The New Berlin Airport Finally Opens its Doors
After an almost 15-year-long legendary history of construction, the long-awaited new Berlin Airport has finally opened. Named after the leading German politician Willy Brandt, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Willy Brandt, is located at a 27-km/16.7-mile distance from Berlin city center, on Berlin’s south side, in the state of Brandenburg.
The construction of the new airport began in 2006 and was due to be finished in 2011. However, the project has suffered continuous delays, which led to its opening only on October 31, 2020!
The decision for a new airport in Berlin was taken to replace Schönefeld, Tegel, and Tempelhof Airports. Tempelhof Airport closed in 2008, and the last flight departed from Tegel Airport on November 8, 2020. On the other hand, Schönefeld Airport was planned to be operational until 2025, occupying one of the three terminals of Brandenburg Airport. Despite that plan, it is currently closed permanently. For the time being, the new German airport has two terminals and two runways. In the future, two more terminals and a satellite terminal are planned to be constructed. The airport is expected to welcome up to 35-40 million passengers annually, becoming one of the busiest airports both locally and at the European level.
Nowadays, Berlin Brandenburg Airport is the third busiest airport in Germany and has already been listed among the 15 most occupied European air hubs. As a matter of fact, BER welcomed more than 25.5 million passengers in 2024 instead of just 9.95 million in 2021, posting an impressive rise in its passenger traffic.
Airport Name: Berlin Brandenburg Airport
IATA Code: BER
ICAO: EDDB
Location: Schönefeld, Germany
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Airport Map: Brandenburg Airport at Google Maps
Berlin Airport’s History
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is a new airport with a short yet interesting history. Indeed, its construction made front-page news in German media for many years because of the notorious delays in its building and final opening. The idea of building a new airport emerged after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1990. The region’s existing airports—Tempelhof, Tegel, and Schönefeld—were no longer efficient and were unable to meet passenger demand satisfactorily. The authorities, in an attempt to underline the importance and revival of Berlin’s status, decided to construct a brand-new and modern commercial aviation hub. After legal battles with local residents and with the aim of minimizing economic impact, they settled on developing a single airport to serve the entire Berlin and Brandenburg region. Its chosen location was the former Schönefeld Airport, which would be significantly expanded.
That being said, while the decision was made in the early 90s, the construction began in 2006, and the airport was expected to open in late 2011. Nevertheless, the airport didn’t open its doors until 31 October 2020 -14 years after the expected date- due to funding issues, corruption, construction mishaps, and poor planning. Tempelhof Airport was permanently closed in 2008, while all flights from Tegel Airport were removed to the new Berlin Airport on 8 November 2020. Schönefeld Airport remained operational as terminal 5. However, it temporarily ceased operation on 23 February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before it was finally announced that it would remain closed permanently.
The airport was initially planned to be owned by private investors. However, after several bids and subsequent lawsuits, it ultimately became publicly owned. Moreover, after many proposals, it was named after the former West Berlin mayor and West German chancellor Willy Brandt, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Although there were discussions about dropping the proposed name because of the bad reputation the new airport gained due to its huge delays and scandals, the official name remains Berlin Brandenburg Airport “Willy Brandt.” Today, the airport is one of the busiest in Germany and Europe, having received numerous awards during its short history, such as being named the “World’s Most Improved Airport” in April 2025 and a “4-Star Airport” by Skytrax in January 2025.
Berlin Airport’s Layout
BER Airport consists of two terminal buildings. It comes as no surprise that the main terminal of Berlin Airport is also the biggest one. Verily, the U-shaped terminal 1 handles the majority of flights arriving or departing from the airport while providing its passengers with various services and amenities, including one of the two airport hotels. Adjacent to T1 lies terminal 2. T1 and T2 are located close to each other.
Flights to and from Berlin Airport
Berlin Airport, one of the most important German air hubs as well as one of the busiest European airports, serves numerous destinations around the world. Flights depart from BER Airport to other German cities, European cities, and intercontinental destinations. In fact, the airport serves more than 130 destinations. Additionally, it hosts various air carriers — domestic and international, low-cost and full-service. It is an operating base for Condor, easyJet, Eurowings, Ryanair, and Sundair.
Domestic Departures from BER Airport
The multicultural Berlin enjoys efficient air connections to many German cities. Flights from BER Airport operate daily to Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, Cologne, and other destinations across Germany.
Traveling domestically is pretty straightforward. You must check in once you reach your departing terminal. You’ll find check-in counters and automatic machines where you can check in and print your luggage tags as well. However, not all airlines offer that service. In any case, the most convenient option is web check-in, available from a few days to a few hours before the flight. After the check-in process, all travelers need to go through security screening. Fast-track services, such as BER Runway and BER Biometric, can significantly reduce security processing times. Once through security, you can explore the terminal’s amenities, keeping in mind that you must be at your boarding gate when it opens (approximately 30-40 minutes before departure) to present your identification document and boarding pass and begin the boarding process.
