Introduction
Welcome to Berlin, the vibrant and historic capital of Germany! Upon arrival at one of Berlin’s airports, navigating your way to the city center might seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. But worry not! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various transportation options available, helping you make an informed decision on how to get from Berlin Airport to Berlin.
1. Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)
If you’re flying into Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), located northwest of the city center, you have several options to reach downtown Berlin:
- Public Transportation
The easiest and the cheapest way of course is to go by public transportation. By arriving at Tegel Airport you can get to the city with the help of the public transportation known as TXL bus which is available both in A and B terminals. There seems to be buses running around every 10 – 15 minutes and the journey to Alexanderplatz which is relatively central in Berlin takes about 45 minutes.
Also, I want to mention that you can use the U-Bahn, which is actually the metro, if you, for instance, take it from Tegel Airport. Said terminal has it own underground station: the U-Bahn service line U6, which takes you to different areas of the town. It is pertinent to remember, however, that use of the U-Bahn is not ideal when in a hurry or when carrying loads of luggage.
- Taxi
For those who do not want to wait for the buses, or who simply feel more comfortable with them, taxis can be hired right outside the terminal buildings. Despite the fact at times it might be a bit expensive in contrast with the buses or trains, a taxi ride is also a rather comfortable option, especially if one has large pieces of luggage, or if he or she is in hurry.
I also always make sure that the car displayed a yellow and black ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof and the ‘Berlin’ symbol on doors easily discernable. This will help you to work with legalized taxi services to avoid any risks as you make your journey.
- Berlin Schönefeld Airport is other known Flyingvia Airport Identification Code: SXF
For travelers arriving at Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF), located southeast of the city center, here are the transportation options at your disposal:
- Train
There are different ways, people can travel from Schönefeld Airport to Berlin, although one of the most convenient processes of getting there is by rail. There is also its own railway station ,which is located close to Terminal Building and in the fact, it is situated UNDER Terminal A. Here you can board Regional Express (RE) and S-Bahn, that directly lead to the heart of the Berlin in approximately 30 minutes.
They must know that some of the trains, departing from Schönefeld, run to other cities of Germany, so one should check the final destination of the train before getting on it.
- Airport Express Buses
If you don’t like trains, you can go for the Airport Express Buses which will transport you to certain points of interest within Berlin. As mentioned earlier, these buses are found station near Terminal B’s opposite. The time taken to travel depends on the destination, on average it takes between half an hour to an hour.
- Overall Information Concerning Transport from Berlin Airports
- Transportation Passes
If you think you are going to move around a lot in Berlin while you are here, you should acquire a transportation pass. The Berlin WelcomeCard for example allows free unlimited access to all zones within Berlin and due to its price is relatively cheap.
- Apps and Maps
Please ensure that you load your phone with transport apps such as BVG FahrInfo Plus or Google Maps to help in the transportation within Berlin. Some of these apps give current details of the schedules of the transport systems, and can assist you to locate the ideal routes.
- Peak Hours
It also important to understand that at peak hours the public transport may be crowded especially during weeks. When possible, try to arrange to travel outside the rush hour so the trains and buses you’ll be travelling in are less likely to pack.
- Currency and Payment Methods
At least, you should have some euros with you for your transport expenses. Despite, all businesses accept credit/debit cards, it is always wise to have petty cash for small businesses that may not accept cards, or in case of card jam.
Conclusion
Traveling from Berlin Airport to the city center is a straightforward process once you understand the available options. Whether you choose public transportation or a taxi, your journey will be hassle-free and will set you up for an exciting adventure in Berlin. Remember to plan ahead, explore different transportation modes, and make the most of your visit to this historically rich and culturally vibrant city!
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