How to Get From Berlin Airport to City Center: Stress-Free Tips (2023)

Getting from Berlin airport to city center is pretty easy, and you have several options. The FEX airport express train is the fastest, but it’s not always the best option depending on where exactly you’re going in Berlin. That’s because as an express train, it only has four stops, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

This blog post will explain how to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to city center using the airport express train, regional trains, Sbahns, and more. Plus there’s info about how much tickets cost, and even some sample routes to help you get from BER Airport into Berlin.

Note: I recently noticed that even the airport’s website wasn’t accurate (!!!) about some of the trains that do and do not go to Berlin Brandenburg terminals 1-2. Since I live in Berlin, I check routes often and update this article as often as I can.

Top ways to get from the Berlin Airport into the city

With several different ways of getting from BER Airport into Berlin, you might be confused about which is the best option. So before I get into the nitty gritty of HOW to get from the airport to the city, here’s a quick look at the options and who they’re best for:

Airport Express Train (FEX, which stands for Flughafen Express) or another regional train: Taking one of the trains is the cheapest option. They are safe and usually very reliable. There are differences with the routes depending on whether you take the FEX or another regional train, but I’ll get into that later in the blog post. Who is this option good for?

• Anyone who is comfortable using public transportation, or at least comfortable trying it even if it’s your first time
• Budget travelers
• Travelers looking for the most sustainable/environmentally friendly option

Uber and similar apps: If you’d prefer to be picked up by a car but you’re looking for something a little cheaper than Welcome Pickups, Uber and FreeNow are good options. I haven’t used them from the BER Airport, but friends have said it costs the same or less than a taxi. Who is this option good for?

• If you’re nervous about public transport
• If you have a lot of luggage
• If you know you’ll have data on your phone to use the apps

And then there are other options, including Sbahn, bus + Ubahn, taxi, but the options above are the best options for most people. I’ll get into more details about each option later in the blog post, so keep reading.

How many airports are in Berlin?

Up until late 2020, you would find directions for how to get from Berlin Tegel Airport to the city center or how to get from Berlin Schönefeld Airport to the city center.

But in late 2020, after more than a decade of delays and drama, the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) finally opened, and the other two airports closed. Berlin now has only one operating airport.

Luckily this just makes it that much less complicated to get from the Berlin Airport to the city center.

Helpful German for your airport journey

The word for airport in German is Flughafen. You’ll see this often. Flughafen Express is the FEX train, or the airport express train.

Berlin airport to city center

There are several different ways to get from the Berlin airport to city center. The one you choose depends on where exactly you’re going in the city, because there isn’t actually an EXACT city center in Berlin.

The center is where most of the tourist attractions are. It includes the areas around Alexanderplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, and Potsdamer Platz.

But if you’re staying in Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, or Charlottenburg, these are still in zone A and still pretty central. More about zones a bit later in the article.

How far is Berlin airport from Berlin city center?

The distance from Berlin Airport to city center is roughly 30 km/18.6 miles to the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Train Station) or to Alexanderplatz. This can take about an hour by car, or 35 minutes to an hour by train depending on which train you use.

What zone is Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is located in zone C of Berlin’s transport system. And chances are you’re staying in zone A, though you should verify that.

This means you’ll need a ticket that’s valid for zones ABC in order to get from the Berlin airport to the city center. When in doubt, buy a ticket for zones ABC to avoid any uncertainty.

But what do the zones mean?

Zone A is the center of Berlin. It includes the Ringbahn (the Sbahn line that circles the center of Berlin) and everything inside of it. Most of the tourist attractions, like the East Side Gallery, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, and even Charlottenburg Palace, are in zone A.

Zone B is the section of Berlin outside of that. It reaches from outside the Ringbahn (circle Sbahn line) until the border between Berlin and Brandenburg. Berlin and Brandenburg are separate states, so if you’re looking at a map, it’s easy to find that border.

Zone C is the section of Brandenburg that is very close to Berlin. It includes Potsdam, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and the Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

If you happen to be staying in zone B (outside the Ringbahn route but still in Berlin city limits) you might be able to get away with a zone BC ticket. But only if your route doesn’t go through zone A to get there, which is unlikely.

Most tourists stay in zone A because that’s where most of the attractions are. Again, just buy a ticket for zones ABC to make life easier.

There are plenty of ticket machines in the airport, and the machines have an English option, so you shouldn’t have a problem buying a ticket for your journey into the city.

How much is the train from Berlin airport to city center?

Since the airport is in zone C and you are most likely staying in zone A, you will need an ABC ticket. A single ABC ticket costs 4 euros.

TL;DR – Buy a ticket for zones ABC.

If you happen to be staying in zone B, you will only need a BC ticket, as long as your route doesn’t take you into zone A. One single BC ticket costs 3.80 euros.

Here’s where it’s important to know where you’re staying in Berlin and where the train route goes from the airport to your destination. If you’re taking the FEX train into the city and then transferring to another train to get to your hotel in zone B, you will end up in zone A and need an ABC ticket.

The train route you’re on could likely end up running along the Ringbahn at some point, and that is the start of zone A. So even if you’re staying in Spandau, for example, which is in zone B, you have to go through zone A to get there.

Zone B is like a donut and zone A is the center of it, so even if you’re staying in zone B, you’ll probably have to go through A to get to your hotel.

Again, when in doubt, just buy an ABC ticket. The extra 20 cents isn’t worth getting fined or dealing with the hassle of trying to figure out exactly where your train is running.

Is public transport safe?

Yes, taking public transportation – that’s the Sbahns, Ubahns, buses, regional trains, airport express train, and more – is safe in Berlin.

I don’t drive in Germany, so I use public transportation all the time, and 98% of the time, I feel perfectly safe.

Of course, nothing is 100%, and you have to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. But in general, it is safe to take the train from the airport into Berlin.

To learn more about using public transportation for your time here, check out my post about getting around in Berlin.

Getting through the airport

Once you land in BER airport, it’s pretty easy to follow the signs. Like most airports, you’ll see signs pointing you towards baggage claim and ground transportation.

Then if you’re going to take a train from the airport into Berlin, look for signs like the one below showing the little train icons for DB (Deutsche Bahn) and the S for Sbahn.

I noticed these seemingly helpful feet (pictured below) on the ground directing you to the trains. And I thought, this is great, this should be really helpful for people.

But then I realized they only exist on the train platform. So once you’ve already made your way through the airport and down the escalator to the trains.

These would be a lot more helpful if they started up in the airport somewhere, but no, they don’t pop up until you’re already where you need to be. If you make it all the way to the train platform where you can literally see the trains, you don’t need these feet.

FEX airport train

FEX stands for Flughafen Express, which is the airport express train. Flughafen means airport in German. This is a red regional train that starts at the airport (terminal 1-2) and makes stops at Ostkreuz, Gesundbrunnen, and Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

The FEX train runs twice an hour and takes a little over 30 minutes from the airport to Hauptbahnhof. You can get out at Ostkreuz or Gesundbrunnen, both of which are major transport interchanges, and switch to a different line.

There’s plenty of space for luggage on the FEX train. It’s a double decker train, and the lower level has big sections designated for luggage, plus there are luggage racks for smaller items above the seats on both levels.

Regional trains

There are a few regional train routes that run from the Berlin airport to the city center, and this could be a good option if you’re staying closer to one of the stops on those routes, or if there’s a long wait for the next FEX train.

The RE8 takes about 35 minutes to get from the airport to Hauptbahnhof. It makes stops at Ostkreuz, Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstr, Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten, and Spandau before leaving the city.

The RB23 runs a similar route, so it’s a good alternative. It makes stops at Ostkreuz, Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstr, Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten, Charlottenburg, and Wannsee before leaving the city towards the city of Potsdam.

If you’re staying near one of the stations listed on these routes that’s NOT a stop on the FEX train, you’re better off taking one of these regional trains to avoid having to switch trains somewhere.

The RB22 also leave from the airport, but it does not go to Berlin city center. This is a good option if you’re actually going to Potsdam or a few other locations outside of Berlin.