International Departures from BER Airport
Besides domestic destinations, Berlin Airport also serves international routes to European and intercontinental cities. Flights to Tel Aviv, Marrakech, Hurghada, and New York connect Berlin to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
If you’re traveling to a Schengen destination, you’ll follow the same departure procedures as domestic passengers: check-in, security screening, and document control at the boarding gate. You can use the check-in counters located at the Departures halls of both terminals, or check in online. In that case, if you don’t have checked luggage, you can proceed directly to security screening. Alternatively, both terminals feature automatic check-in and bag-drop machines. That being said, only certain airlines provide this service. Security screening is generally a speedy process. Still, passengers can benefit from services that speed up the procedure, such as BER Runway and BER Biometrics. Travelers flying to non-Schengen countries must go through passport control after security screening. In both cases, passengers are advised to locate their boarding gate once they enter the airside zone of their terminal and be there on time for boarding, keeping in mind that departing gates often change without prior notice. Therefore, passengers should always monitor the flight information screens.
Domestic Arrivals at BER Airport
Travelers arriving at Berlin Airport from a domestic destination must proceed to the baggage claim area of their terminal after disembarking. Both terminals have baggage reclaim zones on their Arrivals levels (E0). Once passengers collect their luggage, they can follow the signs to the terminal exits and proceed to the car park, taxi rank, bus stop, railway station, or their pick-up location. It’s important to note that the taxi ranks, bus stops, and the railway station are located at terminal 1, about a 5–10-minute walk from terminal 2.
International Arrivals at BER Airport
Travelers flying to BER Airport from a Schengen destination simply collect their luggage and exit the terminal. Conversely, if you’re arriving at Berlin Airport from a destination outside the Schengen zone, you must go through passport control before reaching the baggage claim zone. This process can be time-consuming. Some passengers are eligible for the EasyPass service, which can speed things up, while non-EU travelers must complete the new EES procedure, providing their biometric data along with passport details. Additionally, after retrieving baggage, you must also proceed to customs and join one of the two lines depending on whether you have items to declare.
Connecting Passengers at BER Airport
What happens if Berlin isn’t your final destination, but you need to catch another flight from BER Airport — that is, if you’re a connecting passenger?
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If you already have a boarding pass to your final destination, all you need to do is proceed to the boarding gate for your next flight.
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If you don’t have a boarding pass to your final destination, you must exit the airside zone of the terminal and go through the departure procedures for your onward flight.
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If you’re traveling with hold luggage, the procedure depends on whether it’s checked through to your next flight. If it is, you can proceed directly to the boarding gate. If not, you must collect your luggage, check in, drop it off, and complete the departure process for your upcoming flight.
Our Tip: Make sure your arriving terminal is the same as your departing terminal. You must check in at the departing terminal, but you can go through security screening at either terminal, as the two buildings are also connected airside.
Luggage at Berlin Airport
There are two types of luggage: hold or checked luggage, stored in the lower part of the aircraft, and hand luggage, which passengers can carry into the cabin and keep in the overhead part of the aircraft.
- Hold Luggage: Weight restrictions apply depending on the airline and ticket type. Moreover, certain items (such as dangerous goods) can’t be stored in luggage or may require extra certificates and documentation.
- Hand Luggage: All airlines set rules concerning the size of carry-ons, as they must fit inside the cabin’s overhead compartments. Additionally, there are strict rules and regulations regarding prohibited items, goods requiring additional documentation, and liquid limits. Make sure to comply with these rules to avoid delays during security screening or having items confiscated.
BER Airlines
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is the third most important aviation hub in Germany. Thus, it is unsurprising that it serves a vast number of airlines and destinations. Verily, conventional and low-cost air carriers and domestic and international airlines are present at BER Airport, primarily connecting Berlin to other European destinations, while also serving routes to various intercontinental locations. In fact, flights depart from the airport to more than 130 destinations worldwide. Moreover, Berlin Airport is the base for Eurowings and Ryanair, along with being a focus city for easyJet and Sundair.
Documents Required to Fly
Do you prepare your air journey from Berlin Airport? Here are the documents you’ll need:
- ID or passport (ID is generally accepted only for flights within the Schengen area)
- Boarding pass
- Visa (depending on the destination)
- Extra documents depending on the destination country (vaccination certificate, ESTA, documents required when traveling with minors, etc.)
An Overview of BER Services and Amenities
Being a new and modern aviation hub, Berlin International Airport offers a wide variety of services and amenities, enhancing the travel experience for passengers arriving at or departing from the airport. Terminal 1, the terminal handling the majority of flights, also houses most of the facilities and provides the widest range of services, while terminal 2 — primarily handling low-cost flights — offers all necessary amenities as well. Passengers with disabilities, seniors, minors, families, and all travelers in need receive full assistance to complete airport procedures stress-free. Overall, the multilingual airport staff is always on hand to help passengers enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey.
