Berlin Brandenburg Airport, BER

Berlin Brandenburg Airport, BER, Germany

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), officially known as Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg “Willy Brandt,” is the primary international airport serving Berlin and the surrounding region in Germany. Opened in 2020, BER replaced Berlin’s former airports (Tegel and Schönefeld) and is designed to handle over 30 million passengers annually. It is located in the town of Schönefeld, about 18 kilometers southeast of central Berlin.

General Information

BER is a modern, well-equipped airport with three terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and Terminal 5 (T5). Terminals T1 and T2 are located within the same complex and cater to the majority of international and domestic flights. Terminal 5, which was previously Schönefeld Airport, handles mainly low-cost carriers. The airport features a wide range of amenities for travelers, including shopping, dining, and services for business and leisure passengers alike.

  • IATA Code: BER
  • ICAO Code: EDDB
  • Location: Schönefeld, 18 km southeast of central Berlin
  • Opened: October 2020
  • Annual Passenger Capacity: Approx. 30-40 million
  • Terminals: T1, T2, and T5

Public Transportation to and from BER

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is well-connected to Berlin’s city center and surrounding areas through various public transport options:

  1. Trains (S-Bahn & Regional Express):
    • S-Bahn (S9 and S45): The S-Bahn connects the airport with different parts of Berlin. The S9 route takes passengers from the airport to central Berlin, including stops at key stations like Alexanderplatz and Hauptbahnhof (Berlin’s central train station). The S45 links the airport with southern parts of the city.
    • Regional Trains (RE7, RB14, FEX): Faster regional trains offer connections to major Berlin train stations, including Berlin Hauptbahnhof, in about 30 minutes. The FEX (Flughafen Express) is a dedicated airport train that connects BER to Berlin Hauptbahnhof in around 25 minutes.
  2. Bus Services:
    • Several bus routes, including X7 and X71, provide quick connections between the airport and key locations such as Rudow (on Berlin’s U-Bahn system). From there, passengers can transfer to U-Bahn Line U7, which goes directly into the city.
  3. Taxi Services:
    • Taxis are readily available at the airport, with taxi stands located outside Terminals 1 and 5. A ride from the airport to Berlin city center typically takes around 30-45 minutes and costs around €45-55 depending on traffic.
  4. Rental Cars:
    • Rental car desks are located on the arrivals level of Terminal 1. Several major rental companies, such as Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Avis, operate at BER. It’s recommended to book a car in advance to ensure availability.
  5. Ride-Sharing:
    • Ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Free Now, and BOLT operate in Berlin, offering an alternative to taxis. Pickup areas are typically located near the taxi stands.

Currency Exchange & ATMs

Berlin Brandenburg Airport offers several currency exchange offices, operated by Travelex, located in Terminal 1 (both before and after security). ATMs are also available throughout the terminals, including both departure and arrival areas. Keep in mind that using a credit card with low foreign transaction fees is often a more cost-effective way of handling foreign currency exchanges than using physical exchange offices, which may charge a commission.

Local Transport Cards: Berlin WelcomeCard & ABC Ticket

For those planning to explore Berlin using public transportation, the Berlin WelcomeCard and the AB/ABC Ticket are two great options:

  1. Berlin WelcomeCard: This pass offers unlimited travel on Berlin’s public transportation network (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams) in the city and surrounding areas (depending on the selected zones). It also provides discounts for more than 200 attractions and restaurants. The card can be purchased for various durations (48 hours, 72 hours, etc.) and zones (AB, ABC), making it ideal for tourists.
  2. ABC Ticket: If you’re looking for a simple ticket to get to and from the airport, the ABC Ticket covers all public transportation between Berlin city center and the airport (which is located in Zone C). Tickets are valid for 120 minutes and cost around €3.80 (single journey). Day passes and multi-day passes are also available.

Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or through the BVG app.

Wi-Fi & Mobile Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout BER Airport, and it’s easy to connect. The airport offers unlimited free Wi-Fi without the need for any registration. Simply select the Free Airport Wi-Fi network, agree to the terms and conditions, and you’re connected.

For travelers needing mobile phone services, several mobile operators offer SIM cards and data packages. Stores such as Vodafone and O2 have outlets at the airport. You can purchase pre-paid SIM cards with data for as little as €10-20, depending on the package and the operator. Make sure to bring your passport as identification if you are purchasing a new SIM card.

Taxi and Car Rental Services

BER offers various taxi and car rental services for those preferring private transportation. Taxi stands are located outside each terminal, with taxis available 24/7. The journey to Berlin city center takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and the cost is around €45-55.

Major car rental companies like Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, and Avis have desks at the airport. Car rental reservations can be made online in advance for convenience.

Local Secrets and Travel Tips

  1. Fast Track Services: BER offers Fast Track options for security checks, especially useful during peak travel times. These can be booked in advance through the airport’s website or at kiosks.
  2. Lounges: Several lounges are available at BER, including Lufthansa Lounge, BER Lounge, and EasyJet Lounge. These lounges offer a quiet space to relax, with complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. Some are accessible via membership or a day pass.
  3. Shopping and Dining: There is a good selection of shops, including duty-free stores, clothing boutiques, and travel essentials. Popular German brands such as Heinemann Duty Free and Lidl can be found here. For dining, you can choose from a variety of restaurants and cafes, from quick bites like Burger King to full-service restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
  4. Parking: If you’re driving to the airport, P1 and P3 are the closest parking garages to Terminal 1. They offer both short-term and long-term parking options. For those flying from Terminal 5, parking is available in P56. Shuttle services connect the parking lots with the terminal.

Car Sharing & Sustainable Mobility

For eco-conscious travelers, Berlin Brandenburg Airport also offers car-sharing services. Several companies, including Share Now and WeShare, have designated parking areas for shared electric vehicles. Travelers can book cars via their mobile apps and drop them off in the city or at other car-sharing hubs.

In addition, BER has provisions for e-scooter rentals. Several companies, such as Lime and Tier, offer scooters, making it easy to explore the city without relying on a car.

Airport Accommodation

There are several hotels located either within or near the airport complex, making it convenient for passengers with layovers or early flights. Notable options include:

  • Steigenberger Hotel: Located right at Terminal 1, offering modern rooms and a range of amenities.
  • Holiday Inn Express: Situated a short distance from the airport, this hotel is a budget-friendly option with complimentary breakfast.

Both hotels offer shuttle services to the terminals.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a modern, efficient airport designed to offer a smooth travel experience for visitors to Berlin and the surrounding regions. Whether you’re catching a connecting flight or visiting Berlin for business or pleasure, BER provides excellent connectivity, top-notch facilities, and a wide range of services to accommodate every traveler’s needs.