Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the city: what you actually need to know

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is about 25 km south of Berlin city centre. The fastest way into the city is the FEX (Flughafen Express) train, which takes 30 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) and costs EUR 4.00 with an AB/ABC zone ticket. Taxis cost EUR 45-65 to central Berlin and take 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. The airport opened in 2020 and the transport connections are well-established.

BER has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most airlines. Terminal 2 is a smaller building used primarily by low-cost carriers. Both terminals connect to the same train station, located directly below Terminal 1.

For Schengen flights, there is no immigration check. You walk off the plane and head to baggage claim. For non-Schengen arrivals, passport control is usually efficient, with e-gates available for EU, EEA, and Swiss passport holders. During busy periods with multiple long-haul arrivals, expect 15-30 minutes at immigration.

Baggage claim is in the lower level of each terminal. Trolleys are available. Once you collect your bags, follow signs for trains (look for the S-Bahn and FEX symbols) or taxis. The train station is well-signed from Terminal 1. From Terminal 2, there is a short covered walkway to Terminal 1 and the train station.

S-Bahn S9 and S45 also connect the airport to the city. The S9 runs to central Berlin (Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse) in about 50 minutes. These trains are cheaper with an AB zone ticket at EUR 3.50 if your hotel is within the AB zone. They run frequently and serve more stops.

Regional trains (RE7, RB14) stop at the airport and connect to Hauptbahnhof and other stations. These are included in ABC zone tickets.

Taxis line up at the rank outside both terminals. A taxi to central Berlin costs EUR 45-65 and takes 30-50 minutes. Berlin taxis are metered and regulated. There is no flat rate to the city.

Uber and Bolt operate at BER. Pickup is from designated areas. Fares to central Berlin run EUR 35-55, sometimes cheaper than taxis. Surge pricing applies during peak times.

Pre-booked private transfers offer meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall. Sedan transfers to central Berlin cost EUR 50-80. Useful for groups, families, or travellers with lots of luggage.

Buses connect the airport to various parts of the city, but trains are faster and more convenient for most travellers.

| Destination | FEX/S-Bahn | Taxi | Uber/Bolt | Pre-booked transfer | |---|---|---|---|---| | Hauptbahnhof | EUR 4.00 | EUR 50-60 | EUR 40-50 | EUR 55-75 | | Alexanderplatz | EUR 3.50-4.00 | EUR 45-55 | EUR 35-50 | EUR 50-70 | | Potsdamer Platz | EUR 3.50-4.00 | EUR 45-55 | EUR 35-50 | EUR 50-70 | | Kurfurstendamm | EUR 4.00 | EUR 50-65 | EUR 40-55 | EUR 55-80 | | Friedrichshain | EUR 3.50-4.00 | EUR 40-55 | EUR 35-45 | EUR 50-70 | | Potsdam | EUR 4.00 | EUR 55-75 | EUR 45-60 | EUR 60-90 |

Trains are dramatically cheaper. A family of four on the FEX pays EUR 16 total compared to EUR 50+ for a taxi. The trade-off is luggage handling and door-to-door convenience.

The FEX runs until approximately midnight and resumes around 4:30 AM. S-Bahn trains have similar hours but the S9 runs limited overnight service on weekends. Night buses (N7, N60) serve the airport but are slow. Taxis and rideshares operate 24 hours. If you arrive between midnight and 4:30 AM on a weekday, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is your practical option. The airport terminal stays open overnight with basic facilities.

Trains are manageable with luggage outside rush hours. The FEX has dedicated luggage areas. However, navigating platforms with a stroller, multiple bags, and tired children is never easy. Lifts are available at the station but you need to find them. A taxi or transfer gives you door-to-door service and eliminates the logistics. Child seats are not standard in Berlin taxis but can be requested. Pre-booked transfers can provide child seats with advance notice.

Taxis queue at the rank directly outside the terminal exits. Follow the taxi signs. Pre-booked transfer drivers meet you in the arrivals hall near the exit, holding a name sign. Confirm the exact meeting point when booking. Rideshare pickups are from designated zones near the terminal exits, marked with rideshare signage. The airport layout is logical and well-signed in German and English.

Choose the S-Bahn if you want a cheaper ticket and your destination is on the S9 line.

Choose a taxi if you have moderate luggage, want door-to-door service, and prefer not to navigate the train system.

Choose Uber/Bolt if you want a slightly cheaper alternative to a taxi and are comfortable with the app.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if you have a large group, lots of luggage, need child seats, or are arriving very late at night.