Introduction
Berlin, a city blessed with hip neighborhoods, its rich history, and a rapidly growing cultural culture. This guide will show you how to get to the city center of Berlin, if you have just landed at one of Berlin’s airports. We’ve got you covered whether you arrive in Berlin Tegel (TXL) or Schönefeld (SXF). Start your Berlin journey to the heart now!
1. Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)
Public Transportation
They went to the bus station from Terminal A/B/C. The yellow BVG buses. The most common choice is to take the TXL Express Bus. This bus runs for every 6 to 10 minutes and will take you straight to downtown Berlin and popular tourist hot spots such as Alexanderplatz and Brandenburg Gate. The trip usually takes a bout 40 minutes, unless you’re stuck in traffic. When buying your ticket remember to buy it from the machine at the bus stop or use your contactless payment card.
Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis, and more convenient rideshare services, are right outside the terminal, if you prefer a more direct option. You will take a bit over 20 to 30 minutes to reach the city center, but keep in mind that this involves traffic. When riding in taxis in Berlin, the vehicles are normally cream colored taxis with a sign on the roof.
Car Rental
However, if you’re looking to discover Berlin and the surrounding areas in your way, car rental services can be found at Berlin Tegel Airport. All the popular car rental companies are at the counters as well as other Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
2. SXF – Berlin Schönefeld Airport
Train
Berlin has its public transportation system well connected to Schönefeld Airport. The train station below the terminal is directly beneath the terminal, so follow the signs. The S-Bahn (urban rail) signs will be green and white. Regional RB14 train or Airport Express (FEX) train are the best ways to reach city center. It is a 30 minute journey to downtown Berlin.
Bus
Buses are also available outside Terminal A, if you find a more flexible option more to your liking. The express bus SXF1 brings you to the city center in about 40 minutes. The S45 or S9 S-Bahn trains also take you into the wider transportation network in and around Berlin.
Taxi or Rideshare
Outside the terminal building there are taxis and rideshare services. The ride to central Berlin with taxi averages 30 to 40 minutes. The yellow “Taxi” signs or our popular rideshare apps.
3. General Tips
Tickets and Fares
An example is that if you are using public transportation in Berlin, you’d need a valid ticket. Vending machines at the bus stops, train stations or even with the bus driver is where to get tickets for a slightly higher price. Always validate your ticket before starting your journey on buses, trams or at any other train station machine.
Language and Map Apps
Berlin is quite the world lingua franca, so there is no chance that language will be an issue. But it’s also good to have a good map app on your phone, like Google Maps or Citymapper, as a reliable tool to visualize the city’s transportation network and see which buses or trains connects to what.
Time and Traffic
If you’re traveling during rush hour (typically between 7:During (which is 30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays), it’s a good idea to allow extra time for your journey as traffic speeds can really slow down your commute. Arriving outside of these peak hours probably will minimize the delay.
Conclusion
Having learned about the different ways of getting to the city center from Berlin’s airports, there’s no reason to worry about what to choose to get to the heart of Berlin. Affordable, convenient and hassle free public transportation, Taxis are available to take you directly and a rideshare service is available to take you wherever you want to go. When choosing, remember your preferences, budget and how much time you have available. Have a good time getting to know Berlin.
This content is only intended to provide information. Pay attention to travel advisories in place when you visit and please refer to official sources.
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