How to Navigate Berlin Brandenburg Airport Without the Stress


Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) handles all air traffic for the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region from a single site in the city’s south-east. With over 25 million passengers a year, it is Germany’s third-largest airport; busy enough that knowing how it works before you arrive makes a real difference.

This guide covers everything from getting to the terminal to clearing security faster, so you can spend less time worrying and more time in Berlin.

Getting to BER

BER is accessible by both public transport and car.

The airport has two terminals; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; and the route to both is the same from the main access roads.

Before you travel, check which terminal your flight departs from: this information appears on the airport’s digital display boards, on the BER website, and in the BER app. All flights are listed online up to one week in advance.

Parking can be booked in advance through the BER website or app, with options ranging from short-term spots close to the terminal to longer-stay spaces at lower rates. Booking ahead lets you secure a space and often a better price.

Flight status at BER. Pic by Anikka Bauer
Flight status at BER. Pic by Anikka Bauer

Check-In and Baggage Drop

The most efficient approach is to check in online via your airline’s app or website before you arrive. If you’re traveling with hand luggage only, you can go straight to security. If you have checked baggage, look into whether your airline supports Fast Bag Drop.

Fast Bag Drop kiosks in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 let you print your bag tag and drop your luggage without queuing at a check-in desk. The machines are well-distributed across both terminals, so waits are generally short.

Fast Bag Drop at the BER airport. Pic by Oliver Lang
Fast Bag Drop at the BER airport. Pic by Oliver Lang

Getting Through Security

A little preparation at security saves time for everyone. The main rules to keep in mind:

  • Liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less
  • Go through security immediately after check-in and baggage drop
  • Check the airport displays or website for the security checkpoint with the shortest current wait time

BER Runway lets you reserve a free time slot for security access in Terminal 1. Bookings open seven days before your flight. At checkpoint 4, your booking and boarding pass are checked at a dedicated access point, bypassing the general queue. You can book through the BER website or app.

Security at the BER airport in Germany. Pic by Anikka Bauer
Security at the BER airport in Germany. Pic by Anikka Bauer.

BER Biometrics

The BER Biometrics app by smartdepart offers a hands-free travel option. After scanning your face and uploading your boarding pass, cameras at Fast Bag Drop, BER Runway, and in the lounges can identify you automatically. The system is designed to comply with data protection regulations.

The biometric section at the BER airport in Germany. Pic by Anikka Bauer.
The biometric section at the BER airport in Germany.

Lounges and VIP Services

BER has two airside lounges: Lounge Tegel and Lounge Tempelhof. Both offer seating, workstations, and dining options. Access can be booked in advance through the airport website or app.

For travelers who want a fully assisted experience, the Zeitgeist VIP service covers personalized check-in, baggage handling, and access to a private lounge.

Related read: How to Entertain Yourself at an Airport

Book Services in Advance

Book all the services you need in advance on the website or in the BER app. Parking spaces can already be booked online, so you can secure your favorite parking space close to the terminal or at a particularly good price. A visit to the Lounge Tegel or Lounge Tempelhof will round off your stay at BER perfectly.

The lounge section at the BER airport in Germany. Pic by Ekaterina Zershchikova.
The lounge section at the BER airport in Germany.

Services and Products at BER Airport

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is a traveler’s dream, offering an impressive array of services that make every journey a breeze.

For those arriving by car, parking is a cinch with options ranging from short-term and long-term spots to valet services, all conveniently bookable online for added ease.

Once inside, relaxation awaits at the stylish Tegel and Tempelhof lounges, complete with comfy seating, workstations, and dining areas—perfect for unwinding or catching up on work.

For a touch of luxury, the Zeitgeist VIP service delivers personalized check-in, baggage handling, and access to an exclusive lounge that elevates the airport experience. And the innovative BER Runway service lets you reserve a security checkpoint time slot, slashing wait times and keeping stress at bay.

Don’t miss the visitor terrace, where panoramic runway views and fascinating exhibits about BER’s history captivate aviation buffs and curious travelers alike.

Whether you’re passing through or soaking it all in, BER ensures your airport time is as enjoyable as your destination.

Both terminals have a decent spread of food and retail. Here’s what to know before you start looking.

Terminal 1: Market Place and Food Court

The Market Place in Terminal 1’s departure area is where most of the eating and shopping is concentrated. For coffee, Berliner Kaffeерösterei opens at 3:30 a.m. and runs through to the last departure — reliable if you’re catching an early flight. Starbucks is also in the Food Court (closes 22:00). For something more Berlin-specific, Ick bin ein Berliner is a Berliner Pilsner bar in the Market Place, also open from 3:30 a.m. to last departure.

