Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for passenger flights. The terminals are located next to each other and are within walking distance, but they are not identical. For passengers, the main difference is how each terminal affects check-in, walking routes, rail access, arrivals, departures and pickup planning.
This guide compares BER Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 so you can understand which terminal matters for your flight, how to move between them and what to check before travelling.
Important: terminal use can depend on airline, route and airport operations. Always check your airline, boarding pass and the official BER flight information before going to the airport.
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 at a glance
| Topic | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Main BER terminal and central orientation point | Additional terminal for selected flights and airlines |
| Railway station | Airport station is directly under Terminal 1 | Reached by walking from the Terminal 1 station area |
| Walking route | Central access point for many passengers | Within walking distance of Terminal 1 |
| Check-in | Main check-in infrastructure | Check-in and self-service on level E0 |
| Security | Security control options in Terminal 1 | Security control on level E1 |
| Best for | Passengers using T1 flights, train access and central services | Passengers whose airline specifically uses T2 |
Are BER Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connected?
Yes. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located next to each other and are within walking distance. Passengers should follow airport signs between the terminal areas and allow extra time when travelling with luggage, children, mobility needs or a tight schedule.
Even though the terminals are close, the correct terminal still matters. Going to the wrong check-in area can waste time, especially before departure or when trying to meet arriving passengers.
For the full airport overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026. For the terminal overview, see BER Airport Terminals Guide.
Terminal 1: main strengths
Terminal 1 is the main terminal at BER Airport. It is the central point for many airport services, public transport access, arrivals, departures, check-in areas, baggage handling and orientation.
The most important advantage of Terminal 1 is rail access. The airport railway station “Flughafen BER” is located directly under Terminal 1 on level U2. Passengers arriving by Airport Express, regional train, S-Bahn or long-distance rail normally enter the airport through the Terminal 1 station area.
Terminal 1 is also the practical orientation point for many passengers who are not sure where to go first. From T1, passengers can follow signs to Terminal 2, check airport displays, access services and continue to public transport, taxi, pickup or private transfer.
Detailed guide: BER Airport Terminal 1 Guide.
Terminal 2: main strengths
Terminal 2 is smaller and is used for selected airlines and flights. Its main advantage is that it can be more direct for passengers whose airline uses T2, because check-in, baggage drop and security are arranged around that terminal.
Terminal 2 check-in counters and self-service machines are located on level E0. Security control in Terminal 2 is on level E1. Passengers arriving by train should remember that the station is under Terminal 1, so they still need to walk from the T1 station area to T2.
Terminal 2 is convenient when your flight is assigned there, but it is not the same as arriving directly under the terminal by train. This difference matters for timing and luggage planning.
Detailed guide: BER Airport Terminal 2 Guide.
Which terminal has the train station?
The airport railway station is directly under Terminal 1 on level U2. This is one of the clearest differences between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Passengers using rail services arrive underneath T1 and then continue to their terminal from there.
If your flight departs from Terminal 2, you should add walking time from the Terminal 1 station area to T2. The route is signposted, but passengers with heavy luggage or children should not leave this to the last minute.
Official source: BER airport railway station information.
Which terminal should you use for departures?
Use the terminal shown by your airline, boarding pass or the official BER departure information. Do not choose a terminal based only on habit or a previous trip. The airline and route determine where you need to check in or drop baggage.
Terminal 1 is often the main reference point, but Terminal 2 is the correct choice when your airline or flight is assigned there. Passengers with checked baggage should be especially careful because baggage drop deadlines are strict.
For the full departure process, see BER Airport Departures Guide. For planned airport drop-off, see Transfer to BER Airport.
Which terminal should you use for arrivals?
For arrivals, check the terminal shown on the flight information. If you are meeting someone, ask for the flight number and terminal rather than relying only on the scheduled landing time.
Arriving passengers may need passport control, baggage claim and walking time before they reach the public area. This means the real meeting or pickup time can be later than the landing time shown on the flight board.
For the full arrival process, see BER Airport Arrivals Guide. For pre-booked pickup, see Transfer from BER Airport.
Security control: Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2
Security control is available in both terminal areas. According to official BER information, passengers can generally use any security checkpoint in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and all departure gates are accessible from each security control.
This does not mean passengers should ignore their terminal. Check-in, baggage drop, walking routes and current airport guidance still matter. The best approach is to follow live airport information, waiting time displays and staff instructions on the travel day.
Official source: BER Terminal 2 security control information.
Terminal choice for public transport passengers
Public transport passengers should plan around the Terminal 1 station location. If you are departing from Terminal 1, the route from the station is direct. If you are departing from Terminal 2, follow signs from the Terminal 1 station area and allow extra walking time.
This is especially important for early departures, late arrivals, families and passengers with large luggage. Public transport may be efficient, but the full door-to-door route includes walking inside the airport.
Terminal choice for taxi, pickup and private transfer
For taxi, pickup or private transfer, the terminal affects the meeting point and timing. Passengers should give the correct terminal, flight number, airline and destination when planning airport pickup or drop-off.
For arrivals, the driver should understand that landing time is not the same as exit time. For departures, the driver should know whether the passenger needs Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 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.
Which terminal is better for families and groups?
There is no universally better terminal. The better terminal is the one assigned to your flight. Families and groups should focus on preparation: check the terminal, agree on a meeting point, allow walking time and avoid last-minute changes.
Terminal 1 may feel easier for rail access and orientation because the station is underneath it. Terminal 2 can be convenient when your airline uses it, but groups should remember the walking route from the Terminal 1 station area.
Which terminal is better for business travellers?
Business travellers should choose speed and predictability, not assumptions. Check the terminal, security waiting information, baggage needs and transport plan before leaving the hotel or office.
If timing is tight, a pre-booked transfer can reduce uncertainty because pickup time, vehicle type and destination are arranged in advance. This is especially useful for early flights, late arrivals and meetings outside central Berlin.
Common mistakes when comparing Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Assuming all flights use Terminal 1 because it is the main terminal.
- Forgetting that Terminal 2 is reached from the Terminal 1 station area when arriving by train.
- Going to the airport without checking current terminal information.
- Confusing scheduled landing time with the time passengers exit arrivals.
- Leaving too little walking time with luggage or children.
- Planning pickup without giving the flight number and terminal.
- Using old screenshots instead of live airline or airport information.
Useful official BER links
- Official BER terminal information
- Official BER site plan
- Official BER departures and arrivals
- Official BER airport railway station information
- Official BER security control information
FAQ
Are BER Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connected?
Yes. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located next to each other and are within walking distance. Follow airport signs between the terminal areas.
Which terminal has the train station at BER?
The airport railway station is directly under Terminal 1 on level U2. Terminal 2 passengers walk from the Terminal 1 station area to T2.
Is Terminal 1 better than Terminal 2?
Terminal 1 is the main terminal and central transport point, but the better terminal is the one assigned to your flight. Always follow airline and airport information.
Can I use Terminal 1 security if my flight is from Terminal 2?
According to official BER information, passengers can generally use security checkpoints in T1 or T2, and all departure gates are accessible from each security control. Follow current airport guidance on the day.
Which terminal should I give for airport pickup?
Give the terminal shown on the flight information, plus the flight number and airline. This helps plan the correct meeting point and pickup timing.
Plan your BER terminal journey
Before travelling, 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.
