Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) handles all air traffic for the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region from a single point in southeast Berlin. With over 25 million passengers per year, this airport is the third largest airport in Germany. It’s so busy that knowing how it works before you get there makes a big difference.
This guide covers everything from arriving at the terminal to a quick security check, so you can spend less time worrying and more time in Berlin.
How to get to BER
BER is accessible by public transport and car.
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; The route to both is the same from the main access road.
Before you travel, check which terminal your flight departs from. This information will be displayed on the airport’s digital signage, the BER website and the BER app. All flights are posted online up to one week in advance.
Parking can be booked in advance through the BER website or app, with options ranging from short-term parking close to the terminal to long-term parking at affordable rates. Booking in advance will help you secure space and get better prices.
Check-in and baggage drop-off
The most efficient way is to check in online through the airline’s app or website before arrival. If you are traveling with only carry-on baggage, you can go straight to security. If you checked baggage, check if your airline supports Fast Bag Drop.
Fast Bag Drop kiosks in both Terminals 1 and 2 allow you to print baggage tags and drop off your bags without having to wait in line at the check-in desk. The machines are well distributed across both terminals, so waiting times are usually low.
Pass through security checkpoint
A little security preparation will save everyone time. The main rules to keep in mind are:
- Liquids carried in carry-on baggage must be placed in containers of 100ml or less.
- Go through security immediately after checking in and dropping off your baggage.
- Check airport displays or websites to see which security checkpoints currently have the shortest wait times.
BER Runway allows you to reserve free time for security screening in Terminal 1. Reservations are available from 7 days prior to flight departure. At Checkpoint 4, you bypass the regular queues and check your reservation and boarding pass at a dedicated access point. You can make a reservation through the BER website or app.
BER biometrics
smartdepart’s BER Biometrics app provides a hands-free travel option. Scan your face and upload your boarding pass so cameras in Fast Bag Drop, BER tarmac and lounges can automatically identify you. The system is designed to comply with data protection regulations.
Lounge and VIP services
BER has two airside lounges: Lounge Tegel and Lounge Tempelhof. Both offer seating, workstations and dining options. Reservations can be made in advance through the airport website or app.
For travelers seeking a seamless support experience, Zeitgeist VIP services include personalized check-in, baggage handling and exclusive lounge access.
Related reading: How to have fun at the airport
Advance service reservation
Book all the services you need in advance on our website or in the BER app. Parking spaces can already be booked online, so you can secure your desired parking space near the terminal or at a particularly low price. A visit to Lounge Tegel or Lounge Tempelhof will complete your stay in BER.
Services and products at BER Airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a traveler’s dream, offering a variety of impressive services to make every trip easy.
If you arrive by car, parking is very easy with a variety of options ranging from short-term and long-term parking to valet parking. It’s even more convenient because you can make reservations conveniently online.
Once inside, you can relax in the stylish Tegel and Tempelhof lounges, which feature comfortable seating, work surfaces and dining areas. It’s the perfect place to unwind or get some work done.
For an added touch of luxury, Zeitgeist VIP services offer personalized check-in, baggage handling, and exclusive lounge access to enhance your airport experience. And our innovative BER Runway service allows you to reserve your security checkpoint time slot to reduce wait times and prevent stress.
Don’t miss the Visitor Terrace, where panoramic runway views and fascinating exhibits about BER’s history will captivate aviation enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Whether you pass through or take it all in, BER ensures that your time at the airport is as enjoyable as your destination.
Both terminals have a good spread of food and retail. Here’s what you need to know before you start your search:
Terminal 1: Marketplace and Food Court
The Market Place in the departure hall of Terminal 1 is where most food and shopping are concentrated. For coffee, Berliner Kaffeерösterei opens at 3:30 a.m. and runs until the last departure. If you need to catch an early flight, you can count on it. Starbucks is also located in the food court (closes 22:00). More Berlin-specific is Ick bin ein Berliner, a Berlin pilsner bar located in the Market Place. Open from 3:30 AM until last departure.
The food court covers most bases. Witty’s Bio-Currywurst (closes 22:00), an organic reinterpretation of Berlin’s traditional street food, Bastar! Pizza and pasta! (closes 22:00), Beets & Roots (closes 21:00), a vegetable-centric menu born in the city, and Klässig’s Fish & Chips for sea bass and coconut shrimp.
Shopping at the market includes the LEGO Store, AMPELMANN (designed around the iconic East Berlin traffic light painting), Heinemann Duty Free and fashion retailers including Marc O’Polo, FALKE and RITUALS. Pocket Shop and RELAY stock books and international press. For Berlin souvenirs, I Love Berlin and myBerlin are both located here, open from 21:00 to 22:00.
Are you arriving late? REWE and Kamps Bakery are both located in the U1 train station and are open 24 hours a day. This is useful if your airside option is already closed.
Terminal 2: The Plaza
The plaza in Terminal 2 is smaller but meets key requirements. Food options include Goodman & Filippo (Italian-American deli, close 22:00), Hermann’s (snack classics, close 22:00), and Beans & Barley (beer and coffee, close 22:00). WHSmith & Inmotion carries books, travel gear, snacks and more. Heinemann Duty Free’s Plaza store is open until 23:00.
For a full list of stores in both terminals, including live opening hours, see the BER Stores, Cafés and Services Directory.
visitor terrace
If you have time or are waiting for someone, the visitor terrace is worth a visit. It has views directly over the runway and includes exhibits about the airport’s history. If you go early or are killing time between connections, it’s a decent way to spend an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal does my flight depart from at BER?
BER operates two terminals. Departure terminals are displayed on digital displays at the airport, on the BER website and in the BER app. Flight information can be checked online up to 7 days before departure. When in doubt, check before leaving for the airport. The route from the main ramp to both terminals 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 typically require three. If you plan to use Fast Bag Drop and have already checked in online, the process will go quickly. During peak times, especially summer mornings and Friday afternoons; Spend more time on security.
What is a BER runway and is it worth using?
BER Runway is a free service that allows you to reserve slots for security checkpoint number 4 in Terminal 1. Book online up to 7 days in advance and use a separate access lane with same-day boarding passes and confirmed reservations. This is especially useful during busy times when regular security lines can be long.
Can I get to BER by public transportation?
yes. BER is directly connected to Berlin’s S-Bahn and regional rail networks. The S45, S9, local RE7 and RB14 lines all stop at the airport station and, depending on your destination, take you to central Berlin in around 30-45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased through the VBB app or from station machines.
Are the airport stores open if I arrive late at night?
Terminal 1’s retail area is open 24 hours a day, making it convenient even for late arrivals. Choices are more limited at night than during peak hours, but essentials and convenience items are usually available. The Terminal 2 Plaza has longer standard opening hours, so if you arrive too late, Terminal 1 is a better option to get your post-flight items ready.