The Food Court covers most bases: Witty’s Bio-Currywurst for the organic take on Berlin’s street food classic (closes 22:00), basta! pizza e pasta! (closes 22:00), beets&roots for a vegetable-forward menu born in the city (closes 21:00), and Klässig’s Fish & Chips for pike-perch bites and coconut shrimp.

Shopping in the Market Place includes a LEGO Store, AMPELMANN (design products around the iconic East Berlin traffic light figure), Heinemann Duty Free, and fashion retailers including Marc O’Polo, FALKE, and RITUALS. Pocket Shop and RELAY stock books and international press. For Berlin souvenirs, I Love Berlin and myBerlin are both here, open until 21:00–22:00.

Arriving late? REWE and Kamps Bakery are both in the train station on Level U1, open around the clock — useful when airside options have already shut.

Terminal 2: The Plaza

Terminal 2’s Plaza is more compact but covers the main needs. Food options include Goodman & Filippo (Italian-American deli, closes 22:00), Hermann’s (snack classics, closes 22:00), and Beans & Barley (beer and coffee, closes 22:00). WHSmith & Inmotion handles books, travel accessories, and snacks. Heinemann Duty Free has a Plaza outlet open until 23:00.

For the full, current list of outlets across both terminals — including live opening hours — see the BER shops, cafés and services directory.

The Visitor Terrace

If you have time to spare or are waiting for someone, the visitor terrace is worth a look. It has views directly over the runways and includes exhibits about the airport’s history. It’s a decent way to pass an hour if you’re early or killing time between connections.

The marketplace section at the BER airport in Germany. Pic by Anikka Bauer.
The marketplace section at the BER airport in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which terminal does my flight depart from at BER?

BER operates two terminals. Your departure terminal is shown on the airport’s digital displays, on the BER website, and in the BER app. Flight information is available online up to seven days before departure. When in doubt, check before you leave for the airport; the route to both terminals from the main access roads is the same, but the departure gates are separate.

How early should I arrive at BER?

Most short-haul airlines recommend arriving two hours before departure; long-haul flights typically ask for three. If you plan to use Fast Bag Drop and have already checked in online, the process moves quickly. At peak times; summer mornings and Friday afternoons especially; give yourself extra time at security.

What is BER Runway and is it worth using?

BER Runway is a free service that lets you reserve a time slot for Terminal 1’s security checkpoint 4. You book online up to seven days ahead, and on the day you use a separate access lane where your boarding pass and booking are verified. It’s particularly useful during busy periods when general security lines can be long.

Can I get to BER by public transport?

Yes. BER is directly connected to Berlin’s S-Bahn and regional rail network. The S45, S9, and regional RE7 and RB14 lines all stop at the airport station, with journey times to central Berlin ranging from around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your destination. Tickets are available through the VBB app or at station machines.

Are the airport shops open when I arrive late at night?

The retail area in Terminal 1 is open around the clock, which is handy for late arrivals. Selection is more limited overnight than during peak hours, but essentials and convenience items are generally available. Terminal 2’s Plaza has more standard retail hours, so if you’re arriving very late, Terminal 1 is your better bet for post-flight provisions.

  • Travel Dudes

    I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.



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    I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.





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Michelin is a French multinational company that many consumers consider to be one of the most satisfying major tire brands. This firm makes several tire models that offer comfort, performance, all-terrain prowess, and everything in between — including cutting-edge products like the $42,000-per-set Michelin Pilot Sport PAX that it developed specifically for the Bugatti Veyron. Aside from its own tires, Michelin also owns other tire brands that you might be familiar with, including BFGoodrich, Achilles, and Corsa.

While tires are what Michelin is known for, the company has put its name to more than the rubber that wraps around your car’s rims. In fact, the company sells several other products that aren’t tires. So, we’re listing a few Michelin-branded items that you can buy online and in retail stores. While they might not all be made of rubber or even related to vehicles, these tools and accessories can come in handy when keeping your car — and even yourself — in good shape.

Michelin tire inflator

Since Michelin is primarily known for its tires, it makes sense for the company to sell a Michelin-branded tire inflator as well. That way, if you get a flat on one of the Michelin tires on your car or want to regularly top up your car’s tire pressure to maintain optimum performance, you can use a Michelin-branded pump to fill up your tires. The company actually sells several types of inflators on its Amazon page, but it only offers a single motorized unit — the Michelin Micro Tyre Inflator, which is available on Amazon for $98.99.

