General
Overview
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as the sole international gateway for the German capital, featuring a modern midfield terminal design. Terminal 1 handles the majority of traffic including full-service carriers and easyJet, while the smaller Terminal 2 is dedicated to low-cost airlines like Ryanair and is located within a 5-minute walk of the main building.
Transfer Options
The following transport options are available from/to Berlin Brandenburg Airport:
BVG (U-Bahn, bus, tram) and S-Bahn Berlin operate independently and can call strikes on separate days. Before travel, check BVG Traffic News for city transit and S-Bahn disruptions for rail. Taxi or Uber/Freenow are your best fallback if transit is disrupted.
Luggage Storage
Located on Level U1 (mezzanine above train platforms). Open 09:00–19:00.
Visitor Cards & Transit Passes
For unlimited public transport and discounts at 180+ attractions, choose a visitor pass. You can purchase these at Berlin Tourist Info centers (located in BER Terminal 1, Level E0) or at any DB/VBB ticket machine.
- Berlin WelcomeCard: Best for sightseeing. Prices start at €26.00 (48h, Zone AB).
- Berlin CityTourCard: A budget-friendly alternative. Prices start at €22.50 (48h, Zone AB).
- Standard Tickets: A 24-Hour Ticket is €9.90 (AB) or €11.40 (ABC).
- 7-Day Ticket: The most cost-effective option for longer stays, costing €41.50 (Zone AB).
Children’s Fares
- Under 6: Free on all BVG services. No ticket required.
- Ages 6-14: Reduced fare. Single ticket: €2.50 (AB/BC zones) or €3.50 (ABC zone - needed for the airport). Reduced 24h ticket: €7.40 (AB).
- WelcomeCard / CityTourCard: Up to 3 children aged 6-14 ride free on one adult card. No separate child ticket needed - practical for families.
- Age 15+: Full adult fare applies.
For transfer from/to the airport, you must buy the ABC Zone card (€33.00 for 48h) or an ABC single ticket (€4.40) to be valid for the journey from the airport to the city.
Berlin does not support “tap-on/tap-off” with credit cards. You must have a valid ticket or app QR code. In Germany, a paper ticket is invalid unless stamped. Before boarding, you MUST insert your ticket into the small yellow or red boxes on the platform to get a timestamp. Failure to do so results in a €60 fine. App-based tickets are “pre-validated” and do not need a stamp.
Use BVG Fahrinfo as your official source for buying all mobile tickets and viewing real-time local disruptions, while relying on Citymapper for a superior navigation interface that includes “best carriage” guidance and precise station exit instructions.
NOTE: Tickets bought in the BVG Fahrinfo app are active (validated) immediately. Do not buy them until you see your train or bus approaching.
Public Transit
Train & S-Bahn
The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains (RE8, RB23) are the fastest, getting from the airport to Berlin Hauptbahnhof in 30–35 minutes. The S-Bahn (S9/S45) takes about 50 minutes but offers more local stops. Buy tickets at the red DB or yellow VBB machines in the “Arrivals” hall or the station on Level U2.
Bus
Express buses X7 and X71 connect the airport to the U7 Metro line (Rudow station) in 10 minutes. This is ideal for southern districts like Neukölln. Bus stops are outside Terminal 1 on Level E0.
Always enter buses through the front door and show your ticket (or QR code) to the driver. Exit through the rear doors only. Standard city buses have limited luggage space; if you have multiple large bags at the airport, the train is a much more comfortable option.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Berlin Airport is fully accessible, and offers a free Mobility Service (pre-book 48h in advance). Note that Terminal 1 is very long; walking distances can exceed 1,000 yards.
Safety
Berlin is generally safe, but be vigilant in crowded transit hubs.
- The “Official” Taxi: Ignore anyone inside the terminal/station asking “Taxi?”. These are unlicensed drivers.
- The “Change” Scam: At the stations, be wary of anyone asking for help “changing a coin” for a locker or ticket machine; this is often a distraction for pickpocketing. Politely say “No” and keep walking.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
If you lose an item, contact the specific service provider for the area where it was lost.
- Airport Terminals: The Lost Property Office is located in Terminal 1, Level U1.
- Items on Plane: Contact your airline’s baggage handling agent in the arrivals hall.
First Aid & Pharmacies
- Metropolitan Pharmacy has two locations in Terminal 1, Level E1 (Check-in and Airside Marketplace).
- In the event of a medical emergency, use the general European emergency number 112.
- First Aid Stations: Airport staff at any Information Counter can provide immediate assistance and coordinate with the on-site medical service..
Arrival
Official Taxi
Identification and Rates
Official Berlin taxis are Cream/Beige with a yellow roof sign. All use meters; there are no flat rates from the airport.
The fare from BER is €60–€80.
Taxi Stands
Located in front of Terminal 1 (Level E0) and Terminal 2.
Rideshare
Uber, Bolt, and Freenow: Follow signs for 'Ride App Pick Up' in the parking area (Level E0), a 3–5 minute walk from the exit. They cannot pick up at the curb.
Unlike taxis, rideshare cars are standard passenger vehicles. Always check the license plate in your app against the car before entering, especially at the busy pickup zones.
Freenow is the local favorite and allows you to summon official taxis as well as private rides, providing better availability during peak hours or rain.
ATMs and Currency
Avoid the bright blue and yellow Euronet ATMs found in corridors. They charge excessive transaction fees and offer poor exchange rates. Always choose “Decline Conversion” on any ATM to let your home bank handle the rate.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Arrival Time
For international flights to the US or Asia, arrive 3 hours early. For European flights, 2 hours is sufficient.
Terminal 1 is the primary hub. Terminal 2 is used mainly by budget carriers like Ryanair. Note that T1 and T2 are connected via a walkway; however, you must check in at the specific terminal assigned to your airline.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
BER has modernized security. Terminals 1 and 2 now feature CT scanners in several lanes, meaning you may not need to remove liquids or electronics.
You can book a free 15-minute security time slot through the BER Runway service on the airport’s website. This allows you to bypass the main queue at no cost—a perfect way to avoid standing in long lines.
Passport Control
If you are flying to a non-Schengen destination (e.g., USA, UK, or Asia), you must pass through passport control after security. Automated EasyPass gates are available for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with biometric passports.
VAT Refunds
Location
Customs validation desks are located in Terminal 1, Level E2 (in the Gallery area) and Level E1 (after security).
Process
- Visit the Customs (Zoll) desk BEFORE you check your luggage to get your forms stamped.
- Present the stamped forms at the Global Blue or Planet counters nearby to receive your refund.
Customs officers will often ask to see the physical items (unused and with tags). Ensure these items are at the top of your suitcase or in your carry-on so you don’t have to unpack your entire bag on the floor in public view.