>>Read: How to Get From Berlin to Potsdam

Sbahn

The Sbahns are the (mostly) above ground trains which are helpful for getting around in Berlin. Two lines, the S9 and the S45, leave from the airport and travel into Berlin’s city center.

The S9 takes 50 minutes to reach Hauptbahnhof from the airport, and it also stops at places like Warschauer Str, Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, and several others. It continues beyond Hauptbahnhof, ending the Spandau station in the northwest corner of Berlin.

The S45 takes 41 minutes to reach Südkreuz (its end station) from the airport. Before reaching Südkreuz, it also stops at S&U Neukölln, Hermannstr, and Tempelhof.

Since the Sbahns take longer than the FEX train or the regional train, they’re not ideal options. However, they do travel to other parts of the city, and if those stations are your actual destination, it could be easier and less stressful to use the Sbahn to avoid having to switch somewhere.

Also, if you just missed an FEX train, and the next one isn’t for another 30 minutes, it’s probably worth hopping on an Sbahn rather than sit around waiting.

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Bus plus Ubahn

If you’re truly trying to get from the airport to Berlin city center, the bus is not an efficient option. But there might be situations where you need the bus, like if there’s a rail strike.

Bus lines X7, X71, and N7 (the N means it’s a night bus) have departures from the BER airport, and you can use the bus to reach the U7 Ubahn line. Take any of these buses to the U Rudow station, switch to the U7, and from there you can switch at many other stations such as S&U Neukölln or Hermannplatz.

It doesn’t happen often, but if there is a Deutsche Bahn rail strike, none of the train options will run, or they will have fewer departures. The Sbahns are technically part of the Berlin transport system, but they’re actually operated by Deutsche Bahn.

This is when the bus to U7 route is a good option to have. Luckily strikes don’t happen often.

How to get to Berlin Brandenburg Airport terminal 5

Terminal 5 was supposed to be used for low cost airlines, but it turns out the cost to keep it running is too high. They have recently made the decision official – terminal 5 is closed, and there are no plans to reopen it or use it in the future.

If you’re taking the X7 bus from U Rudow or one of the Sbahn lines (not the FEX train) you’ll notice they’re still stopping at terminal 5. Don’t get out there though, you’ll still be quite a ways from terminal 1-2 in the BER Airport.

The FEX train does not stop at terminal 5, so no confusion there.

Taking a taxi from Berlin airport to city center

If you’d rather not deal with the trains, there’s always the option to get a taxi. However, it’s worth noting that there is a short supply of taxis that are licensed to travel from the airport to the city center since the airport is located in Brandenburg, which is a different state.

How much is a taxi from Berlin Airport to city centre? Well, a taxi from the airport to Berlin city center can cost anywhere from 50 to 80 euros depending on exactly where you’re going.

Taking Uber from BER Airport into Berlin

I always use public transport, and for a long time Uber didn’t even work in Berlin. But it is definitely an option now, so if you’re used to using Uber, you can do that for your ride from the airport.

Friends have told me Uber is cheaper than a taxi, but then some have said it’s roughly the same price as a taxi. It’s really going to depend on exactly where you’re going in Berlin.

Another company I’ve heard good things about but haven’t personally used yet is Free Now. Like Uber, you can use the app to request a ride. Friends of mine use it frequently and recommended it for airport rides, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Traveling beyond Berlin

Are you flying into Berlin but going somewhere else? You have options too.

A few long distance trains (train numbers starting with IC) stop at the Berlin airport and travel on to destinations such as Dresden or Rostock. Local transport tickets are not valid on these trains.

If you’re traveling further by train, check out Deutsche Bahn for train tickets and routes.

FlixBus also has several bus routes that stop at the airport. The long distance buses are in a parking lot outside the front of the airport, and from here you can reach other parts of Germany, Poland, and many other destinations.

If you’re traveling from Berlin to Dresden or from Berlin to Leipzig, Flixbus could be a good option, especially for budget travelers.

It’s always a good idea to compare FlixBus with Deutsche Bahn to see which one works best for you based on both time and price.

