There has long been a railway station in this area, just to the north of the Reichstag and the government quarter.  However, following the reunification of Berlin and Germany in 1989, grand plans were put in place to construct a major new junction at this site, where trains from all directions would cross right in the heart of the city.  Building began in 1996, and the massive glass canopy will eventually be covered in 3,500 square metres of solar panels.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof Lehrter Bahnhof
Even before it is finished, the station has acquired this extremely long name, literally: Berlin Main Railway Station Lehrter Railway Station.  You'll also see it the name Lehrter Stadtbahnhof, the traditional name of the metro (S-Bahn) station at this location.

Open for the World Cup
The station is already in limited use and is due to open fully in time for the World Cup.  Knowing the Germans, there should be no problems in making the deadline!

Lehrter Station - Work in progress

Local transport
The S-Bahn has run though here for many years (line S3, S5, S9 and S75), with the underground (U-Bahn) due to be connected by the time of the World Cup.  Click here for directions from Lehrter Bahnhof to the Olympic Stadium.

Local sights
The station is very central, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate.