Also at Terminal 1, adjacent to the Business Lounge, available to First Class passengers, Senator status holders, and HON Circle members, featuring premium amenities and quieter environment.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport serves as Germany’s main international gateway and a key hub for air travel across Europe. Opened in 2020 after years of planning, it replaced older Berlin airports to handle more passengers with modern facilities. The airport spans over 1,000 hectares near the city outskirts and connects travelers to destinations worldwide via numerous airlines. Its design emphasizes efficiency, sustainability and accessibility for those reaching Germany’s capital by plane or connecting through its rail links.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, but small establishments may prefer cash. Be prepared for occasional cash-only situations.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in restaurants, typically 5-10%. For taxis, it is customary to round up to the nearest euro. Tipping in cash is more common than adding it to card payments. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in most parts of Germany, especially in beer gardens and public events, but some local regulations may restrict it in specific areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public places such as restaurants, trains, and buses. Designated smoking areas are available outside many buildings. |
| Oktoberfest (September) |
Huge crowds in Munich. Expect high hotel rates and crowded transport. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas markets are popular, expect crowded cities and higher prices. |
| Labour Day (May) |
Many shops are closed, and there are celebrations throughout the country. |
| Emergency contact: | Police: 110, Emergency Number: 112 (Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Free Now, myTaxi |
| Other: | Germany is well-equipped for tourists, with good public transport and high-quality facilities. However, be prepared for language barriers in some rural areas. |
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), officially named after Willy Brandt, is located about 27 kilometers southeast of Berlin’s city center. It replaced the older Tegel and Schönefeld airports, aiming to serve as a modern hub with expansive capacity and bright, spacious terminals.
Despite its impressive design and wide range of amenities, the airport's history is marked by huge construction delays, cost overruns and technical challenges that led to its opening nearly a decade late. While BER is now fully operational, these early issues still color its public reputation and some travelers find the airport sprawling and occasionally confusing to navigate.
On the plus side, BER offers very good connectivity. The train and bus connections to Berlin are frequent and efficient, with direct Airport Express trains reaching the city center in about 30 minutes. The airport features a good selection of shops, dining options and lounges, though some report that signage and wayfinding could be improved.
Travelers should plan extra time for security and check-in processes during peak times and be prepared for a large, modern airport experience that can feel busy. Yet, for those intrigued by Berlin’s rich history and dynamic culture, arriving through BER can feel like the first step into an exciting urban adventure.
Helpful tips for Berlin Brandenburg Airport
- Arrive early; security lines often extend beyond scheduled departure times.
- Use the free Wi‑Fi to check flight status and local transport schedules before heading to your terminal.
- The airport offers a dedicated German language help desk, useful for non‑German speakers needing assistance with customs or baggage claims.
- Explore the nearby Tiergarten park after landing; its expansive green space provides scenic views of Berlin’s skyline and is popular among locals for quick walks.
Available airport lounges
An exclusive area within the Senator Lounge offering additional privacy and luxury for HON Circle members.
Premium meet & greet service complemented by exclusive lounge access, personalised services, and limousine transfers, ideal for travellers seeking ultimate comfort.
Located between Terminal 1 and North Pier (Gate B20), this lounge offers comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and workspaces. Access is granted to Lufthansa Business and Star Alliance business class passengers, as well as certain status holders.
Situated at Gate B17, offers snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and quiet zones. Accessible via lounge memberships or pay-per-use, with children under 3 free.
Located at Gate A20, this lounge provides panoramic views of the apron, buffet dining, showers, and workstations. Access is via memberships or fees, and it includes a faster passport control lane.
Where to stay near Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Nearby BER, accommodation options include several mid-range and business hotels ideal for short stays or early flights, while most visitors prefer staying in central Berlin for more vibrant cultural and nightlife experiences.
Hotel recommendations
How to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to popular destinations
To Berlin city centre:
To reach central Berlin, there are several efficient options: The Airport Express train (FEX) travels directly from BER Terminal 1-2 to Berlin Central Station in about 30 minutes, with tickets costing roughly €4 (£3.35) for zones ABC. S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 run every 20 minutes, taking about 35-40 minutes to key destinations. Express buses X7 and X71 connect the airport with U Rudow and U Alt-Mariendorf metro stations, running every 5 to 20 minutes. Taxis are available outside the terminals, with rides costing around €45 – 55 (£37.69 – 46.07) depending on traffic.
To Potsdam:
Potsdam can be reached by regional trains from Terminal 1-2, usually requiring a transfer in Berlin city. The journey takes around 50 minutes by public transport. Driving or taxi options provide more direct routes but at higher costs.