Berlin Airport (BER) Terminal Guide 2026: Arrivals, Transfers and Tips

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (IATA: BER) is the main international gateway into Germany's capital, handling millions of passengers each year across two active terminals. Whether you are flying in for a business meeting, transiting through Berlin, or departing for a holiday, knowing how the airport is organized makes the experience significantly smoother.

This guide covers everything you need before your trip: terminal layout, facilities, security, arrivals, and every option for reaching central Berlin from BER.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): A Quick Overview

BER opened in October 2020 after a decade of delays and replaces the former Tegel and Schönefeld airports as Berlin's single consolidated facility. The airport is located in Schönefeld, approximately 27 kilometers southeast of central Berlin.

In 2026, BER operates two active passenger terminals:

● Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal, handling the majority of flights including all full-service carriers and long-haul routes.

● Terminal 2 (T2): A secondary terminal opened in March 2022, primarily serving low-cost carriers. 

A third structure, sometimes called Terminal 5 (the former Schönefeld airport building), is not in use for passenger traffic. Do not be confused if you see references to it online; it is closed.

Terminal 1 (T1): The Main Hub

Terminal 1 is the heart of BER. It handles most of the airport's passenger volume and is the building directly above the airport railway station. If you are flying with a full-service airline, you will almost certainly be in Terminal 1.

Departures from Terminal 1

The departures area in T1 is organized across multiple levels:

● Level E0 (Ground Floor): Check-in desks, baggage drop, and the main departures hall. Most long-haul and intercontinental check-in takes place here.

● Level E1 (First Floor): Security checkpoints and access to airside gates.

T1 uses a pier-based gate layout. Gates are divided into areas, and departure boards throughout the terminal show the correct area for your flight.

Recommended arrival times at BER:

● Schengen flights: at least 2 hours before departure

● Non-Schengen or long-haul flights: 2.5 hours before departure

Arrivals at Terminal 1

Arriving passengers in Terminal 1 follow a clear sequence:

1. Disembark and follow signs to passport control (Schengen or non-Schengen depending on your origin).

2. Proceed to baggage reclaim on Level E0.

3. Exit through customs (Green or Red channel).

4. Enter the public arrivals hall, where your chauffeur or meet and greet contact will be waiting with a name board.

The arrivals hall in T1 is accessible and well signposted. For passengers being met by a professional chauffeur service, the standard meeting point is in the public arrivals hall immediately after customs exit. 

Facilities in Terminal 1

Lounges:

● BER Lounge Tempelhof: Located near Gate A20, offering hot and cold buffet, shower facilities, and workstations. Walk-in access available.

● BER Lounge Tegel: Located near Gate B17, with a more intimate setting, buffet service, and showers. Walk-in access available.

● Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges: Available to eligible Lufthansa and Star Alliance passengers.

● NUUUORK Co-Working Lounge: Located in the arrivals area at Level E0. Designed for travelers who need to work or debrief after landing.

Shopping and dining:

The central Market Place, located directly behind the main security checkpoint, is the primary hub for food and retail at BER. It houses approximately 25 shops and a range of dining options including bakeries (open 24 hours), coffee bars, fast food, and sit-down restaurants.

A practical note: the widest food choice is available landside (before security). If you have time before your departure, eat before passing through security rather than relying on the more limited airside selection.

Other facilities at T1:

● Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal

● Car rental desks (Level E0)

● Currency exchange and ATMs

● Pharmacy

● Room of Silence for quiet reflection

● Visitor Terrace with runway views (timed tickets required, bookable online, typically open 9:00 to 18:00 daily)

● 24-hour access to the terminal building

Terminal 2 (T2): The Low-Cost Terminal

Terminal 2 opened on 24 March 2022, adding capacity for up to 6 million additional passengers per year. It is physically connected to the North Pier of Terminal 1 and is designed primarily for higher-frequency, point-to-point operations.

According to the official BER Airport website, Terminal 2 serves as a check-in and arrivals building, with gates accessed via the North Pier shared with T1.

Airlines most commonly operating from Terminal 2 include low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. However, terminal assignments can and do change between seasons and schedules. Always confirm your terminal on your booking confirmation, the airline's app, or the digital departure boards at the airport.

Departures from Terminal 2

Check-in for T2 flights takes place in the T2 building. After check-in, passengers pass through security and access their gates. Some T2 gates are accessed via the North Pier walkway that connects T2 to T1.

Getting Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

The two terminals are directly adjacent and connected by a short walk at landside level. Signage within both buildings guides passengers between them clearly.

If you are connecting between flights in different terminals, the walk is short. However, you will pass through security again if moving between airside areas of different terminals, so factor this into your connection time.

Security at BER Airport

BER Airport operates a mix of security technology across its checkpoints in 2026:

CT scanner lanes (advanced technology):

● Located in T1 areas 1 and 5, and in the T2 security area.

● These lanes allow liquids of up to 2 liters, and you do not need to remove electronics from your bag.

