BER Airport Regional Trains

BER Airport regional trains connect Berlin Brandenburg Airport with central Berlin, Brandenburg towns, regional destinations and onward rail networks. They are useful for passengers who need more than a simple city-centre connection, including travellers going toward Potsdam, Lübbenau, Königs Wusterhausen, Eberswalde, Bernau, Blankenfelde, Oranienburg, Ludwigsfelde or other regional routes.

This BER Airport Regional Trains Guide explains how regional trains work at Flughafen BER station, where Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 passengers access the rail platforms, which regional lines are important for airport travel, and when a regional train is better or worse than FEX, S-Bahn, taxi or private transfer.

BER Airport regional trains at a glance

• Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
• IATA code: BER
• Station: Flughafen BER
• Station location: directly below Terminal 1
• Main regional services: RE20, RB22, RB24 and RB32, plus the Airport Express FEX in the regional rail group
• Best for: regional destinations, station-connected trips and passengers comfortable with public transport
• Key planning point: check the full door-to-door route, not only the regional train segment

What are BER Airport regional trains?

Regional trains are rail services that connect BER with Berlin and destinations across Brandenburg and nearby regions. They can be useful when the destination is not only central Berlin, or when the passenger wants to connect to another regional route without using road transport.

Regional trains are different from the S-Bahn. They may stop at fewer stations, travel longer distances, or connect towns outside Berlin more directly. They are also different from a private transfer because they usually require walking, platforms, tickets and possible onward changes.

For the wider rail overview, see BER Airport Train Guide.

Where do regional trains stop at BER?

Regional trains use Flughafen BER station below Terminal 1. Passengers follow airport signs for trains and public transport, then continue to the correct platform.

The station is convenient for Terminal 1 passengers, but it is still important to allow time for lifts, escalators, ticket purchase, platform access and luggage handling. A regional train may be fast, but the route through the airport still takes time.

For station orientation, see BER Airport Train Station Guide.

Regional trains from Terminal 1

Terminal 1 passengers have the simplest route to regional trains because the station is directly below the terminal. After arrival, passengers normally reach the train after passport control if required, baggage claim and customs. Before departure, they arrive at the station and move up to check-in, baggage drop, security and gate areas.

Even if the station is close, passengers should not plan a departure journey too tightly. The train brings you to the airport, but the airport process is still ahead.

For Terminal 1 orientation, see BER Airport Terminal 1 Guide.

Regional trains from Terminal 2

Terminal 2 passengers also use Flughafen BER station below Terminal 1. The walking route between Terminal 2 and the Terminal 1 transport area is signposted, but it adds time.

If your flight uses Terminal 2, include walking time between the station and Terminal 2. This is especially important with luggage, children, reduced mobility or a tight departure window.

For Terminal 2 orientation, see BER Airport Terminal 2 Guide and BER Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2.

RE20 at BER Airport

RE20 is one of the key regional train lines listed for BER Airport. It connects Berlin with BER and continues toward Lübbenau, with some connections extending further depending on timetable and service conditions.

For passengers travelling between BER and central Berlin, RE20 can work together with the Airport Express pattern. For passengers travelling south-east of Berlin, it can also be relevant for regional onward travel.

RB22 at BER Airport

RB22 connects the Potsdam area with BER and Königs Wusterhausen. This can be useful for passengers travelling between the airport and Potsdam-related destinations without routing through central Berlin.

Passengers should check the exact timetable, direction and stop before boarding. If the destination is not close to a station, a private transfer may still be easier after arrival.

RB24 at BER Airport

RB24 connects the airport with routes through Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Schöneweide and destinations such as Eberswalde, Bernau, Blankenfelde and Wünsdorf Waldstadt, depending on the direction and current timetable.

This line can be useful for passengers whose destination is better served by eastern or northern rail connections than by a central Berlin route.

