From BER to the City: All Transfer Options Compared

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located in the south-east of Berlin, approximately 25 kilometres from the city centre. The transport links are better than their reputation suggests, though there are significant differences in price, journey time and comfort depending on which mode of transport you choose. Here is a full overview of all options, so you can make the right call the moment you land.

FEX (Flughafen Express) — the fastest option

The FEX is the direct service from BER to Hauptbahnhof and takes around 30 minutes. It stops only at Bahnhof Südkreuz (convenient for Kreuzberg, Schöneberg and Tempelhof) and then continues to Hauptbahnhof. Trains run every 30 minutes and are generally punctual.

You need an ABC ticket, which costs €4.40. If you hold a Deutschland-Ticket, you can use the FEX at no extra charge. At the airport, simply follow the signs marked "Bahn" to the underground station — the route is well signposted. The trains are modern and have ample space for luggage.

Journey time: 30 min to Hauptbahnhof. Cost: €4.40 (ABC ticket). Frequency: Every 30 min. Tip: If you are heading to Kreuzberg, alight at Südkreuz and continue by S-Bahn or bus from there. This saves around 15 minutes compared to going via Hauptbahnhof.

S-Bahn S9 and S45 — more flexible, but slower

The S9 connects BER with the city centre and stops at numerous stations along the way: Schöneweide, Ostkreuz, Warschauer Straße, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof. This is handy because you can step off at whichever station is closest to your destination without changing trains.

The journey does take 45–55 minutes to Alexanderplatz and a good hour to Hauptbahnhof. The S45 takes a shorter route via Südkreuz and terminates there. Both lines run every 20 minutes.

Journey time: 45–60 min. Cost: €4.40 (ABC ticket). Frequency: Every 20 min. Tip: The S9 is the best choice if your hotel or Berlin apartment is in Friedrichshain or Mitte — you avoid changing trains at Hauptbahnhof altogether.

Regional trains RE7 and RB14 — fast, but requires a change

The regional trains are similar in speed to the FEX and sometimes stop at additional stations. The RE7 runs via Südkreuz and Hauptbahnhof and continues on to Potsdam, which is useful for day trips. The RB14 also serves Hauptbahnhof.

Both trains use the same ABC ticket as the S-Bahn and FEX. Regional trains can be busier than the FEX, especially during peak hours, but cover the same route for the same price.

Journey time: 25–35 min to Hauptbahnhof. Cost: €4.40 (ABC ticket). Tip: Take the RE7 if you are heading directly to Potsdam. Otherwise, the FEX is the better choice.

Taxi — comfortable, but pricey

Taxis are almost always available at the rank in front of the terminal. A journey to the city centre costs between €40 and €55 depending on your destination and traffic. To Kreuzberg expect around €40–45; to Alexanderplatz more like €50–55. Journey times range from 30 to 50 minutes depending on the time of day.

Taxis are worth considering if you arrive late at night (after midnight, S-Bahn and FEX services are less frequent), if you have a lot of luggage, or if you are travelling in a group and can split the cost. Berlin taxis accept both cash and card.

Journey time: 30–50 min. Cost: €40–55. Tip: Get a fare estimate in advance via a taxi app (Free Now or Uber). There are no official fixed fares, but the app estimate is usually close to the final price.

Uber and Bolt — cheaper than a taxi

Uber and Bolt operate legally in Berlin and are available at BER. Prices are typically 10–20% lower than standard taxi rates, particularly outside peak hours. Pick-up at BER works smoothly — there are designated pick-up zones in front of the terminal.

During peak times (Friday afternoon, Sunday evening), surge pricing can push fares significantly higher — sometimes above the taxi rate. In that case, a regular taxi is the better option.

Journey time: 30–50 min. Cost: €35–50. Tip: Set up the app and add your payment method before you land, so you can book as soon as you arrive.

Car hire — only worthwhile for day trips

All major car hire companies have desks inside the BER terminal. Hiring a car only makes sense if you are planning excursions into the Brandenburg countryside (Spreewald, Potsdam, the Baltic coast). Within Berlin itself, a car is impractical: parking spaces are scarce, parking fees are high, and public transport is faster.

If you do decide to hire: book in advance, as airport prices are higher than online rates. And make sure to check the environmental zone rules: without a green Umweltzone sticker, you are not permitted to drive into the city centre.

Our recommendation

For most visitors, the FEX is the best option: fast, affordable and straightforward. If you are heading to Kreuzberg or Neukölln, alight at Südkreuz. If you are heading to Friedrichshain or Mitte, take the S9. And if you arrive late at night or have a lot of luggage, take a taxi or Uber — no need to feel guilty about it.

One final note: the best way to buy tickets for the S-Bahn and FEX is at the machines directly inside the BER station, or via the BVG app. The machines at the airport are clearly visible and accept both card and cash.