After nearly a decade of delays and billions of euros over budget, Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt International Airport (BER), named after a former Berlin mayor, finally opened in October 2020. Since then, BER, which replaced Tegel and Schönefeld airports in the German capital, has struggled to find its rhythm, most notably with slow security lines and signage that many passengers find confusing, among other issues.
However, armed with a little know-how—and, perhaps most importantly, a free timeslot for the security line—BER is manageable. And if the travel gods are on your side, it can even be pleasant. Here are the tested tips and strategies that, as a frequent traveller and former resident of Berlin, I recommend to make the best of BER.
BER is much farther away from the city centre than its predecessor, Tegel, and will take about 45 minutes to an hour (or more) to reach. Taxis and ride shares are also available, but since the airport is about 27 km from the city centre, expect to pay a hefty fare. Traffic can also be problematic.
However, BER is well-connected to Berlin’s excellent public transportation system, with a rail station at the airport and bus connections just outside. Just be sure to allow plenty of time: I recommend leaving for the airport at least three hours before departure for Schengen flights within Europe, and four hours for long-haul flights.
Train is my preferred mode of transit, since it’s affordable and usually efficient. But with so many local and regional trains, the system can be confusing, especially for first-timers, so it helps to plan your route ahead of time.
Travelling from the airport, Google Maps is a handy tool. Buy a digital ticket with Berlin’s BVG app, or a paper ticket via ticket machines located one level above the platform. (Be sure to validate paper tickets before boarding; just watch what other passengers are doing). Otherwise, you may incur a fine (and Berlin’s public transportation authorities are notoriously strict).
Regional trains (FEX, RB23, RB24, RB32, and RE8) and S-Bahn trains (S45, S41 and S9) connect BER to several hubs within Berlin, including Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) and Alexanderplatz, with a handful of hotels nearby.
But the FEX, or Flughafen Express (the Airport Express, in English) is usually the quickest and easiest. The FEX train departs from BER several times an hour and stops at Ostkreuz, Gesundbrunnen, and Berlin Central Station. That said, the FEX isn’t always reliable: Several times on my way to catch flights out of BER, it was significantly delayed, which is a stressful way to start a trip.
If you prefer the bus, the express buses X7 and X71 travel frequently between metro station Rudow (the end of the U7 line) and BER. The trip takes about 14 minutes.
The bottom line: Allow more time than you think is necessary to get to the airport on public transportation. And if you arrive earlier than expected, that extra time could very well be needed for BER itself.
BER has three terminals, but only two of them are in operation. Terminal 1 is the biggest and is used for international and domestic flights. Terminal 2, meanwhile, serves low-cost airlines such as Ryanair. Terminal 5 is the former Schönefeld Airport, which is closed permanently.
Airline check-in desks are located on the first floor, with screens displaying which check-in desk corresponds to each airline. Queues can be long and slow, especially for budget carriers. Whenever possible, I highly recommend bringing carry-on luggage only and checking in ahead of time.
I won’t sugarcoat it: Berlin’s security experience is one many passengers, myself included, dread. While there are times you might sail through in minutes, that’s often the exception to the rule. At peak periods, such as the Easter break or summer holidays, the wait can be an hour or more. Prior to the launch of the timeslot service (more on that below), I – like many passengers at BER – have had to sprint to catch a flight because of glacially slow security lines.
The good news: there are a few ways to streamline the security process and minimize hassle.
My top tip for flying out of BER: Book a security appointment, or timeslot, on BER’s website or app. Known as BER Runway, this free offering is operated by CLEAR. Timeslots can be booked up to one week in advance and are valid for 10 minutes before and after the actual appointment time at Security Control 4 in Terminal 1.
Timeslots can make or break your experience at BER. But keep in mind that during peak times, you may still have to wait far longer than the five to 10 minutes the service claims.
If you didn’t book a timeslot in advance, be sure to check the BER app or website for wait times. At the security area, large display screens indicate which checkpoints are currently least busy. All gates are accessible via any security control, so you can choose the one that’s the least crowded.
One head-scratching aspect of the security area: the lack of space to prep your bags (and yourself) before going through the scanners, which dramatically slows the process down. Recently, several “Preparation Zones” have been added near security checkpoints as a way to help organize your belongings without holding up the line.
I highly recommend following the rules exactly to avoid having repeat scans of your stuff or yourself. BER’s security officials are among the strictest I’ve ever experienced.
If you’re flying to a non-Schengen country, such as Canada, you’ll need to go through a second security screening – so be sure to factor in additional time. This security control is available for up to two hours prior to departure but closes 30 minutes before departure time.
Because the airport took so long to open, certain aspects of its design and infrastructure are already out of date, such as a lack of electrical outlets at gate areas (there are charging stations instead). Moving walkways and escalators are often not working. My top tips for pre-boarding time: make sure your devices are charged beforehand (or bring a portable battery) and give yourself plenty of time to reach your gate, as signage can be confusing.
Frustratingly for air travellers who fancy a good airport lounge before a flight, BER only has two: Tempelhof and Tegel. I highly recommend checking ahead of time which one is affiliated with your airline, since both are located at the far end of the terminal.
Tegel, which is in T1, serves airlines including KLM and Air France, and several other smaller carriers. Tempelhof, in T2, serves several North America-based carriers, including United and Delta. Both lounges also can be accessed via a fee, and are more affordable than some other European airports.
Priority Pass cardholders, however, are out of luck: There is no Aspire lounge at BER. Instead, cardholders receive a certain amount for purchase at two dining establishments, Mövenpick Cafe or NU Made With Love, both in Terminal 1.
Don’t plan on doing a ton of shopping at BER, since there are only a handful of options (and if you’ve been stuck in the security line, you might be making a mad dash for your gate anyway). That said, you’ll pass through a decent duty-free section after clearing security, with a solid selection of perfumes, liquors, and toys. One item you might want to grab here: water, as drinking fountains to fill up reusable bottles are scarce at BER.
One shop I highly recommend: Ampelmann, one of Germany’s most beloved brands. Featuring the symbols that appeared in pedestrian traffic lights in East Germany and now are a testament to the country’s reunification, the Ampelmann figures now grace T-shirts, magnets, and other mementos that are delightful and unique souvenirs.
One bright spot for BER: It has several family-friendly offerings. In Terminal 1, families with children under five can use one of two Family Lanes at security controls 1 and 5. Past security, little ones can get the wiggles out at the play area across the terminal from the duty-free shopping area (it’s a little difficult to find, so ask if needed). And in the baggage claim area of T2, two areas are set up with televisions to keep the kiddos entertained while you wait for luggage.
Another frequent complaint among BER passengers: bags that take ages to arrive. I’ve experienced this more than once, and when you’re travel-weary, it’s agonizing to watch that carousel spin without your suitcase on it. Of course, sometimes you can’t avoid checking a bag. But if you’re arriving at BER, I recommend opting for carry-on only luggage—which could save you significant time upon arrival.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
IATA Code | BER |
---|---|
Serves | Berlin |
Hub for | Condor, flynas, LOT |