Quick answer: The fastest way from Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is the FEX Airport Express: about 23 minutes, direct, four times an hour from the station under Terminal 1. A single Berlin ABC ticket (€5.00) covers it, and the same ticket also works on the slower S9 S-Bahn and the RE8/RB23 regional trains. A taxi costs around €60 and takes 40 to 45 minutes. The FEX runs roughly from 04:00 until about 01:00; landing in the small hours, take a taxi or night bus — see our late-night arrival guide.
Transfer Options from Berlin Airport to Central Station (Hbf)
Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is the largest railway hub in Europe, located in the Moabit district in central Berlin. From Brandenburg Berlin Airport (BER), you can reach the station easily by taxi, train, bus, or private transfer. Here’s a quick comparison (train fares set by VBB):
| Option | Price | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (FEX) | €5.00 (ABC) | ~23 min | every 15 min |
| S-Bahn S9 | €5.00 (ABC) | ~45 min | every 20 min |
| Regional RE8 / RB23 | €5.00 (ABC) | ~35 min | hourly each |
| Taxi | ~€60 | ~40-45 min | 24/7 |
| Private transfer | ~€65-75 | ~40-45 min | pre-booked |
By Train (recommended)
The fastest and most reliable option. The BER railway station sits directly under Terminal 1 (level U2), a few minutes’ walk from Arrivals — follow the green “Bahnhof / Trains” signs down. From Terminal 2, walk across via arrivals level E0.
- Airport Express (FEX): about 23 minutes to Berlin Hbf, four times an hour (roughly every 15 minutes), calling at Südkreuz and Potsdamer Platz on the way. Runs roughly 04:00 to about 01:00.
- RE8 & RB23 regional trains: about 35 minutes, roughly hourly each — handy when the FEX has just left.
- S-Bahn S9: every 20 minutes, about 45 minutes to Hbf, but reaches more districts on the way.
A one-way ticket costs €5.00 for adults and €3.20 for children — BER lies in fare zone C, so you need an ABC-zone ticket. Buy it at the platform machines (English menu available) or in the VBB, BVG or DB apps, and validate paper tickets before boarding. Your luggage travels free.
By Taxi
Airport taxis are available 24/7 at the official rank in front of Terminal 1. The 29 km ride to Berlin Hbf takes around 40–45 minutes and usually costs about €60, with no night surcharge. Always board from the licensed taxi stand to avoid scams. Both Berlin city taxis and Dahme-Spreewald taxis operate here at similar rates.
Tip: Pre-booking with a trusted service such as Welcome Pickups guarantees an English-speaking driver, flat fee, and flight delay monitoring.
By Bus
There is no direct city bus to Berlin Hbf. The practical bus option is the BVG express bus X7 or X71 from the terminal to U Rudow, where you change to the U7 underground. The whole trip runs on one Berlin ABC ticket (€5.00), but for the city centre the train from the airport station is faster — the bus mainly helps for Neukölln and south-east Berlin.
By Private Transfer
For maximum comfort, pre-book a private transfer. Your driver will meet you in Arrivals, assist with luggage, and take you directly to Berlin Hbf. Prices typically range from €65–75, though deals can sometimes match taxi fares (~€60). This option is perfect if you’re short on time or traveling with heavy luggage.
By Car Rental
Renting a car at BER gives you independence but is not the most practical choice for reaching Berlin Hbf due to traffic and parking difficulties. Still, it’s ideal if you plan to explore Berlin’s outskirts or nearby cities. Car hire desks are located in the terminal — booking ahead ensures better deals.
Useful links: Transportation from Berlin Airport to City Center · Berlin Airport Train · Berlin Airport (BER) Transfer Cost Calculator
