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Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the sole airport in Berlin. It formally opened in 2020 to combine Berlin-Tegel and Berlin-Schönefeld airports in Berlin. Found in Brandenburg, southeast of Berlin, BER has three terminals and is a hub for easyJet and a base for Lufthansa. The airport is built to handle 40 million passengers a year and provides connections throughout Europe and beyond. The airport has a good spread of business lounges, shopping and dining options, and an observation deck. The airport is designed with efficiency, sustainability and traveller comfort in mind, making it one of the biggest air hubs in the European region.
Quick Details
Location: Schönefeld, Brandenburg, southeast of Berlin
IATA Code: BER
Terminals: T1, T2, T5
Runways: 2
Annual Passenger Capacity: 40 million
Main Airlines: Lufthansa, easyJet, Ryanair, Eurowings
Opened: October 31, 2020
Named After: Former West Berlin mayor and West German chancellor Willy Brandt
Location
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located in Schönefeld, Brandenburg, about 18 kilometres southeast of Berlin’s city centre. The town has excellent connections with major roads, including the A113 and A117 motorways and the B96a, allowing for access to the city and neighbouring districts. One of the major landmarks in the vicinity is the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Facility in Dahlewitz, which makes jet engines. The airport is also located next to the neighbouring residential areas of Grünau and Königs Wusterhausen, making it an important transport link for both residents and visitors.
How To Reach
Photo: Josh Nezon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Train: BER’s train station, under Terminal 1, links to Berlin Hauptbahnhof via the FEX (Airport Express), taking around 30 minutes. Regional trains (RE7, RB14) also connect to the outskirts of Brandenburg and Berlin.
By Bus: The express buses X7 and X71 connect BER with the U-Bahn network at Rudow (U7 line), providing an efficient route into Berlin. FlixBuses, which offer long-distance service, also depart from BER for destinations in Germany and Europe.
By Car: The airport is connected to the A113 autobahn, enabling a 30-40 minute drive towards Berlin, depending on road conditions. Short-term, long-term, and premium parking options are available for you to choose from.
Things To Do At Berlin Brandenburg Airport
While waiting, you can engage in the following things at the airport in Berlin and get something out of it.
1. Visit The Observation Deck
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for somewhere different at the airport, make a beeline for the BER Besucherterrasse (Observation Deck) in Terminal 1. It’s a nice place to visit for aviation enthusiasts, as the deck provides outstanding views of the runways and aircraft movements. Interactive displays shed light on airport operations, and the deck’s seating areas provide space for travellers to unwind with a view of planes taking off and landing. It is a great spot to relax during a layover. Open year-round, the observation deck is an inexpensive attraction inside the airport.
2. Explore The Brandenburg Welcome Center
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
For travellers interested in exploring beyond Berlin, the Brandenburg Welcome Centre in Terminal 1 is a stop worth making. The centre features interactive exhibits on the history, culture and nature reserves of Brandenburg. You can find travel tips, pick up brochures, and even sample local products like Brandenburg wines and artisan souvenirs. Also, the Welcome Centre further shares lesser-known attractions, directing tourists to other venues outside the city. Whether you’re gearing up to visit Brandenburg or simply curious about the area, this centre provides a valuable introduction to the region’s rich heritage.
3. Dine At East Side Berlin Restaurant
Photo: Tomasz Anusiewicz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Avoid the typical airport fast food and experience true Berlin dining at East Side Berlin in Terminal 1. This restaurant offers classic Berlin cuisine, such as currywurst, Königsberger klopse and freshly baked pretzels, as well as German beers. The chic interior with its modern decor and ample windows overlooking the airfield creates a pleasant dining experience. Whether you need a hearty meal before your flight or simply a base from which to enjoy a drink, East Side Berlin serves up local flavours in a convenient setting. It is the top airport in Berlin.
5 Places To Visit Near Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Following are some of the must-visit places to see when exploring the airport in Berlin.
1. Schönefeld Forest And Nature Reserve
Photo: Pascal Debrunner / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Schönefeld Forest is a serene natural escape available to those venturing to the airport in Berlin. Nearby, the forest has walking paths, small ponds and places for picnicking. Well-maintained paths snake through dense woodlands, making it a lovely spot for a jog or bike ride. There’s also good birdwatching in the area, as many local species nest in the trees. Residents escape the city’s noise by visiting the area, making it the perfect place to retreat for the day. It is a good option if you have a layover and want some fresh air.