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Example routes from Berlin Airport to the city center

I can’t give directions for every possible hotel or transit station, so it’s best that you download the BVG app to check for the exact route you need. But I have provided a few examples of how to get from Berlin Airport to Mitte and the Zoo station to help get you oriented.

How to get from Berlin airport to Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is a common transfer point for many Ubahns and Sbahns in Berlin. The TV Tower is located here, it’s near lots of Berlin attractions, and there are lots of hotels nearby or within one or two stops on transport.

Option 1: From the Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 station, hop on the FEX train and get out at Ostkreuz. This is the first stop on the route.

From here, look for S5 going towards Westkreuz OR S3 going towards Spandau OR S7 going towards Griebnitzsee. All of these Sbahns go through Alexanderplatz, and you’ll get there in just a few stops.

Option 2: If changing trains feels stressful, there are options that have no switches. These take roughly the same amount of time from the airport to Alexanderplatz.

Take regional train RB23 or RE8 from the airport, and a few stops later you’ll arrive at Alexanderplatz.

There is another option using the S9, but it takes 15 minutes longer than the regional trains or the FEX option with the change, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless there was a long wait for either of the other options.

How to get from Berlin airport to Potsdamer Platz

There are quite a few options to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to S&U Potsdamer Platz, and unfortunately none of them are direct routes, so you’ll have to make at least one change.

Option 1: From the airport, take the FEX train to Hauptbahnhof, and then switch to the RE5 going south. It could have Südkreuz as the end destination, but occasionally regional trains have slightly different routes even with the same number.

Potsdamer Platz is the next stop after Hauptbahnhof, so just make sure the RE5 you get on lists Potsdamer Platz (NOT Gesundbrunnen or Rostock) on its route.

Option 2: Another good option is to take the S45 from the airport to Südkreuz. From there, change to the RB10 going north towards Nauen, and Potsdamer Platz is the next stop after Südkreuz.

How to get from Berlin airport to Zoologischer Garten

Zoologischer Garten is the station closest to the Berlin Zoo. When the city was divided, it was the main train station in West Berlin, so it’s still a busy station today.

To get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the Zoo Station, you have a few options.

Option 1: The most direct train is either RE8 or RB23. They both run from the airport through the center of the city and stop at Zoologischer Garten, taking just over 40 minutes to get there.

Option 2: The S9 sbahn line also runs from the airport to Zoologischer Garten, but it takes about 15 minutes longer. It’s a good option if you’ve just missed the RE8 or RB23 and the wait for the next one is longer than 15 minutes.

Option 3: You can also take the FEX train from the BER Airport to Ostkreuz and then switch to the S3, S5, S7 sbahn lines, or the RE1 or RE7 regional trains. All will get you from Ostkreuz to the Zoo station, but this is my least favorite option since it’s so easy to get one of the others that doesn’t involve switching trains.

FAQs about getting to/from the Berlin Airport

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting between the Berlin Airport to the city center.

How far is the Berlin Airport from the city center?

The BER Airport is about 30km (18 miles) from the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Train Station). It’s about 26km (17 miles) from Alexanderplatz.

How long does it take to get from Berlin Airport to city centre?

It takes between 30 minutes to one hour to get from the BER Airport to the center of Berlin. Journey time depends on which mode of transportation you choose and traffic conditions if you’re in a car.

How much is the train from Berlin Airport to city center?

A train ticket from the airport to the city center costs 4 euros. You’ll need a ticket that covers zones ABC.

What zone is Berlin Airport in?

Berlin’s transport system is divided into three zones, A, B, and C. The airport is in zone C, while most of the tourist attractions are in zone A.

How much is a taxi from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to city center?

Taxi fares vary depending on where you’re going, but in general, it can cost anywhere from 50 to 80 euros to get from the airport into central Berlin.

How many airports does Berlin have?

Berlin only has one airport. In the past, we had more than that, most recently there were two operating at the same time. But BER has been the only airport in Berlin since late 2020.

Where is the center of Berlin

Berlin doesn’t have one main central square like a lot of European cities do. Zone A is considered central Berlin, but even it is pretty big.

The center of Berlin includes Alexanderplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamerplatz, and a few other areas in the Mitte district.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this information about how to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the city center is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!