Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is Berlin's main airport, opened in 2020. Getting to the city center is surprisingly affordable and straightforward. The airport has its own train station with direct connections to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) and the city center.
Your Options: Airport Express (FEX) vs. Regional Trains
🚄 Airport Express (FEX) - Recommended
- ✅ Price: €3.80 (ABC ticket)
- ✅ Time: ~30 minutes to Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- ✅ Direct: No stops between airport and Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Comfort: Modern, spacious trains
💡 Best for: Most tourists. Fastest and most comfortable option.
🚇 Regional Trains (RE7/RB14)
- ✅ Price: €3.80 (same as FEX)
- ✅ Time: ~30-35 minutes (slightly longer, more stops)
- ✅ Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- ✅ Stops: Multiple stops along the way
💡 Best for: If you want to get off at an intermediate stop, or if FEX is not available.
Step-by-Step: Using Airport Express (Easiest Option)
Find the Train Station
After collecting your luggage, follow signs to "Bahnhof" (train station). The station is directly below Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, easily accessible via escalators or elevators.
🗺️ Tip: Look for train symbols or ask airport staff. The station is well-signed.
Buy Your Ticket
At the ticket machine, select "ABC Ticket" (from €3.80, prices subject to change). This ticket is valid for the entire journey from the airport to Berlin city center and includes all public transport in Berlin.
💳 Payment: Cash or card accepted. Machines have English language option.
📱 Alternative: You can also buy tickets via the BVG app (Berlin public transport app).
Validate Your Ticket
Important! If you have a paper ticket, validate it in the red or yellow Entwerter machine before boarding. Insert your ticket, wait for the stamp, then remove it.
⚠️ Warning: If you forget to validate, you could be fined €60!
📱 Note: If you have a mobile ticket (bought via app), you don't need to validate.
Board the Train
Take the Airport Express (FEX) or RE7/RB14 regional train. Check the departure board for the next train. FEX runs every 30 minutes.
🚉 Platform: Usually platform 1 or 2. Check the board for the correct platform and destination.
💡 Tip: FEX is faster and more comfortable, but RE7/RB14 works just as well if FEX is not available.
Arrive at Hauptbahnhof
After about 30 minutes, you'll arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station). From here, you can walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to your final destination.
🗺️ City center: Hauptbahnhof is in the city center. Many hotels and attractions are within walking distance or a short U-Bahn/S-Bahn ride away.
Ticket Options
ABC Ticket (Recommended)
- ✅ Price: from €3.80
- ✅ Valid for: Airport to city center + all public transport in Berlin (2 hours)
- ✅ Best for: Most tourists
- ✅ Includes: FEX, RE, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, buses in Berlin
💡 Value: This is incredibly cheap for an airport transfer! One of the cheapest in Europe.
Day Ticket (If Staying Longer)
- ✅ Price: from €9.90 (ABC Day Ticket)
- ✅ Valid for: All day, all public transport in Berlin
- ✅ Best for: If you'll use public transport multiple times during the day
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Alternative: Taxi or Uber
If you prefer not to take the train:
- 🚕 Taxi: approximately €40-60, 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic)
- 🚗 Uber: Similar price, book via app
- ⚠️ Note: Much more expensive than the train (from €3.80 vs. approximately €40-60), but door-to-door service
Continuing Your Journey
If you're traveling onward to another German city (e.g., Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt), you can take an ICE or IC train directly from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Book your entire journey (airport → final destination) in one ticket for convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to validate: Always validate your paper ticket before boarding!
- ❌ Buying wrong ticket: Make sure you buy an ABC ticket, not just an AB ticket (airport is in zone C).
- ❌ Taking wrong train: Make sure it's FEX, RE7, or RB14 going to Hauptbahnhof, not a train going elsewhere.
Pro Tips
Use FEX
Airport Express is the fastest and most comfortable option.
Validate Immediately
Validate your ticket as soon as you buy it, before you forget.
Check Train Times
FEX runs every 30 minutes, so you won't wait long.
Incredible Value
At €3.80, this is one of the cheapest airport transfers in Europe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Berlin Airport (BER) to the city center?
Take the Airport Express (FEX) train from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station). Alternatively, you can take the S-Bahn S9 or regional train RE7, which takes about the same time.
How much does a ticket from Berlin Airport cost?
A single ticket costs approximately €3.80 for the ABC zone. The Airport-City-Day-Ticket costs approximately €8.80 and includes all public transport in Berlin for the entire day.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
Yes! If you buy a ticket at the machine, you must validate it in the red/yellow Entwerter machine before boarding. If you forget, you could be fined €60.
Which train is faster: FEX or S-Bahn?
Both take approximately the same time (30 minutes), but FEX (Airport Express) is more comfortable with dedicated luggage areas. S-Bahn is cheaper and runs more frequently.
Where is the train station at Berlin Airport?
The train station is located directly below Terminal 1. Follow signs to "Bahnhof" or "Train Station". Both terminals are connected to the station via walkways.
From Hauptbahnhof to Your Hotel
Once you're at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, you can:
- 🚶 Walk: Many hotels are within 10-15 minutes walking distance
- 🚇 U-Bahn/S-Bahn: Take U-Bahn or S-Bahn to your destination (ABC ticket is valid for 2 hours)
- 🚕 Taxi: Taxi stand right outside the station