Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the main airport for Berlin and the surrounding Brandenburg region. For many international visitors, business travellers and families, it is the first practical step into the city: finding the right terminal, collecting baggage, checking transport options and planning the onward journey.
This BER Airport guide gives passengers a clear overview of the airport layout, terminals, arrivals, departures, baggage claim, passport control and transport options. It is designed as a practical starting point before using more specific BER guides.
Important: flight times, gates, baggage belts, security waiting times and transport schedules can change during the day. Always check your airline and the official BER Airport information before travelling.
Quick facts about BER Airport
- Airport name: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- IATA code: BER
- Main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Railway station: located directly under Terminal 1
- Main transport options: Airport Express, regional trains, S-Bahn, buses, taxi, car rental, pickup and private transfer
- Best use of this guide: orientation before arrival or departure
BER Airport terminals
BER Airport uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for passenger flights. The two terminals are located next to each other and can be reached on foot. Before travelling, passengers should check the terminal shown by the airline or on the airport flight information, because check-in, baggage drop and boarding can depend on the airline and route.
Terminal 1 is the main terminal complex. It includes central arrival and departure areas, access to the railway station below the terminal, many passenger services and the main airport orientation points.
Terminal 2 is located close to Terminal 1 and is used by selected airlines and flights. Passengers using Terminal 2 should still understand the Terminal 1 connection because several services and the train station are linked to the wider T1/T2 airport area.
Arrivals at BER Airport
After landing at BER, passengers follow signs for arrivals, passport control if required, baggage claim and the public arrivals area. The exact route can depend on whether the flight is Schengen or non-Schengen, whether baggage is checked in, and which terminal is used.
For live flight status, passengers should check the airline, the airport arrivals board or the official BER website. Arrival times, baggage belts and gates can change, especially during weather disruption, air traffic delays or busy travel periods.
After leaving the secure area, passengers can continue to the railway station, bus stops, taxi rank, pickup areas, car rental or a pre-booked private transfer.
Baggage claim at BER Airport
Baggage claim is part of the arrivals process. Passengers should follow the airport signs to the baggage reclaim area and check the screen for the correct belt. Waiting time depends on the flight, airline handling, baggage volume and airport operations.
Passengers with oversized luggage, sports equipment, strollers or several suitcases should allow extra time. If baggage does not arrive, the next step is usually to contact the airline or its ground handling desk before leaving the airport.
Passport control and border checks
Passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries normally pass border control before entering the public arrivals area. EU, EEA and eligible travellers may be able to use automated border control options when available, while other passengers may need manual passport checks.
For departures, non-Schengen passengers should also allow additional time for passport control after security. This is especially important for long-haul flights, business trips with tight schedules and families travelling with children.
Departures from BER Airport
For departures, passengers should check the correct terminal, airline check-in area, baggage drop option and security control information before arriving. Online check-in can save time, but passengers with checked baggage still need to plan for baggage drop and security.
During peak periods, school holidays, early morning waves and major events in Berlin, passengers should allow a larger buffer. Travellers with special baggage, pets, mobility assistance or non-Schengen flights should also plan extra time.
Check-in, baggage drop and security
The departure process usually follows this order: arrive at the terminal, check the airline area, drop baggage if needed, pass security control, pass passport control if required, then continue to the gate.
Hand luggage rules, liquids, electronics and prohibited items should be checked before packing. A small mistake at security can cost time, especially when travelling with children, business equipment or several bags.
BER Airport train station
The BER Airport railway station is located directly under Terminal 1. This is one of the most important parts of the airport layout because it connects passengers with central Berlin and regional destinations without leaving the terminal complex.
Public transport options include the Airport Express, regional trains, S-Bahn connections and buses. Passengers should check current timetables and ticket zones before travelling, because transport services and schedules can change.
For a city-centre route overview, see our guide: How to get from BER Airport to Berlin city centre.
Transport from BER Airport
After arrival, passengers usually choose between public transport, taxi, car rental, app-based rides, hotel shuttle, pickup or a pre-booked transfer. The best option depends on luggage, arrival time, hotel location, group size and whether the passenger wants door-to-door service.
- Train: usually practical for central Berlin, light luggage and passengers comfortable with public transport.
- Bus: useful for selected routes and connections where rail is not direct.
- Taxi: available at the airport taxi rank, with price depending on destination and traffic.
- Private transfer: useful for families, business travellers, late arrivals, heavy luggage, groups and passengers who prefer a planned pickup.
- Car rental: suitable for passengers continuing outside Berlin or planning flexible travel.
For door-to-door airport pickup, see Transfer from BER Airport. For travel to the airport before departure, see Transfer to BER Airport. For the main airport service page, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport.
BER Airport taxi, transfer and pickup planning
Taxi and private transfer are different passenger choices. A taxi is usually taken from the airport rank or ordered on demand. A private transfer is normally booked in advance with a planned pickup time, vehicle type and destination.
Passengers with several bags, children, business meetings, late-night arrivals or unfamiliar hotel locations often prefer pre-booked transport because the route and vehicle are arranged before landing. For comparison, see Private airport transfer or taxi in Berlin.
If price planning is important, see How much does a transfer from BER cost?. For pickup service details, see Meet and greet at BER Airport.
Travelling with children, luggage or a group
BER Airport is manageable, but families and groups should plan more carefully. Children, strollers, child seats, sports equipment and several suitcases can make public transport less convenient, especially after a long flight.
Before travelling, check airline baggage rules, child seat needs and the walking distance between terminal areas and transport points. For family-specific planning, see Travelling with children, child seats and luggage.
When to arrive at BER Airport before departure
There is no single perfect arrival time for every passenger. A short Schengen flight with hand luggage is different from a non-Schengen flight with baggage, children and passport control. Passengers should follow airline guidance and add extra buffer during busy periods.
As a practical rule, allow more time if you need baggage drop, special assistance, oversized luggage, passport control, tax refund, family services or long-distance travel to the airport.
Useful official BER information to check before travel
- Official BER Airport website
- Official BER terminal information
- Official BER public transport information
- Official BER passenger FAQ
FAQ
Which terminal should I use at BER Airport?
Check your airline ticket, booking confirmation or the official BER flight information. BER uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and passengers should confirm the terminal before travelling.
Is the BER Airport train station inside the airport?
The airport railway station is located directly under Terminal 1. It connects passengers with Airport Express, S-Bahn and regional rail services.
How do I check live arrivals at BER Airport?
Use your airline, the official BER Airport website or airport flight displays. Live flight information can change during the day, so check again close to travel time.
How do I get from BER Airport to Berlin city centre?
Passengers can use public transport, taxi, car rental, app-based rides or a private transfer. For a detailed overview, read our guide to getting from BER Airport to Berlin city centre.
Is a private transfer useful from BER Airport?
A private transfer can be useful for passengers with luggage, children, late arrivals, business meetings, groups or hotel addresses that are not convenient by public transport.
Plan your BER Airport transfer
If you need a pre-booked door-to-door ride from BER Airport, use online booking to plan the route, vehicle and pickup details in advance.
