BER Airport Train Guide

BER Airport trains are one of the most important ways to travel between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and the city. The airport railway station is directly below Terminal 1, and passengers can use Airport Express, regional trains, S-Bahn and selected long-distance rail connections depending on route, timetable and destination.

This BER Airport Train Guide explains where the station is, how Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 passengers reach it, how train travel compares with taxi and private transfers, and what to consider when travelling with luggage, children, business equipment, reduced mobility, late arrivals or tight departure timing.

BER Airport trains at a glance

• Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
• IATA code: BER
• Station name: Flughafen BER
• Station location: directly below Terminal 1
• Train options: Airport Express, regional trains, S-Bahn and selected long-distance rail connections
• Best for: light luggage, station-connected hotels and flexible travellers
• Key planning point: compare the full door-to-door route, not only the train ride

Where is the train station at BER Airport?

The BER railway station is below Terminal 1. This makes train travel convenient for Terminal 1 passengers because the station is part of the same airport complex and is reached by following the terminal signs down to the rail level.

Passengers should still allow time for lifts, escalators, ticket planning, platform access and walking inside the terminal. The station may be close, but after a flight the route can take longer with luggage, children, tired passengers or reduced mobility.

For station orientation, see BER Airport Train Station Guide.

How Terminal 1 passengers use the train

Terminal 1 passengers have the simplest route to the train station. After arrival, they leave the baggage and customs area, follow signs to the station and go down to the platforms. Before departure, they arrive by train, move up from the station and continue to check-in, baggage drop, security and gate areas.

Terminal 1 train travel works especially well for passengers whose destination is close to a station and who do not need a door-to-door transfer. It is less convenient if the final address is far from public transport.

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

How Terminal 2 passengers use the train

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

If you fly from Terminal 2, do not calculate only the train arrival time. Add the walk from station to Terminal 2, lifts or escalators, baggage, check-in and security. If you arrive at Terminal 2, add the walk from the terminal to the station before choosing a train connection.

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

Airport Express FEX

The Airport Express FEX is a key train connection between BER and Berlin. It is useful when the passenger’s destination connects well with the FEX route or when the traveller wants a direct airport rail connection into the city.

FEX can be a strong choice for solo travellers, business travellers with light luggage and visitors staying near a convenient station. It becomes less practical if the final address requires several changes, a long walk or a taxi after the train.

Regional trains from BER

Regional trains connect BER with Berlin and surrounding destinations. Depending on the timetable, they can be useful for central Berlin, regional towns or journeys that continue beyond the city.

Passengers should check the exact train number, platform, direction and stops. A regional train can be fast, but boarding the wrong direction or missing a transfer can create unnecessary delay.

S-Bahn from BER

S-Bahn services connect BER with Berlin’s urban rail network. They can be useful for flexible journeys, destinations along the line and passengers with light luggage.

S-Bahn routes may involve more stops or transfers than express trains, but they can be practical when the final destination fits the line. With several suitcases, small children or late-night travel, a direct transfer may be more comfortable.

Long-distance trains at BER

Some passengers use BER as part of a wider rail journey. Long-distance or intercity rail options can help passengers travel beyond Berlin without going into the city first, depending on the timetable.

Long-distance rail planning should include flight delays, baggage timing and transfer risk. Do not book a tight rail connection immediately after landing unless you understand the risk of missing it.

Train tickets and fare zones

BER train journeys require the correct ticket for the route and fare zones used. Passengers should check the required ticket before boarding and validate where required.

Do not assume a ticket for central Berlin alone is enough for an airport journey. Airport travel often requires a wider fare-zone ticket than a short inner-city ride.

For the broader public transport context, see BER Airport Public Transport Guide.

Where to buy train tickets

Passengers can usually buy tickets through ticket machines, transport apps or rail booking systems, depending on the route. The best method depends on whether the journey is local, regional or long-distance.

If you arrive without mobile data, use airport Wi-Fi where available or buy a ticket at a machine. Save your destination, hotel address and route before travel so you do not need to solve everything after landing.

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

Train travel after arrival

After landing, do not choose a train based only on scheduled arrival time. The real time to reach the platform depends on deboarding, passport control, baggage claim, customs, terminal walking and ticket planning.

If you have checked luggage, wait until baggage is collected before committing to a specific train. If your luggage is delayed or missing, the train plan may need to change.

For arrival planning, see BER Airport Arrivals Guide.

Train travel before departure

Before departure, train planning should work backwards from flight departure time. Include the rail journey, possible delays, walk from platform to terminal, check-in, baggage drop, security, passport control where relevant and gate walking.

If the flight is important, do not use the last possible train. A missed connection or disruption can quickly remove the safety buffer.

For departure planning, see BER Airport Departures Guide.

Trains and check-in

Check-in deadlines are one of the main reasons to add buffer when travelling to BER by train. If the train is delayed or the passenger misses a connection, there may not be enough time for baggage drop or document checks.

Passengers with checked bags, sports equipment, pets, child items or visa/document checks should arrive earlier than travellers with hand luggage only.

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

Trains and security control

Even if train travel is smooth, security control can still take time. Passengers should not plan to arrive at the airport railway station too close to boarding time.

After leaving the train, you still need to reach the correct terminal, handle check-in or baggage drop if needed, pass security and walk to the gate.

