Very short trip to Berlin - advice please!

[Winky2024]

Hi everyone

Due to the timings on EasyJet, we will land at 9pm on a Friday. The return flight is 10:45am on the Monday morning.

I’m planning on staying close to Checkpoint Charlie.

Having seen various reviews and experiences about delays through security and passport at the airport plus peak hour traffic on Monday, I am wondering whether to stay two nights in the centre and the night before the flight at Steigenberger Hotel at the airport ?

Is it worth the effort? First time in Berlin.

Any thoughts from experienced Berlin travellers would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

I’ve never had any issues at Schöneberg (been there 10+ times) but I generally allow 2 hours to get through security etc. so I’d aim to get there 8.30ish. Would you not prefer to stay one more night in town seeing as it’s not super early? You can get way more for dinner in the centre and saves moving. That’s what I would do :)

I really liked Markthalle Neun IX food market when I last went!

Thank you so much for your reply @Peaceandquietandacuppa

I have read so many nightmare stories about Brandenburg Airport since it “reopened”, not sure that’s the right expression.

I have already booked three nights in the centre but all these reviews were putting me off even doing the trip! It’s my preference to stay there Sunday night.

You have put my mind at rest. I was thinking of a taxi at 7:30am, do you think an hour would be enough time?

I wouldn’t even get a taxi, the trains are easy to navigate and fast! We do Berlin a lot and even for shorter time. I would say 2 hours at least for security though cos it can be a bit variable. For a 1045 flight, I’d probably leave where we stay (Friedrichstraße) at about 8am for the train back but leaving at 0730 would be fine if you’re less sure of where you’re going.

Just to say, if you get trains you have to validate your ticket before first use on the validators on the platforms. No ticket barriers but if you don’t have a valid, validated ticket and they check them then you will get fined. The S Bahn and U Bahn are a great way to get around though.

I was in Berlin 2 weeks ago. Getting through passport control on arrival was an absolute nightmare. We stood for over 2 hrs. There were at least 2 planes full of people waiting and a 3rd came in halfway through and they had 3 people at the desks. Our legs were in agony before we even started!! And it was boiling!! On the other hand we sailed through security on the way home. Under 30 mins! The new airport is definitely worse for arrivals than the old one was.

@Iwouldlikesomecake thank you for your reply!

I’ll definitely look at the trains, thank you. Seasoned traveller so surely I can figure it out! I am so looking forward to going and yourself and @Peaceandquietandacuppa have put my mind at rest 😊

@Plump82 thanks for the heads up. Forewarned is forearmed!

Schoneberg is a pain in the arse but the main issue is if you are checking in a bag.
If you have hand luggage which I assume you do, you'll be fine 2 hours before.
You can also pre book a slot for security if you search BER runway.

Stay all three nights in the city and just get a cab Monday morning.

Oh but make sure you grab food or anything you want quickly before going through UK passport control, there is nothing the other side.

@rosedahlialily yes hand luggage only!

Thanks for the tips and I’ll take your advice. Three nights in the city it is!

I visited two weeks ago and had no problems at the airport or travelling to and from at all.
There are so many great delis in Berlin, I would take food to the airport - as a PP said the food there is disappointing.

@ScribblingPixie Thank you for the reassurance about the airport and the tip about the delis!

Would also second just getting the S Bahn or U Bahn, it’s super easy! Have a great time 😌

Ps If you’re doing hand luggage only, make sure it is the right size! My friend was fine travelling out of London but they were strict at Berlin security about the bag size.

An hour def ok for a taxi! And probably fine for the train depending on where you’re staying 😊

Schönefeld even 🤣

@Peaceandquietandacuppa Awww thank you for replying and all the tips!

I went recently and didn’t have any issues on either
leg of the journey. I wasn’t aware that there could be issues so just left the usual length of time. I’d never been before and absolutely loved it and want to go back. We had great food and coffee.

As per PP we got tickets from the machine on the railway platform and validated them. The transport system was really easy to use.

Agreed the trains from the airport were really easy to use and we jumped on a few ubahns whilst we were there too.

@PortiaWithNoBreaks Thanks for reassuring me about the airport and also that you loved Berlin. I had almost talked myself out of it completely but I’m going to stop reading the negative reviews on other channels and start to look forward to my trip!