When you arrive at a new city, getting from the airport to the city centre can be a bit overwhelming, especially for beginners. In this guide, we will walk you through the various transportation options available from Berlin Airport to Berlin City Centre, so you can start your trip stress-free and ready to explore the vibrant capital of Germany.
1. Taxi
If the Berlin airport to city centre transfer is to be regarded a mode of transport, then one of the best options is the taxi. Taxis are available immediately outside the terminals’ structures, and are well equipped to help you board with your luggage then transport you directly to whichever destination you fancy.
Good to know is that there are differences in price for taxi rides in Berlin depend on the time of the day as well as the distance. There also could be some extra costs, including the charges of the airports. Taxis on the other hand can be booked easily if you do not wish to indulge in a complicated travel arranging affair and if you will afford a reasonable amount of flexibility regarding the costs of the travel.
Tips:
Always make sure that the taxi driven is fitted with a meter.
Try to always have some cash with you especially for fares because most cabs do not accept credit cards.
One should book a taxi in advance so that unnecessary time, having to wait in a line is not taken.
If you are for example hiring a taxi through Lertz Ltd, kindly make sure that the cars meter is functioning correctly.
Always have some money when paying because most of the taxi drivers do not accept credit cards.
It will be important to book a taxi in advance in order to reduce waiting time.
2. Public Transportation
Berlin has very good transport connections, where it is possible to choose efficient and relatively cheap means of getting to and from the city centre from the airport. The S-Bahn and the U-Bahn are the two most widespread means of public transport in Berlin, the first refers to suburban trains while the second means metro.
Three trains can be used to access Schönefeld airport; the S Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld Airport and the Light Rail S Bahn Line S9 While Tegel airport is well linked with the U Bahn Line U7.
S-Bahn:
If you are arriving at Berlin Schönefeld Airport, SXF you follow the sign to the S-Bahn station. My role is pay attention at the S9 train in the direction of Berlin Ostkreuz, so get comfortably to the central stations such as Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse, and Hauptbahnhof – the main railway station. The travel time usually takes between 30 – 40 minutes.
U-Bahn:
For passengers arriving to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) head to the U-Bahn station. Catch U7 train heading to Rudow and you can get to places like Zoologischer Garten or Wittenbergplatz or Hermannplatz. The time it takes to get from Tegel Airport to the city centre ranges between 20 and 30 minutes.
Tips:
Travelers should also be armed with ticket before they board any train. Tickets can be bought at ticket dispensing machines fixed at the airport or via mobile applications.
If you intend to travel using public transport in the city often during your stay, then you might want to acquire the Berlin WelcomeCard, which gives free and unlimited use of Berlin’s transport network.
But remember that buses and trains are full during rush hours; so be careful with your things.
A very important thing to have is a ticket before you board any train. Tickets can be bought at ticket machines placed at the airport and also through mobile applications.
If you intend to catch public transport often during your stay, then it will be more economical to purchase the Berlin WelcomeCard that allows free and unlimited use of all modes of transport by Berlin.
However remember that the transport you will be using is public means so in the rush hours, there many people, so be careful with your property.
3. Airport Transfers
There is another easy way to get to Berlin City Centre from the airport – booking an airport shuttle or transfer. Many of these services involve pick up from the family home and drop off at the destination, and are thus a comfortable way to travel.
Many of these companies provide airport transfer services and can be arranged for in advance through the internet or at the airport. The type of transport you can order will also vary and it includes shared shuttle, private car, or even a luxury car.
Shuttle services are generally cheaper compared to private transfers; however private transfer tend to be more flexible especially for large groups or a large family.
Tips:
When hiring an airport shuttle or transfer service, please give us details of your flight details so that you can be picked up on time.
Search for the shuttle or transfer service that would be the closest to your location or the cheapest, based on the available reviews.
While hiring a car service from airport or transfer service give your flight number in advance so as to be on time.
Find out several shuttle or transfer service providers together with their rate and feedbacks to identify the best transportation service to use.
4. Rental Car
If you would rather have your own means of transport then at the airport rent a car is at your disposal. There are a number of car rental firms in Berlin yourself to get around and discover more of Berlin and the nearby areas.
It should be noted, however, that finding and parking on the streets of Berlin can be difficult considering the great number of cars and availability of parking spaces for the first time visitors. Also it is good to know different road signs and traffic signs as well as parking signs to ensure one do not violate them. Don’t forget to account for the gasoline together with possible toll expenses while traveling.
Tips:
Check that you are having a valid driver license and a credit card for the renting of car.
It is wise also to pre-book your rental car to avoid high prices and improbabilities of getting a car of your choice.
Carry a GPS or download a navigation app so that you won’t lost your way around the city.
Ensure that you have you are having a valid driver’s license and a credit card for use when renting a car.
It would be wise to pre-book a rental car to be sure to get a affordable price and a car in the desired time.
The pedestrian should use a GPS or a navigation application to assist him in moving around the city.
Final Words
If you are a first-time traveller, the task of getting from Berlin Airport to the city centre needn’t be problematic. If you decide to take a taxi, use a public transport, book an airport shuttle service, or rent a car, each of the variants has its positive sides and drawbacks:
In order to make the desirable decision, one should use reason taking into consideration factors such as proximity, cost and preference. With help of this guide, you are ready to easily get to Berlin City Centre by overcoming all possible difficulties of the trip to this culturally intense and active city!
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