Brandenburg Berlin Airport Departures

Berlin Brandenburg Airport

The Two Terminal Buildings

Berlin Airport has two terminal buildings located close to each other. Therefore, passengers can walk between them, and no intermediate transportation modes are required. Terminal 1 is a big terminal, spreading over several levels. It handles the vast majority of flights that depart from BER Airport to domestic, international, and even intercontinental destinations. On the other hand, terminal 2 is a smaller building, split into two levels. Departures are located on Levels E0, E1, and E2 of T1. The check-in and security areas are primarily on Level E1, while non-Schengen flights depart from E2. The check-in zone at T2 can be found on the Ground floor, while departure gates are located on Level E1.

T1 and T2 Airlines

How Early to Get to BER Airport

Arriving on time at Berlin Airport to calmly complete the departure procedures is important if you want to start your journey smoothly and avoid the risk of missing your flight. So, how early should you get to the airport for your flight? That depends on numerous factors. In general terms, if you’re flying to a Schengen destination, arriving at the airport 2 hours before your flight should give you plenty of time for the departure process. Alternatively, if your destination is a non-Schengen country, it is recommended to get to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled departure.

Our Tip: Are you flying to Israel and the USA? Allow extra time, as you’ll need to go through a second control before boarding your flight.

The Departure Procedures

The departure procedures vary depending on your nationality and your destination. Overall, they are much quicker when traveling within the Schengen zone. In any case, it’s important to check your departure terminal before arriving at the airport. Although the two terminal buildings are within walking distance, you shouldn’t add unnecessary delays to your journey by transferring from one to the other. Check your air ticket or the information provided on the airport’s website or app, keeping in mind that most flights depart from terminal 1, while T2 primarily serves Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling Airlines’ Departures.

Our Tip: You can pass through security control at any terminal. Still, you must check in at the terminal from which your flight departs.

The Check-in Process

You have three options to check in for your flight. The most convenient and recommended one is the web check-in. Online check-in usually opens a few days before the flight and is available through the airline’s website or app. If you have checked in online and don’t have luggage to drop off, you can completely skip the check-in process and proceed to security control as soon as you reach the airport. In that case, if you’re flying from T2 and have some time to spare, you should consider going through security at T1 as it offers significantly more airside amenities and services.

On the other hand, you can also use the check-in counters, provided you don’t mind waiting in line. There are  118 check-in desks at T1 and 16 at T2. Information screens display which counter serves which airline at any given moment. You can also drop off your luggage at the check-in desks. Additionally, there are two designated counters for bulky luggage at terminal 1, and one point at terminal 2. In fact, waiting in line is your only option if your airline doesn’t offer self-bag drop services.

The last alternative is the self-check-in and bag-drop machines. The airport offers numerous automatic devices in both terminals, where passengers can check in and print their boarding passes, as well as the luggage tags for their bags. After that, they can drop it off at their airline’s counter. They can also use the check-in counter 511-516 of T1, operating from 03:45 am to 09:00 pm. However, overweight luggage must be dropped off at the check-in counters. Hence, if your luggage exceeds the maximum weight allowed by your airline, you can’t use the automatic machines. Terminal 1 houses 99 self-service machines, while 28 automatic machines are available at T2. That being said, not all airlines provide self-service options. Some carriers allow only self bag drop, others offer both self check-in and bag drop, while some provide online check-in and check-in at the counters as the only two alternatives.

Our Tip: Do you fly in the evening from Berlin Airport? Three airlines offer evening check-in or bag drop services. Thus, you can drop off your luggage for easyJet flights that depart up until 09:30 am of the following day, from 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm. Are you flying on Eurowings? You can drop off your luggage from 04:00 pm to 05:00 pm for any flights flying up until 12:00 pm of the following day. If you don’t use the self-service machines but head to the check-in counters, expect to be charged a 10€/10$ fee. Finally, you can check in 23 hours before your Lufthansa flight from 05:00 pm to 07:30 pm.

Security Control

The next step in completing the departure procedures is security screening. All passengers must go through security control, passing through metal detectors and having their personal belongings scanned via X-ray machines. Overall, Security Areas 1 and 5 in terminal 1, as well as the security control in terminal 2, are equipped with modern CT scanners, offering more efficient service compared to other zones, which use conventional scanners.

Please keep in mind that you can use the security zones of both terminals, regardless of where your flight departs from.

While the security control procedure isn’t time-consuming, you should always pack carefully to avoid delays during security screening. Follow and respect the airport’s guidelines on prohibited items and liquids restrictions to speed up the process. Additionally, you can use the BER Runway service, booking a time slot of 15 minutes in advance for your security screening. The BER Runway service is provided in Security Control Area 2 (checkpoint 4) of T1. Alternatively, BER Biometrics is another service available. It already includes an extended BER Runway time slot, Fast Bag Drop, and access to certain lounges — though lounge access requires paying the relevant fees. If you want to use the service, you must create a profile through the SmartDepart app, upload your boarding pass, and book it for the day of your flight. Both services (BER Runway and BER Biometrics) are provided free of charge. Lastly, a Priority Lane is located at Security Control 2 in T1 for travelers eligible depending on their flight ticket.

