✈️ How to Get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to the City Centre – The Wondering Englishman’s Ultimate Guide

Alex van Terheyden
Apr 30
5 min read

Why waste time and money getting from Berlin Brandenberg Airport - This essential Guide will get you to Berlin Super Fast!

Welcome to Berlin — a city where history hums beneath the pavements, currywurst is a way of life, and public transport is weirdly efficient.

But first things first: you’ve just landed at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and you need to get into the city. Quickly. Cheaply. Sanely.

I’ve tackled this exact journey — and filmed the whole thing so you don’t have to guess.

🎥 Watch it here:

👉 How to Get from BER Airport to the City Centre

Now, let’s break it all down.

🚆 1. Airport Express Train (FEX). – Fastest Train Into the City

If you’re not in the mood for faffing about, this is your go-to.

Duration: ~30 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (central station)
Ticket Price: €4.40 (Berlin ABC ticket)
Where from: Follow signs from Terminal 1 to the train station below.
Stops: Ostkreuz, Gesundbrunnen, then Hauptbahnhof.

🧠 The Wondering Englishman Tip: Buy your ticket from the yellow Deutsche Bahn machines or use the BVG app. Validate it before you hop on!

Fastest Train to the centre of Berlin from Berlin Brandenburg Airport

🛤️ 2. Regional Trains (RE7 and RB14). – Same Speed, Different Stops and generally more stops (so it takes a little longer than FEX).

Running alongside the FEX trains, these also whisk you into the city at pace — just with a different flavour.

Duration: 30–35 minutes
Good for: Stops at Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse, and Zoologischer Garten
Same ticket: €4.40 (ABC)

Ideal if you’re staying near any of Berlin’s classic sightseeing hubs.

This Train will stop a few more times than FEX. However, Its just as good!

🚇 3. S-Bahn (S9 and S45). – A Scenic Shuffle

If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to see a bit of local life en route, hop on the S-Bahn.

S9: Heads north — passes through Ostkreuz, Alexanderplatz, Hauptbahnhof, Zoo
S45: Heads west — toward Südkreuz and beyond
Duration: Around 45–50 minutes
Still €4.40

These come more frequently, so if you just missed the express, this is your backup buddy.

🚌 4. Express Buses (X7 & X71)– For U-Bahn Transfers

Prefer buses? Fancy heading straight to the U7 line? These express options are for you.

X7 & X71: Run every few minutes to Rudow (U7)
From there, it’s an easy ride to Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and Charlottenburg
Duration: ~35–45 mins total
ABC Ticket still applies

🧠 Tip: Buses leave just outside Terminal 1 – no platform stress required.

The ever faithful X7 Bus serves Berliners well.

🎟️ Tickets: What You Really Need to Know

You want a Berlin ABC ticket – €4.40
Covers trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses
Valid for 2 hours from validation
You can buy:
- At airport machines (cash/credit)
- Via the BVG Fahrinfo app (great for route planning too)
Validate your ticket: Little red/yellow boxes on platforms or on the bus. Don’t skip this — fines are €60+.

🚖 5. Taxis – When Convenience Wins

Too tired to figure it out? Need door-to-door?

Taxis: ~€50–€70 into central Berlin
Uber/Bolt: Available, often slightly cheaper
Duration: 30–45 mins, depending on traffic

The Wondering Englishman Warning: Rush hour can turn that 30-minute ride into 60. Trains don’t get stuck behind red lights.

Ride in style when in Berlin - but it will come at a cost! You can do it if you are feeling flush.

🚖 6. Ride-Sharing Apps – Smooth, App-Based Options

If you prefer the ease of booking a car on your phone, Berlin has you covered with multiple ride-sharing options. These can be cheaper than a taxi, and often come with promo discounts if it’s your first time using them.

🚗 Popular Ride Apps (with my referral codes):

Bolt – quick, affordable, and available right at the terminal.
👉 Use code HFDHF for a discount.
Uber – reliable and widely used across Berlin.
👉 Use code UberAVT when signing up.
FreeNow – lets you book official taxis and private rides.
👉 Code f0njivolg gets you started.
Lime – if you’re adventurous and just have a backpack, rent an electric scooter and ride into the city!
👉 Use referral code RBJ6RC5.

🧠 The Wondering Englishman Tip: Prices on these apps fluctuate with demand, so compare a few before booking. And always double-check your pickup location at the airport — sometimes it’s at a designated ride zone just outside Terminal 1.

🚘 7. Private Chauffeur Transfers – Comfort Without the Guesswork

Want to arrive in style with zero hassle? A pre-booked chauffeur service is your most luxurious and stress-free option. Perfect if you’re arriving late, traveling with a group, or simply want someone waiting with your name on a sign.

🌟 Why choose a chauffeur transfer?

Fixed prices (no surge pricing surprises)
Meet & greet in the arrivals hall
Door-to-door service in comfort
Great for families, business travellers, or when you’re just done with airport chaos

🧳 Recommended Provider:

GetTransfer.com
Or ask your hotel — many offer trusted local car services.

If you’re a fan of planning ahead and travelling in peace, this is the way.

🧠 Wondering Englishman Tip: Always confirm whether your quote includes airport parking fees and wait time. Some cheaper services may try to sneak in extras.

🚗 8. - Car Rental – If You’re Heading Out of Berlin

You do not need a car for Berlin — unless you’re heading straight to Potsdam, Dresden, or a countryside retreat.

All major rental companies operate out of Terminal 1
Be aware: Berlin’s city centre has environmental zones. You may need a “Feinstaubplakette” (green sticker).

🎥 Still Confused? Watch My Full Video!

Here’s the full walkthrough of exactly how to get from the airport into the city — with real platforms, real signage, and real no-nonsense:

👇👇👇

📺 How to Get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City

🤔 Final Thoughts from The Wondering Englishman

Berlin’s public transport is one of the easiest in Europe once you understand how it flows. And now you do.

So don’t blow €70 on a cab unless your suitcase is a back-breaking antique trunk. You’ve got options — fast, cheap, and efficient. Save that money for the Berlin Techno!

And best of all? You’re in Berlin.

The beer is cold. The streets are layered with stories. Your journey starts here!

I hope this article was helpful to you and helps add positively to your future journey. Your support through sharing helps me continue creating content just like this! If you found this information valuable, please consider joining my mailing list (below), following me on Instagram or subscribing to my YouTube Channel. You can also support me by becoming a member on YouTube or SubscribeStar, or even just by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi. I'm not sponsored by anyone, my content is independently provided because I believe it will be beneficial to readers like you.