Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) sits about 22 km southeast of the city center — closer than London Heathrow, farther than Vienna. The good news for visitors: BER has one of the most direct, affordable, and user-friendly airport-to-city connections of any major European airport. The bad news: there are six different ways to make the trip, each with different costs and journey times, and the right choice depends on where you’re staying, when you’re traveling, and how much you’re carrying. This guide explains every option for getting from Berlin airport to city center, with current 2026 prices, journey times, and recommendations for different traveler types.
Why this guide? Travelers researching berlin airport to city center often find conflicting information. This berlin airport to city center resource is researched and updated by editors who actually live in or visit Berlin regularly. Use this berlin airport to city center guide as your single reference for trip planning.
The headline: most travelers should take the Airport Express (FEX) or the S9 train, both of which cost the same as a single transit ticket and reach central Berlin in 30-50 minutes. The taxi alternative costs €45-€65 and takes about as long as the train in normal traffic.
Quick summary: This guide to berlin airport to city center covers everything you need to know — recommendations, prices, practical tips, and frequently asked questions for 2026.
Berlin Airport to City Center: Berlin Airport (BER) Overview
Key Takeaways: Berlin Airport to City Center
- This berlin airport to city center guide is updated for 2026 with current prices and availability.
- For most travelers, the recommendations in this berlin airport to city center article apply year-round.
- Bookmark this berlin airport to city center resource for trip-planning reference.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport opened in 2020 (after a famously delayed construction process) and replaced both Tegel and Schönefeld airports. BER consolidates all of Berlin’s commercial flights into a single airport with two terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Most international flights, including all major European carriers, US flights, and connecting traffic. Above the BER train station (Bahnhof Berlin Brandenburg Airport-Terminal 1-2).
- Terminal 2 (T2): Mostly low-cost European flights (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet). Connected to T1 by walkway and shared the same train station.
- Terminal 5 (T5): The former Schönefeld terminal, used occasionally for charter and smaller airlines. Has its own train station (Bahnhof Berlin Schönefeld).
For the vast majority of travelers, T1/T2 is the relevant terminal — and the BER train station underneath these terminals is the gateway to all the major rail options.
Option 1: Airport Express FEX (Fastest Train)
Time: 23 minutes to Hauptbahnhof
Cost: €4.70 (single ABC ticket) or covered by ABC day/week pass
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Best for: Travelers staying in Mitte or Charlottenburg
The FEX (Flughafen Express) is Berlin’s dedicated airport rail link, operating every 30 minutes between BER Airport and Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin’s central station). The route makes only three stops: BER, Ostkreuz, Gesundbrunnen, and Hauptbahnhof.
This is the fastest option for travelers staying near Hauptbahnhof, central Mitte, or who’ll transfer onto another train at Hauptbahnhof. The journey is quiet, comfortable, with proper luggage racks and free Wi-Fi. The 30-minute frequency is the only minor downside — if you just miss one, you’ll wait half an hour.
Option 2: S-Bahn S9 (Most Versatile Train)
Frequently Searched: Berlin Airport to City Center
People searching for berlin airport to city center typically also look for related neighborhood guides, pricing breakdowns, and seasonal recommendations. The sections above and below cover the most common berlin airport to city center questions in detail. For ongoing updates to this berlin airport to city center guide, bookmark this page.
Time: 45-55 minutes to Alexanderplatz
Cost: €4.70 (single ABC ticket) or covered by ABC day/week pass
Frequency: Every 20 minutes (every 10 minutes during peak)
Best for: Travelers staying anywhere along the S-Bahn ring
The S9 is Berlin’s primary airport S-Bahn line, running from BER Airport to Spandau via Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse, Hauptbahnhof, and Zoologischer Garten — i.e., it covers the entire central Berlin S-Bahn corridor. For travelers staying in Friedrichshain, Mitte, Charlottenburg, or Prenzlauer Berg, the S9 typically gets you within a short walk of your hotel without transfers.