RB32 at BER Airport

RB32 connects BER with routes via Berlin Ostkreuz and Berlin Schöneweide toward Oranienburg or Ludwigsfelde, depending on direction and service pattern.

It can be useful for passengers whose trip fits these regional corridors. As with all regional trains, passengers should check live timetable information before travel.

Regional trains vs FEX

The Airport Express FEX is often the fastest simple option for passengers going to key central stations. Regional trains may be better when the destination is outside that central route or when a regional line reaches the destination with fewer changes.

Do not choose only by train category. Choose by station, final address, luggage, timetable and number of transfers.

For FEX details, see FEX Airport Express at BER Airport.

Regional trains vs S-Bahn

S-Bahn can be useful for urban rail destinations and frequent city connections. Regional trains can be faster or more direct for regional towns, longer routes or selected Berlin stations.

If your destination is within the S-Bahn network and close to a station, S-Bahn may be easier. If you travel beyond Berlin or toward a regional rail corridor, a regional train may be better.

For S-Bahn details, see BER Airport S-Bahn Guide.

Tickets and fare zones for regional trains

Regional train tickets depend on route, fare zones and train type. Passengers should check the correct ticket before boarding and validate where required.

Airport journeys often require a fare zone that includes BER. Do not assume that a central Berlin ticket is enough for the airport or for a regional destination outside the city.

For public transport basics, see BER Airport Public Transport Guide.

Where to buy regional train tickets

Passengers can usually buy regional train tickets through ticket machines, transport apps or rail booking systems depending on the journey. The correct option depends on whether the journey is local, regional or part of a longer rail trip.

If you arrive without mobile data, use airport Wi-Fi where available or a ticket machine. Save your destination and route before travel so you are not forced to plan everything on the platform.

For connectivity planning, see BER Airport Wi-Fi Guide.

Regional trains after arrival

After landing at BER, do not choose a specific regional train based only on scheduled arrival time. You need to include deboarding, passport control if required, baggage claim, customs, terminal walking and ticket planning.

If you have checked luggage, wait until baggage is collected before committing to a tight regional connection. If luggage is delayed or missing, the rail plan must change.

For arrival planning, see BER Airport Arrivals Guide.

Regional trains before departure

Before departure, plan the regional train journey backwards from flight time. Include the train ride, possible delays, platform access, walking to the correct terminal, check-in, baggage drop, security, passport control where relevant and gate walking.

Do not use the last possible regional train before a flight. A missed connection, cancellation or construction-related diversion can remove the safety buffer quickly.

For departure planning, see BER Airport Departures Guide.

Regional trains and check-in

Check-in deadlines matter when travelling to BER by regional train. Passengers with checked baggage, sports equipment, pets, visa checks, child equipment or document checks should allow extra time.

If you arrive by train, go directly from the station toward the correct terminal and check-in area before planning cafes, shopping or other stops.

For check-in planning, see BER Airport Check-in Guide and BER Airport Airlines Guide.

Regional trains and security control

Regional trains bring passengers to the airport station, but security control is still ahead. Even a smooth rail journey does not guarantee a fast terminal process.

Allow time for screening, possible queues, hand baggage checks, gate distance and passport control if your route requires it.

For security planning, see BER Airport Security Control and BER Airport Fast Track Guide.

Regional trains and passport control

Passport control affects timing for non-Schengen arrivals and departures. Arriving passengers may reach the regional train station later than expected if border control is busy. Departing passengers may need extra time after security before reaching the gate.

For this reason, scheduled landing time is not the same as platform time. The airport process comes first.

For border planning, see Passport Control at BER Airport and EES and ETIAS at BER Airport.

Regional trains and baggage

Regional train travel is easiest with light luggage. It can still work with suitcases, but passengers should consider lifts, platform access, train space, transfers, station changes and the final walk after leaving the train.

Families, groups and passengers with several bags should compare the regional train route with a direct transfer. A rail journey may be efficient, but carrying luggage through several stations can be tiring.

