In short
If you arrive at BER and continue by train or coach, you are taken directly to the right station: Hauptbahnhof, Südkreuz, Ostbahnhof, Gesundbrunnen or the ZOB coach station. A private transfer saves the change with luggage and is often the calmer option for tight connections, groups or night arrivals.
The relevant Berlin stations
For long-distance travel, Hauptbahnhof, Südkreuz and Gesundbrunnen matter most; ICE and IC trains stop here. Ostbahnhof mainly serves regional and some long-distance connections. The ZOB near the exhibition grounds is the central stop for long-distance coaches.
Approximate driving times
| Destination | Approx. driving time from BER (guidance) | Typical connection |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin Hauptbahnhof | approx. 40–55 min | ICE/IC, regional, coach transfer |
| Südkreuz | approx. 30–45 min | ICE/IC and regional services |
| Ostbahnhof | approx. 30–45 min | Regional, some long-distance trains |
| Gesundbrunnen | approx. 40–55 min | ICE/IC, regional |
| ZOB (central coach station) | approx. 45–60 min | Long-distance coaches |
Driving times are rough guide values without traffic and vary by time of day, roadworks and starting point. They are non-binding.
Allow for rush hour
At peak times in the morning and early evening the access roads are busier. For tight train connections, a larger buffer is worthwhile in these windows.
Luggage and connection times
The advantage of a direct ride is the luggage: no stairs, no platform change, no transfer. Especially with tight connections this reduces stress and the risk of missing a train.
Groups
If several people continue together with luggage, a larger vehicle is often more practical than the train to the station. On vehicle classes see Minibus to BER: 6 to 19 seats compared.
Night arrivals
After a late landing, local transport runs less frequently. A pre-booked transfer to the station or straight to your destination avoids waiting. More in To BER at night.
Alternative to public transport
FEX, S-Bahn and regional trains are fast and inexpensive when running normally. With roadworks, strikes or tight connections a direct ride can be more predictable. A comparison is in To BER by FEX, S-Bahn or private transfer?.
Frequently asked questions
Which station should I be taken to? The station of your connecting train. For ICE/IC, Hauptbahnhof, Südkreuz and Gesundbrunnen are common.
How long is the ride to Hauptbahnhof? As rough guidance, around 40 to 55 minutes without traffic. The current situation is decisive.
Is a transfer worth it for a tight connection? With little transfer time and luggage, often yes, as the change is removed.
Do you also go to the ZOB? Yes, the ZOB can be set as the destination. The driving time is a little longer than to the inner-city stations.
How it works
Three steps to your transfer
Book your ride
Enter your pickup address or destination in the booking form.
Driver arrives
Your driver will be on time at the agreed time.
Get going
Get in and enjoy a stress-free ride via the fastest route.
Book a transfer to the station
Enter the destination station, time, number of passengers and luggage in the booking form. Vehicle options and the total price appear before you complete the booking.
Check a transfer from BER to the station or ZOB.
Last updated: July 2026. Details on terminals, airlines and check-in times may change – please verify with your airline and BER Airport before travelling. Travel times are non-binding; no guarantee is given for traffic, waiting times or security screening.


