How to get to Berlin from the airport
Berlin’s airport is very well-connected to the city, and unlike most other major European cities, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to travel between them!
Taking the train
The train between the airport and the city center is fast, reliable and affordable. There are several different trains that you can take…
The FEX (Airport express train) will get you into the city in about half an hour and stops at three major stations: Ostkreuz, Gesundbrunnen and Hauptbanhof. You can see which is closest to your accommodation and then take the S-Bahn or U-Bahn from one of these stations.
The S-Bahn takes longer but stops at more stations, including Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse, Hauptbahnhof, and Zoologischer Garten. So it could be a good option if you are staying near one of these stations.
Finding the train platforms in the airport is very easy - head towards Terminal 1 and follow the signs. There will be lots of ticket machines before you descend into the station so be sure to buy your ticket before you head to the platform.
Buying a public transport ticket
I’ll cover Berlin’s public transport tickets in more detail in another post, but getting to and from the airport only requires an ABC ticket.
Like other cities, Berlin has transport zones. Be sure when you are buying your ticket that you select an ABC zone.
You can buy tickets at the ticket machines in every station (they are red machines, and in English at the Airport), or you can also download the BVG ticket app and purchase tickets online using google pay.
A one-way 2 hour ABC ticket will cost 4,40€, while a 24-hour ABC ticket is 11,40€ - which can be good value if you plan to do some sightseeing immediately after you arrive and settle in.
Download the BVG app for iphone
Download the BVG app for android
If you buy a paper ticket be sure to validate it by stamping the ticket at one of the stamping machines on the platform before you board the train. These are normally found near the stairs and elevators and are either red or yellow boxes. You can be fined if you have a ticket but have forgotten to validate it - so be sure to do so.
Getting a taxi or uber/bolt from the airport
If you have a lot of luggage you can also order a taxi (which are a funny beige colour here in Berlin) or order an uber or bolt - you can check in the app which is cheapest. A taxi is likely to cost €80-100, and an uber or bolt is a bit cheaper, depending on where you are going of course.