For baggage planning, see BER Airport Baggage Claim Guide and BER Airport Lost Luggage Guide.

Regional trains and customs

Customs can delay arrival passengers before they reach the station. This matters for travellers with goods, business equipment, large cash amounts, VAT refund questions or items that require checks.

If customs takes longer than expected, choose the next realistic connection rather than rushing for a regional train that is already too tight.

For customs planning, see BER Airport Customs Guide.

Regional trains and late-night arrivals

Late-night regional train travel can be possible, but passengers should check frequency, station safety, transfers, walking distance, hotel access and onward transport from the destination station.

If you land late with children, heavy luggage or a hotel far from the station, a direct airport transfer may be more comfortable than several rail changes late at night.

For late-night planning, see Late-Night Arrival at BER Airport.

Regional trains and hotels

Regional trains work best when the hotel or final address is close to a station on the chosen line. If the destination is far from the station, the final walk, bus ride or taxi can remove the advantage of regional rail.

Always compare the route from terminal to hotel entrance, not only the train segment.

For hotel planning, see BER Airport Hotels Guide.

Regional trains for business travellers

Business travellers may use regional trains when the destination is near a station and the schedule is flexible. Rail can be efficient for some central and regional destinations.

For meetings, conferences, formal clothing, equipment or time-sensitive appointments, a direct transfer may be more predictable because it avoids additional changes and final walking.

For business services, see BER Airport Business Services Guide.

Regional trains for families

Families should consider strollers, luggage, child fatigue, snacks, lifts, platform changes and the number of transfers before choosing regional train travel. A direct train can work well, but a multi-change route can become stressful.

Parents should prepare route details, entertainment, water and backup transport options before leaving the airport.

For family travel, see BER Airport Family Services Guide.

Regional trains for accessible travel

Passengers with reduced mobility should check station access, lifts, platform routes, train boarding, destination station access and onward travel before choosing regional trains.

The airport station may be convenient, but the final destination can still create difficulty. A direct transfer may be more comfortable when the hotel or address is not near an accessible station.

For accessible travel, see BER Airport Accessibility Guide.

Regional trains during delays

Flight delays can affect regional train plans after arrival. Passengers may miss a planned connection, arrive during reduced service or need a different route. Rail disruptions can also affect departure planning.

Use flight status and live transport information together. A delayed flight plus a changed regional train service can quickly change the best route.

For delay planning, see BER Airport Flight Delays Guide.

Regional trains during cancellations

If a flight is cancelled, a regional train may help passengers reach a hotel, return to Berlin, travel to another city or connect to another station. But passengers should first understand airline instructions, baggage handling and rebooking options.

Do not buy or board a new connection until you know whether you are staying overnight, flying later, collecting baggage or leaving the airport.

For cancellation planning, see BER Airport Flight Cancellations Guide.

Regional trains and flight status

Flight status matters before choosing a regional train after arrival and before leaving for the airport. Passengers should check terminal, landing time, baggage situation and disruption notices before committing to a specific connection.

Use the full flight number when checking updates. Destination alone is not enough when several flights serve the same city.

For flight updates, see BER Airport Flights Guide and BER Airport Flight Status Guide.

Regional trains and Wi-Fi

Airport Wi-Fi can help passengers check live train information, open maps, message hotels, retrieve booking details and update pickup plans. This is useful for international travellers without German mobile data.

Save your route, hotel address and backup plan offline before travel. Do not depend entirely on live internet after landing.

For connectivity planning, see BER Airport Wi-Fi Guide.

Regional trains and cash

Many passengers can buy public transport tickets by card or app, but cash can still be useful as a backup. International passengers should check whether their card works in Germany before relying on it.

If you need cash after arrival, use an ATM or currency exchange only after baggage and exit timing are clear.

For money planning, see BER Airport ATMs Guide and BER Airport Currency Exchange Guide.

