Berlin Brandenburg Airport

Overview

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as the primary international gateway to Germany's capital and surrounding region. Located on the site of the former Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, BER opened to commercial traffic in October 2020 after years of delays. It handles a mix of domestic, European, and intercontinental flights, with major carriers including Lufthansa, easyJet, Ryanair, and many others. The airport consists of one main terminal building (Terminal 1) and a smaller Terminal 2, which opened later to handle low-cost and leisure traffic. BER is designed to efficiently process both business and leisure travellers, connecting Berlin to destinations across Europe and beyond. As a modern hub, it features a single passenger terminal complex (T1 and T2) with clear signage and streamlined security procedures.

Location & Access

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is situated approximately 18 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of Berlin's city centre, near the town of Schönefeld in the state of Brandenburg. The airport's location straddles the border between Berlin and Brandenburg, making it accessible from both the city and the surrounding region.

By train: The airport has its own railway station, Flughafen BER, located directly beneath Terminal 1. Regional trains (RE7, RB14, RB22) connect BER to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 20–30 minutes, as well as to other stations in Berlin and Brandenburg. The S-Bahn line S9 also serves the airport, providing direct connections to central Berlin (e.g., Ostkreuz, Friedrichstrasse) with a journey time of roughly 30–40 minutes. There is no direct long-distance ICE service to the airport, but travellers can change at Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Südkreuz.

By car: BER is easily reachable via the A113 motorway (exit Schönefeld Süd or Nord) and the B96a road. Parking is available in several multi-storey car parks (P1–P4) and outdoor lots, all paid. The airport has dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones at Terminal 1.

By bus: Several regional and local bus lines connect the airport to nearby towns and to Berlin's public transport network. Bus stops are located outside the terminal.

By taxi or ride-share: Taxis are available at designated ranks outside the arrivals area. Journey time to central Berlin is about 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Facilities

Berlin Brandenburg Airport offers a range of on-site services to ensure a comfortable travel experience. The following amenities are confirmed:

• Wheelchair accessibility: The airport is fully wheelchair-accessible, with wheelchair-accessible car parks, entrances, and toilets. Wheelchair rental is available for passengers who need assistance moving through the terminal.
• Baggage storage: Left luggage facilities are located in Terminal 1, allowing travellers to store bags for a few hours or several days.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Passengers can connect by selecting the "BER-FREE-WLAN" network and accepting the terms.
• Changing tables: Baby changing facilities are provided in accessible toilets.
• LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space: The airport is committed to inclusivity, with policies and facilities that respect all passengers.
• Shops and dining: A variety of retail outlets and dining options are available in the terminal, including duty-free shops, fashion and tech boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets. The airport's commercial area is located airside and landside.
• Other services: ATMs, currency exchange (postbank), information desks, and a chapel are also on site.

Note that Terminal 2 has more limited facilities than Terminal 1.

About the Region

Berlin is the capital of Germany and its largest city, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and diverse architecture. The region of Berlin-Brandenburg is a major cultural and economic centre in Central Europe. Berlin itself is famous for landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Museum Island. The city's nightlife, food scene, and numerous galleries attract millions of visitors each year.

Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin, offers a mix of natural landscapes, including the Spreewald biosphere reserve with its network of canals, and historic towns like Potsdam, home to Sanssouci Palace. The region is also a hub for technology, startups, and creative industries. Business travellers come for conferences, trade fairs, and corporate headquarters, while leisure travellers enjoy Berlin's museums, parks, festivals, and shopping.

The airport serves as a key entry point for tourists exploring both the city and the wider region. Additionally, BER handles a significant volume of transit traffic, especially for low-cost carriers connecting various European cities.

Practical Information

• Website: https://ber.berlin-airport.de/ – official site with real-time flight information, parking booking, and terminal maps.
• Phone: 030 609160910 (German and English support available during opening hours).
• Opening hours: The airport is not open 24/7; it operates daily with limited hours. Typically, the terminal opens about 2–3 hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Check the website for exact times.
• Peak hours: The busiest times are around 5 pm and 6 pm daily, when many flights depart for European destinations. Allow extra time for security checks during these periods.
• Currency: Euro (€). Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
• Language: German and English are widely spoken at the airport.

Passengers should arrive at least 2–3 hours before international flights and 1–2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights. The airport's layout is straightforward, with clearly marked zones for check-in, security (A, B, C, D, E, F), and baggage claim.