Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Arrival procedures depend on whether your flight arrives from within the Schengen border-free area or an international non-Schengen departure point.

• Follow clear overhead signage from your gate towards the Exit and Baggage Claim area.
• Passengers arriving on non-Schengen flights must pass through passport control operated by the German Federal Police.
• Collect checked baggage from the designated carousel in the baggage reclaim hall on the ground level.
• Proceed through customs clearance: select the green exit if you have no goods to declare, or the red exit if carrying items exceeding official allowances.
• Step into the public arrivals hall where ground transportation, information desks, and essential services are located.

• Train

  Airport Express (FEX) & Regional Trains (RE8, RB23)

  Direct, fast rail services running from the station under Terminal 1 to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and key city hubs.

  Time:

  roughly 30-40 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically €4.00 - €5.00 (Berlin ABC ticket)

• Train

  S-Bahn (S9, S45)

  Suburban rail service offering frequent stops across central and eastern Berlin.

  Time:

  roughly 45-55 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically €4.00 - €5.00 (Berlin ABC ticket)

• Train

  Express Bus (X7, X71)

  Connects Terminals 1 and 2 directly to the underground network (U7 line) at Rudow.

  Time:

  roughly 15-25 minutes (to Rudow U-Bahn station)

  Typical cost:

  typically €4.00 - €5.00 (Berlin ABC ticket)

• Ride-hailing

  Taxi & Rideshare

  Official licenced taxi ranks are situated immediately outside Terminal 1 on the arrivals level.

  Time:

  roughly 35-60 minutes (traffic dependent)

  Typical cost:

  typically €50.00 - €70.00

Transferring between flights involves moving within or between Terminals 1 and 2.

• Schengen to Schengen transfers generally do not require passing through border security or re-clearing security.
• Non-Schengen to Schengen transfers require passing through passport control and security screening prior to entering the departure area.
• Self-connecting passengers must collect baggage, exit into the arrivals hall, and re-check baggage at the landside check-in counters.

Complimentary high-speed internet access is available throughout all main terminal areas.

• Connect to the network named '_BER Free Wi-Fi'.
• No advance registration or SMS verification is required to start browsing.
• Session duration is unlimited, though re-authentication may be prompted after extended periods.

Currency exchange counters and cash machines are distributed across arrivals and departures halls.

• Automated teller machines (ATMs) accept major international credit and debit cards.
• Currency exchange services are available in Terminal 1 landside and airside zones.
• Card payments are widely accepted across airport outlets, but keeping small Euro cash notes is helpful for minor local purchases.

A range of dining options is located before and after security screening.

• Landside dining options are situated in the public check-in and food court areas of Terminal 1.
• Airside options include quick-service outlets, bakeries, cafes, and sit-down dining options across the main concourses.
• Select options operate extended hours to accommodate early morning and late night flights.

Multiple airline and independent pay-per-use lounges operate within Terminal 1.

• Lufthansa operates dedicated lounges for eligible business-class passengers and status holders in Terminal 1.
• Independent lounges are accessible via lounge membership programmes or walk-up payment.
• Lounges are located in both Schengen and non-Schengen departures areas.

Hotel accommodation is accessible directly on site within walking distance of the terminal doors.

• IntercityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport is located directly adjacent to Terminal 1.
• Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin offers premium facilities directly opposite the main terminal complex.
• Additional budget and mid-scale hotels are located short bus rides away near the former Schönefeld area.

Baggage facilities include left-luggage storage and lost-property assistance.

• Left-luggage and storage facilities are located on the lower level of Terminal 1 near the railway station access.
• For items misplaced on board an aircraft, contact your operating airline's local ground handler directly.
• For items lost within the terminal building, visit the airport lost property desk or submit an online query.

Amenities for travellers with young children are positioned throughout the main passenger areas.

• Baby-changing rooms are co-located with major restroom facilities in all terminal sectors.
• Children's play areas are available airside in Terminal 1 to assist families during delays or layovers.
• Family lanes are often available at security checkpoints during busy operating periods.

• Subterranean Rail Station
• Luggage Storage
• Medical Services
• Pharmacy
• Duty-Free Shops
• Observation Deck
• ATMs & Currency Exchange
• Prayer & Silence Rooms

Local emergency number: 112 (Medical/Fire), 110 (Police)

• In a life-threatening medical situation, dial 112 immediately or notify any uniform airport staff member.
• A medical service centre is situated within Terminal 1 for non-emergency or preliminary medical advice.
• For lost passports or urgent legal identity checks, report to the Bundespolizei service office in Terminal 1.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
• Bundespolizei (German Federal Police)Government source
• Bundeszollverwaltung (German Customs)Government source
• Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB)Official transit source
• Deutsche Bahn Passenger PortalOfficial transit source
• Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (Federal Ministry of Health)Government source