Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) Complete Guide
Station Overview
Size: Huge, multi-level complex
Best Description: "Essentially a three-story mall" with train platforms
Station Layout & Levels
Level Breakdown (5 Total Levels)
Sub-Level 2 (Lowest):
- ALL train platforms accessed from here
- Must go to this level to catch trains
Sub-Level 1:
- Another part of the mall
- NO train platform access from this level
- Food and shops only
Level 3 (Street Level/Entry Level):
- Main entry point
- ONLY bathroom location in entire station
Levels 4 & 5 (Upper Levels):
- Three levels of shops total
- Top level even has tram/subway-like transport
Restrooms (CRITICAL INFO)
Location: Street level (Level 3) ONLY
Cost: €1
Important Note:
- Only ONE bathroom in entire massive station
- Located only on entry/street level
- "Now I know why the line was so long"
- Halfway through tour, reviewer confirms no other bathrooms found
Where to Find Them: Easy to locate on street level—look for signs
Dining Options
Street Level (Level 3)
Major Options:
- 5 restaurants in one area
- Asian restaurant - Recommended for gluten-free diners ("probably your best options")
- Starbucks (with collectible Berlin mugs available)
Sub-Level 1
- Subway
- McDonald's
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Couple other small shops
Other Levels
- Gelato available
- Various other food options throughout
Shopping & Services
Shop Types:
- Three levels of retail shops
- Relay convenience store (compared to Hudson News in airports)
- Starbucks with Berlin souvenir mugs
- Various other retail
Banking:
- ATM located by tracks 15 and 16
Travel Tips
For Gluten-Free Travelers:
"If you have some gluten issues, I'd probably hop into [the Asian restaurant] first because that would probably be your best options so far that I've seen."
Navigation Tips:
- Go to Sub-Level 2 for all train access
- Don't confuse Sub-Level 1 (shops only) with Sub-Level 2 (trains)
- Use street level for restrooms before heading to platforms
Souvenir Hunters:
- Starbucks carries Berlin city mugs for collectors
Quick Reference Guide
Need trains? → Sub-Level 2
Need bathroom? → Street Level (Level 3), €1
Need food? → Multiple levels, 5+ restaurants on Level 3
Need ATM? → Tracks 15 & 16
Gluten-free food? → Asian restaurant, Level 3
Quick convenience items? → Relay store, Sub-Level 1
Bottom Line
What It Is: A massive 5-level transportation hub that functions as a multi-story shopping mall with extensive dining and retail, plus train platforms.
What to Know:
- Only one bathroom location (street level, €1)
- Trains only accessible from Sub-Level 2
- Plenty of food options across multiple levels
- Well-equipped for travelers' needs despite single bathroom location