Former Prussian royal residence with stunning Sanssouci Palace, gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

About Potsdam (Sanssouci Palace)

Potsdam is the capital of Brandenburg state and one of Germany's most beautiful cities, centered around the magnificent Sanssouci Palace—the summer residence of Frederick the Great, built in 1747. Often called 'Prussia's Versailles,' the rococo palace crowns a terraced vineyard hillside overlooking 300 hectares of meticulously landscaped gardens, fountains, and follies. The UNESCO-listed parks include the New Palace, the Orangery Palace, and the Chinese House.

Beyond the royal parks, Potsdam offers the Dutch Quarter (Hollandisches Viertel) with its red-brick houses now housing cafes and boutiques, the Cecilienhof Palace where the Potsdam Conference shaped post-WWII Europe, and the Babelsberg film studios—one of the world's oldest and still active major film studios. The city's compact old town along Brandenburger Strasse provides charming shopping and dining.

Nearby Landmarks

Sanssouci Palace Dutch Quarter Cecilienhof Palace Babelsberg Film Studios

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost EUR 70-90
Time 50-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost EUR 55-75
Time 50-60 minutes

Terminal 1, ground level

Train (RE7/RB22)

Cost EUR 4
Time 55 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take RE7 or RB22 from BER station to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof. Then bus 695 to Sanssouci.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi EUR 70-90 50-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare EUR 55-75 50-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train EUR 4 55 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Regional trains to Potsdam ran until approximately 11:30 PM. After that, the S1 continued until about 1 AM. Night buses connected Potsdam to Berlin through the night. A taxi from Berlin to Potsdam cost approximately €50-70.

Luggage Tips

Trains to Potsdam had ample luggage space. Potsdam Hauptbahnhof had lockers for storing bags while visiting Sanssouci. The palace grounds involved extensive walking on gravel paths—travel light or store bags first.

Accessibility

Potsdam Hauptbahnhof is fully accessible. Bus 695 from the station to Sanssouci has low-floor boarding. Sanssouci Palace ground floor is partially accessible, but the terraced gardens involve stairs. The New Palace offers better wheelchair access. Audio guides are available.