The Berlin Marathon: What Travelers Should Know

Thousands of people travel to Germany every year for the Berlin Marathon, a famous event that produces impressive finish times.

The course is famed for how flat it is, helping its participants rack up PRs.

Whether you're heading to Berlin to skate it (yes, that's an option too!), run it, or cheer someone on, there are a few things you should know before you travel to Germany, from key details of the race to visas, insurance requirements, and more.

Berlin Marathon: Key details

The when

The Berlin Marathon is taking place on September 21st, 2025. If you're running, your start time will depend on what wave you're in (the start times are staggered).

If you're skating in the marathon, the event is the day before, September 20th, and starts at 12:20 pm.

The where

The start of the Berlin Marathon is on Straße des 17. Juni, it's just between the “Kleiner Stern” and the Brandenburg Gate.

If you're participating in the events, the dedicated entrance is Platz der Republik. In fact, it is the only entrance for participants.

The Berlin Marathon's official website requests that all of the participants use public transportation to get to the race site.

You can't change your wave at the Expo

For many marathons around the world, you can change your wave (start time) at the expo. This isn't the case for the Berlin Marathon.

Your start time needs to be declared no later than August 28th, 2025, at 11:59 pm (CET), and you can do this within your user account on the official website.

Your wave is located on your bib number

If you're not sure what wave you're in, it will be printed on your bib (race number).

The Berlin Marathon has four waves/start times:

• 9:15 am
• 9:45 am
• 10:10 am
• 10:40 am

The group you're in depends on your pace (how long you think it will take you to finish).

Runners who expect to finish the race more quickly start earlier.

There will be pacers in the race

To help you stay on track, there will be pacers in the Berlin Marathon holding flags with different finish times on them.

If you're hoping to finish the marathon in 4 hours, for example, there will be a pacer with a large flag that says 4.00 on it. Running with them the entire way will ensure you meet your goal, as they will be setting the pace and keeping the group on track.

The pacers are free to run with, but running with them isn't mandatory.

Your bib has the official timekeeping mechanism

Your bib is fitted with a disposable timekeeping transponder. It is lightweight and you won't even notice it. This is how the race will track your time.

You don't have to return your bib/transponder after the race. They are one-time use.

Your official race results will be based on your bib's timekeeping.

There are free massages

One perk of the Berlin Marathon is that there are masseuses on site who offer free massages.

Starting at kilometer 25, there will be masseuses every 5 kilometers, as well as at the finish of the race. Availability is first come first serve.

Participants get free public transportation

With your bib number, Berlin Marathon participants can enjoy free public transportation in the ABC fare zone Thursday through Sunday, race weekend.

Berlin has excellent public transportation, so definitely take advantage of this!

Travel insurance may not cover your race

Many people don't know that travel insurance may not cover official sporting events, including marathons.

While travel insurance always offers emergency medical coverage, the when, where, and why differ depending on the policy that you choose.

Oftentimes, travel insurance does not cover emergencies related to official athletic events. Make sure you check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to check for any sports-related exclusions.

Traveling to Berlin: What to know

There are a few things that you should know before you head to Berlin, including information about visas, travel insurance, and other more logistical or administrative concerns.

You may need a visa for Germany

Some travelers heading to Germany need to apply for a Schengen visa ahead of their trip.

Whether or not you need to apply for a German Schengen visa depends on your nationality.

Citizens of specific countries (like the US and UK) do not need a Schengen visa in order to travel to Germany for short stays, but citizens of other countries (like India and China) do.

To see if you need a visa, you can read more in our Germany Visa Guide.

Make sure your passport meets Germany's requirements

In order to travel to Germany, your passport needs to meet the following criteria:

• Be less than 10 years old.
• Have at least 6 months of remaining validity (meaning it won't expire until after that).
• Have 2+ blank pages remaining (for passport stamps).

Make sure you double-check that your passport meets these criteria. If not, you may need to renew it before traveling.

For some travelers, travel insurance is mandatory

If you need a visa for your trip, travel insurance is mandatory. If you don't need a visa, travel insurance isn't mandatory, but it is highly recommended by both the US and UK governments.

If you do need travel insurance for your visa, keep in mind that you will need Schengen-compliant travel insurance.

Insurte offers 100% Schengen-compliant travel insurance.

If you're not getting a visa, but getting travel insurance for your trip (which is a good idea), make sure that you read the terms and conditions before you hit purchase.

As noted above, many travel insurance policies do not cover official sporting events.

You can drive with a valid US or UK driver's license

Many European countries require travelers with a US driver's license to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to drive there.

This isn't the case in Germany. Visitors who have a valid US (or UK, for that matter) driver's license can legally drive in Germany for up to 6 months.

Berlin Marathon FAQs

When is the Berlin Marathon?

When does the Berlin Marathon start?

Do I need a visa for the Berlin Marathon?