Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is unusually good for smokers by European standards, because it keeps indoor smoking lounges on the airside, past security. That means you can smoke during a layover without leaving the secure area, which is rare at large airports today. This guide covers every Berlin Brandenburg airport smoking option, where the lounges and outdoor areas are, and the rules for vaping.
Indoor smoking lounges after security
The main thing to know is that BER has modern, ventilated smoking lounges behind security control. There are three of them: two on Level 1, in the Schengen area, of roughly 75 square metres each, and one larger lounge of about 120 square metres on Level 2, in the non-Schengen area. All have strong ventilation, so they are enclosed rooms rather than open gate-side spots.
Travelers report the Schengen lounge airside between gates B2 and B3 in Terminal 1, and the non-Schengen lounge near Gate D. There is also a smoking cabin reported past security near gate B30. Few large European airports still keep indoor airside smoking lounges, since many hubs have closed theirs, so this is a genuine convenience at BER. Because the lounges are airside, you do not need to exit and clear security again just to smoke, which is the big advantage of BER for a connecting passenger.
Outdoor smoking areas
If you are still landside, or you simply prefer fresh air, there are designated outdoor smoking areas near the entrances to Terminals 1 and 2. These are the spots to use before you check in, or right after you arrive and collect your bags. As inside, smoking is only allowed in the marked areas.
Vaping and e-cigarettes
Vaping is treated the same as smoking at BER. You may use an e-cigarette in the designated smoking lounges and outdoor smoking areas, but not anywhere else in the terminal, and e-cigarettes are banned on board the aircraft. Carry your device and spare batteries in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage, in line with airline safety rules.
Smoking on a layover
For a connecting passenger, BER is one of the easier European airports. Because the smoking lounges are airside, you can clear security once and still smoke between flights. Just note the split between zones: if your connection is within the Schengen area, use the Level 1 lounges; if you are flying to or from a non-Schengen country, the Level 2 lounge is the one you can reach without crossing passport control. Give yourself time, as the lounges can be a walk from your gate.
The rules in short
Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the terminal except the designated lounges and outdoor areas. Lighting up outside those areas can lead to a fine, and the airport does enforce it. The same goes for vaping. If in doubt, follow the signs to the nearest smoking lounge rather than risk a penalty.
Tips for smokers at BER
- On a layover, use the airside lounges so you do not have to leave security and screen again.
- Match the lounge to your flight: Level 1 for Schengen, Level 2 for non-Schengen.
- Before check-in or on arrival, use the outdoor areas by the terminal entrances.
- Keep your vape and spare batteries in your cabin bag, not in checked luggage.
- Allow a few extra minutes, since the lounges can be a fair walk from the gates.
For more on getting around the building, see our Berlin Brandenburg terminals guide, and for connection planning read our Berlin Brandenburg layover guide.
At a glance: where you can smoke at BER
| Location | Area | Can you smoke? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen smoking lounges (two, Level 1, between gates B2 and B3) | Airside | Yes | Ventilated indoor lounges |
| Non-Schengen smoking lounge (Level 2, near Gate D) | Airside | Yes | Larger ventilated lounge |
| Outdoor areas by the Terminal 1 and 2 entrances | Landside | Yes | Before check-in or on arrival |
| Rest of the terminal (gates, corridors, restaurants) | Both | No | Fine for smoking outside marked areas |
| Vaping | Lounges and outdoor areas only | Yes, in those areas | Banned elsewhere and on board flights |
Frequently asked questions
Does BER have smoking areas after security?
Can you smoke inside Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Where are the smoking lounges at BER?
Can I vape at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Are there outdoor smoking areas at BER?
Sources: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (ber.berlin-airport.de) smoking information and airport smoking guides. Image: "Berlin Brandenburg Airport departure hall" by Muns, licensed CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Disclaimer: smoking-area locations and rules can change. Verify current details before you travel.
