Berlin is easily accessible by different means of transportation. You can get in by plane, bus, train or car, in a comfortable way.
BY AIR
Berlin has two airports that both offer domestic and international flights. Both Tegel Airport and Schönefeld Airport have public transportation links to reach the city center.
Schönefeld Airport (SXF)
Berlin Schönefeld Airport (Flughafen Berlin- Schönefeld) is located in the south-east of Berlin, approximately 18km from the city center. Many holiday airlines and low-cost-airlines fly to Schönefeld.
To & From Schönefeld
Public Transport
The airport is well connected to the city and surrounding areas by regional and S-Bahn trains. The railway station is a 3-minute walk from Terminal A.
Lines S49 and S9, as well as several Airport Express trains (RE7 and RB14), run every half an hour from and to Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten, Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz, and Ostbahnhof. The S-Bahn will take about 45 minutes to the center, the trains 15 to 30 minutes.
Taxis
Taxis can be found right outside Terminal A. Only use clearly marked taxis at the designated ranks.
Standard fares apply to all Berlin taxis. In addition to distance-based fares, the following surcharges may apply:
- €1.50 for a single journey from Schönefeld Airport
- €1 for large items of luggage
- €1.50 for non-cash payments
Airport Berlin Tegel (TXL)
Tegel Airport is situated in the northwest of Berlin, approximately 8 km from the city center. You can reach the western city center from the airport within 15 minutes.
To & From Tegel
Public Transport
Tegel Airport has various busses operating right outside Terminal A and B. The fastest way to get to the city is either by TXL Express Bus or by the Express Bus X9. Buses 109, 128 and the JetExpressBus TXL connect the airport to the main train station Hauptbahnhof. The airport is in Zone B.
Taxis
Taxis can be found in the inner ring of Terminal A at Gates 6–9 and outside Terminal C and E. During rush hour, service staff is available at the taxi ranks. Only use clearly marked taxis at the designated ranks.
Standard fares apply to all Berlin taxis. In addition to distance-based fares, the following surcharges may apply:
- €1 for large items of luggage
- €1.50 for non-cash payments
- €0.50 for a single journey from Berlin Tegel Airport
BY TRAIN
If you're coming from anywhere in Europe, the train is a comfortable and quick way to get to Berlin. You can reach the city from all directions by using the fast InterCityExpress-, InterCity-, EuroCity- and InterRegio Trains.
There are several train stations spread throughout the city, all well connected to the public transport system. The central hub is the Hauptbahnhof, the Central Station.
BY CAR
Berlin is well connected to the motorway, and with big streets in the center and parking options in the city, arriving by car is a possibility.
Berlin's Environmental Zone
The city center of Berlin has a designated environmental zone in which only vehicles that meet certain emission standards are allowed to be driven. Vehicles need a sticker that identifies its pollutant group.
GETTING AROUND
Public Transport
Berlin is a big city but has an extensive network of metro trains, buses, and trams.
The Berlin subway, the S-Bahn, and U-Bahn (Underground) cross the city and will cover the main areas and sights you'll cover during your stay.
The Conference venue is located right next to an S-Bahn station (S Messe Süd).
In addition, Berlin has about 20 tram lines covering a large part of the city.
Tickets
With a valid ticket, you have access to all public transport in Berlin: S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams, and ferries. The fare depends on the tariff zone (AB, BC or ABC) and the ticket's period of validity.
Single tickets will cost between €1.70 to €3.40. There are also options for day tickets, varying from 24 hours to 6 days.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines on the platforms, or online. In buses, fares are paid to the bus driver, in trams at machines inside the trains. You must validate your ticket by stamping it at the yellow or red boxes. In case of inspection, a ticket that is not stamped is invalid.
Berlin Welcome Card
In addition to the regular day tickets, there is the option to purchase the Berlin Welcome Card. This card gives you access to all public transport for the timeframe you choose and offers 50% off admission prices to 200 sights and city tours.
Taxis
Flag down a cab at any time or go to one of the taxi ranks in the city. In case you cannot find a can or want to pre-order, you can use one of the following:
- Airport Taxi BB: +49 30 810588888
- Taxi Berlin: +49 30 202020
- Würfelfunk: +49 30 210101
- TaxiFunk Berlin: +49 30 443322
- Quality Taxi: +49 30 263000
- City-Funk Berlin: +49 30 210202
- Funk Taxi Berlin: +49 30 261026
Standard fares apply for all official taxis. The base fare for rides is €3.90, each of the first seven kilometers costs €2.00 and each subsequent kilometer is €1.50.
Taxi drivers do not always have large amounts of change, so keep some small banknotes or coins. Paying by credit card should be possible in any taxi as well.
