Our 481 series
Inspired by its distinctive front, our 481 series was affectionately nicknamed “Diving Goggles”.
A child of Reunification
- ©
- Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
Shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall it became clear that a reunited S-Bahn network in a reunited capital would also need a unified, state-of-the-art train series! This was something both S-Bahn operators, BVG and Reichsbahn, could easily agree on. Although they had both designed and developed new trains as recently as the 1980s (the 480 and 485 series, respectively), it was obvious that these wouldn’t be able to meet the new and novel operating requirements.
Inside the 481 series
481 series driver‘s cab
While 480 series consoles sported an ochre colour scheme, the 481 series opted for a steel blue finish.
- ©
- Oliver Lang
481 series interior
Spacious: the 481 series offers seating for 94 and standing room for a further 200 passengers.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series multi-purpose compartment
Extremely versatile: seats inside the multi-purpose compartment are designed to fold up to make more room for luggage or bicycles when needed.
- ©
- Oliver Lang
481 series seating arrangement
Just like the 480 series, the 481 series usually has two seats facing each other.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series upholstery pattern
The 480 and 481 series use the same upholstery pattern.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series passenger compartment
In the 481 series, two carriages are connected by a walkthrough passage.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series handrails
Stand your ground: when all seats are taken, fixed handrails offer additional safety.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series emergency brake
Each S-Bahn train has an emergency break near the doors.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series emergency door release
Each door features an emergency unlocking mechanism for manual opening in case of emergency. Unlike the white version found in the 480 series, this one comes in a striking shade of red.
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- Oliver Lang
481 series door opening button
On cold winter days, passengers can use this button to close the doors manually during longer stops.
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- Oliver Lang
The 500 quarter trains of the 481 series (two cars each), manufactured and delivered by Bombardier/Adtranz between 1996 and 2004, make up the backbone of the current Berlin S-Bahn fleet – and will continue to do so for a long time, thanks to a special renewal project.
Well-equipped for all contingencies!
All 481 trains are equipped with large multi-purpose compartments. In-train passenger information is provided by a scrolling LED display and an automatic announcement system. Safety-enhancing features include improved pass-through access, an easy-to-use emergency call system, and vandalism-resistant design.
Fit for the future!
After 15 years of daily operations, our Project Longevity adds at least another 15 years of reliable service. To this end, all 481 series quarter trains receive a thorough inspection and overhaul at the Schöneweide S-Bahn depot – including refurbishment, where required, and new, modern interior fittings and furnishings.
Project Longevity
Spot the difference? It’s easy to tell which carriages have been refurbished: as part of the refresh, all 481 series also receives a new look and colour scheme. This matches the design of the brand new 483/484 series trains that have been gracing our tracks since 2021: more ochre, less red, black doors.
- ©
- Jens Wiesner
The 481 series exterior
481 series
Wintery conditions near Lichterfelde
- ©
- Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
Project Longevity
There are currently four production series running on Berlin's S-Bahn rails: one of them is the 481 series.
- ©
- Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
481 series (Project Longevity)
Distinctive black doors make it easy to spot 481 series trains that have already received their Project Longevity update.
- ©
- Jens Wiesner
481 series
Wintery sunrise over the River Spree with an S-Bahn on the Stadtbahn route
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- Deutsche Bahn AG/Bartlomiej Banaszak
Spandau station
481 series S-Bahn train on the tracks
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- Joachim Donath
481 series S-Bahn train on Elsen Bridge
Flexible deployment: 481 series trains often serve the ring route, too.
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- www.davidulrich.de
S-Bahn on the bridge
An S-Bahn train on a bridge crossing the River Spree
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- Michael Neuhauß - Fotolia
On the Stadtbahn tracks
The distinctive single-piece front pane has earned our 481 series its nickname “Diving Goggles”.
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- David Ulrich I photo&retouch
481 series
Travelling in wintery conditions near Lichterfelde
- ©
- Deutsche Bahn AG/Volker Emersleben
481 series powered carriage
481 series trains were delivered between 1996 and 2004 – and continue to serve the S-Bahn network.
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- David Ulrich
481 series
Gesundbrunnen station approach
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- Jens Wiesner
Timetable change
481 series S-Bahn train in Berlin
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- punkt3-Archiv/David Ulrich
481 series train at Berlin Friedrichstraße
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- David Ulrich
481 series three-quarter train
Cherished colour scheme: Berliners have become especially fond of the classic ochre-red colour combination.
- ©
- Joachim Donath
481 series
Travelling in wintery conditions near Lichterfelde
- ©
- Deutsche Bahn AG/Volker Emersleben
Why some carriages are labelled 482
A closer look reveals that some carriages are labelled ‘482’. This is the production series designator for powered railcars with only an auxilary operator cab. Carriages that are labelled ‘481’ are equipped with a full operator cab. A whole quarter train always consists of a 481 unit and a 482 unit.
(Kopie 2)
Three who step out of line
On behalf of S-Bahn Berlin, a total of six quarter trains were delivered in 2002 as 3 walkthrough half trains (made up of 2 quarter trains). These are correctly identified by their special carriage labels: 1st train (481 501 + 482 501 + 482 601 + 481 601), 2nd train (481 502 + 482 502 + 482 602 + 481 602) and 3rd train (481 503 + 482 503 + 482 603 + 481 603)
| Technical specifications | |
|---|---|
| First introduced on: | 22 February 1996 |
| In service from: | 10 December 1996 |
| Specification: | quarter train |
| Quantity: | 500 |
| Gauge: | 1.435 mm |
| Coupling length: | 36.800 mm |
| Vehicle width: | 3.140 mm |
| Vehicle height: | 3.585 mm |
| Floor height: | 1.000 mm |
| Seats (additional standing capacity): | 94 (200) |
| Bogie axle base distance: | 2.200 mm |
| Wheel diameter : | 820 mm |
| Supply voltage: | 750 V DC |
| Maximum speed: | 80 km/h |
| Maximum acceleration: | 1,0 m/ s² |
| Performance: | 6 x 97,5 kW = 585 kW |
| Empty weight: | 59 t |
