Introduction
Searching for some information about your trip to Berlin and, in particular, about how to get from the airport to the city center? Welcome to my blog! In this guide, we will give you an overview of the transport options, key advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transport and all the information you need to ensure your trip is smooth.
1. Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)
If you are flying into Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of the city center, you have several convenient transportation options:
a) Taxi
Taxis are among the most commonly used means of transport for people who need a fast and straight path to the city. By the roadside taxi ranks next to the airport terminals, there are registered and legal service taxi cars that will transport you to your desired location. The time that it takes to transport from this station to the city center stands at a time of approximately 20 minutes depending on the traffic.
However, as convenient as it may be, it is very important to indicate that taxis are comparatively a little on the costly side than most other means, particularly at rush hour. For transportation from the airport there is an option to share a cab with other travelers or use Uber or Bolt at a shared rate.
b) Public Bus
The cheapest way to reach the city obviously will be to take a public transport and in this case an autobus at Tegel Airport. This is because the bus stops are situated just outside the terminal buildings, and it takes about thirty minutes in a non-peak traffic.
The most comfortable mode of transportation is the TXL Express Bus because it has routes that involves many primary stops over central Berlin, namely Alexanderplatz, Hauptbahnhof, Brandenburg Gate and so on. It’s also important to find out the bus timetable and routes as they may also change at different time in the day or during the week.
c) Airport Express Shuttle
If you are in a hurry and feel more comfortably with a straight and better organized ride then, the Airport Express Shuttle services can be preferred easily. Such shuttles refer to those shuttles that pick passengers directly from their homes/ businesses among others and are on a fixed timetable. The trip lasts about 20-30 minutes on average depending on your destination and the shuttles transport the passengers to specified spot or directly to the hotels located in the downtown area.
The Airport Express Shuttle may also be slightly more than the public bus, however as mentioned it is convenient and will safely take one directly to his or her lodging area.
2. Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF)
If your flight arrives at Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF), located approximately 18 kilometers southeast of the city center, there are also several transportation options available to get you to your destination:
a) Regional Train (S-Bahn)
The train which connects the regional stations is cheaper and more available than the S-Bahn and it takes about an hour to reach the city center from Schönefeld Airport. From the airport terminal it is easily reached by train and the travels to city center is approximately 30-40 minutes depending on the exact location.
Trains are frequently available, and to get a ticket; ticketing machines and offices are available at the station. Also, do not fail to ‘check your ticket’ before boarding any train to avoid buying a ticket that you are not supposed to make use of or inadmissible ticket.
b) Airport Express Train (RE7 and RB14)
For you who have time constraints and looking for comfort, you might want to take the Airport Express Train. The RE7 and RB14 lines link the Schönefeld Airport to other central terminals within Berlin such as Alexanderplatz, Friedrich, and Hofstaße, and Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
It only takes 15- 20 minutes to travel from the airport to the city center, thus being the quickest means currently in use. Like the S-Bahn, tickets are bought at the station prior to getting onto the train itself.
c) Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
As with Tegel Airport, readily arranged means of transportation include, Taxis and ride-hailing services at Schönefeld Airport. Both conventional taxis and those in ranks can be located just outside the terminal building; the Uber or Bolt applications can also be used to book a ride.
The taxi ride from here to the city center takes about 30 minutes, traffic willing. Before starting the journey always ask the driver for the fare and if it is possible you should be willing to share with other passengers.
3. Insider Tips
a) Plan Ahead
To avoid stress make sure to know the public transport possibilities in Berlin and the timings. This will help you decide which of the stations is better for you to get depending on the time of your arrival in the city and where exactly in the city you need to get.
b) Validate Your Ticket
If you choose to use the service of buses or trains make sure to stamp your ticket on the machines that are provided for that purpose at the stations. If you are caught during ticket inspections, you will be charged a fine if you did not follow the measure.
c) Consider an Airport Transfer Service
Perhaps, for group travelers or those with large pieces of luggage, it would be wiser to order an airport transfer in advance. This is because these services provide and door to door pick up and drop off in comfortable cars so that your travel is as easy as possible.
d) Check for Special Discounts
Some transportation services provide additional offers or the so-called transportation tourist passports that allow free traveling in buses within certain time period. Spend some time and look to see whether any of these could be good for your trip.
Conclusion
The options of getting into the city center from the two airports in Berlin are fairly simple to locate. That is why there is always a solution for every traveler whether you want to have a taxi to travel conveniently, the public bus to travel economically or the train to travel fast. With the information provided in this article and thinking of insiders, you will be ready to begin your Berlin travelling!
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