Berlin Airport Shops
Berlin Airport houses numerous retail stores, catering to all the needs of passengers. Located both landside and mainly airside, BER’s shopping facilities offer a wide range of products — from travel essentials and souvenirs to fashion and accessories, electronics, luggage, and reading material. The vast majority of these options can be found in terminal 1. Some of the most popular retail facilities are:
- GANT
- Wolford
- Worldshop Airport Store
- FALKE
- Marc O’ Polo
- Rituals
- Hub Convenience
- Relay
- Lego Store
- promobo
- myBerlin
- take away
- Swatch
- Capi
- WHSmith & Inmotion
The Dining Options
Several dining facilities can be found within the BER airport’s premises, with the majority of them located at terminal 1. Covering various cuisines — from local specialties to international flavors — these facilities are equally diverse in style. You’ll find fast-food chains and outlets selling snacks and quick bites, along with casual eateries and more upscale options. Here are some of the most favored by BER passengers:
- Starbucks
- Laggner Bräu
- Burger King
- Deli Berlin
- Beans & Barley
- Berliner Kaffeerösterei
- Hermann’s
- in.gredienti
- NU Café Casa
- Nordic Bar
- Traiteur
- east side Berlin
- Berlin Pub
- Ständige Vertretung (StäV)
- Klässig’s Fish & Chips
The BER Duty-Free Options
The Heinemann Duty Free & Travel Value facilities provide duty-free options at Berlin Airport. As expected, while prices are discounted in the Schengen zones, they are considerably lower in the non-Schengen zones. There are three duty-free shops in the airside part of terminal 1, while terminal 2 features one facility. At the BER duty-free shops, you’ll find:
- Electronics
- Toys
- Accessories
- Tobacco
- Perfumes
- Confectionery
- Spirits
- Souvenirs
The BER Lounges and Hotels
The airport lounges are the ideal way to spend your free time before a flight. Luxurious and cozy, they are modern and fully equipped to ensure a pleasant and relaxing stay for passengers. BER Airport features four lounges, all within terminal 1, while two hotel facilities — the Steigenberger Hotel and the IntercityHotel — are located within a short walking distance from the terminals. The four lounge facilities are:
- BER Lounge Tegel
- BER Lounge Tempelhof
- NUUUORK
- Lufthansa Lounges
Family Services
Berlin Airport caters to the needs of little travelers and offers several services designed for families. Buggies are available at 21 locations across terminal 1, while a playground (Playground Kid’s Corner) is conveniently located airside, behind the Market Place in terminal 1, for children up to 14 years of age. Moreover, a Kid’s TV Corner can be found in the baggage reclaim area of both terminals. Finally, the airport’s restrooms are clean and well-equipped, making the experience significantly easier for travelers with babies and small children.
Berlin Airport’s Accessible Services
Berlin Airport is an accessible aviation hub, offering special assistance to passengers with disabilities. Travelers in need can make their reservation in advance to fully benefit from the Mobility Service, the airport’s service providing help from the moment the passenger arrives at the airport until exiting the terminal or completing the boarding process. Car parks feature designated spaces for drivers with disabilities, while additional services are available for travelers with visual or hearing impairments. Finally, the BER Sunflower Service is designed to provide all necessary assistance for passengers with hidden disabilities.
Services and Amenities
The brand new Berlin Brandenburg Airport guarantees an overall pleasant —and even interesting— traveling experience for its passengers. Explicitly, some of the services and amenities provided are:
- Baggage wrapping
- Baggage storage
- Conference rooms
- Pharmacies
- Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Lost & Found offices
- Cultural Exhibitions / Attractions
- Room of Silence
- Wi-Fi
- Spa Facilities
- Travel agencies and tour operators
Pet Services at Berlin Airport
Pets are welcome at Berlin Airport, provided they comply with the airport’s regulations. They must always be on a leash, in a transport box, or properly handled according to their species to ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers. Moreover, pet passports and vaccination certificates are mandatory. Be sure to check the pet policy of your destination for any additional requirements or documentation. Please note that the airport also features four-legged employees — therapy dogs — to help passengers stay calm before their flight.
Contact Info
Official Name: Berlin Brandenburg Airport “Willy Brandt”
Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, 12529 Berlin (Germany)
Phone Number: +49 30 6091 6091 0 (daily 8 am to 8 pm)
Official Website: https://ber.berlin-airport.de/
Transit Options
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is well-connected to the city center, other parts of Berlin, the surrounding areas, and intercity destinations. Airport taxis, private transfers, bus lines, and trains serve trips from the airport to the city center, while car rentals are also available. Moreover, regional and S-Bahn trains, along with bus routes, link the airport to other Berlin districts, and intercity train and bus services connect BER with other German cities as well as destinations in Poland.
