Terminal 1 is the main orientation point at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Many passengers use Terminal 1 for arrivals, departures, check-in, baggage claim, security, airport services and public transport. Even passengers flying from Terminal 2 may pass through the Terminal 1 area because the airport railway station is located directly below Terminal 1.
This BER Airport Terminal 1 guide explains what passengers should know before travelling through T1, including arrivals, departures, baggage, check-in, security, the train station, taxi and pickup planning.
Important: your airline, terminal, check-in area, gate and baggage belt can change. Always check your airline and the official BER flight information before travelling.
BER Terminal 1 at a glance
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- Terminal: Terminal 1
- Main use: arrivals, departures, check-in, baggage, airport services and transport access
- Railway station: directly under Terminal 1 on level U2
- Nearby terminal: Terminal 2 is within walking distance
- Best planning rule: check the live flight information before going to the airport
What is Terminal 1 at BER Airport?
Terminal 1 is the central terminal building at BER Airport. It is the main airport reference point for passengers arriving by train, S-Bahn, regional rail, taxi, pickup, private transfer or car. It also includes important passenger areas for arrivals, departures, check-in, baggage reclaim, security and airport services.
Because Terminal 1 is connected to the airport railway station, many passengers use it as the practical starting point for airport navigation. From the station level, passengers can continue to Terminal 1 check-in and departure areas or follow signs toward Terminal 2 when required.
For the broader airport overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026. For the terminal overview, see BER Airport Terminals Guide.
Terminal 1 arrivals
Arriving passengers at Terminal 1 follow signs from the aircraft to passport control if required, then to baggage claim and the public arrivals area. The exact route depends on flight origin, baggage needs and current airport operations.
Terminal 1 is important for meeting arriving passengers because arrivals, baggage reclaim and onward transport are connected to the wider public airport area. If you are meeting someone, use the flight number and terminal information rather than relying only on the scheduled landing time.
For the full arrival process, see BER Airport Arrivals Guide. For pre-booked airport pickup, see Transfer from BER Airport.
Terminal 1 departures
For departures from Terminal 1, passengers should confirm the airline check-in area, baggage drop deadline, security control information and boarding time before leaving for the airport. Terminal 1 has the main check-in and departure infrastructure, but the exact process still depends on your airline.
Passengers with hand luggage only may be able to go directly to security after online check-in, depending on airline rules and boarding pass validity. Passengers with checked baggage should allow more time for baggage drop and possible queues.
For the full departure process, see BER Airport Departures Guide. For planned airport drop-off, see Transfer to BER Airport.
BER Terminal 1 railway station
The “Flughafen BER” airport railway station is located directly below Terminal 1 on level U2. This makes Terminal 1 the main entry point for many passengers using Airport Express, regional trains, S-Bahn or long-distance rail connections.
From the station, passengers can reach the Terminal 1 check-in hall in a few minutes. Passengers flying from Terminal 2 should follow the signs from the Terminal 1 area toward Terminal 2.
Public transport can be convenient for passengers with light luggage and destinations near good rail connections. Travellers with children, several bags or late-night arrivals should check whether the final journey from the station to the hotel is practical.
Check-in and baggage drop in Terminal 1
Check-in at Terminal 1 depends on the airline. Some passengers use online check-in and mobile boarding passes, while others need a counter, self-service machine or baggage drop. Always check the airline’s check-in opening time and baggage drop deadline.
Passengers with oversized baggage, sports equipment, strollers, musical instruments or pets should allow extra time and check airline rules before arriving at the airport. Missing a baggage deadline can create serious problems even if the flight has not departed yet.
Official source: BER check-in and boarding.
Security control in Terminal 1
Security control separates the public area from the airport security area. Passengers need a valid boarding pass and should prepare hand luggage before reaching the checkpoint. Liquids, electronics and prohibited items should be checked before travel.
According to official BER information, passengers can use security control in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and all departure gates are accessible from every security control. Still, passengers should follow current airport signs, waiting time information and staff instructions on the travel day.
Official source: BER security control information.
