Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Berlin, DE · about 27 km (17 miles) southeast of central Berlin
Getting to the city
| Mode |
|---|
| FEX Flughafen-Express Train |
| Long-Distance Coaches Terminal 1 Coach |
| N7 Night Bus Bus |
| RB23 Regionalbahn Train |
Insider notes
If arriving by train, sit near the front of the FEX/RE8/S-Bahn to access the main escalators up to Terminal 1 and reduce your time to security.
Use BER’s 10-minute free short-term parking for quick drop-offs or pick-ups instead of paying high garage rates.
For a peaceful workspace pre-flight, head to the A20–A26 or B20–B26 gate areas in Terminal 1 away from the busy central food court.
Welcome
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), a brand-new and design-forward airport, is more reminiscent of a sleek intercity rail hub than a traditional airport. Everything is conveniently centered around a central marketplace, and the train station is directly below Terminal 1, making it incredibly efficient for those traveling from S-Bahn or long-distance rail to gate. Well-regarded for its ease, BER combines local Berlin culinary offerings, decent paid lounges, and a hassle-free 10-minute free curbside parking, a rarity in major European capitals.
At a glance
BER sees approximately 24.95 million passengers annually and boasts two runways. The airport serves as a hub for easyJet and is located about 27 kilometers (17 miles) southeast of central Berlin. Its two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, host a variety of airlines, with easyJet, Lufthansa, and Ryanair in Terminal 1, and Wizz Air primarily operating from Terminal 2.
Terminals & layout
Terminal 1 hosts the majority of BER's operations, including 20 restaurants and a plethora of shops such as Heinemann Duty Free and WHSmith. Terminal 2, while functional, is more spartan, primarily catering to budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air, with fewer amenities and limited seating. Key considerations include planning meals and purchasing water at Terminal 1 before heading to Terminal 2 for budget flights.
Getting to and from the city
Transport links are a major strength of BER, with train services like the FEX Flughafen-Express, RE8 Regionalbahn, and S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 all converging directly below Terminal 1. These trains offer direct connections to central Berlin. For quicker transit into central Berlin, locals recommend the FEX or RE8 over the more crowded S-Bahn. Long-distance coaches and express buses like X7 and X71 connect the airport to various city districts such as Neukölln and Kreuzberg.
Traveller essentials
For those parking at BER, several options are available, including Premium parking at P1, P2, and P3 for 20-30 euros per day, and Economy parking at P6 and P107. Frequent visitors advise pre-booking Economy P107 online for long stays given its affordability compared to premium options. The airport provides a 10-minute free curbside parking window, allowing stress-free drop-offs and pick-ups.
Dining & shopping highlights
BER's Terminal 1 Market Place is the hub for its culinary offerings, featuring local favorites like Currywurst Berlin and Hans im Glück, alongside international chains like Burger King and McDonald's. The shopping scene includes regional gifts available at My Berlin and design-focused goodies at Rituals. Most dining and shopping options are concentrated in Terminal 1, so plan accordingly if flying from Terminal 2.
Lounges
For those needing a quiet space, BER offers seven lounges, mostly in Terminal 1. The Lufthansa Lounge and easyJet's The Lounge cater to airline-specific passengers, while pay-in lounges such as the BER Tempelhof and BER Tegel Lounge offer better value than the public food court, particularly during crowded Schengen area times. Walk-in access prices range from €36 to €48.
Insider tips
- Insider: If arriving by train, sit near the front of the FEX/RE8/S-Bahn to access the main escalators up to Terminal 1 and reduce your time to security.
- Money: Use BER’s 10-minute free short-term parking for quick drop-offs or pick-ups instead of paying high garage rates.
- Quiet: For a peaceful workspace pre-flight, head to the A20–A26 or B20–B26 gate areas in Terminal 1 away from the busy central food court.
- Local: Purchase last-minute Berlin gifts at the Market Place's local-branded shops in Terminal 1 for regional spirits and design items without hefty airport markups.
- Time: The FEX express or RE8 trains are faster than the S-Bahn for getting into central Berlin, especially if you have luggage.
- Avoid: Terminal 2 can feel like a "fancy tent" with limited comforts; eat and shop in Terminal 1’s Market Place first.
- Quiet: Book a slot for the BER visitor terrace for stunning views, particularly at sunset when it’s less crowded.