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

Trains and passport control

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

For train planning, this means scheduled landing time is not a reliable station arrival time. The same applies before departure: airport arrival by train is not the same as being ready to board.

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

Trains and baggage

Baggage often decides whether the train is a good idea. Train travel is easier with one suitcase or a backpack. It is harder with several suitcases, strollers, sports equipment, musical instruments or business materials.

If you need lifts, step-free routes or space for luggage, check the route carefully. A train may be fast but still uncomfortable if the final journey has several transfers and long walks.

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

Trains and customs

Customs can delay exit before passengers reach the train. This matters for travellers with goods, business equipment, large cash amounts, VAT refund questions or items needing inspection.

If customs takes longer than expected, update hotel, meeting or transfer plans before choosing a new rail connection.

For customs planning, see BER Airport Customs Guide.

Trains and late-night arrivals

Late-night train travel can be possible, but passengers should check frequency, transfers, platform safety, walking distance, hotel access and luggage comfort. A route that is simple at noon can feel difficult after midnight.

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

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

Trains and hotels

Train travel works best when the hotel is close to a convenient station. If the hotel is far from the station, the final walk, bus ride or taxi can remove the benefit of the train.

Always compare the route from terminal to hotel entrance, not only the airport-to-city rail segment.

For hotel planning, see BER Airport Hotels Guide.

Trains for business travellers

Business travellers may choose trains when the destination is close to a station and timing is flexible. Rail can be efficient for central Berlin and light luggage.

For meetings, conferences, formal clothing, equipment or time-sensitive appointments, a direct transfer can be more predictable. The best choice depends on the full schedule, not only travel cost.

For business services, see BER Airport Business Services Guide.

Trains for families

Families should consider luggage, strollers, child fatigue, snacks, lifts, platform changes and the number of transfers before choosing train travel. A simple train route 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.

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 a train.

Airport train access may be possible, 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.

Trains during delays

Flight delays can affect train plans after arrival. A passenger may miss a planned train, arrive after a frequency change or need a different route. Departure delays can also affect whether passengers remain at the airport or change plans.

Use flight status and train information together. A delayed flight plus a disrupted rail route can quickly change the best transport choice.

For delay planning, see BER Airport Flight Delays Guide.

Trains during cancellations

If a flight is cancelled, train travel may be needed for a hotel, a return to Berlin, another airport or a new long-distance journey. Do not buy a new ticket until airline instructions and baggage handling are clear.

If you are tired, travelling with family or carrying luggage, compare train travel with a direct transfer before leaving the terminal.

For cancellation planning, see BER Airport Flight Cancellations Guide.

Trains and flight status

Flight status is important before choosing a train after arrival and before leaving for BER by rail. 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.

Trains and airport Wi-Fi

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

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

Trains and cash

Many train ticket systems support card or app payment, 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 you understand baggage and exit timing.

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

Trains and food stops

Food stops can make train timing worse. 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.

Trains and shopping

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

If you plan to use trains, keep luggage manageable and avoid bulky last-minute purchases.

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

Train vs taxi from BER

Train can be cheaper and sometimes faster for station-connected routes. Taxi can be easier for direct travel, luggage, late arrivals, hotels away from rail lines or passengers who do not want transfers.

The right comparison is not train station to city centre. It is terminal exit to final address, including walking, waiting, transfers and luggage.

Train vs private transfer from BER

A private transfer is usually more comfortable for families, groups, business travellers, large luggage, late arrivals and door-to-door hotel travel. Train is often better for light luggage and simple station-connected trips.

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

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

When the train is a good choice

• Your hotel or address is close to a convenient station.
• You have light luggage.
• You are comfortable using Berlin public transport.
• You have enough time for walking and transfers.
• Your arrival or departure is not too late for your route.
• You are travelling alone or with a small flexible group.

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 is far from a train 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.

Common BER train mistakes

• Using landing time as station arrival time.
• Forgetting passport control, baggage claim and customs.
• Ignoring the walk between Terminal 2 and the railway station.
• Buying the wrong fare-zone ticket.
• Choosing a train route with too many transfers and heavy luggage.
• Not checking late-night frequency.
• Depending on live internet without saving the route offline.
• Comparing only train time instead of the full door-to-door journey.

BER train checklist

• Confirm Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
• Check the correct train, direction, platform and ticket.
• 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.
• Keep phone battery available for updates.
• Compare the train with taxi or private transfer if luggage or timing is difficult.

FAQ

Does BER Airport have a train station?

Yes. BER Airport has a railway station directly below Terminal 1, used by Airport Express, regional trains, S-Bahn and selected rail connections.

How do I reach the train from Terminal 2?

Terminal 2 passengers follow the signposted route between Terminal 2 and the Terminal 1 transport area, then continue to the station below Terminal 1.

Is the train from BER good for tourists?

Yes, if the hotel is near a convenient station and luggage is light. For families, late arrivals or hotels away from rail lines, a direct transfer may be easier.

Can I take the S-Bahn from BER?

Yes. S-Bahn services connect BER with Berlin’s urban rail network. The best route depends on destination and current timetable.

Should I choose train or private transfer from BER?

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

Plan your BER train journey or transfer before landing

BER train connections can be efficient, but they work best when the full route is simple and realistic. 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.