Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER/EDDB) – Germany’s Premier Capital Gateway
Berlin Brandenburg Airport “Willy Brandt” (BER) has successfully cemented its role as the sole international air traffic hub for Germany’s capital region. Located in Schönefeld, just 18 kilometers south of central Berlin, BER is a crucial piece of European infrastructure, replacing the city’s two former airports, Berlin Tegel (TXL) and Berlin Schönefeld (SXF), upon its long-anticipated opening in 2020.
The airport serves as a modern, efficient, and architecturally striking gateway, designed to handle high passenger volumes. In 2024, BER handled approximately 25.5 million passengers, demonstrating robust post-pandemic recovery and continued growth, solidifying its position as one of the top three busiest airports in Germany. With a theoretical capacity currently sitting around 46 million passengers per year, the airport is well-equipped for future expansion planned through 2035.
Terminals and Facilities
BER operates primarily through two interconnected, modern terminals, ensuring a streamlined and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
- Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal building and the architectural heart of the airport. Its central location between the two runways makes it easily accessible. T1 houses the majority of check-in counters, retail outlets, and food and beverage services.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Opened in 2022, T2 is directly linked to T1 and operates as a dedicated check-in and security processing facility, primarily designed to relieve congestion and increase the airport’s capacity by an additional 6 million passengers per year.
- Facilities & Amenities: Travelers benefit from free high-speed Wi-Fi, extensive duty-free shopping areas, a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés (including local favorites like the Currywurst Express), high-end VIP lounges, and state-of-the-art security checks utilizing modern CT scanner technology to speed up processing times. The airport provides full accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Hotels Nearby: Several top-rated hotels, such as the IntercityHotel Berlin Airport BER and the Steigenberger Airport Hotel, are conveniently located within walking distance of T1/T2.
Transport and Accessibility
BER is renowned for its excellent integration into Berlin’s comprehensive public transport network, making travel to and from the city swift and straightforward.
| Mode of Transport | Details | Journey Time to Central Berlin | Approx. Fare |
| Regional & Intercity Rail | FEX (Airport Express), RE7, and RB14 regional trains provide fast connections to major stations like Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) and Ostkreuz. | ~30 minutes | €3.80 (Standard Berlin ABC ticket) |
| S-Bahn (Suburban Rail) | S9 and S45 lines offer direct, frequent service through the city center, connecting BER to the extensive S-Bahn network. | ~50 minutes | €3.80 |
| Bus | Express Bus routes X7, X71, and BER1/2 link the airport to various U-Bahn stations and surrounding districts. | ~40–60 minutes | €3.80 |
| Taxi | Reliable service available outside the terminals. | ~30 minutes | €50–60 |
| Car Rentals & Parking | Major providers like Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar are available. Over 10,000 paid parking spaces are designated for both short-term and long-term parking. | – | – |
Airlines, Destinations, and Growth
BER is a dynamic hub, hosting over 70 airlines that collectively serve approximately 130 destinations across 50 countries in its extensive winter 2025/2026 flight schedule.
- Major Carriers: The airport is a critical base for low-cost giants like easyJet and Ryanair, alongside full-service carriers such as the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Eurowings), Turkish Airlines, and Condor.
- Key Long-Haul Expansion: In addition to established routes to destinations like New York (JFK) (served by carriers including United and Delta), BER is rapidly expanding its international reach. Recent or planned long-haul additions include:
- Abu Dhabi (Eurowings)
- Toronto (Air Transat)
- Increased frequencies to Doha (Qatar Airways) and Dubai (Condor, Eurowings).
- Popular Destinations: The network covers major European, North African, and Middle Eastern travel spots, including London, Paris, Istanbul, Palma de Mallorca (PMI), and new routes to destinations like Seville, Marrakesh, and Jeddah.
BER’s Commitment to Sustainability and Modern Travel
Recognizing the environmental impact of aviation, BER is actively investing in sustainable practices and modern infrastructure, making it one of the leading German airports in eco-friendly operations.
- E-Mobility Focus: The airport is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle (e-mobility) infrastructure, aiming for a significant reduction in ground handling emissions. Ground handling processes are increasingly utilizing electric baggage tugs, passenger stairs, and push-back vehicles, achieving thousands of CO²-neutral turnarounds annually.
- Operational Restrictions: To minimize the impact on local residents, a strict Night Flight Ban is enforced, prohibiting scheduled take-offs and landings between 00:00 and 05:00.
- Efficient Security: The deployment of advanced CT scanners and reconfigured security lanes means passengers typically clear security control in less than ten minutes, enhancing efficiency and overall experience.
Useful Information and Airport Contacts
| Category | Details |
| Official Name | Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt |
| IATA Code | BER |
| ICAO Code | EDDB |
| Address | D-12521 Berlin-Schönefeld, Germany |
| Telephone | +49 30 60911150 |
| Official Website | www.berlin-airport.de |
| Nearby Attractions | The airport provides easy access to historical sites like Potsdam and the unique nature reserve of the Spreewald region. |