Berlin Brandenburg

Airport Features and Highlights:

Integrated Transport System: One of the main features of BER is its own railway station located directly under Terminal 1. The high-speed Flughafen-Express (FEX) train takes passengers to Berlin Central Station in just half an hour, making the trip to the city fast and predictable.

Architecture and Art: The airport interior is adorned by the famous "Magic Carpet" installation by American artist Pae White — a huge red canvas floating under the ceiling of the check-in hall, which has become the hub's most photographed object. High ceilings and an abundance of natural wood in the finishing create a warm and calm mood.

Observation Deck: For aviation enthusiasts, a Visitor Terrace is open in Terminal 1. It offers a panoramic view of the runways, allowing you to observe the aircraft handling process and take-offs in detail, which is particularly enjoyable for families with children.

Below is the essential contact information for Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER), which you may need when planning your trip or in case of any queries.

• Official Website: ber.berlin-airport.de. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +49 30 6091 6091 0. You can receive consultation on general enquiries at this number.
• Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz, 12529 Schönefeld, Germany.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address information@berlin-airport.de or the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost items in the terminal, contact the airport's Lost and Found office (Fundbüro). If luggage or personal items were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger support, including for those with reduced mobility, it is recommended to contact the airline in advance or use the general airport information line for guidance.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) Willy Brandt boasts excellent transport accessibility, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Berlin and other cities in Germany. The choice of transport depends on your priorities: speed, cost, or comfort.

Public Transport is the most balanced and budget-friendly method. The "Flughafen BER" railway station is conveniently located directly under Terminal 1.

• Airport Express (FEX) and Regional Trains (RE8, RB23): The fastest route to the city centre is provided by the FEX, which will take you to the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) in approximately 30-35 minutes. Regional trains also serve the airport, connecting it to other parts of the city and Potsdam.
• City Train (S-Bahn): Lines S9 and S45 connect the airport to the extensive urban transport network. The S9 train passes through central stations such as Alexanderplatz and Hauptbahnhof; the travel time from the centre is about 45-50 minutes.
• Buses and Metro (U-Bahn): Although there is no direct metro connection, you can travel to the nearest U7 station (Rudow) and transfer to express buses X7 or X71. They will quickly deliver you to the terminals.

Taxis and Transfers. A taxi ride from central districts of Berlin (e.g., Mitte) to BER airport will cost around 50-70 Euros. Travel time is between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is a comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling at night. Services like Uber and Bolt also operate actively in the city.

Car Hire. If your plans include travelling around the Brandenburg region, renting a car is an excellent choice. Offices of all major rental companies are located in Terminal 1. The airport is situated next to the A113 autobahn, ensuring a convenient exit to the Berlin ring road and other highways.

Airport Parking. For those arriving by private car, numerous parking zones are provided: from short-term parking right by the terminals to more affordable long-term car parks served by free shuttles. We advise booking a spot online in advance — this often allows for savings.

If you plan to travel through the eastern part of Germany or neighbouring countries, it is worth considering other airports. Within a two-hour drive by train or car are Leipzig/Halle Airport and Dresden International Airport. For trips towards Poland, Goleniów Airport and Zielona Góra-Babimost Airport might be convenient.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is a modern and well-organized complex designed for passenger convenience. Despite its impressive size, navigation here is intuitive. Currently, two terminals are used for passenger flights — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They are located right next to each other and essentially form one single complex.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the main and largest building of the airport. It serves the majority of major airlines, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, and many other international carriers. The structure of T1 is a six-level U-shaped building with three piers: Main Pier, North Pier, and South Pier.

• Level E0 (Arrivals): The arrivals area where baggage reclaim belts and customs control are located.
• Level E1 (Departures): The main level for departing passengers. Here you will find Check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the main pre-flight security screening.
• Level E2 (Services): Here you will find a food court, shops, and access to some gates.

Terminal 2 (T2) is a more compact and simple building located directly opposite T1. It was built to speed up service processes, primarily for budget and charter airlines such as Ryanair. T2 has its own check-in counters and security checkpoints, which helps relieve the main terminal. After passing security, passengers can easily move to the T1 departure area, as they are connected.

Moving Between Terminals and Navigation: Since Terminals 1 and 2 are adjacent, moving between them is done on foot and takes just a few minutes via a short covered walkway. No shuttles or trains are required for this. The signage system in the airport is very clear and is in German and English, making orientation easy. It is important to note that the old Terminal 5 (formerly Schönefeld Airport) is completely closed for passenger traffic and there is no need to travel to it.

Recommendations and Procedure Times: It is recommended to allow the standard 2-3 hours before departure for check-in and security control. During peak hours or the tourist season, waiting times may increase. Generally, procedures in Terminal 2 are slightly faster due to its smaller size. The most important advice is to check your ticket carefully to know exactly which terminal (T1 or T2) your flight departs from, and head straight to the correct check-in counters.

The history of Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is one of the longest and most dramatic in the modern aviation industry. Although the decision to build it was made shortly after the reunification of Germany, its path to opening was fraught with difficulties, turning the project into a subject of nationwide discussion.

