Getting from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to the city centre is straightforward, fast, and well‑connected. The airport sits about 25 km southeast of central Berlin, and you can choose between trains, S‑Bahn, buses, or taxis depending on your budget, luggage, and destination. Below is a deep, practical guide to help you pick the best option for your arrival.
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Airport Express (FEX): Fastest & Most Direct
The FEX (Flughafen Express) is the quickest way into central Berlin. It runs directly from the station beneath Terminal 1.
Travel time: ~23–30 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Frequency: Every 15 minutes, nearly 24/7 depending on the timetable period
Stops: BER → Südkreuz → Potsdamer Platz → Hauptbahnhof
Ticket: ABC ticket (€5) and the ticket is valid for 2 hours across all public transport
- Ticket purchase: Ticket machines (red machines). Located in Terminal 1 (Level E0, baggage claim, U1, and platform U2) and Terminal 5. Select “Berlin ABC” or use the specific “Airport” button. Paper tickets bought from machines must be validated in the small red/yellow boxes on the platform before boarding.
Best for: Travellers staying near Hauptbahnhof, Potsdamer Platz, or Südkreuz; anyone wanting the fastest, simplest route.
Why choose it: It’s the most reliable and quickest option, with modern trains and plenty of luggage space. The station is directly under Terminal 1, clearly signposted.
Regional Trains (RE20, RB22, RB24, RB32): Fast & Frequent
Regional trains also run from the same station and can be just as fast as the FEX depending on your destination.
Travel time: ~23 minutes to Hauptbahnhof (RE20)
Frequency: Hourly for most lines
Ticket: ABC ticket (€5)
- Ticket purchase: from DB ticket machines on the platfomrs (Level 2), in the terminal, or at the DB Travel Centre in terminal 1 (Level U1). Paper tickets from machines must be stamped/validated at the yellow or red machines on the platform before boarding.
Best for: Travellers heading to areas served by Ostkreuz, Schöneweide, or Potsdam.
Why choose them: They offer more route variety and can be more convenient if your accommodation is near one of their intermediate stops.
S-Bahn (S9
S‑Bahn (S9 & S85): Most Flexible for City Stops
The S‑Bahn is slower but stops at many central stations, making it ideal if you want to avoid transfers.
Travel time:
~40 minutes from Friedrichstraße (S9/S85)
~50 minutes from Zoologischer Garten (S9)
Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Ticket: ABC ticket (€4.70)
- Ticket purchase: from the machines in ther terminal/platforms, the DB Customer Centre in terminal 1, or via the VBB/BVG/S-Bahn apps. The ticket machines are located in Terminal 1 (Level E0, U1, and U2 platforms), at the station entrance, and near baggage claim. If you purchase a paper ticket from a machine, you must validate it at the small red or yellow boxes on the platform before getting on the train.
Best for: Friedrichshain, Mitte, Alexanderplatz, or anywhere along the Stadtbahn.
Why choose it: You can hop off at whichever central station is closest to your hotel—no need to change trains.
Buses (X7, X71, N7): Budget-Friendly & Good for U‑Bahn Connections
Buses leave from the arrivals level of Terminal 1 and connect to the U‑Bahn network.
X7/X71: To U‑Rudow every 20 minutes
N7: Night bus to U‑Hermannplatz (~42 minutes)
Travel time: 45–55 minutes to Alexanderplatz (with transfers)
Ticket: ABC ticket (€4.70)
- Ticket purchase: from the vending machines located on terminal platforms—just follow the signs for “trains/buses”—or directly from the driver. The easiest option, though, is to use the VBB, BVG, or S‑Bahn apps, which let you purchase digital tickets on your phone.
Ticket machines usually accept both card and cash, while buses take card and mobile payments like Google Pay or Apple Pay, though they may not always accept cash. If you’re using a paper ticket, make sure to validate it in one of the yellow or red stamping machines before boarding, otherwise you could be fined.
- Best for: Budget travellers or those staying near U7/U8 lines.
Why choose it: It’s the cheapest option and runs reliably day and night.
Taxi: Easiest Door‑to‑Door Option
Taxis are available 24/7 outside Terminal 1.
Cost: ~€58 to the city centre
Travel time: ~45 minutes depending on traffic
Best for: Late arrivals, lots of luggage, families, or travellers wanting zero hassle.
Why choose it: It’s the simplest, most comfortable option—just get in and go.
As you can see, getting from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the city centre is cheap and straightforward once you know your options. Whether you hop on the speedy FEX, the S‑Bahn, or choose a more scenic bus ride, the journey is simple, affordable, and well connected. Safe travels and enjoy your first steps into this incredible city.
