Berlin Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is served by one major international airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which consolidated all commercial passenger traffic after the closure of the historic Tegel (TXL) and Schönefeld (SXF) airports. This new, centralized hub is designed to be the primary gateway for the region. Understanding its layout and transport connections is key to navigating this modern facility.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Overview: Berlin Brandenburg Airport “Willy Brandt” (BER) is the sole commercial international airport serving Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg. Located approximately 18 km (11 miles) southeast of the city center, it opened fully in October 2020, replacing Tegel (TXL) and Schönefeld (SXF). BER is now the hub for all major airlines, including Lufthansa, easyJet, and Ryanair.

Terminals: BER operates with one main terminal complex, divided into five linked areas or “halls” (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 5, and two midfield modules).

• Terminal 1 (T1): The main, central terminal. It handles the majority of flights, including Lufthansa, Star Alliance partners, and other full-service carriers. Check-in is in the main hall, with gates accessible via two midfield modules (Module A and B).
• Terminal 2 (T2): A smaller, adjacent building directly connected to T1. It is primarily used by low-cost carriers like easyJet.
• Terminal 5 (T5): This is the renovated former Schönefeld (SXF) terminal, now fully integrated into BER. It is located about 1.5 km from T1/T2 and is primarily used by Ryanair and other budget airlines. A free, frequent shuttle bus connects T5 to the main terminal area.

Important: Always confirm your terminal (T1, T2, or T5) with your airline before departure. While T1 and T2 are connected via a short walk, T5 requires the shuttle bus.

Getting to and from BER:

• Regional Train (RB14 / RE7 / RE8):
  The most cost-effective rail option. Trains run from Bahnhof BER1-2 station (underneath T1/T2) and Bahnhof BER5 station (at T5) to central Berlin stations like Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, and Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) in about 30 minutes. Requires a standard public transport ticket (ABC zone).
• Airport Express Train (FEX):
  A fast, direct service from Bahnhof BER1-2 to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) in about 20 minutes and Gesundbrunnen in about 30 minutes. Also covered by a standard ABC ticket.
• S-Bahn (S9 / S45):
  Suburban trains connecting BER to the city’s S-Bahn ring and key stations like Alexanderplatz and Ostkreuz. The S-Bahn station is at Bahnhof BER1-2. A good option for reaching eastern and southern districts.
• Taxi:
  Available outside T1, T2, and T5. Fares to central Berlin (e.g., Mitte) are metered and typically cost €45-€65, taking 30-50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber, Free Now):
  Designated pickup areas at each terminal. Often comparable to taxis.
• Bus (BER Express X7 / X71):
  Connects T5 to the U-Bahn station Rudow (U7 line) for quick metro access to the city. Also regional buses to surrounding Brandenburg towns.
• Car Rental:
  All major agencies are located in the “Mobility Center” opposite T1.

Best for: All commercial international and domestic travel to Berlin.

Historic Airports (Now Closed)

Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL): The former main international airport, located in the northwest of the city. It closed permanently in November 2020. The site is being redeveloped.

Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF): The former airport in the southeast, which now operates as BER Terminal 5 (T5).

Important: Do not book travel to TXL or SXF. All current flights use BER.

Other Airfields

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – General Aviation: The airport has dedicated facilities for private jets and general aviation.

Berlin Tempelhof Airport (THF): A legendary former city-center airport, closed in 2008. It is now a massive public park (Tempelhofer Feld) and event space. No commercial flights.

Which Berlin Airport Should You Choose?

For all airline passengers, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the only choice. The crucial step is to confirm your specific terminal within BER (T1/T2 or T5) based on your airline:

• Terminals 1 & 2: Lufthansa, Star Alliance, most full-service airlines, and easyJet.
• Terminal 5: Ryanair and other select low-cost carriers.

Essential Travel Information for BER

Terminal 1/2 vs. Terminal 5 Strategy:

• Check Your Airline: Ryanair passengers will almost always use T5. Most others use T1 or T2. Confirm on your booking.
• Transfer Between T1/T2 and T5: A free shuttle bus (“Terminal Shuttle”) runs every 10-15 minutes, 24/7. The journey takes about 10 minutes. Allow at least 45-60 minutes for a landside transfer if you need to check-in at a different terminal.
• Facilities: T1 is the largest with the most shops and restaurants. T5 is more basic but functional.

Arrival Process at BER:

1. Disembark & Follow Signs: For Schengen arrivals, follow signs to baggage claim and exit. For Non-Schengen arrivals, follow signs to passport control first.
2. Passport Control (Non-Schengen): EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use e-gates. Others must see an officer.
3. Baggage Claim: Collect luggage from the carousels.
4. Customs: Walk through the Green (“Nothing to Declare”) or Red channel.
5. Arrivals Hall: Proceed to ground transport: follow signs for “Trains” (downstairs) or “Taxis” (outside).

Departure Process at BER:

1. Arrive Early: For Schengen flights, arrive 2 hours early. For Non-Schengen flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours early. Security lines at T1 can be long.
2. Go to Correct Terminal: Verify T1/T2 or T5.
3. Check-in: Find your airline counter or use self-service kiosks.
4. Security & Passport Control:
   • Schengen Flights: Pass through security to the gate area.
   • Non-Schengen Flights: Pass through security, then clear exit passport control before accessing the international gates.
5. Gate Area: Boarding is often via jet bridges, but some gates (especially in T5) may require a bus to the aircraft.

Ground Transport in Detail:

• Best for Most Travelers / Value: The FEX Airport Express or Regional Train (RE/RB) to Hauptbahnhof. Fast, frequent, and covered by a standard €4.00 ABC zone single ticket or a day pass.
• Best for U-Bahn Access / T5 Passengers: From T5, take the BER Express X7 bus to U-Bahn Rudow (U7) for direct metro access to Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and Schöneberg.
• Best for Door-to-Door: Taxi or ride-hailing. The fixed fare from BER to the city center is not regulated, so the meter applies.

Public Transport Tickets:

• You need a ticket valid for fare zone ABC to travel between BER and central Berlin.
• Tickets can be purchased from machines at the train stations (Bahnhof BER1-2 or BER5) or via the BVG or VBB apps.
• Validate paper tickets before boarding by stamping them in the red or yellow boxes on the platform.

Money & Connectivity:

• Currency: Euro (€). ATMs and exchange bureaus are available in arrivals.
• SIM Cards: Shops for major carriers (Vodafone, Telekom, O2) are in the arrivals areas.
• Wi-Fi: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Bottom Line: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a modern, integrated hub. Your key task is confirming your terminal (T1/T2 vs. T5). For transport, the regional trains (FEX, RE, RB) offer the best balance of speed and value to reach the city center. Allow ample time for security and potential terminal transfers, and you’ll find BER to be an efficient gateway to the German capital.