Berlin Airport (BER) to City Centre: Train, S-Bahn, or Taxi?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is about 26km southeast of the city centre, and getting there is surprisingly straightforward—if you know what to avoid. Most tourists overpay for taxis or waste time waiting in queues. Here's what actually works.

The S-Bahn Express: The Best Option for Most People

The S9 and S45 trains are your fastest, cheapest way into the city. Both run directly from the airport to central stations in 30-40 minutes, costing just €3.80 for a single ticket (or included in a day pass).

The trains are modern, frequent, and leave every 20 minutes. You'll arrive at Ostbahnhof, Friedrichstraße, or Alexanderplatz depending on which line you take. No luggage restrictions, no stress. Download the BVG Tickets app to buy your ticket before you land, though ticket machines at the airport work fine too.

The S9 takes you through Köpenick and Treptow before hitting the main line—slower but scenic. The S45 is the express and faster. Neither is wrong; pick whichever arrives at your station first.

The Airport Express (FEX): When Time is Everything

If you're impatient, the FEX (Flixbus airport express) runs every 10 minutes from BER to Hauptbahnhof in 30 minutes flat. It's €11 and more frequent than the S-Bahn, but honestly, you're paying extra for convenience that barely exists. The S-Bahn is so frequent that the FEX advantage disappears unless you catch it immediately.

Skip this unless you've got an unusual schedule or a strong hatred of the S-Bahn.

Taxi or Rideshare: The Expensive Choice

A taxi from BER to central Berlin costs €30-€45 depending on traffic and your destination. Grab or Uber will quote similar, sometimes higher during peak hours.

The only reason to take a taxi is if you're arriving with massive luggage (a family of four with suitcases), travelling late at night when trains are less frequent, or if you're splitting costs with others. For solo travellers or even pairs, the S-Bahn wins on every metric: speed, cost, and frequency.

Avoid the unofficial taxi touts at arrivals—they'll charge €60+ for the same ride. Stick with official white taxis or use the Uber app.

Regional Trains (RB or RE): The Slow Alternative

Regional trains from BER run to various Berlin stations and beyond, but they're slower than the S9/S45. Unless you're continuing onwards to somewhere like Potsdam or need a specific connection, skip these.

Pro Tips for Airport Arrival

Book your accommodation as close to a major S-Bahn station as possible. Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz, and Ostbahnhof have excellent connections onward, so you won't waste time changing trains.

If you're staying in Neukölln or Kreuzberg, the S-Bahn still beats a taxi—you'll change to a U-Bahn or bus easily from Friedrichstraße or Hallesches Tor.

Get a 7-day City Ticket (€38) if you're staying a week. It covers unlimited public transport across all zones and pays for itself after a few journeys. Buy it at the airport before you leave—tourist information desks are clearly marked.

Avoid travel between 2-5am when S-Bahn frequency drops. Late-night arrivals should genuinely consider a taxi or accept a longer wait.