Cash
TPO5 valid until 31 Dec 2026
In short
Work backwards from your departure time. As guidance: for short and medium-haul flights aim to be at the terminal around two hours before departure; for long-haul and during holiday periods rather two and a half to three hours. Add the actual driving time from your district plus a traffic buffer. The total gives a sensible pickup time.
Count back from departure
Start at the desired time at check-in and subtract each step: bag drop or the walk to the gate, security screening, any walk between terminals, and the driving time to BER including a buffer. This gives a realistic pickup time rather than a tight guess.
Short-haul or long-haul
For flights within Europe, around two hours at the terminal is often enough. For intercontinental flights, allow more time, as check-in and screening can take longer. Check your airline's recommendation; it is the decisive one.
Checked bags or hand luggage only
Travelling with hand luggage only and having checked in online saves the trip to the desk. With checked bags, factor in desk opening hours and possible queues.
Rush hour and roadworks
Roughly between 7 and 9 in the morning and 4 and 7 in the evening there is more traffic on the access roads. Roadworks on the A100, A113 or in city traffic can add to the driving time. A larger buffer is worthwhile in these windows.
Security screening
Screening times vary by time of day and load, and can be considerably longer during holidays and peak times. The airport recommends arriving earlier at peak times. A fixed waiting time cannot be guaranteed.
Terminal change and walking distances
If you depart from Terminal 2, allow for the short walk from the Terminal 1 forecourt. See the article BER Terminal 2 pickup.
Examples for different departure times
| Departure time | Recommended arrival at BER | Note for planning the pickup time |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | approx. 04:00 | depends on your Berlin district and driving time |
| 10:00 | approx. 08:00 | allow for rush hour |
| 18:00 | approx. 16:00 | allow for afternoon traffic |
These values are rough guidance, not a guarantee. Your airline, destination and the actual traffic situation are decisive.
Recommended buffer
It is better to allow a little extra than to risk a tight connection. A transfer with a fixed pickup time takes you straight to the terminal, with no changes and no platform switches with suitcases.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I be at BER for an early flight? For a very early departure, plan generously due to limited desk and screening hours. See Early flight from BER.
Does driving time alone count as lead time? No. Add check-in, security and a traffic buffer to the driving time.
Are the times in the table guaranteed? No, they are guidance only. Your airline, destination and the traffic situation on the day are decisive.
How do I find my pickup time? Work out the pickup time yourself from driving time, a traffic buffer and the arrival time recommended by your airline. Then enter that pickup time together with your pickup address in the booking form.
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.
Enter your pickup address and desired pickup time
Enter your pickup address, desired pickup time, number of passengers and luggage in the booking form. You will see the available vehicle options and the total price before you book.
Enter your pickup address and desired pickup time to get a quote.
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.