Regional trains and food stops

Food stops can affect regional train timing. After arrival, a cafe or restaurant stop may mean missing the next train. Before departure, food before security can reduce the buffer needed for check-in and screening.

If train timing matters, handle the route first and food second.

For food planning, see BER Airport Cafes Guide and BER Airport Restaurants Guide.

Regional trains and shopping

Shopping can add bags, liquids and time. This affects regional train travel because extra purchases can be difficult to carry through platforms, city stations and transfers.

If you plan to use regional trains, keep luggage manageable and avoid bulky last-minute purchases before leaving the airport.

For shopping planning, see BER Airport Shopping Guide and BER Airport Duty Free Guide.

Regional trains vs taxi

Regional trains can be cheaper and can avoid road traffic. Taxi can be easier for direct hotel access, heavy luggage, late arrivals or destinations away from stations.

The correct comparison is not train time against taxi time to a central station. It is airport exit to final address, including walking, waiting, transfers and luggage.

Regional trains vs private transfer

A private transfer is usually more comfortable for families, groups, business travellers, large luggage, late arrivals and door-to-door hotel travel. Regional trains are often better for station-connected destinations and flexible passengers.

If comfort, timing and luggage space are more important than the lowest price, a direct transfer may be better.

For planned airport transfer options, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport, Transfer from BER Airport and Transfer to BER Airport.

When regional trains are a good choice

• Your destination is on a regional line from BER.
• You travel to Potsdam, Brandenburg or another station-connected destination.
• You have light or manageable luggage.
• You are comfortable with public transport and possible transfers.
• Your arrival or departure time fits the timetable.
• You want to avoid road traffic where rail is practical.

When a transfer may be better

• You travel with children, strollers or several suitcases.
• You arrive late at night or after a long flight.
• Your hotel or address is far from a station.
• You need a direct business or event transfer.
• You have reduced mobility or need door-to-door support.
• Your route would require several changes after the train.

Common regional train mistakes

• Using landing time as platform arrival time.
• Forgetting passport control, baggage claim and customs.
• Ignoring the walk between Terminal 2 and the station.
• Buying the wrong fare-zone ticket.
• Boarding the wrong direction or regional line.
• Not checking construction works, diversions or cancellations.
• Depending on live internet without saving the route offline.
• Comparing only train time instead of the full door-to-door journey.

BER regional train checklist

• Confirm Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
• Check whether RE20, RB22, RB24 or RB32 fits the destination and current timetable.
• Confirm platform, direction and ticket before boarding.
• Include walking time from terminal to station.
• For arrivals, include passport control, baggage claim and customs.
• For departures, include check-in, security and gate walking.
• Save hotel, address and route details offline.
• Compare the regional train with FEX, S-Bahn, taxi or private transfer if luggage or timing is difficult.

FAQ

Which regional trains serve BER Airport?

Current BER public transport information lists regional train services including RE20, RB22, RB24 and RB32, with FEX also grouped with regional rail services.

Where do I catch regional trains at BER?

You catch regional trains at Flughafen BER station below Terminal 1. Terminal 2 passengers follow signs to the Terminal 1 transport area and station.

Are regional trains good for tourists?

They can be useful if the destination is near a regional train station or if the route avoids unnecessary city transfers. For central hotels, FEX or S-Bahn may also be relevant.

Can I travel from BER to Potsdam by regional train?

Yes, regional train options can connect BER with Potsdam-related routes. Passengers should check the current timetable, direction and final station before travel.

Should I choose regional train or private transfer from BER?

Choose regional train for station-connected routes and manageable luggage. Choose private transfer for direct door-to-door travel, luggage, family comfort, business reliability or late-night arrivals.

Plan your regional train journey or airport transfer before landing

BER regional trains can be useful when the destination fits the rail network and the journey is realistic with luggage and timing. For passengers who prefer direct door-to-door travel, fixed pickup details, luggage space and a suitable vehicle, use online booking to arrange a BER airport transfer in advance.