Berlin Brandenburg Airport, known as BER, finally opened in 2020 after a famously long delay and is now the single airport for one of Europe's great capital cities. Getting from BER to central Berlin is straightforward: a fast express train, two S-Bahn lines and several bus routes all serve the terminal, and the city centre is less than an hour away by rail.
The FEX Airport Express: the fast option
The FEX (Flughafen Express) is the quickest rail link between BER and the city. It runs non-stop to Berlin Südkreuz and then to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (the main station), with the full journey taking about 30 minutes. Trains run approximately every half hour, making it a reliable choice for travellers staying near the centre or catching a connection at Hauptbahnhof.
The FEX is part of the Berlin-Brandenburg public transport system (VBB), so it uses the same zonal ticket structure as the rest of the network. You need a ticket that covers the airport zone (Zone C when coming from inner Berlin). Tickets can be bought at machines on the platform or in the terminal. Validate before boarding.
S-Bahn: S9 and S45
Two S-Bahn lines serve BER and give more options for reaching different parts of the city:
- S9 runs all the way through the city, calling at Schönefeld (just outside the airport), then heading north through Treptower Park, Ostkreuz and Alexanderplatz. Journey time to Alexanderplatz is around 45–50 minutes. It runs every 20 minutes during the day.
- S45 runs northward to Südkreuz, Tempelhof and Ringbahn stations, useful if you are heading toward the western or southern city ring. Journey time varies by destination.
The S-Bahn is slower than the FEX but stops at more central points and may suit you better depending on where you are staying. Both lines share the same VBB zonal fares.
Bus connections
Several bus routes connect BER to the surrounding area and city. The X7 and X71 buses run to Rudow U-Bahn station, from where you can take the U7 into the city — a slower but slightly cheaper option if you need to avoid a longer S-Bahn journey. Long-distance coaches (Flixbus and others) also call at BER, making it a possible starting point for onward journeys to Dresden, Leipzig and other German cities without transiting into central Berlin first.
Taxi and rideshare
Taxis are metered and stand outside the arrivals area of the terminal. The ride to the city centre — depending on your destination, typically Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg — takes 30–50 minutes in normal traffic, though the A113 motorway can back up during peak times. Rideshare apps operate in Berlin and can be a useful alternative, particularly when travelling with luggage or late at night when S-Bahn frequency drops.
Travelling onward from Berlin by train
If you are using Berlin as a hub for further European rail travel, note that long-distance ICE, Intercity and international trains call at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, not at the airport. The FEX gets you there in about 30 minutes, making the connection manageable. Services run to Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Warsaw and Amsterdam among other destinations. For cross-border travel, have a look at our guide to Germany by train.
Which option suits you?
- Quickest to central Berlin: the FEX Airport Express, 30 minutes to Hauptbahnhof, no changes.
- Heading to Alexanderplatz, Ostkreuz or the eastern city: the S9 is a single ride with no change needed, just longer.
- On a budget, staying in the west: S45 to the Ringbahn and continue from there.
- Groups or late arrivals: a taxi is comfortable but more expensive; factor in potential motorway traffic.
Buying tickets and luggage at BER
Ticket machines accepting cards and cash are located on the platform level beneath the terminal, and staff at nearby information points can help if the zonal fare structure is unfamiliar. Trolleys are available in the arrivals hall for wheeling luggage down to the platforms, and both the FEX and S-Bahn have step-free access from the terminal, useful if you are travelling with a large suitcase or a pushchair. There is no need to check in luggage separately for the train — simply carry it on board as you would on any regional or suburban service.
Practical tips for first-time visitors
- Download the BVG or DB Navigator app before you land — both show real-time departures and let you buy a valid ticket without hunting for a machine in an unfamiliar terminal.
- If your flight lands late in the evening, check the last FEX and S-Bahn departure times in advance, since services thin out significantly after midnight and a taxi may be the only realistic option.
- Families travelling with young children may find the S-Bahn more manageable than the FEX for a pushchair, since it has more frequent doors and slightly easier boarding at platform level.
- Keep your ticket until you exit your final station — random inspections do happen on Berlin's public transport network, and travelling without a valid, validated ticket carries an on-the-spot fine.
A common mistake to avoid
Travellers occasionally buy a ticket that does not cover Zone C, assuming a standard Berlin ABC day ticket bought in the city centre covers the airport — always check that your ticket explicitly includes the airport zone before boarding at BER, since a spot check with an invalid zone results in a fine even if you intended to pay the correct fare.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the FEX take from BER to Berlin Hauptbahnhof?
About 30 minutes, running via Südkreuz. Services run roughly every 30 minutes and require a standard VBB zone ABC ticket (covering the airport zone).
Can I use a day ticket on the S-Bahn and FEX from the airport?
Yes, provided it covers Zone C (the airport zone). A Berlin ABC day ticket covers all three zones and is valid on S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, buses and the FEX.
Is there a direct bus to central Berlin from BER?
Not a single bus to the very centre, but the X7/X71 reach Rudow U-Bahn for onward travel. For a straight run to the centre, rail is faster.
How much does a taxi from BER to central Berlin cost?
Taxi fares from BER to central Berlin are metered; expect a moderate city-airport fare similar to other European capitals. Traffic on the A113 can add time during rush hours.
Sources and further reading:
- Long-distance rail connections: The Man in Seat 61.
- BER Airport official ground transport guidance.