How to pick someone up from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Damian Brzeski
- 3h
- 12 min read
Picking someone up from BER airport is no longer a quick hop to Schönefeld, but a small logistical operation.
All it takes is one mistake—the wrong terminal, the wrong parking lot, a delayed response—and instead of a warm welcome, you're met with stress and a fine. Sound familiar?
If you've ever circled an airport with your emergency lights on, this guide is for you.
I'll tell you how to pick up your loved ones without stress, without unnecessary fees and without circling around the terminals like a satellite - even if it's your first time on BER.
Preparing to pick up a passenger from Berlin
The key to success lies in what you do before you turn the key in the ignition.
Improvising on site, with a complicated system of one-way roads and ubiquitous cameras, will end in stress and unnecessary expenses.
Here's what you need to figure out before you even leave home to avoid circling the airport.
Checking the arrival terminal: Terminal 1 or Terminal 2
This is absolutely fundamental. BER operates as two terminals, which, although adjacent, are governed by completely different logistical rules.
The false assumption that "everyone leaves through the main exit" can cost you a lot of time and stress.
To make things easier, I have prepared a quick comparison that will dispel your doubts:
Characteristic | Terminal 1 (Main) | Terminal 2 (LCC) |
Who flies here? | Lufthansa, LOT, EasyJet, Qatar, Air France | Ryanair, Wizz Air |
Driveway by car | Direct (Kiss & Fly at the door) | None (you have to walk to T1) |
The best parking | P1, P2, P3 (1–3 min walk) | P7, P8 (connected by a corridor) |
Remember: if your loved ones are landing at Terminal 2 and you're waiting at Terminal 1, they'll have to walk for about 10 minutes. Terminal 2 doesn't have its own pickup area for private cars.
Flight tracking in mobile apps
Don't blindly trust flight schedules. Delays of 30-60 minutes are common, and paying for parking while your plane is still taxiing on the runway is pointless.
I recommend a hybrid strategy: FlightRadar24 will show you where the plane is physically (e.g. whether it has already crossed the Polish-German border), which gives you a real touchdown time.
In turn, the official website ber.berlin-airport.de will inform you about the status "on the ground", such as the baggage belt number.
Communication with the passenger before arrival
Cell reception in the terminal basement or at baggage claim can be fickle, so establish clear rules of the game. A checkpoint system works well:
"Touchdown" : SMS immediately after landing - a signal for you to move off from the buffer parking lot (e.g. MOP).
"Luggage" : Information about picking up your suitcase.
"Curb" : The most important signal – "I am exiting, I am standing at pillar X." Only at this point do you enter the short-term parking zone.
You can check the current arrival times here: Skyscanner
Orientation at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
The airport's layout is logical but rigorous. You're primarily interested in the Arrivals Level (E0) – this is where passengers exit the restricted area and proceed outside.
Although there is also a departures level (E1) one floor above, using it for pickups is non-standard and may be difficult during peak hours.
How to get to Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Getting there from Poland is surprisingly easy, as the airport is located on our southeastern side of Berlin. This allows you to avoid city traffic jams and the famous A100 ring road.
The main corridor is the A113 motorway , which you enter from the Schönefelder Kreuz junction (connection to the A10).
The navigation will take you straight to the barriers – just follow the signs for " Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg ".
What are the short-term parking options at the terminals?
This is where we get into a bit of a pickle. The BER parking system relies on automatic number plate reading (ANPR).
Cameras track your time down to the second, and the fare system is merciless towards latecomers. Understanding the differences between zones is the only way to avoid paying the "fee."
Kiss & Fly BER Zone – quick pick-up without parking
This is a "hop-on, hop-off" option. You get exactly 10 minutes free – from the entry barrier to the exit barrier.
If you exceed 10 minutes , you are immediately charged ( starting at €5 per quarter of an hour ).
Importantly, you can only enter for free three times a day . Each subsequent attempt to enter will incur a fee from the first minute. Don't treat this area as a waiting room.
BER short-term parking – up to 10 minutes free of charge
If you want to enter the hall, greet someone with a sign or help with heavy suitcases, please choose the parking lot marked P-Kurzzeit .
It also offers the first 10 minutes free, but its primary purpose is for hourly parking (costing around €10-12 for the first hour). This is a safer option if you're unsure whether a passenger has already disembarked.
Differences in access to the parking lots at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
This is where many drivers make a mistake. Terminal 1 has the luxury of direct access to the Kiss & Fly zone and multi-story car parks (P1-P5).
Terminal 2 does not have its own driveway for private cars. Drivers picking up passengers from T2 (Ryanair/Wizz Air) should proceed to car parks P7/P8, which are connected to the terminal by a pedestrian walkway. Attempting to drive up to T2 will result in circling.
Parking at BER Airport
Sometimes the pick-up is delayed (because your luggage is lost) or you just want to have a coffee together after the trip.
