Select Page

How to Travel from West Berlin to West Germany

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

People traveling from West Berlin to West Germany during period of the Berlin Wall had to manage the whole process and follow some steps. In this article, we will be discussing the various ways to deal with this situation and also offer some useful advice which will make this journey easier for you.

Understanding the Situation

In East and West Germany, from 1961 to 1989 the city of Berlin was split in two, with East Berlin and West Berlin with West Berlin isolated from the rest of West Germany. Crossing from West Berlin to West Germany meant that you technically crossed east Germany which was a no-no. But there was ways on how to do this journey.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin. It was open for transit between West Berlin and West Germany. Here are the steps to cross from West Berlin to West Germany using Checkpoint Charlie:

  1. Gather the necessary documents: You would need your passport, visa (if applicable), and any other identification documents.
  2. Arrive at Checkpoint Charlie: Head to the designated area near the checkpoint. Be prepared for a thorough security check.
  3. Show your documents: Present your passport and any other required documents to the border checkpoint officer.
  4. Clear customs: Go through the customs process, which may involve inspection of your belongings.
  5. Exit the checkpoint: Once cleared, you will be able to leave the checkpoint and enter West Germany.

Travel by Air

If, however, you sought to go by air, there where direct flight access to flying from West Berlin to West Germany. But what must be borne in the mind is that the flights were rigidly governed and the tickets perhaps might not have been readily accessible. Preferably, you should look to secure your ticket in as much advance as possible.

Travel by Train

Another frequent technique that was used to move from West Berlin to West Germany was though train. After World War II, the Deutsche Bundesbahn commonly known as German Federal Railways provided services that united West Berliners with significant cities in West Germany. Here’s how it can be done:

  1. Check train schedules: Research the available train routes and their timings. Ensure that there are no disruptions in service at the time of your planned journey.
  2. Purchase a ticket: Buy your train ticket either online or at the train station. Many stations had international ticket counters specifically catering to travelers from West Berlin.
  3. Arrive at the train station: Reach the designated train station early to avoid any last-minute confusion.
  4. Board the train: Locate your train platform and board the train heading towards your destination in West Germany.
  5. Journey and arrival: Enjoy your train journey, and once you reach your destination in West Germany, disembark the train.

Travel by Car

Traveling by car was another option to get from West Berlin to West Germany, but it required careful planning and specific permits. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Obtain the necessary permits: To travel by car, you needed a specific permit called a Transitvisa. This permit allowed you to drive through East Germany.
  2. Plan your route: Choose the most suitable route for your journey, taking into consideration the current regulations and road conditions.
  3. Follow the rules: It was crucial to strictly adhere to the regulations and designated transit routes while driving through East Germany.
  4. Be prepared for inspections: Expect frequent stops and inspections by East German authorities during your journey. Have all your documents readily available for inspection.

Summary

This paper aims at discussing the three documented journeys that were done from West Berlin to West Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall whose aim will show men and women alike the kind of regulations that governed the travel between West Berlin and West Germany. Whether the choice was Checkpoint Charlie for crossing, air, rail, or automobile travel, it was imperative that all relevant paperwork be obtained, and all enemy precautions be followed to the letter.

As you have noticed, the problem described in this article is the result of the time when the Berlin Wall still existed. At the moment there is no ban on movement between Berlin and the rest of Germany, which means that it is much easier to visit these amazing places.

How to Travel from West Berlin to West Germany