Berlin is a crossroads of culture, history, cuisine, and quite frankly, coolness.

Germany’s capital is hip, historical, and has everything you need for a great introduction to the country, which is why flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport is an excellent starting point for your European adventure.

And the best way to get from Berlin airport to Berlin Hbf in the city center? The train.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Irina Gelwich. Image Location: Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany

Berlin Brandenburg Airport: need to know

Get to know Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Berlin’s only international airport, before you go:

  • International Airport Code: BER.
  • Airlines Include: British Airways, Delta, easyJet, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines.
  • Direct Flights From USA: New York City, Washington D.C.  
  • Number of Terminals: 2.
  • Amenities: Dining, shopping, hotel, kid’s play area, workspace, napping cabins, currency exchange. 

Wait…what happened to Tegel and Schönefeld Airports?

Great question!

Back in ye olden days (aka pre-2020), Berlin had two international airports: Tegel and Schönefeld. You might have passed through once upon a time, which is probably why you’re scratching your head at post-2020 Berlin’s sole international airport, Brandenburg.  

On Halloween of 2020, Brandenburg opened to replace both Tegel and Schönefeld as Berlin’s only international airport. Terminals 1 and 2 are at the airport; Terminal 5 is actually the old Schönefeld airport, but it no longer serves planes, acting only as a bus and train stop.  

Berlin airport to the city center by train

Along with a consolidated airport comes more of the efficiency Germany is known for: a direct train from Berlin Brandenburg airport to Berlin Hbf train station.

The Express Train FEX, the RE7, and the RB14 will get you from Berlin airport to Berlin Hbf train station in 30 minutes. The S-Bahn S9 and S45 lines, which leave every 20 minutes, also stop at Terminal 5 on their way downtown.

You can catch an abundance of other trains at Terminal 1, including:

  • S-Bahn trains: S9 and S45 
  • Regional trains: FEX, RE8, RB22, RB23, RB24, RB32 
  • Long-distance trains: IC (intercity) trains serving Dresden to Rostock

What happens if there’s a rail strike in Germany?

Ach nein!  

You’ve touched down and are ready to get from Berlin airport to the train station but the rail strike is in full force. Don’t worry, you can still get from Berlin airport to city center thanks to replacement buses that are ready to shoulder the strike. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Sylvain Sonnet. Image Location: Berlin central train station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof), Germany

Berlin central train station: need to know 

Berlin central station—aka Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Berlin Hbf for short—is Berlin’s main railway station.  

What subway lines connect to Berlin Hbf? 

From Berlin central station, you can transfer to the U5 U-Bahn line, as well as S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, S75, and S9. Nine bus routes, three tram routes, and Deutsche Bahn regional trains also connect to Berlin Hbf. 

Is there luggage storage at Berlin central train station?  

Yes, if you need to drop your bags before checking into a hotel or heading out of town, enjoy sightseeing hands-free with lockers available all day for only a few euros.  

Are there any shops or restaurants in Berlin Hbf train station? 

Yes, there are 75 shops and restaurants at Berlin Hbf. Get your first taste of Berlin currywurst at Curry 36 or a classic kebab at Faith Servet. Hometown faves like Dunkin are also in the station if you want to eat a Berliner like a Berliner. As for shops, you’ll find everything from hats at Lids to fast fashion at Tom Tailor.

Is there a Christmas market at Berlin Hbf?  

Yes, each year you’ll find one of Berlin’s many Christmas markets on the Washingtonplatz in between the Chancellery and Berlin Central Station.

Image Credit: Getty Images, fhm. Image Location: Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany

What attractions is Berlin Hbf close to?  

The S-Bahn and the U-Bahn will get you all around the city to sites, but within a 20 minute walk or less from Berlin Hbf you can visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, the Tiergarten, and the Natural History Museum.  

Which cities can I take the train from Berlin to?  

Berlin Hbf has nearly 1800 trains rolling through its station each day, connecting travelers throughout Germany and the rest of Europe. 

From plane to train

Get from Berlin airport to the city center in no time when you download the Trainline app and prepurchase your tickets. Brandenburg Terminal 1 and the Brandenburg Gate are much closer than you'd think.

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, IGPhotography. Image Location: Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany

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