Passport control and non-Schengen flights
Passengers travelling on non-Schengen routes may need passport control after security. This can add time, especially during busy travel periods or when several long-haul flights depart close together.
Keep your passport, visa, residence permit or other required documents ready. Families, non-EU travellers and passengers with tight schedules should allow extra time for document checks.
Baggage claim in Terminal 1
For Terminal 1 arrivals with checked luggage, follow signs to baggage reclaim and check the belt information on the airport screens. Baggage waiting time depends on airline handling, flight volume, baggage load and airport operations.
If luggage is missing or damaged, report it before leaving the airport area. Keep baggage tags, boarding pass and booking information ready for the airline or ground handling desk.
Taxi, pickup and private transfer at Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is an important point for taxi, pickup and private transfer planning. Passengers should provide the flight number, airline, terminal and destination when arranging pickup.
For arriving passengers, the scheduled landing time is not the same as the pickup-ready time. Passport control, baggage claim and walking time can add a delay after landing. For departures, the driver should know that the passenger is going to Terminal 1 so the drop-off plan matches the flight.
For the main airport service overview, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport. If you already know your route, use online booking to arrange pickup or drop-off details.
Terminal 1 services and orientation
Terminal 1 includes important passenger services such as airport information, shops, food options, toilets, accessibility support, baggage services and transport connections. Availability and opening times can vary, so passengers should check current information if a specific service is important.
Airport signs and screens are the best orientation tools inside Terminal 1. If you are unsure, check the flight information first, then follow terminal signs for arrivals, departures, baggage, security, station, taxi or pickup.
Official source: BER airport information in Terminal 1.
Moving from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is located close to Terminal 1 and is within walking distance. Passengers arriving by train at Terminal 1 and flying from Terminal 2 should follow the airport signs toward T2 and allow extra walking time.
This is especially important with large luggage, children, mobility needs or tight timing. If your flight is from Terminal 2, do not stop at the first Terminal 1 check-in area without confirming your airline information.
Terminal 1 tips for different passengers
- Business travellers: check live flight status and allow extra time for security and passport control.
- Families: plan for strollers, bathroom stops, snacks, baggage and walking time.
- Passengers with luggage: check baggage drop deadlines and transport practicality before travel.
- Late arrivals: check public transport frequency and have a backup transport plan.
- Early departures: confirm the first available train, bus or pre-booked pickup time.
- Groups: agree on one meeting point and one contact person before the travel day.
Common Terminal 1 mistakes
- Assuming the scheduled landing time is the same as the exit time.
- Arriving at Terminal 1 without checking whether the airline uses Terminal 2.
- Forgetting that baggage drop deadlines are different from departure time.
- Leaving too little time for security and passport control.
- Using public transport without checking late-night or early-morning frequency.
- Trying to coordinate pickup only after landing with low phone battery or no local data.
Useful official BER links for Terminal 1
- Official BER terminal information
- Official BER site plan
- Official BER public transport information
- Official BER check-in and boarding
- Official BER security control information
FAQ
Is Terminal 1 the main terminal at BER Airport?
Yes. Terminal 1 is the main airport terminal and the central orientation point for many arrivals, departures, services and public transport connections.
Where is the train station at BER Terminal 1?
The “Flughafen BER” airport railway station is directly below Terminal 1 on level U2.
Can Terminal 2 passengers use Terminal 1?
Many Terminal 2 passengers pass through the Terminal 1 area when arriving by train because the airport station is under Terminal 1. They should then follow signs to Terminal 2.
Can I use security control in Terminal 1 for any gate?
According to official BER information, all departure gates are accessible from every security control. Always follow current airport signs and staff instructions.
Is Terminal 1 important for airport pickup?
Yes. Terminal 1 is an important point for arrivals, taxi, pickup and private transfer planning. Confirm the flight number and terminal before pickup.
Plan your Terminal 1 journey
Before travelling through Terminal 1, check your flight status, terminal, baggage needs and transport plan. If you want a pre-booked ride to or from BER Airport, use online booking to arrange the route, vehicle and pickup details in advance.
