en.html [6] http://www.slowtravelberlin.com/ode-to-berlins-s-bahn/ [7] https://www.introducingberlin.com/s-bahn [8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_S-Bahn [9] https://sbahn.berlin/en/ [10] https://www.britannica.com/place/S-Bahn [11] https://www.berlin.de/en/public-transportation/1746751-2913840-sbahn.en.html [12] https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/infos/nahverkehr/1746751-1721041-sbahn.html [13] https://sbahn.berlin/en/plan-a-journey/journey-planner/timetables-by-line/ [14] https://sbahn.berlin/en/about-us/vehicle-fleet/historic-trains/ [15] https://berlinmap360.com/berlin-train-map [16] https://sbahn.berlin [17] https://pedestrianobservations.com/2022/10/23/s-bahn-frequency-and-job-centralization/ [18] https://berlin-info.info/s_bahn_berlin/ [19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Berlin_S-Bahn