Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Berlin
The FEX Airport Express and regional trains from the station under Terminal 1 reach Berlin Hauptbahnhof in about 30 minutes. The S-Bahn (S9 and S45) is slower but serves more neighbourhoods; all use the same public transport ticket.
Best for most people: Train. The FEX and regional trains are fast, cheap and leave from directly under Terminal 1.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train FEX Airport Express or regional trains (RE8, RB23) from the station below Terminal 1 to Ostkreuz, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße and Hauptbahnhof (routes vary by train) | about 30 min to Hauptbahnhof | FEX every 30 min, plus other regional trains | about €4.70–5 (ABC zone single ticket) | about 04:00 to around midnight; check last departures | You need an ABC ticket because the airport is in zone C. Buy at machines, on the BVG app or the DB Navigator app. |
| S-Bahn S9 (via Ostkreuz, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße) or S45 (to the southern ring) from the same station | about 40–50 min to Alexanderplatz | every 10–20 min | same ABC ticket, about €4.70–5 | early morning to late evening; reduced service at night | Slower but useful for Friedrichshain, Neukölln and Kreuzberg. |
| bus Express buses such as X7 and X71 to the U7 metro at Rudow, plus night buses | about 20 min to Rudow, then U-Bahn | every 10–20 min | same ABC ticket | check timetable | Mainly useful for southern Neukölln or when trains are disrupted. |
| taxi Taxi rank outside Terminal 1 Arrivals | about 35–50 min | about €55–70 to Mitte | 24 h | Metered; card payment is normally possible, but confirm before departure. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Tips
- Validate a paper ticket in the small stamping machines on the platform before boarding; app tickets are already valid.
- If you stay several days, a 24-hour, 7-day or Berlin WelcomeCard ABC ticket can cover the airport trip both ways.
- Check the departure screens for the next FEX or RE8 to Hauptbahnhof — regional trains often beat the S-Bahn by 10–15 minutes.
- Fare inspectors are common and the fine for no ticket is significant.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from BER to the city centre?
A taxi from Berlin Brandenburg to Mitte usually costs about €55–70, depending on traffic and the exact address. The ride takes 35–50 minutes. Use the official rank outside Arrivals. For one or two travellers the train is far cheaper and often quicker, as it avoids the motorway traffic.
Which ticket do I need from the airport?
BER is in fare zone C, so you need an ABC ticket, not the usual AB ticket for the city. A single ABC ticket costs about €4.70–5 and covers trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses for one journey in one direction. Day and multi-day ABC passes are also available.
Is there a train from BER at night?
Trains and S-Bahn run from early morning until around midnight. Late at night service is reduced, and night buses fill some gaps. If you land very late, check the BVG app for the last train, or plan on a taxi.
How long does it take to get from BER to Berlin?
The FEX Airport Express or regional trains take about 30 minutes to Hauptbahnhof and slightly less to Ostkreuz and Alexanderplatz. The S-Bahn takes about 40–50 minutes to the centre. A taxi is roughly 35–50 minutes.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.