How to Get from Berlin Airport to Alexanderplatz (The Easy Way)

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is about 30 kilometers south of the city center. If you're joining our walking tour at Alexanderplatz or just heading into central Berlin, you have a few options. Some are great. Some are a waste of money. Here's what a local actually recommends.

Option 1: The FEX Train (Fastest)

The FEX (Flughafen Express) is the airport express train that runs directly from BER Terminal 1-2 to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). The ride takes about 30 minutes. From Hauptbahnhof, you can take the S-Bahn or a short U-Bahn ride to Alexanderplatz — add another 10–15 minutes.

Cost: An ABC zone ticket, which currently costs around €4.40. This same ticket covers your connection to Alexanderplatz. It's valid for two hours from validation, so you're covered for the entire journey.

Option 2: S-Bahn S9 (Cheapest Direct Route)

The S9 runs from the airport directly to Alexanderplatz without changing trains. It takes about 45–50 minutes, which is slower than the FEX, but it's a single train with no transfers. If you're not in a rush and want to sit down and watch the city unfold through the window, this is a relaxed option.

Same ABC zone ticket. Same price. You just trade speed for convenience.

Option 3: Taxi or Uber (Most Expensive)

A taxi from BER to Alexanderplatz costs roughly €45–60 depending on traffic. Uber and Bolt are similar. The ride takes 30–45 minutes, depending on the time of day. It's comfortable and door-to-door, but for a solo traveler, it's hard to justify the price when public transport is this good.

That said, if you're traveling with a group of 3–4 people, splitting a taxi makes it comparable to buying individual train tickets. And if you're arriving late at night when trains run less frequently, a taxi can save you a lot of waiting.

What NOT to Do

Don't take a bus. The bus connections from BER to the city center are slow, complicated, and not worth the hassle when trains are this straightforward. Don't buy a ticket from someone approaching you outside the terminal either — use the official BVG ticket machines on the platform or the BVG app on your phone.

And most importantly: validate your ticket before boarding. German trains operate on an honor system — there are no turnstiles. But inspectors check regularly, and the fine for riding without a valid ticket is €60. It's not worth the risk.

My Recommendation

For most visitors, the S9 to Alexanderplatz is the best option. One train, no transfers, affordable, and you arrive right where the action is. If you're in a rush, take the FEX to Hauptbahnhof and connect from there. Either way, you'll be at Alexanderplatz within an hour of landing.

And once you're at Alexanderplatz, our walking tour meeting point is right at the World Clock — you can't miss it.

Book your free spot now. 12 stops from Alexanderplatz to Hackescher Markt. Tip-based, no fixed price. Just get yourself to Alexanderplatz — we'll take care of the rest.