Initially, the airport was planned to open in 2011 to become a single modern hub for the capital, replacing three old airports: Tegel (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF), and Tempelhof (THF), which was already closed at that time. Construction began in 2006 on the territory adjacent to Schönefeld Airport. However, due to numerous problems, primarily related to the fire safety system, as well as planning errors and contractor bankruptcies, the opening date was postponed many times.

For almost a decade, the airport presented a unique spectacle: a fully built but empty terminal that stood idle, requiring millions of Euros for maintenance monthly. During this time, it became a symbol of delayed construction. Numerous attempts to fix the flaws and pass technical certification failed time and again, making its history even more remarkable.

Finally, after a delay of nearly nine years, Berlin Brandenburg Airport was officially opened on 31 October 2020. This event marked a new era for air travel in Berlin. Shortly thereafter, on 8 November 2020, the legendary Tegel Airport ceased operations. The old Schönefeld terminal was integrated into the new structure as Terminal 5 but was later closed. Despite its tumultuous past, today BER is a modern and functional airport serving the entire metropolitan area and serving as a key transport hub for Germany.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is designed with all the needs of modern travellers in mind and offers a wide range of services for a comfortable stay. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here to make the time before your flight pleasant and productive.

For those who are hungry or wish to shop, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges throughout the terminals to suit every taste — from fast food outlets to establishments with fine cuisine. The extensive shopping area includes famous brand stores, souvenir shops, and of course, a large Duty Free store where you can purchase perfumes, confectionery, and other goods at attractive prices.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work at all times. Numerous power outlets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the business lounges and VIP lounges, where you can relax, have a snack, and work in a quiet atmosphere. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are available.

Financial matters can also be easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of feeling unwell, there are pharmacies and a medical centre ready to provide first aid. For passengers with small children, mother and child rooms with changing tables and play areas are equipped so little ones can have fun before the flight.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided for moving around the terminal, boarding, and disembarking from the aircraft — simply notify your airline in advance. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels offering comfortable rooms for rest are located directly at the airport and in its immediate vicinity.

At Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), travellers will find plenty of options for a snack or a full meal, catering to every taste and budget. Gastronomic points are located both in the public area and in the departure zone after security control.

In the Public Area (Landside), before security control in Terminal 1, you can find several coffee shops and bakeries, such as Kamps Backstube, where you can quickly grab fresh pastries, a sandwich, or a famous German pretzel. This is a great option if you have arrived early or are seeing off friends and family. There is also a supermarket here where you can buy drinks and snacks at more democratic prices.

The main variety of restaurants and lounges awaits passengers after passing control (Airside) in Terminals 1 and 2. Here the choice is much wider: from fast food establishments to à la carte restaurants. For connoisseurs of local cuisine, this is a perfect opportunity to try a classic of Berlin street food one last time — the famous currywurst sausage. It can be found in several bistros. Also at your service are Asian noodles, Italian pasta, burgers, and cosy lounges where you can relax with a beverage before your flight.

For passengers with special dietary preferences, many establishments offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, which are usually marked on the menu. Finding gluten-free or Halal options might be more challenging, so it is recommended to check their availability with restaurant staff in advance. The price range at the airport is generally higher than the city average, which is standard for major transport hubs. Most cafes and restaurants operate from early morning until late evening, aligned with the flight schedule.

Planning a trip through Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) will be easier if you consider a few useful tips. This is a modern and large transport hub, so preparation will help avoid stress and save time.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure. If your flight is within Germany or the Schengen zone, 2 hours is usually sufficient. During peak hours (mornings and evenings), allow extra time for potential queues.

Check-in and Security Control. The fastest way to check in is online. This can be done on your airline's website or app 24-48 hours before departure. At the security checkpoint, prepare your bag with liquids in advance and remove large electronic devices (laptops, tablets) from your bag. This significantly speeds up the process for you and other passengers.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. For those who value freedom of movement and extra legroom, an aisle seat is better suited. Life hack: on many long-haul flights, you can book seats in the emergency exit row for an additional fee, where the distance to the front seat is greater.

Hand Luggage Rules. The standard rule for liquids is containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent resealable bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. It is important to remember that portable chargers (power banks) are permitted only in hand luggage.

For Connecting Passengers. BER is a convenient airport for transit. Watch closely for "Connecting flights" signs. If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country and flying onwards to Schengen, you will need to pass through passport control. Always check the gate number of your next flight on the information screens, as it may change.

Customs Control. When entering from non-EU countries, it is necessary to know the customs regulations. If you have goods to declare (for example, purchases worth over 430 Euros, or large quantities of tobacco products), use the "Red Channel". If you have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money. The most cost-effective and often fastest way to get to the centre of Berlin is by regional trains (FEX, RE7) or the city train S-Bahn (S9). Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security, you can fill it for free at drinking fountains, saving on buying drinks.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, contact your airline representative for information. In the EU, passenger rights apply (Regulation EU261), under which you may be provided with food, drinks, and even a hotel in case of a long delay. Keep all receipts and boarding passes. It is also recommended to have travel insurance covering such cases.