Conventional X-ray lanes:

● Located in T1 areas 2 and 4.

● These lanes apply the standard 100 ml liquid rule (in a clear resealable bag) and require laptops and tablets to be removed from your bag.

Passengers are typically directed to whichever lane is flowing best at the time. Because you may be sent to a conventional lane regardless of your preference, it is practical to pack according to the stricter rules as a default: liquids in a clear bag, electronics easily accessible.

The BER Runway slot-booking service (which allowed passengers to reserve a security time slot in advance) was discontinued in May 2026. Security is now fully open-flow.

How to Get from BER Airport to Central Berlin

BER is well connected to the city. The airport station is located directly beneath Terminal 1 at Level U2, making public transport access straightforward.

Airport Express Train (FEX)

The Airport Express (FEX) is the fastest public transport option between BER and central Berlin.

● Journey time: Approximately 23 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)

● Stops: Südkreuz and Potsdamer Platz en route

● Ticket: Berlin ABC zone ticket (€5.00)

● Frequency: Regular departures throughout the day

● Note: FEX does not run between approximately 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM

For business travelers arriving at Hauptbahnhof, Potsdamer Platz, or Südkreuz, the FEX is a fast and cost-efficient option.

S-Bahn (S9 and S45)

The S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 also serve BER airport station.

● Journey time: Approximately 45 to 50 minutes to central Berlin, with more stops across the city

● Ticket: Berlin ABC zone ticket (€5.00)

● Coverage: Useful if your destination is not on the FEX route; the S-Bahn covers a wider range of districts

For travelers staying in districts such as Treptow, Neukölln, or Tempelhof, the S-Bahn may be the more direct option.

Taxi

Taxis are available at designated ranks outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

● Estimated cost: €58 to €70 to central Berlin, depending on destination and traffic

● Journey time: 30 to 45 minutes in normal traffic

● Tip: Always use the official taxi rank. Berlin taxis display a license plate and a license number on the rear window. Avoid unsolicited offers from drivers approaching inside the terminal.

Taxis operate 24 hours and are a practical option during the overnight period when trains do not run.

Private Chauffeur Transfer

For business travelers, corporate clients, and anyone who prefers a confirmed, fixed-price arrival experience, a pre-booked chauffeur service offers the most structured option.

According to transportation research on BER Airport transfer options, private transfer services to BER can be arranged directly from your hotel or office, with the driver waiting in the arrivals hall holding a name board.

Key advantages of a chauffeur transfer at BER:

● Fixed price confirmed at booking: No meter, no surge pricing.

● Flight monitoring: Your driver tracks your flight and adjusts arrival time if your flight is delayed or early.

● Meet and greet: Your driver waits in the T1 or T2 arrivals hall, as appropriate for your terminal.

● Direct, private transport: No shared rides, no stops.

● 24-hour availability: Chauffeur services operate at any hour, including the overnight window when trains are not running.

LimoFahr provides pre-booked airport chauffeur transfers to and from BER, with fixed pricing, professional drivers, and flight monitoring included. Book your Berlin airport transfer with LimoFahr in advance of your journey.

Arriving at BER: What Happens After You Land

For passengers unfamiliar with BER's arrivals process, here is what to expect:

1. Landing and taxi: After touchdown, your aircraft will taxi to the gate. Allow 15 to 20 minutes from landing to reaching the terminal.

2. Passport control: Schengen passport holders follow the EU/EEA queue. Non-Schengen arrivals use the designated lanes. Queue times vary significantly by time of day and flight.

3. Baggage reclaim: BER uses clearly numbered carousels in the Level E0 arrivals hall. Check the display boards for your carousel number on arrival.

4. Customs: Exit through the Green Channel (nothing to declare) or Red Channel (goods to declare). Random checks apply.

5. Public arrivals hall: After customs, you enter the main arrivals hall, where greeters, transfer drivers, and meet and greet services are positioned.

For passengers booked with a professional chauffeur service, your driver will be holding a name board in the public arrivals hall. If you cannot locate your driver immediately, the contact number on your booking confirmation connects you directly.

Practical Tips for Your BER Airport Visit

● Check your terminal before you leave for the airport. T1 and T2 are adjacent but separate. Your boarding pass or airline app will show which terminal applies to your specific flight.

● Arrive early for long-haul departures. Busy periods at security in T1 can extend queue times, particularly on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

● Pre-book your departure transfer. If you are departing Berlin by chauffeur, book your pickup at least 24 hours in advance. For early morning departures (before 6:00 AM), book further ahead to guarantee a vehicle.

● Use the BER app for live updates. The official BER Airport app shows live departure and arrival information, security wait times, and terminal maps. Download it before your trip.

● Overnight travelers: If your flight lands or departs in the early hours, note that trains do not operate between approximately 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM. A taxi or pre-booked chauffeur is the practical option during this window.

● Currency and connectivity: ATMs are available landside in both terminals. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Network connectivity is generally good within the terminal buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions