Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) manages all air traffic in the capital region Berlin-Brandenburg from a single location in the southeast of the city. With more than 25 million passengers a year, it is Germany third largest airport; Busy enough to know how it works before you arrive makes a real difference.
This guide covers everything from getting to the terminal to getting through security faster, so you can spend less time worrying and more time in Berlin.
Get to the BER
BER can be accessed by both public transport and car.
The airport has two terminals; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; and the route to both is the same from the main access roads.
Before you travel, check which terminal your flight departs from: this information appears on the airport’s digital panels, on the BER website and in the BER app. All flights are listed online up to a week in advance.
Parking can be reserved in advance through the BER website either applicationwith options ranging from short-stay locations near the terminal to longer-stay spaces at lower rates. Booking early allows you to secure a space and often a better price.
Check-in and baggage delivery
The most efficient approach is to check in online through your airline’s app or website before you arrive. If you are traveling with only hand luggage, you can go directly to security. If you have checked luggage, find out if your airline supports Fast Bag Drop.
Express bag drop kiosks in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 allow you to print your bag tag and drop it off without waiting in line at the check-in counter. The machines are well distributed in both terminals, so waits are usually short.
Going through security
A little security preparation saves everyone time. The main rules to keep in mind:
- Liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less.
- Go through security immediately after check-in and bag drop.
- Check the airport screens or website for the security checkpoint with the shortest current wait time.
BER Runway allows you to book a free time slot for security access in Terminal 1. Reservations open seven days before your flight. At checkpoint 4, your reservation and boarding pass are verified at a dedicated access point, avoiding the general queue. You can reserve through BER website either application.
BER biometrics
Smartdepart’s BER Biometrics app offers a hands-free travel option. After scanning your face and loading your boarding pass, cameras at Fast Bag Drop, BER Runway and in lounges can automatically identify you. The system is designed to comply with data protection regulations.
VIP Rooms and VIP Services
BER has two VIP lounges on the airside: Lounge Tegel and Lounge Tempelhof. Both offer seating, workstations and dining options. Access can be booked in advance through the airport’s website or app.
For travelers who want a fully assisted experience, the Zeitgeist VIP service covers personalized check-in, baggage handling and access to a private lounge.
Related reading: How to entertain yourself at an airport
Book services in advance
Book all the services you need in advance on the website or in the BER app. Parking spaces can now be reserved online, so you can secure your favorite parking space near the terminal or at a particularly good price. A visit to Lounge Tegel or Lounge Tempelhof will perfectly complete your stay at BER.
Services and products at BER airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a traveler’s dream, offering an impressive array of services that make every trip a breeze.
For those arriving by car, parking is a breeze with options ranging from short and long stay spots to valet services, all conveniently bookable online for greater ease.
Once inside, relaxation awaits in the elegant Tegel and Tempelhof lounges, complete with comfortable seating, workstations and dining areas, perfect for relaxing or catching up on work.
For a touch of luxury, the Zeitgeist VIP service offers personalized check-in, baggage handling and access to an exclusive lounge that elevates the airport experience. and the innovative BER track service allows you to book a security screening time, reducing wait times and keeping stress at bay.
Don’t miss the visitor terracewhere panoramic views of the runway and fascinating exhibits on the history of BER captivate aviation fans and curious travelers alike.
Whether you’re just passing through or enjoying it all, BER ensures that your time at the airport is as enjoyable as your destination.
Both terminals have good food and retail distribution. Here’s what you need to know before you start searching.
Terminal 1: Market and food court
The Market Place in the Terminal 1 departures area is where most of the dining and shopping takes place. For coffee, Berliner Kaffeерösterei opens at 3:30 am and runs until the last departure, reliable if you take an early flight. Starbucks is also in the Food Court (closes at 10pm). For something more Berlin-specific, Ick bin ein Berliner is a Berliner Pilsner bar in Market Place, also open from 3:30am until last departure.
The Food Court covers most of the bases: Witty’s Bio-Currywurst for the organic version of the Berlin street food classic (closes at 10pm), stop it! pizza and pasta! (closes at 10 p.m.), beets and roots for a city-born vegetable menu (closes at 9 p.m.) and Klässig’s Fish & Chips for bites of pike-perch and coconut shrimp.
Shopping at Market Place includes a LEGO store, AMPELMANN (design products around the iconic East Berlin traffic light figure), Heinemann Duty Free and fashion retailers such as Marc O’Polo, FALKE and RITUALS. Pocket Shop and RELAY securities books and international press. For Berlin souvenirs, I Love Berlin and myBerlin are here, open from 9pm to 10pm.
Are you late? REWE and Kamps Bakery are at the train station on level U1, open 24 hours a day, which is handy when the airside options have already closed.
Terminal 2: The Plaza
The Terminal 2 Plaza is more compact but covers the main needs. Dining options include Goodman & Filippo (Italian-American deli, closes at 10 p.m.), Hermann’s (classic sandwiches, closes at 10 p.m.), and Beans & Barley (beer and coffee, closes at 10 p.m.). WHSmith & Inmotion deals in books, travel accessories and snacks. Heinemann Duty Free has a Plaza outlet open until 11:00 p.m.
For the full and up-to-date list of outlets at both terminals, including live opening hours, see the Directory of shops, cafes and services BER.
The visitor terrace
If you have time to spare or are waiting for someone, the visitor terrace is worth checking out. It has direct views of the runways and includes exhibits on the history of the airport. It’s a decent way to spend an hour if you arrive early or kill time between connections.
Frequently asked questions
Which terminal does my BER flight depart from?
BER operates two terminals. Your departure terminal is displayed on the airport’s digital screens, on the BER website and in the BER app. Flight information is available online up to seven days before departure. If in doubt, check before leaving for the airport; The route to both terminals from the main access roads is the same, but the departure gates are separate.
How early should I arrive at BER?
Most short-haul airlines recommend arriving two hours before departure; Long-haul flights usually require three. If you plan to use Fast Bag Drop and have already checked in online, the process moves quickly. At peak times; summer mornings and Friday afternoons especially; Take extra time on security.
What is BER Runway and is it worth using?
BER Runway is a free service that allows you to reserve a time slot for Terminal 1 Security Check 4. You book online up to seven days in advance and on the day you use a separate access lane where your boarding pass and reservation are verified. It is particularly useful during busy periods, when general security lines can be long.
Can I get to the BER by public transport?
Yes. BER is directly connected to the Berlin S-Bahn and the regional rail network. Lines S45, S9 and regional lines RE7 and RB14 stop at the airport station, and travel time to central Berlin ranges between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the destination. Tickets are available via the VBB app or from machines at the station.
Are the airport shops open when I arrive late at night?
The Terminal 1 shopping area is open 24 hours a day, which is useful for late arrivals. Selection is more limited at night than during peak hours, but basic and convenience items are generally available. Terminal 2 Plaza has more standard business hours, so if you arrive very late, Terminal 1 is your best option for post-flight supplies.
