Digital Services Save Time at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The Easter holidays are approaching, marking the first major travel period of the year. Between March 27 and April 12, 2026, approximately 1.3 million passengers are expected to pass through Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
Berlin Airport: Well-Prepared for Easter Travel
This figure is similar to last year’s Easter travel volume. During the first holiday weekend alone (March 27–29), the airport anticipates 200,000 travelers. The busiest day is expected to be Friday, April 10, with 85,000 passengers.
Throughout the holiday period, roughly 8,800 aircraft will take off and land at BER. The most popular travel destinations are Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy, and France. Around 70 airlines will operate from BER during the Easter holidays, serving 140 destinations across 52 countries.
Digital Services and Smart Travel Tips
Discount Coupons via BER App
Travelers can take advantage of discounts and special promotions at BER during the Easter holidays. The BER App offers digital coupons redeemable at participating shops, restaurants, and service partners.
New Bar in the Check-in Hall
The newly opened bar “Adler & Bär” provides a meeting point for travelers and visitors in Terminal 1’s check-in hall, located before the security checkpoints. Situated directly beneath the distinctive red carpet, the bar is open daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In total, passengers have access to over 120 shops and dining establishments at BER.
Family Lane
Families with young children up to the age of 5, accompanied by up to two adults and minor siblings, can now use the Family Lane at security checkpoint 2 in Terminal 1.
Long-Distance Ticket Booking
Travelers can book long-distance bus or train tickets for their journey to and from the airport directly through the airport’s website or the BER App.
Essential Travel Tips
The airport authority recommends that all holiday travelers check in online in advance and follow the instructions provided by their airline. Passengers using the Fast Bag Drop service offered by participating airlines can save considerable time. Those who familiarize themselves with airport procedures via the website or app and book parking online in advance can start their trip with less stress.
Waiting times for security checkpoints are displayed in the app, on the website, and on monitors throughout the airport, allowing travelers to choose the most convenient checkpoint. All departure gates can be reached via any security checkpoint in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Boarding gates typically close 30 minutes before departure.
Self-Service Bag Drop
More than 120 self-service kiosks are available across BER’s two terminals, allowing passengers to print their baggage tags and drop off their luggage independently. Twenty-one airlines offer this service at BER, helping travelers save significant time. Passengers traveling with carry-on baggage only can proceed directly to security.
Faster Through Security Checkpoints
Checkpoints 1 and 5 in Terminal 1, as well as the security area in Terminal 2, are equipped with modern CT scanners. At these checkpoints, passengers no longer need to remove electronic devices or liquids from their carry-on baggage. Liquids are permitted up to two liters per passenger. At central checkpoints 2 and 4 in Terminal 1, conventional screening technology remains in use. At these locations, liquids may only be carried in containers of up to 100 milliliters each.
Packing Reminders: Power Banks and E-Cigarettes
Travelers should pay attention to security regulations when packing. Power banks and e-cigarettes are prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in hand baggage only, subject to applicable quantity limits and transport regulations. Each passenger may carry one standard lighter, which must be placed in hand baggage. Lighters are not permitted in checked baggage.
EasyPass: Automated Border Control
Passengers holding a biometric passport or a new German identity card can use the automated border control system EasyPass for faster processing when departing to non-EU countries. This also applies to third-country nationals aged 12 and older with an electronic passport and a German residence permit. Child passports are not eligible.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Since late last year, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) has been gradually introduced across the EU. Nationals from non-EU countries staying in the European Union for short periods (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) must complete the new entry and exit procedure and should allow sufficient time. Upon arrival, passengers can pre-register at self-service kiosks before proceeding to the border control officer.
BER Biometrics: Contactless Travel
At security checkpoints 1 and 5 in Terminal 1, or at the Central Departure access point, travelers can keep their boarding pass in their pocket and use contactless facial recognition technology. This service requires prior registration in the smartdepart app for BER Biometrics.
Sunflower Lanyard for Hidden Disabilities
For people with non-visible disabilities, busy environments such as airports can be challenging. The Sunflower lanyard offers a discreet way to signal a hidden disability. This allows staff and fellow travelers to respond sensitively and offer assistance, extra time, or patience when needed. The lanyard does not grant priority access.
BER Runway: Free Time Slot Booking
Passengers can book a free time slot for BER Runway starting seven days before departure. This service is located at security checkpoint 2 in Terminal 1, which still uses conventional screening technology.
Getting There: Bus and Train
The FEX and RE20 trains run multiple times per hour, taking approximately 23 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof or about 14 minutes from Berlin Südkreuz to the airport. Eastern Berlin is connected via regional train lines RB24 and RB32 from Hohenschönhausen, Lichtenberg, and Ostkreuz stations. Two S-Bahn lines complement the rail service: S9 runs to Spandau, while S85 connects northeastern Berlin to Frohnau (Monday–Friday) or Pankow (weekends). The airport authority recommends checking current traffic conditions for the day of travel.
Taxi and Ride Services
Arriving passengers will find licensed taxis at the two taxi stands North and South, directly in front of Terminal 1 on level E0. Avoid the people offering taxi service in the hall. It’s illegal and you will be heavily overcharged. Only take a taxi which is outside in the line.
If you book Uber or Bolt, their cars mostly wait opposite in front of the Steigenberger Hotel.
Parking: Book in Advance
Due to high demand during the holiday period, advance online parking reservations are recommended. One week of parking is available starting at €71. Travelers looking to save can take advantage of the early bird rate, starting at €51 per week, by booking early. The Kiss & Fly deal allows parking in the short-term lot directly in front of Terminal 1 for €17 for the first hour (regular price €23). The first ten minutes remain free of charge.
Valet Parking
For added convenience, travelers can drop off their vehicle on the departure level at Terminal 1, directly in front of the check-in hall. The car will be parked, cleaned upon request, and ready upon arrival in parking garage P3.
Comprehensive Information
Detailed travel preparation information is available on the airport’s website or via the BER App.
www.berlin-airport.de