Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) handles all air traffic for the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region from a single site in the city’s south-east. With over 25 million passengers a year, it is Germany’s third-largest airport; busy enough that knowing how it works before you arrive makes a real difference.
This guide covers everything from getting to the terminal to clearing security faster, so you can spend less time worrying and more time in Berlin.
Getting to BER
BER is accessible 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 display boards, on the BER website, and in the BER app. All flights are listed 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 spots close to the terminal to longer-stay spaces at lower rates. Booking ahead lets you secure a space and often a better price.
Check-In and Baggage Drop
The most efficient approach is to check in online via your airline’s app or website before you arrive. If you’re traveling with hand luggage only, you can go straight to security. If you have checked baggage, look into whether your airline supports Fast Bag Drop.
Fast Bag Drop kiosks in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 let you print your bag tag and drop your luggage without queuing at a check-in desk. The machines are well-distributed across both terminals, so waits are generally short.
Getting Through Security
A little preparation at security saves time for everyone. 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 baggage drop
- Check the airport displays or website for the security checkpoint with the shortest current wait time
BER Runway lets you reserve a free time slot for security access in Terminal 1. Bookings open seven days before your flight. At checkpoint 4, your booking and boarding pass are checked at a dedicated access point, bypassing the general queue. You can book through the BER website or app.
BER Biometrics
The BER Biometrics app by smartdepart offers a hands-free travel option. After scanning your face and uploading your boarding pass, cameras at Fast Bag Drop, BER Runway, and in the lounges can identify you automatically. The system is designed to comply with data protection regulations.
Lounges and VIP Services
BER has two airside lounges: Lounge Tegel and Lounge Tempelhof. Both offer seating, workstations, and dining options. Access can be booked in advance through the airport 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 read: 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 already be booked online, so you can secure your favorite parking space close to the terminal or at a particularly good price. A visit to the Lounge Tegel or Lounge Tempelhof will round off your stay at BER perfectly.
Services and Products at BER Airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a traveler’s dream, offering an impressive array of services that make every journey a breeze.
For those arriving by car, parking is a cinch with options ranging from short-term and long-term spots to valet services, all conveniently bookable online for added ease.
Once inside, relaxation awaits at the stylish Tegel and Tempelhof lounges, complete with comfy seating, workstations, and dining areas—perfect for unwinding or catching up on work.
For a touch of luxury, the Zeitgeist VIP service delivers personalized check-in, baggage handling, and access to an exclusive lounge that elevates the airport experience. And the innovative BER Runway service lets you reserve a security checkpoint time slot, slashing wait times and keeping stress at bay.
Don’t miss the visitor terrace, where panoramic runway views and fascinating exhibits about BER’s history captivate aviation buffs and curious travelers alike.
Whether you’re passing through or soaking it all in, BER ensures your airport time is as enjoyable as your destination.
Both terminals have a decent spread of food and retail. Here’s what to know before you start looking.
Terminal 1: Market Place and Food Court
The Market Place in Terminal 1’s departure area is where most of the eating and shopping is concentrated. For coffee, Berliner Kaffeерösterei opens at 3:30 a.m. and runs through to the last departure — reliable if you’re catching an early flight. Starbucks is also in the Food Court (closes 22:00). For something more Berlin-specific, Ick bin ein Berliner is a Berliner Pilsner bar in the Market Place, also open from 3:30 a.m. to last departure.
The Food Court covers most bases: Witty’s Bio-Currywurst for the organic take on Berlin’s street food classic (closes 22:00), basta! pizza e pasta! (closes 22:00), beets&roots for a vegetable-forward menu born in the city (closes 21:00), and Klässig’s Fish & Chips for pike-perch bites and coconut shrimp.
Shopping in the Market Place includes a LEGO Store, AMPELMANN (design products around the iconic East Berlin traffic light figure), 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 here, open until 21:00–22:00.
Arriving late? REWE and Kamps Bakery are both in the train station on Level U1, open around the clock — useful when airside options have already shut.
Terminal 2: The Plaza
Terminal 2’s Plaza is more compact but covers the main needs. Food options include Goodman & Filippo (Italian-American deli, closes 22:00), Hermann’s (snack classics, closes 22:00), and Beans & Barley (beer and coffee, closes 22:00). WHSmith & Inmotion handles books, travel accessories, and snacks. Heinemann Duty Free has a Plaza outlet open until 23:00.
For the full, current list of outlets across both terminals — including live opening hours — see the BER shops, cafés and services directory.
The Visitor Terrace
If you have time to spare or are waiting for someone, the visitor terrace is worth a look. It has views directly over the runways and includes exhibits about the airport’s history. It’s a decent way to pass an hour if you’re early or killing time between connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal does my flight depart from at BER?
BER operates two terminals. Your departure terminal is shown on the airport’s digital displays, on the BER website, and in the BER app. Flight information is available online up to seven days before departure. When in doubt, check before you leave 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 typically ask for 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; give yourself extra time at security.
What is BER Runway and is it worth using?
BER Runway is a free service that lets you reserve a time slot for Terminal 1’s security checkpoint 4. You book online up to seven days ahead, and on the day you use a separate access lane where your boarding pass and booking are verified. It’s particularly useful during busy periods when general security lines can be long.
Can I get to BER by public transport?
Yes. BER is directly connected to Berlin’s S-Bahn and regional rail network. The S45, S9, and regional RE7 and RB14 lines all stop at the airport station, with journey times to central Berlin ranging from around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your destination. Tickets are available through the VBB app or at station machines.
Are the airport shops open when I arrive late at night?
The retail area in Terminal 1 is open around the clock, which is handy for late arrivals. Selection is more limited overnight than during peak hours, but essentials and convenience items are generally available. Terminal 2’s Plaza has more standard retail hours, so if you’re arriving very late, Terminal 1 is your better bet for post-flight provisions.