The S9 is slower than FEX (more stops) but more convenient for non-Hauptbahnhof destinations. The 20-minute frequency makes it more flexible for spontaneous trips. On Friday and Saturday nights, the S9 runs every 30 minutes through the night.
Option 3: Regional Trains RE7, RE8, RB14 (Alternative Fast Option)
Time: 30-35 minutes to Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof
Cost: €4.70 (single ABC ticket) or covered by ABC day/week pass
Frequency: Every 30 minutes (combined)
Best for: Travelers staying in eastern Berlin (Ostbahnhof, Ostkreuz)
The Deutsche Bahn regional trains RE7, RE8, and RB14 also serve BER Airport. They run on similar tracks to the FEX but stop at slightly different stations — particularly Ostbahnhof, which is convenient for travelers staying in Friedrichshain or East Kreuzberg.
These trains use the same ticket as FEX (€4.70 ABC). The difference comes down to which destination station works best for you.
Option 4: Express Bus X7 (No Direct Center Connection)
Time: 30 minutes to Rudow U-Bahn station
Cost: €4.70 (single ABC ticket) or covered by ABC day/week pass
Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
Best for: Budget travelers, very early/late departures, or those staying along the U7 line
The X7 express bus runs from BER Airport to U-Rudow (the southern terminus of the U7 line) every 5-10 minutes. It’s the most frequent BER service. From Rudow, the U7 takes about 35-45 minutes to reach central Berlin (through Neukölln and Kreuzberg).
The X7 is notably slower than the trains for trips to central Berlin (total journey 60-75 minutes including transfer) but operates more frequently and is useful at very early or late hours when train frequencies drop. Also useful for travelers staying along the U7 corridor (Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, Charlottenburg, Spandau).
Option 5: Night Bus N7X (Late Night Service)
Time: 60-90 minutes to central Berlin
Cost: €4.70 (single ABC ticket) or covered by ABC day/week pass
Frequency: Every 30 minutes overnight
Best for: Late-night arrivals when trains have stopped
The N7X night bus runs from BER Airport to U-Rudow when the X7 stops service (approximately 12am-4:30am Sunday-Thursday). On Friday and Saturday nights, the regular train services run 24 hours so the N7X isn’t needed.
Option 6: Taxi or Rideshare
Time: 30-50 minutes to central Berlin (heavy traffic adds 15-30 min)
Cost: €45-€65 to central Berlin (taxi); slightly less via Uber/Bolt/FreeNow
Best for: Groups of 3-4, travelers with heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, hotels far from rail stations
Taxis are available at official taxi ranks outside T1, T2, and T5. Fares are metered and predictable. Approximate fares from BER:
- Mitte/Brandenburg Gate area: €50-€60
- Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain: €40-€55
- Prenzlauer Berg: €50-€60
- Charlottenburg: €60-€75
Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow all operate at BER and typically offer rates 10-20% lower than registered taxis. Bolt frequently has the best prices but availability can be variable.
For 3-4 travelers, a taxi/rideshare often beats train tickets on cost (€60 split four ways = €15 each, vs. €4.70 train ticket = €18.80 for four). Add the time savings and luggage convenience and the taxi often wins for groups.
Best Option by Destination
| Staying In | Best Option | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mitte (central) | FEX or S9 to Hauptbahnhof/Alexanderplatz | 23-45 min |
| Charlottenburg | S9 to Zoologischer Garten | 40-50 min |
| Kreuzberg (West) | S9 + U-Bahn transfer at Friedrichstrasse | 50-60 min |
| Kreuzberg (East) | S9 to Treptower Park + U/tram | 45-55 min |
| Friedrichshain | RE/RB to Ostbahnhof | 35-45 min |
| Prenzlauer Berg | S9 to Schönhauser Allee + walk/M-tram | 50-65 min |
| Schöneberg | X7 to Rudow + U7 | 50-60 min |
| Spandau | S9 to Spandau (terminal) | 65-75 min |
| Tegel area | FEX to Gesundbrunnen + onward | 45-55 min |
Best Option by Traveler Type
Solo Traveler with Light Luggage
Train every time. €4.70 vs. €50+ for a taxi makes the train an obvious choice unless you’re staying somewhere with no easy rail connection.
Couple or Pair
Train remains best value (€9.40 vs. €50+ taxi). Take a taxi if arriving at 3am, with significant luggage, or staying somewhere requiring multiple transfers.
Family of 3-4
Calculate based on your specific destination. Train cost (€18.80 for 4 = 4 ABC singles) is still cheaper than taxi (€60), but a Group Day ABC ticket (€32.50) might be worth buying if you’ll use transit during the day. For families with strollers, taxis avoid stair climbs at older stations.
Group of 5+
A 5-person Group Day ABC ticket (€32.50) covers airport plus all-day transit. Otherwise, a minivan taxi (€80-€100) might be more practical with significant luggage.
Late Night Arrival (after midnight, Sun-Thu)
Train frequencies drop. The N7X night bus is available but slow. Taxi is often the most practical option.
Late Night Arrival (Friday or Saturday)
S9 runs all night every 30 minutes. Train remains best value.
Very Early Morning (5-6am for early departures)
The S9 starts running around 4:45am. Trains gain frequency by 5:30am. For 5am departures, allow 60-75 minutes from central Berlin to BER, plus security time.
Where to Find Train Tickets at BER
The BER train station is directly underneath T1/T2 — follow signs for “Bahnhof” or the train icon. The journey from arrivals hall to platform takes about 5 minutes. Tickets available from:
- Yellow BVG vending machines (English language available, accept cards)
- Deutsche Bahn DB ticket machines (red, for FEX and regional trains)
- BVG service counter at the station
- BVG app (download before arrival)
Critical: BER is in Zone C, so you need an ABC ticket — €4.70 single or part of an ABC day/week pass. An AB ticket will not cover the journey and validates as fare evasion.
Pre-Booked Airport Transfer Services
Several private transfer companies operate at BER, ranging from shared shuttle services to private cars and luxury vehicles. Notable options:
- Welcome Pickups: Pre-booked private cars, English-speaking drivers, fixed prices (€55-€80 to central Berlin).
- Blacklane: Premium chauffeur service, €80-€150 depending on vehicle.
- Berlin City Transfer: Local German operator with sedans and minivans, €55-€120.
Pre-booked services make sense when you want guaranteed pickup, English-speaking drivers, or premium vehicles — particularly for business travelers or arrivals after a long flight.
Practical Tips
Allow Enough Time for Departures
Total time from central Berlin to BER security clearance: allow 90-120 minutes minimum. Rail journey time (30-55 min) plus walking from station to terminal (5-10 min) plus check-in (varies by airline) plus security (15-30 min during normal hours, longer at peak departures).
Buy Your Ticket Before Boarding
Single ABC tickets must be validated before boarding. App tickets activate themselves. Don’t board without a ticket — inspectors do check airport routes.
Luggage Considerations
The FEX has dedicated luggage racks. The S9 has standard space at the carriage ends. Most regional trains have ample luggage room. The X7 bus has minimal luggage space — better for cabin bags only. All trains and buses are step-accessible at BER station and most central stations.
Check Weekend and Holiday Schedules
Frequencies remain similar on weekends but rare engineering works (typically late Saturday night) can require shuttle bus connections. Check the BVG and DB websites for service alerts before traveling.
Don’t Confuse BER with Tegel
Tegel airport closed in 2020. All Berlin commercial flights now operate from BER. Be sure your hotel directions and pickup arrangements specify BER.
Returning to BER from Central Berlin
The same routes work in reverse. Departures from Hauptbahnhof:
- FEX to BER Airport: every 30 min, 23-min journey
- RE7/RE8/RB14 to BER: combined every 30 min, 30-35 min journey
- S9 from various central stations to BER: every 20 min, 45-55 min
The S9 platform numbers vary by station — check the departure boards. The FEX departs from Hauptbahnhof’s regional rail level (deeper underground than the S-Bahn).
For nighttime departures (after 12:30am Sun-Thu), use the N7X night bus from various central night-bus stops, or take a taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from BER to central Berlin?
23 minutes via FEX to Hauptbahnhof, 45-55 minutes via S9 to Alexanderplatz, 30-50 minutes by taxi. Most travelers experience door-to-door times of 50-75 minutes including walking and waiting.
How much does it cost to get from BER airport to Berlin city center?
€4.70 by train (single ABC ticket) — the cheapest, fastest option for most travelers. €45-€65 by taxi. €55-€80 for pre-booked transfer services. Group Day ABC ticket €32.50 covers up to 5 people for the day.
What’s the fastest way from BER to central Berlin?
The FEX (Airport Express) train from BER to Hauptbahnhof in 23 minutes. From Hauptbahnhof, U-Bahn or S-Bahn reaches most central destinations within an additional 5-15 minutes.
Is there an Uber from Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Yes — Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow all operate at BER. Pickup zones are signed at the airport. Costs are typically 10-20% below registered taxi fares, and surge pricing applies during peak hours.
Can I take the S-Bahn from BER to Berlin?
Yes — the S9 runs from BER Airport to central Berlin via Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse, Hauptbahnhof, and Zoologischer Garten. Single ABC ticket €4.70.
What’s the difference between the FEX and the S9?
The FEX is a fast-stop express train that connects BER directly to Hauptbahnhof in 23 minutes. The S9 is a regular S-Bahn line that stops at all S-Bahn stations along its route to Spandau via central Berlin — slower (45-55 min) but more convenient for stations other than Hauptbahnhof.
Do I need an ABC ticket for the airport?
Yes — BER Airport is in Zone C, outside the standard AB zone covering central Berlin. A single AB ticket will not be valid for the airport journey.
Where do taxis pick up at BER?
Official taxi ranks are at the curb outside T1, T2, and T5. Look for “Taxi” signage. Pre-booked transfer drivers wait in arrivals halls with name signs.
Are there 24-hour services to BER?
The N7X night bus runs overnight Sun-Thu when trains stop. Friday-Saturday nights have continuous train service. Taxis are available 24/7.
Can I rent a car at BER?
Yes — Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, and most major rental agencies operate at BER. Rental car desks are in the arrivals halls. For most Berlin trips, rental cars are unnecessary (and parking in central Berlin is expensive and limited) — but they’re useful for day trips into Brandenburg.
How early should I arrive at BER for my flight?
2 hours for short-haul European flights, 2.5-3 hours for international and US flights. BER security can be slow at peak departure times (early morning, late afternoon) — adding buffer time is wise.
Quick Reference Summary: Berlin Airport to City Center
The complete berlin airport to city center information above can be summarised as follows: prices vary by season and area, booking 6-10 weeks ahead is best for peak periods, and the right berlin airport to city center choice depends on your trip type. Refer back to the relevant section above for detailed berlin airport to city center recommendations.
Final Verdict
For most travelers, the train is the obvious choice. €4.70 single ABC ticket on the FEX or S9 gets you to central Berlin in 23-55 minutes, beating taxi cost dramatically and matching taxi time in normal traffic. The FEX wins for travelers heading to or near Hauptbahnhof; the S9 wins for everyone else along the central S-Bahn corridor.
Take a taxi or pre-booked transfer when: you’re traveling in a group of 4+, arriving very late at night (Sun-Thu), traveling with significant luggage and stairs to navigate, or staying somewhere awkward to reach by transit. For everything else, the train is the right answer.
For broader Berlin transit context, see our Berlin transportation guide, Berlin U-Bahn & S-Bahn guide, and BVG tickets guide.
External Resources
For additional, authoritative information on berlin airport to city center, the following official and trusted sources are useful:
