How to Get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Berlin City

Getting from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to the city centre doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're arriving for business or pleasure, you'll find several reliable transport options that'll get you into Berlin quickly and affordably. The good news? The fastest and most convenient routes take just 20–30 minutes, and most services run throughout the day and night.

The Fastest Option: Airport Express (FEX)

The Airport Express (FEX) is your quickest and most direct route into Berlin city centre. This dedicated airport train connects BER directly to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) in approximately 23 minutes, making it the preferred choice for most travellers.

The FEX operates 24/7, running from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. with enhanced frequency during peak times. Currently, from 23 February 2026 until the end of April, trains run four times per hour between Berlin Central Station and BER Airport, making it even more convenient. The train also stops at Potsdamer Platz (approximately 19 minutes) and Südkreuz (approximately 14 minutes) if those locations suit your needs better.

One important note: until 13 June 2026, the FEX runs at night via the Stadtbahn route, including stops at Ostkreuz and Friedrichstraße before reaching Berlin Central Station. This temporary routing doesn't affect journey times significantly but gives you additional options if you're staying in East Berlin.

Regional Train Alternatives: RE20

If the FEX is fully booked or you prefer a slower pace, the RE20 regional train offers another direct route. The RE20 takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Hauptbahnhof and makes stops at Südkreuz and Potsdamer Platz. However, it runs hourly (from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.), so you'll have less frequent departures compared to the FEX. Like the FEX, the RE20 also benefits from the enhanced four-times-per-hour frequency between Berlin Central Station and BER until the end of April 2026.

S-Bahn: The Budget-Friendly Choice

The S-Bahn (suburban trains) offer a more economical alternative, though they take longer than express services. Two lines serve the airport: the S9 and S45.

The S9 departs from both Terminal 5 and Terminals 1–2, taking approximately 45–50 minutes to reach Hauptbahnhof. This route includes numerous stops across Berlin, including Warschauer Straße, Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, and Hackescher Markt, making it convenient if your accommodation is near any of these stations. The S9 continues beyond Hauptbahnhof to Spandau in northwest Berlin.

One advantage of the S-Bahn: both the S9 and S45 run non-stop during weekends, making them a reliable option if your plane lands late on a Saturday or Sunday when other services may have reduced frequency.

Ticket Tips for Train Travel

To avoid queues at the airport, consider purchasing a Berlin Transport Card (Tageskarte) before you arrive. This card includes unlimited travel throughout Berlin and a return journey to or from BER Airport. Crucially, you'll need to purchase it for zones AB and C to ensure it covers the airport station.

Bus Services

Berlin also offers bus connections if you prefer a different travel experience. The X71 bus is a newer service connecting both Terminals 1 and 2, as well as Terminal 5, to Rudow, Johannisthaler Chaussee, and Alt Mariendorf. It runs between 3:59 a.m. and 10:11 p.m. daily, departing every 20 minutes. From these stops, you can transfer to the U-Bahn to reach the city centre.

For longer journeys or budget travel, FlixBus operates a direct service from BER to Berlin Central Station, taking approximately one hour. Services depart three times daily, and tickets typically cost €6–9. Whilst slower than trains, this option works well if you're not in a hurry and want to minimise costs.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

If you prefer door-to-door service, several options are available:

• Traditional taxis: Quality Taxi (+49 30 26 30 00) and Funk Taxi Berlin (+49 30 26 10 26) operate from the airport with journey times around 29 minutes to the city centre. Expect to pay approximately €65–85 depending on traffic and destination.
• Ride-sharing: Uber operates at BER Airport, offering standard and premium vehicle options. Journey times and prices vary based on demand and traffic conditions.
• Town car services: Pre-booked town car transfers typically cost €90–170 and take around 29 minutes.

Comparing Your Options

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Transport Method	Journey Time	Frequency	Approximate Cost	Best For
Airport Express (FEX)	23 minutes	Every 15 minutes	€3–15	Speed and convenience
RE20 Train	25 minutes	Hourly	€3–15	Direct route, fewer stops
S9/S45 S-Bahn	45–50 minutes	Every 20 minutes	€3–15	Budget travellers, weekend arrivals
X71 Bus	Variable + transfer	Every 20 minutes	€6–9	Specific eastern destinations
FlixBus	1 hour	3 times daily	€6–9	Budget travel, flexible timing
Taxi/Ride-sharing	29 minutes	On demand	€65–170	Door-to-door convenience, groups

Practical Tips for Your Journey

Plan ahead: Check the VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg) website for real-time departure information and any service disruptions. This is Berlin's official public transport authority and provides the most current schedules.

Know your destination: Berlin Hauptbahnhof is centrally located, but if your hotel is in a specific neighbourhood, check which S-Bahn or U-Bahn lines connect from there. For example, the S9 stops at Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, and Warschauer Straße, whilst other lines serve different areas.

Allow extra time at night: If you're arriving between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., regular train services won't be running. In this case, taxis, ride-sharing, or night buses are your best options. Check with the BVG (Berlin's public transport company) for night bus routes.

Luggage considerations: All train options have space for luggage, though busy times can make it cramped. If you're travelling with multiple large suitcases, a taxi or town car might be more comfortable.

Getting Into Berlin: Your Next Steps

The journey from BER to Berlin city centre is straightforward and well-organised. For most travellers, the Airport Express offers the best balance of speed, convenience, and cost. If you're budget-conscious and have time to spare, the S-Bahn provides excellent value and connects you directly to Berlin's public transport network. Whichever option you choose, you'll be in the heart of Berlin within an hour—ready to explore one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

Before you travel, visit the VBB website to check current schedules and any service updates. Have a great trip!