Arriving at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is usually straightforward when you know the basic sequence: leave the aircraft, follow signs through the terminal, pass passport control if required, collect baggage, enter the public arrivals area and choose onward transport.
This BER Airport arrivals guide explains what passengers should expect after landing, where baggage claim is located, how Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 work for arrivals, and how to continue into Berlin by train, taxi, pickup or private transfer.
Important: live arrival times, gates, baggage belts and operational details can change during the day. Always check your airline and the official BER Airport arrivals information close to your travel time.
BER Airport arrivals at a glance
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- IATA code: BER
- Arrival terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Baggage claim: before the exits from the security area
- Railway station: under Terminal 1
- Main onward options: train, S-Bahn, bus, taxi, pickup, car rental and private transfer
Check your BER Airport arrival status
Before meeting someone at BER or planning onward transport, check the current flight status. Arrival time can change because of weather, air traffic control, aircraft rotation, technical delays or baggage handling.
Use your airline app, your booking reference or the official BER arrivals page to confirm the expected landing time, terminal and any update after landing. If you are booking pickup or a transfer, share the flight number so the arrival can be monitored more accurately.
Official source: BER departures and arrivals.
Which terminal do arrivals use at BER?
BER Airport uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for passenger arrivals. The terminals are located next to each other and are within walking distance, but passengers should still check the flight information because the terminal affects walking routes, baggage claim, meeting points and pickup planning.
Terminal 1 is the main airport terminal. Terminal 2 is connected to the wider Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 airport area, and passengers can follow airport signs between the terminal areas when needed.
For the full airport orientation overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026. For terminal-specific planning, the upcoming cluster articles are BER Airport Terminal 1 Guide and BER Airport Terminal 2 Guide.
Step-by-step arrival process at BER Airport
- Leave the aircraft and follow the signs for arrivals.
- Pass passport control if arriving from a non-Schengen country or if border control is required.
- Go to baggage claim if you checked in luggage.
- Check the baggage belt monitors for your flight.
- Report baggage problems before leaving the airport if luggage is missing or damaged.
- Exit into the public arrivals area and continue to train, taxi, pickup, car rental or transfer.
Baggage claim at BER arrivals
After landing at BER and leaving the aircraft, passengers with checked luggage should follow signs to the baggage claim area. Screens at baggage claim show which belt is assigned to each arriving flight.
According to BER Airport passenger information, baggage reclaim for arriving passengers is located before the exits from the security area. In Terminal 1, it is on arrivals level E0. In Terminal 2, it is on the ground floor.
If luggage does not arrive, do not leave the airport immediately. Contact the airline or the relevant baggage service desk and keep your baggage tag, boarding pass and booking details ready.
Passport control at BER Airport arrivals
Passengers arriving from Schengen countries usually follow a shorter arrival route. Passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries normally pass passport control before entering the public area.
Border processing time can vary depending on flight volume, passport type, nationality, documents and airport operations. Travellers should keep their passport and any required travel documents ready before reaching the control point.
Official source: BER ID and passport control.
Customs after arriving at BER
After baggage claim, some passengers may need to pass customs depending on the goods they carry, where they are arriving from and applicable customs rules. If you are unsure, follow airport signs and official customs guidance.
Travellers with high-value goods, commercial goods, large purchases, restricted items or goods above personal allowances should check the rules before travel.
Meeting someone at BER arrivals
If you are meeting arriving passengers, agree on the terminal, arrival time and a clear meeting point before the flight lands. Flight delays and baggage waiting time can change the actual exit time.
For Terminal 1, the public arrivals level E0 is an important orientation point. For Terminal 2, passengers should follow the terminal signs and confirm the best public meeting location after leaving the secure area.
If the passenger has heavy luggage, children or limited phone connection, a pre-arranged meeting point is safer than trying to coordinate only after landing.
Transport from BER Airport after arrival
After leaving the arrivals area, passengers can continue by public transport, taxi, car rental, pickup or private transfer. The best choice depends on hotel location, luggage, arrival time, group size and comfort needs.
Train and S-Bahn from BER arrivals
The airport railway station is located directly under Terminal 1. From there, passengers can use Airport Express, regional trains and S-Bahn services. This is often practical for passengers travelling light and going to well-connected central areas.
Bus from BER arrivals
BER is also connected by bus services. Bus can be useful for selected routes, nearby districts and connections that are not direct by rail. Always check current public transport information before travelling.
Taxi from BER arrivals
Passengers arriving at Terminals 1 and 2 use the north and south taxi ranks in front of Terminal 1 on level E0. Taxi can be practical for direct travel, but final cost depends on destination, traffic and waiting time.
Private transfer from BER arrivals
A private transfer is useful when passengers want a pre-booked vehicle, direct door-to-door travel and a planned pickup. This is especially relevant for late arrivals, families, business travellers, large luggage and groups.
For a dedicated service page, see Transfer from BER Airport. For the main airport transfer page, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport.
Late-night arrivals at BER Airport
Late arrivals need more planning because public transport frequency, hotel check-in, food options and pickup coordination can be different at night. Passengers should check live transport options before landing and have a backup plan if the flight is delayed.
For late-night flights, a pre-booked transfer can reduce uncertainty because the destination, vehicle type and pickup details are arranged before arrival.
Arriving with children or large luggage
Families and passengers with several bags should allow more time after landing. Baggage claim, bathroom stops, stroller handling and walking from the terminal to transport can all add time.
If travelling with children, child seats, sports equipment or multiple suitcases, check whether public transport is practical for the final address. A direct transfer may be more convenient when luggage volume is high or the hotel is not close to a station.
Related guide: Travelling with children, child seats and luggage.
Common mistakes after landing at BER
- Leaving the baggage claim area before reporting missing luggage.
- Assuming the scheduled landing time is the same as the exit time.
- Not checking whether the flight arrives at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- Booking pickup too close to the scheduled landing time.
- Forgetting that passport control and baggage waiting time can vary.
- Using public transport without checking ticket zones and current connections.
Useful official BER links for arrivals
- Official BER departures and arrivals
- Official BER terminal information
- Official BER baggage information
- Official BER public transport information
- Official BER taxi information
FAQ
Where is baggage claim at BER Airport?
Baggage reclaim is located before the exits from the security area. In Terminal 1 it is on arrivals level E0, and in Terminal 2 it is on the ground floor.
How do I check live arrivals at BER Airport?
Use the official BER departures and arrivals page, your airline app or airport flight displays. Arrival details can change during the day.
Which terminal do I arrive at?
Check your airline, booking confirmation or the official flight information. BER Airport uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for passenger arrivals.
Where is the train station after arriving at BER?
The airport railway station is directly under Terminal 1. Follow airport signs from the arrivals area to the station level.
Where are taxis after BER arrivals?
Arriving passengers from Terminals 1 and 2 use the taxi ranks in front of Terminal 1 on level E0.
Is private transfer useful after arriving at BER?
Private transfer is useful for late arrivals, business travellers, families, passengers with luggage, groups and anyone who wants a pre-arranged door-to-door ride.
Book pickup after arriving at BER Airport
If you want a pre-booked pickup after landing, use online booking to arrange the route, vehicle and pickup details in advance.
