Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for passenger flights. The terminals are close to each other, but choosing the right terminal still matters for check-in, arrivals, baggage claim, security, walking routes, pickup and onward transport.
This BER Airport terminals guide explains the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, how the terminals connect, where the railway station fits into the airport layout and what passengers should check before travelling.
Important: your terminal can depend on airline, route and airport operations. Always check your ticket, airline app and the official BER flight information before travelling.
BER Airport terminals at a glance
- Main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Terminal connection: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are within walking distance
- Railway station: directly under Terminal 1
- Arrivals: handled through Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Departures: handled through Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Best planning rule: check your airline and flight status before going to the airport
Terminal 1 at BER Airport
Terminal 1 is the main terminal at BER. It is the central point for many airport services, public transport access, shops, restaurants, security control, arrivals and departures. The airport railway station is located directly below Terminal 1, which makes T1 the main orientation point for passengers arriving by train or S-Bahn.
Passengers using Terminal 1 should check the correct check-in area, baggage drop information and security waiting times before departure. For arrivals, Terminal 1 includes public arrival areas, baggage claim access and connections to taxi, pickup, public transport and private transfer options.
Terminal 1 is also important for passengers who are flying from Terminal 2 but arrive by train, because the railway station is under Terminal 1 and passengers then follow signs to Terminal 2.
Terminal 2 at BER Airport
Terminal 2 is located close to Terminal 1 and is used for selected passenger flights. It is part of the main BER terminal area, but passengers should still check whether their airline uses Terminal 2 before travelling.
If you arrive by train and fly from Terminal 2, you first arrive at the airport station under Terminal 1. From there, follow signs through the terminal area to Terminal 2. Allow extra walking time, especially with luggage, children, mobility needs or a tight schedule.
Terminal 2 can be practical when your airline uses it, but it is not a reason to ignore Terminal 1. Many passengers will still use Terminal 1 as the main orientation point for public transport, pickup planning and airport services.
How to check your BER terminal
The easiest way to avoid confusion is to check your terminal before leaving for the airport or before meeting arriving passengers. Use your airline app, booking confirmation, boarding pass and the official BER flight information.
Do not rely only on older screenshots or saved emails. Airport operations can change, and the terminal shown closer to the travel time is usually more useful than information checked days earlier.
Official source: BER departures and arrivals.
Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located next to each other and are within walking distance. The route is signed inside the airport area. Passengers should still plan a time buffer if they are carrying large luggage, travelling with children or moving between terminal areas during busy periods.
If you are unsure where to go, follow the terminal signs first, then check the airport screens for the latest flight information. For most passengers, clear orientation before arrival is enough to avoid unnecessary walking.
BER Airport railway station and terminal layout
The BER Airport railway station is located directly under Terminal 1 on level U2. From the platforms, passengers can continue to Terminal 1 check-in areas or follow signs toward Terminal 2 when needed.
This layout is important for passengers arriving by Airport Express, regional train, S-Bahn or long-distance services. Even if your flight is from Terminal 2, your public transport route will usually bring you into the airport through the Terminal 1 station area.
For the general airport overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026.
Arrivals in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Arriving passengers should follow signs from the aircraft to passport control if required, baggage claim and the public arrivals area. The exact route depends on terminal, flight type and baggage needs.
If you are meeting someone at BER, ask for the terminal and flight number. The scheduled landing time is not the same as the exit time, because passengers may still need passport control, baggage claim and walking time.
For the full arrival process, see BER Airport Arrivals Guide. For airport pickup service, see Transfer from BER Airport.
Departures in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
For departures, passengers should confirm the terminal, check-in area, baggage drop deadline and boarding time before leaving. If you have checked luggage, the terminal and baggage drop location matter more than the gate alone.
BER provides security control options in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. According to official BER information, passengers can use security control in either terminal, and departure gates are accessible from each security control. Even so, passengers should follow current airport guidance, signage and staff instructions.
For the full departure process, see BER Airport Departures Guide. For planned airport drop-off, see Transfer to BER Airport.
Terminal 1 or Terminal 2: what passengers should compare
- Airline: check which terminal your airline uses for your flight.
- Check-in: confirm whether you need a counter, self-check-in or baggage drop.
- Baggage: large or special luggage can make walking time more important.
- Transport: train passengers arrive under Terminal 1, even when flying from Terminal 2.
- Meeting point: agree on terminal and public area before the flight lands.
- Time buffer: add extra time during holidays, early morning flights and busy travel periods.
Getting to the right terminal by public transport
Public transport passengers usually arrive at the station under Terminal 1. This is convenient for Terminal 1 departures and arrivals. For Terminal 2, passengers should follow signs from the Terminal 1 station area toward Terminal 2.
If you are travelling with heavy luggage or children, check the walking route in advance and allow extra time. Public transport can be efficient, but it still requires moving from the station level to the correct terminal and check-in or arrivals area.
Official source: BER public transport information.
Taxi, pickup and private transfer by terminal
Passengers using taxi, pickup or private transfer should confirm Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 before the journey. A small terminal misunderstanding can create avoidable waiting time, especially after landing with luggage or before an early flight.
For arrivals, give the driver your flight number and terminal information. For departures, provide the airline and departure terminal when booking. This helps plan the correct drop-off point and timing.
For the main 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 planning for families, groups and business travellers
Families, business travellers and groups should take terminal planning seriously. A family with children, strollers and checked bags moves differently from a solo traveller with hand luggage. A business traveller with a tight meeting schedule may prefer more predictable timing.
Groups should agree on one meeting point, one pickup point and one contact person before the travel day. This is especially useful when passengers arrive on different flights or when part of the group uses public transport while others use pickup.
Common BER terminal mistakes
- Going to the airport without checking whether the flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- Assuming Terminal 2 has the same transport access pattern as Terminal 1.
- Forgetting that the railway station is under Terminal 1.
- Meeting arriving passengers before they have passed baggage claim or passport control.
- Leaving too little time to walk between terminal areas with luggage.
- Using old flight screenshots instead of current airline or airport information.
Useful official BER links for terminals
- Official BER terminal information
- Official BER site plan
- Official BER departures and arrivals
- Official BER security control information
- Official BER public transport information
FAQ
How many terminals does BER Airport use?
BER Airport uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for passenger arrivals and departures.
Are Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connected?
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located next to each other and are within walking distance. Follow airport signs between the terminal areas.
Where is the BER Airport railway station?
The airport railway station is directly under Terminal 1 on level U2. Passengers flying from Terminal 2 should follow signs from the Terminal 1 station area.
Can I use security control in either terminal?
According to official BER information, passengers can use security control in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and departure gates are accessible from each security control. Always follow current airport signs and instructions.
Which terminal should I go to for my flight?
Check your airline, booking confirmation, boarding pass and the official BER flight information before travelling. The correct terminal can depend on airline and route.
Is terminal information important for private transfer?
Yes. For airport pickup or drop-off, terminal information helps plan the correct meeting point, route and timing.
Plan your BER Airport journey
Before travelling, confirm your terminal, flight status, 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.