Passport Control

If you’re flying to a non-Schengen destination, you’ll also need to go through passport control after completing security screening. You must present your passport and boarding pass, and potentially additional documents, such as visas or vaccination certificates, depending on your destination. Moreover, some countries have specific requirements regarding passport expiration dates. Therefore, check whether your passport must be valid for a certain period beyond your trip, depending on your journey’s end.

Our Tip: The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply to departure border control from 2026, requiring non-EU passengers to provide their biometric data—fingerprint scans and facial recognition—along with their passport details to complete the procedure via automatic machines.

The Boarding Gate

Once you access the airside part of your terminal, you should try to locate your boarding gate and estimate the time needed to reach it from the terminal’s shopping and dining area. Some gates are located at the far ends of the terminal. If that’s the case, you should keep this in mind when planning your spare time at the terminal. Moreover, it’s important to remember that departing gates often change unexpectedly. Therefore, you must always check the flight information screens for any updates. As soon as your boarding gate opens, you’ll present your identification document and boarding pass and step into the line to board the plane.

Things to Do Before Boarding the Plane

Do you have some time to spare before your flight departs? You can explore the airport’s shopping options, enjoy a refreshing drink, or savor a mouthwatering snack or meal inspired by German and international cuisine. Moreover, five works of art are scattered around terminal 1, while the terminal’s Observation Deck, on its terrace, guarantees thrilling moments for plane-watching enthusiasts. Alternatively, the room of silence is ideal for those seeking some calm and quietness amid the airport’s hustle and bustle. Several lounge facilities are also available. Some can be accessed only by airline VIP members or eligible passengers, and others by everyone for a fee. You should keep in mind, though, that most services and amenities are available at terminal 1.

How to Get to Berlin Airport

There are various ways to reach Berlin Airport from the city. Still, you should keep in mind several factors when planning your journey to the airport, such as heavy traffic affecting car and bus rides, as well as early-morning maintenance works, and frequent delays disrupting train schedules. In any case, if you value comfort, you should catch a taxi or book a private airport transfer for your ride to BER Airport, while if saving money is your goal, a bus or train journey from Berlin should be your top option. Several bus and train lines connect not only the city center to the airport but also less-central parts of Berlin. Additionally, ride-hailing companies also operate in the city. Car journeys from downtown Berlin to the airport usually last around 45 minutes, under normal traffic. Bus transfers are slightly more time-consuming, lasting approximately 55 minutes. Finally, train rides from Berlin Central Station last just half an hour.

Parking Your Car at BER Airport

Berlin Airport offers several parking options for passengers arriving with their own vehicles. There are parking lots near both terminals. Premium Car Parks (P1 and P2) are the closest and most expensive options, while Comfort Parking Lots (P3, P7, and P8) are also near the terminals but less expensive. Additionally, there is an Economy Parking Lot (P6) and two long-stay facilities (P104 and P107). Valet services are also available. Overall, it is advisable to book your parking spot in advance to ensure availability and secure lower rates.

The Drop-Off Area

If you want to drop off passengers departing from Berlin Brandenburg Airport, you’ll find a designated zone. The Kiss&Fly area can be found outside the Departures level of terminal 1, allowing 10 minutes of free parking. Parking fees apply after that time. The drop-off zone operates via license plate recognition, so you don’t need a ticket. All you need to do is enter your license plate at the pay stations to pay any applicable fees. It’s important to remember that the 10-minute free access to the Kiss&Fly Zone is allowed only once every 8 hours. Alternatively, the Comfort Car Parks (P3, P7, and P8) offer lower rates only for short stays (not exceeding 2 hours), but there is no free parking period.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Flights are often delayed or even cancelled. Why not stay informed of changes to the Departures schedule and arrive at the airport on time for your flight? Our departure status table keeps you updated on every flight delay or cancellation so you can adjust your plans accordingly. You can check the flight status and search for your flight by flight number, airline, destination, or departure time. On the other hand, the official airport website provides constant updates on Arrivals and Departures, while travelers already at the airport can check the numerous flight information screens across the BER terminals. If you need more information or have specific inquiries, you can contact the airport’s call center at +49 30 6091 6091 0.

FAQs

What terminal is Departures at Berlin?

Both BER terminals house Departures. Overall, terminal 1 handles the majority of flights, while terminal 2 is mainly used by low-cost carriers, especially Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling Airlines. Departures are spread over E0, E1, and E2 of T1, while the check-in zone at T2 is at E0, and the departure gates are on Level E1.

How early should I arrive at Berlin Airport for an international flight?

If you’re flying from Berlin Airport to a Schengen destination, you should plan to arrive at the airport around 2 hours before your flight. On the other hand, if your destination is a non-Schengen country, you’ll also need to go through passport control. Therefore, allowing 3 hours before the flight departure is usually recommended.

What are the drop-off locations at Berlin Airport?

There is a drop-off zone outside T1’s Departures level, where drivers can park their vehicles for free for the first 10 minutes. Alternatively, the Comfort Car Parks (P3, P7, and P8) offer lower fares for short stays of up to 2 hours, but they don’t offer a free parking period.