Berlin Airport Taxis
Berlin airport taxis are one of the most convenient ways to reach the city of Berlin, and they are a popular transit option among BER passengers. Licensed taxis are available at the taxi ranks located outside terminal 1 (Ground Level). Thus, while there is no dedicated taxi stand at terminal 2, the T1 taxi stands serve passengers arriving and departing from both terminals. Taxis offer metered door-to-door rides, and payments can be made in cash or by bank card.
Bus Lines from BER Airport
Several bus lines depart from Berlin Airport heading to the city center as well as to other parts of the city. Express bus and regular bus lines are available, offering an affordable way to travel to and from the airport. Additionally, passengers landing or departing during the night can use the night routes for their transfer. Finally, intercity bus lines connect the airport to several German cities, while also traveling to some Polish destinations.
Berlin Airport Train Lines
The airport is efficiently connected to the city of Berlin via various train lines. Regional trains and S-Bahn services link the airport with the city center and other districts of Berlin, while long-distance IC trains run to Dresden and Rostock. The railway station is located on the underground level of terminal 1. Thus, passengers arriving or departing from T2 must walk between the terminals. Fortunately, the terminals lie within a 5-10-minute walking distance from each other.
Berlin Airport Car Rentals
Car rentals are highly recommended for passengers wishing to explore regions beyond the city limits. Although Berlin’s public transportation system is efficient, a rental car adds flexibility and freedom for journeys outside the urban area. All major car hire companies at BER have their desks in terminal 1 (Arrivals, Level E0). In-advance reservations are recommended to ensure availability and lower rates, and save time at the airport.
BER Private Airport Transfers
A private airport transfer is typically the number one choice for travelers looking for a luxurious and highly agreeable way to reach their destination after landing at BER Airport, or head to the airport for their upcoming flight. Services are generally provided by expert drivers and well-maintained deluxe vehicles, while apart from door-to-door and safe rides, private airport transfers offer a wide range of additional amenities, ensuring journeys are utterly tailored to passengers’ needs.
Parking Facilities
With a total capacity of 10,000 parking spots, Berlin Brandenburg Airport can fully supply its passengers’ needs. In fact, each terminal has its own parking premises, dedicated to short-term stays or mainly addressed to travelers who are looking for a long-stay parking facility. Thus, T1 and T2 have eight car parks, along with “Kiss&Fly” zones for pickups and drop-offs.
The City of Berlin
If you think about multicultural destinations, the city of Berlin should definitely come to mind. The largest city in Germany is a popular destination, attracting countless visitors who fall for its diversity as well as its historical background. Moreover, its art and music scene is well-known. Verily, various cultural events take place in Berlin on an everyday basis. The city is full of sites and attractions. The Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall are just two of them, while Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is an impressive complex consisting of six separate but equally impressive museums. What’s more, Berlin is a dear destination for nature lovers as well, as apart from being one of the most vibrant European cities, it is also full of parks and green spaces. Last but not least, foodies absolutely love Berlin as its diversity is reflected in its gastronomy as well, featuring eateries serving local dishes, along with various restaurants devoted to international cuisine.
FAQs
Is Brandenburg Airport open?
Berlin Brandenburg Airport opened its gates on October 31st, 2020. Officially named Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, Willy Brandt (BER), it has replaced the already closed Tegel and Tempelhof Airports, as well as Schönefeld Airport.
Why is the new Berlin Airport not open?
The new Berlin Airport was supposed to begin its operation in 2011. However, consecutive delays due to various reasons (bad planning, corruption, etc.) allowed the opening of the new airport 9 years after the initial planning.
What is the airport code for Berlin, Germany?
The new Berlin Airport, which replaced the other three airports in the region, has a new IATA code. Therefore, the airport code for Berlin Brandenburg Airport is BER.
Is Tegel Airport still open?
Tegel Airport closed permanently on November 8th, 2020. The airlines operating at Tegel Airport moved their hub to the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and all their flights are now flying from the new airport.
Is Tempelhof Airport still in use?
The new Berlin airport, Brandenburg Airport, was constructed to replace the other three Berlin Airports (Schönefeld, Tegel, and Tempelhof). As a result, Tempelhof Airport stopped its operation in 2008.
How far is Brandenburg Airport from Berlin?
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located southeast of Berlin, in the state of Brandenburg. The distance from the new airport to Berlin city center is 27km/16.8 miles.
What are the transportation options from Berlin Airport?
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is adequately linked to the city of Berlin. Hence, apart from the original airport taxis, the comfy car rentals, and the premium private transfers, public transport options are also on tap at BER Airport. Public buses, along with train lines, transfer passengers from the airport to Berlin downtown at low-cost prices.