This little device is only slightly wider than an iPhone 17 and weighs about 400 grams, or 14 ounces. This means it’s easy to store in your car and to move to whichever tire needs topping up. More importantly, it takes power from a 12-volt socket, allowing you to run it using your car’s battery. It also has a USB port for charging your phone (or any other USB device) in case of an emergency.

Some users say that the device is slow, taking about 12 minutes to bring a tire from 10 to 32 PSI, but that’s not unexpected given its small size. Still, it should be good enough for regular weekly maintenance if you know your car’s proper tire pressure, or in case of an emergency. Its biggest downside is that you need a power source to run it, but having a dead battery and a flat tire simultaneously is likely a rare occurrence in many modern cars.

Michelin mini fridge

Taking a road trip during the summer can get you thirsty, and there’s no better way to quench that thirst than by drinking a cool can of soda (or your beverage of choice). If you want to ensure that you’ll always have a cold drink ready while you’re driving on the freeway, Michelin’s mini fridge will help you with that. This nifty little refrigerator is available on Amazon for just $99.99 and can be connected to either 110V AC or 12V DC power, ensuring that it will work on both your desk and in your car.

The mini fridge measures 6.9 x 9.45 x 10 inches (17.5 x 24 x 25.4 cm), meaning it can easily fit on a garage shelf or office desk. It should also be small enough to put on the floor of your car. Despite that relatively small size, it’s large enough to fit six 350-ml cans or four 500-ml bottles, and it will keep these items at a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. It also has an LED light on the door, so it can double as a night light if necessary.

Aside from keeping your drinks (and other food items) below room temperature, it also has a few other creature comforts. These include a removable shelf and door basket for flexibility and easy cleaning, as well as a retractable carry handle and a self-locking door to make transportation easier.

Michelin car floor mats

Heavy-duty car floor mats are often made from rubber for durability and water resistance, and since Michelin is in the business of rubber, it makes sense for the company to offer exactly that. So, if you want to protect your vehicle’s floor from dirt, dust, and mud, the company can help you with its Michelin all-weather car floor mats. This four-piece package is available on Amazon for $49.99 and comes in either black or tan.

The surface of these floor mats is specially designed to trap debris, snow, and water, preventing them from ruining the carpet on your vehicle. The mats have a cleat backing that grips your car’s floor and prevents them from slipping. The front row mats also come with what Michelin calls a Gripclip Retention System, allowing them to clip into your vehicle’s safety clips and adding even more reassurance that they won’t accidentally slip while you’re driving and pose a hazard to your safety.

These mats are universal and will work in most vehicles. However, they’re also easy to customize: If you find them a bit too large for the footwell of your tiny hatchback, you can use a pair of scissors to trim the edges for a perfect fit.

Michelin Stealth Ultra wiper blades

While Michelin’s Stealth Ultra wiper blades aren’t generally considered among the best windshield wipers, they appear to be a pretty good choice given their four-star rating on Amazon. These wipers cost $49.99 and are available in various size combinations for all sorts of cars. This ensures that no matter what vehicle you’re driving, you can probably find a set that will fit your needs.

These Michelin wipers are curved to conform to the shape of your windscreen for a clean, streak-free wipe. The company’s Amazon listing claims that these are designed to “withstand rain, wind, snow, mud, dust, or any other debris that might hamper your windshield’s visibility.” While you might think that windshield wipers are pretty simple items, and that you can just purchase any generic wipers off the internet, you must remember that they’re essential so that you have the best visibility possible during inclement weather. So, for your safety, consider investing in a set from a reputable brand like Michelin.

Michelin work boots

Michelin is known for making rubber tires to put on your car’s “feet,” but did you know it also makes shoes for the driver’s feet? The company makes sports & outdoor footwear, as well as shoes for work and safety. For this example, we have the Michelin HydroEdge Steel Toe waterproof work boot, listed for $210 on Amazon and at Georgia Boot. This shoe is available in U.S. sizes from 7.5 up to 14, ensuring that no matter what size you wear, you can get a Michelin work boot for yourself.

As the name suggests, this pair of shoes has steel toes to protect your feet from accidental impacts and is fully waterproof to help keep your feet dry, even in supposedly severe conditions. It also meets ASTM F2413 standards for electrical protection, meaning it has fully insulating soles to protect you from electrical hazards at work. Michelin also added what it calls an Advanced Rear Suspension system to its heel, ensuring proper shock absorption when you walk.





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