Distance From Airport: 4 km (10 minutes by car)
Timings: 24*7
2. WISTA Science And Technology Park, Adlershof
Photo: Brücke-Osteuropa / Wikimedia Commons
WISTA Adlershof is Germany’s largest applied science and technology park, comprising more than 1,000 companies and research institutions. It has a storied history in aviation, with preserved wind tunnels from early flight experiments. The Adlershof Science Route guides visitors through interactive displays on aerospace, renewable energy and quantum physics. Berlin also offers guided tours of cutting-edge labs and opportunities to learn about its scientific advances. The nearby Archenhold Observatory, home to the world’s longest refracting telescope, has captivating astronomy exhibitions. This makes it a perfect destination for both the tech-craving wanderer and the aviation historical landmarks seeker.
Distance From Airport: 10 km (15 minutes by car)
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Königs Wusterhausen Palace
Photo: Dirk Ingo Franke / Wikimedia Commons
Königs Wusterhausen Palace, King Frederick William I’s former hunting lodge, is a well-maintained Baroque palace filled with royal artefacts. You can tour its opulent rooms, military collections and a chapel that holds original paintings. Its surrounding gardens are ideal for a quiet stroll and the museum inside narrates the history of the Prussian monarchy. This does not attract much Berlin crowds, and so offers a quieter, more intimate taste of history. The nearby lake, and cafés, make it a perfect coastal stop, for a cultural interlude. It’s a surprise for anyone else who appreciates history and royal architecture.
Distance From Airport: 15 km (20 minutes by car)
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Funkerberg Radio Station Museum
Photo: V.Boldychev / Wikimedia Commons
Funkerberg is the site of the first public radio transmission in 1920, marking the beginning of German radio broadcasting. The museum houses original radio equipment, vintage transmitters and interactive displays explaining early communication technology. You can view historic broadcasting studios and functional vacuum tube transmitters. Special exhibitions focus on the role of radio during wartime and its influence on modern media. The site frequently features live displays and events. Funkerberg provides a unique historic environment for a rare journey through the evolution of communication and engineering technology.
Distance From Airport: 15 km (20 minutes by car)
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM
5. Zeuthen Lake
Photo: J.-H. Janßen / Wikimedia Commons
Zeuthen Lake is a stunning, tranquil escape with boating, swimming, and fishing options. Enclosed by lovely villages and greenery, the lake is popular with residents for water activities and relaxation. Rentals are available for paddle boats and kayaks, and several cafés along the lake offer fresh fish dishes. People can board a short cruise or just sit on the shore in appreciation of nature. In the summer, the lake is a draw for sunbathing and picnicking. For a getaway from the city that’s still close to the airport in Berlin, Zeuthen Lake offers a quiet break.
Distance From Airport: 12 km (18 minutes by car)
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: Kenny Eliason / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re travelling to BER, there are several handy places to stay near the airport in Berlin. The Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin (from €120 per night) is an upmarket option with modern rooms, a fitness centre and dining around the clock. For hip yet budget-friendly accommodation, Moxy Berlin Airport (from €90 per night) has a stylish bar and co-working areas. The Intercity Hotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport (from €80 per night), near Terminal 5, is ideal for short visits. Budget-minded guests might consider B&B Hotel Berlin-Airport (from €70 per night), which has simple but comfortable rooms at a lower price point.
Where To Eat
Photo: Danijela Prijovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re in the mood for a grab-and-go snack or a sit-down meal, BER and its neighbouring area have good eats for you. Inside the airport in Berlin, Marché Mövenpick in Terminal 1 serves fresh sandwiches, salads and smoothies (meals from €10). For authentic Italian pasta and pizza (mains from €12), try Ristorante Mondo. A more upscale option is East Side Berlin at Steigenberger Hotel, where gourmet international dishes are offered (mains from €20). Close to the airport, the Aviation Bar & Restaurant at the Intercity Hotel is ideal for a leisurely bite before a flight (burgers from €14).
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Anete Lūsiņa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
- If you have a flight booked, make sure you arrive at least 2.5 hours in advance due to security queues. Online check-in and self-service kiosks do facilitate check-in to some extent. Each terminal also offers priority security lanes, for a fee, for business travellers and premium ticket holders.
- At Terminal 1, luggage storage exists for €5 to €10 per item, per day. Overnight options include sleeping pods that lie near departure gates.
- Travellers who are not business travellers can visit the Berlin Airport Club Lounge for €45, which provides snacks, drinks, and wireless internet access. Get Free WiFi in the Airport.
- Most shops and restaurants close by 10 PM, so buy any last-minute items early. Tax-free shopping VAT refunds are handled at customs, so bring receipts.
With its good transport links, good quality dining, and useful amenities, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a modern and well-connected airport in Berlin. BER Airport facilitates smooth travel with comfortable lounges and shopping and luggage storage options. Planning in terms of security, transport, and dining will enable you to spend as little time at BER. So to have a hassle-free itinerary, plan your visit with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
