Introduction
Berlin which is the capital city of Germany maybe an interesting place to visit. However, to those who are preparing for their vacation they may ask ‘how far is Berlin Brandenburg Airport from the city centre?’ In this guide, we shall look at the different means of transport and guide you on the best way to get to the city center of Berlin from the airport.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport: Analysis
Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport commonly known as Brandenburg Airport, or simply BER is the international airport located in Berlin. Located in Schönefeld, around 18 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of the city proper of Berlin. The airport was officially opened in October 2020, replacing the previous airports: Tegel and Schönefeld.
Transportation Options
1. Public Transportation
To get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin city centre, one can use transport and it is cheaper than others. The two main options available are:
a. Train
The railway station named Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg is situated in this airport where people can easily get connected to different traveling destinations around Berlin. Both regional trains RE7 and RB14 run between the airport and the city centre with some of the most appealing sites such as Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Alexanderplatz. It is approximately a half an hour trip depending with the direction of the intended destination.
Make sure it is required to have a ticket before travelling by train. Tickets can be purchased right at the station using ticket vending machines, or through transport related applications. Before getting in the train show your ticket and keep it safe until now you get to your destination.
b. Bus
Another affordable means for getting to the city of Berlin is by a bus from the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The airport is served by many buses and there are express bus X7 and frequent bus 171 connecting the airport to the city.
The X7 bus service connects straight to the Rudow underground station (U-Bahn which is on the line U7. The city’s tourists can make use of public transport to easily access attractions owing to its strategic location while; others can easily transfer to other metro lines from Rudow.
2. Taxi
For those who would like to avoid the above options and go straight to the ‘Berlin comfort zone’ one can take a taxi from the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Outside the terminal building, there are many taxis that are ever in waiting. It takes approximately 30–45 minutes to make the journey depending on traffic congestion in the road. The best taxis to use are legal, and are mostly white marked with a yellow light on top with the word “Taxi” written on it.
However, it must be mentioned that the taxis in Berlin are charged tender and prices depend on luggage as an additional service begun at night. This means you should ensure that all the estimated fares you have been given by your driver are agreed on before hitting the road.
3. Ride-Sharing Services
There are also available various transportations like Uber and Lyft around Berlin. With the help of their applications you can order a car and be picked up from the airport as well. Total travel time and time cost may however differ depending on the demand levels and traffic flow.
Ride sharing services can be a little more helpful if you are in a large group or need to transport large volumes of luggage. However, it is important to note here accepting that some parts of Berlin have restricted zones for ride-sharing services pick and drop zones as well when planning on using this kind of transport kind then it is advisable to look at areas that are restricted when it comes to this transport kind.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
a. Plan Ahead
In your preparation for the journey, one should look for appropriate transport from the airport to the city centre. This one depends on such factors as the time of arrival, the amount of money that one is willing to spend, his or her preference and location of the accommodation. It will also assist you in how to approach the different modes of transport given that you will already have a guideline in mind.
b. Check the Schedules
If you want to go around using public transportation, then you must take time in finding the time of the trains or the bus. This is because when you know how often it should be arriving and when it should be operational you will always be aware on whether to time your trip or wait for the vehicle.
c. Purchase a Travel Pass
In case you intend to travel frequently by public means while in Berlin, it will be cheaper to purchase travel pass. There are few options like Berlin WelcomeCard through which one can travel unlimited within couple of zones, few attractions have free and reduced prices and many more. Compare your trip schedule and transport requirements for a day, week or even a month to decide if the use of a travel pass would be advantageous to you.
d. Be Prepared for Currency
The advice is to be prepared and have some local money (EUR) ready in case one needs transportation, for example, right upon arrival. It is important to note that although most outlets and business you will come across in Berlin will accept credit cards, there will always be those startup businesses or ticket acceptance machines that will only accept cash.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Berlin Brandenburg Airport is located at about 18 kilometers (11miles) from the city centre of Berlin. If you are going for public transport it will be easier to book in advance, if you are going for taxi or ride hailing there are many choices available. As such it is always advisable to plan in advance, check the various schedules that are available and or your own as well as think about what you want as this will help to get to the lively center of Berlin without so much of a hassle.
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