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26.1 km • ~31 mins

How to Get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Checkpoint Charlie

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) lies 26.1 km south-east of Checkpoint Charlie in central Berlin. Depending on your choice, the journey takes around 35 minutes by taxi or private transfer, or 45–60 minutes by S-Bahn/regional train including walking.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 26.1 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Recommended
35 mins •On Request (24/7)
€75 - €95 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Bags + Hand Luggage Included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, follow signs to Arrivals and look for your driver holding a name board in the meeting area.
  2. Your transfer company will usually contact you in advance; confirm your meeting point at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 arrivals.
  3. Board the pre-booked vehicle; the driver loads your luggage.
  4. Ride directly to Checkpoint Charlie; journey usually about 35 minutes.
  5. The driver drops you on Friedrichstraße/Zimmerstraße or the nearest vehicle access point.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official BER Taxi (Airport Tariff)

Metered
35 mins •Available 24/7 at rank
€55 - €70 (Metered, per vehicle)
Luggage: Trunk space for 2-3 bags
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 following 'Taxi' signs.
  2. Join the official taxi rank outside; ignore anyone offering a ride indoors.
  3. Tell the driver 'Checkpoint Charlie, Friedrichstraße'.
  4. Make sure the taximeter is switched on using the BER airport tariff (flag fall 4.30 EUR).
  5. Pay by cash or card at the end; ask for a receipt.

S9 S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße + Short Walk

Cheapest Public
55 mins •Every 20 Mins
€5.00 / Person
Luggage: Space for luggage on board
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to 'Flughafen BER' railway station under Terminal 1.
  2. Buy a VBB single ticket Berlin ABC (€5.00) at a machine or BVG/DB app; validate paper ticket if needed.
  3. Take an eastbound S9 (direction Spandau) from the airport station.
  4. Stay on the S9 through Schöneweide, Ostkreuz and Alexanderplatz; get off at Friedrichstraße (about 45-50 minutes).
  5. From Friedrichstraße station walk south about 10-12 minutes along Friedrichstraße/Zimmerstraße to Checkpoint Charlie.

FEX Airport Express to Potsdamer Platz + Walk

Fastest Train
45 mins •Every 15 Mins
€5.00 / Person
Luggage: Dedicated luggage space on board
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to 'Flughafen BER' railway station under Terminal 1.
  2. Buy VBB ABC single ticket €5.00 at a machine or app; validate if paper.
  3. Take a westbound FEX train towards Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
  4. Get off at Potsdamer Platz (about 19 minutes).
  5. From Potsdamer Platz walk north-east about 20 minutes along Leipziger Straße/Friedrichstraße to Checkpoint Charlie.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore touts inside the terminal offering 'cheap' rides.
  • Make sure the taximeter is switched on and shows the BER airport tariff (flag fall €4.30); refuse fixed prices not agreed beforehand.
  • Pay for public transport only at official ticket machines or the BVG/DB apps; paper tickets must be validated (stamped) before boarding.
  • Ride-hailing cars may only pick you up at the designated 'Ride App Pick Up' zone on Terminal 1 level E0; drivers claiming otherwise may not be licensed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Checkpoint Charlie?

Take the S9 S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße and then walk about 10-12 minutes south. A single VBB ABC ticket costs €5.00 and is valid for the whole journey.

How long does a taxi from BER to Checkpoint Charlie take?

The drive normally takes 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. The metered fare is roughly €55–€70, plus waiting time in heavy traffic.

Is the S9 S-Bahn safe with luggage?

Yes, the S9 has space for luggage on board and is widely used by airport passengers. Avoid rush hours if you have very large suitcases.

Can I pay by card in taxis and for public transport?

Most Berlin taxis accept card payment, but ask the driver before starting the ride. Ticket machines and the BVG/DB apps accept cards and contactless payment.

What about night arrivals at BER?

The S9 runs every 30 minutes on Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday nights. Taxis and private transfers operate 24/7.

Is a private transfer worth it for families?

Yes, a pre-booked private transfer offers fixed prices, door-to-door service, luggage help and often child seats on request, making it the most comfortable option for families.

Nearby places

More transfers from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Potsdamer Platz · 26.4 km Brandenburg Gate · 27.2 km Museum Island · 24.9 km Berlin Mitte · 26.9 km Kreuzberg · 22.7 km Alexanderplatz · 25.5 km Berlin Hauptbahnhof · 28.6 km Berlin Ostbahnhof · 23.5 km East Side Gallery · 22.9 km Kurfürstendamm · 28.8 km

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