Then you need a stable parking spot, not nervously checking the minute hand. The airport offers a wide selection, from premium options to budget-friendly open-air parking lots.
Official parking lots P1, P2, P3 – long-term options close to the terminals
This option is for those who value convenience above all else. P1 and P2 are multi-story car parks practically "glued" to Terminal 1 – a 1-2-minute walk away.
These are the most expensive locations (up to €70/day without reservation), but they offer the comfort of being undercover and close to the entrance. P3 is a bit further away, but still within direct access.
Parking lots P6, P7, P8 – cheaper alternatives from a greater distance
These zones represent a reasonable price compromise. P7 and P8 are dedicated parking lots for Terminal 2 (connected to it by a covered walkway).
P6, on the other hand, is an open car park, which is ideal if you arrive with a tall van or camper (there is no height limit, which in multi-storey car parks is usually 2.0 m).
Barrier-free parking – facilities for people with limited mobility
BER is well adapted to the needs of people with disabilities (PRM).
Dedicated, wider parking spaces can be found on the ground floors of all official multi-story car parks (P1-P3, P7-P8), usually close to the elevators.
Please remember, however, that standard parking rates apply here – discounts depend on specific entitlements, which should be verified at the information point.
Private parking lots with transfer to the terminal
You don't have to use the expensive airport infrastructure itself. A large industry of private parking garages has sprung up around BER (in Schönefeld and Waltersdorf), offering free shuttle buses right to the terminal door.
This is often the best choice if you plan to leave your car for more than a few hours.
Dein Stellplatz – booking, transfer and location
One of the market leaders, offering two large, monitored parking lots (P1 and P2). Their distinguishing feature is a free transfer for the driver and passengers (up to five people), which takes between 5 and 9 minutes.
Buses run regularly (every 20-30 minutes) , so it's worth factoring in potential waits. The parking lots are lit, paved, and fenced – your car won't be stuck in the mud.
McParking – free shuttle and booking system
A major competitor that prioritizes scale, McParking often uses large, low-floor buses (even articulated ones), which is a huge advantage when you have a lot of luggage.
Buses run 24/7, typically every 20 minutes . Online booking is key – it allows you to save money and access the bus contactlessly thanks to the license plate recognition system.
Parkos – a comparison site for parking offers at BER
A platform that operates like a " Booking.com for parking ." It allows you to compare offers from smaller, local players.
Just look at it carefully: the cheapest offers often mean an "on-demand" transfer (you have to call the driver), which can result in longer waiting times compared to the regular McParking or Dein Stellplatz lines.
Transfer from the parking lot to the terminal
Parking your car is only half the battle. You still need to get to the terminal, which, in the case of outdoor parking lots, requires some logistical maneuvering.
BER Shuttle Buses – How They Work and Where They Stop
All parking buses (Shuttles) meet at one designated point: Busparkplatz B at Terminal 1.
After exiting the arrivals hall, follow the signs for "Shuttle Bus" / "Fernbus." From there, a shuttle bus will take you back to your private parking lot.
Transfer by foot or train from P+R Altglienicke
The "budget" option, familiar to seasoned travelers, is here: park your car at the Altglienicke S-Bahn station (two stops from the airport) and take the S9/S45 train right to the terminal.
This is a cheap solution, but it carries risks, which I write about in the security section.
Safety and travel time from the parking lot to the terminal
When planning your time, add a safety margin. The transfer from the private parking lot is realistically 30-40 minutes (bus transfer, any waiting time for departure, and loading luggage).
If you are pressed for time, the official parking lots P1-P8 are unbeatable – the transfer is on foot and takes 2-5 minutes.
Book your parking in advance
Can you drive blind? You can, but it'll be tough on your wallet. Nowadays, reserving a parking space online is standard practice, allowing you to save significant amounts compared to the prices charged at the barrier.
How to book a seat online at BER Airport
The process is very simple: you go to the operator's website (official or private), choose the dates and pay.
In return, you'll receive a QR code via email. This serves as your emergency entry key in case the cameras (due to dirt or snow) fail to read your license plate.
When is it worth booking, especially in high season?
During periods of increased demand – summer holidays, winter break, Easter or Christmas – cheaper places sell out quickly.
In my experience, booking 2-3 weeks before departure is a safe bet. Booking overnight during peak season often locks you into the most expensive P1 Premium seats.
What information is needed for a reservation?
First and foremost, have your vehicle's registration number ready – enter it carefully, without typos, as it controls the barrier. Also, as usual, provide your email address (where the ticket/invoice will be sent) and payment card.
Getting to Berlin Brandenburg Airport
But what if you don't have your own car, or want to combine transportation methods? There are plenty of options for getting there from Poland, and public transport is often faster than a car stuck in a traffic jam on the A12.
Getting from Poland to BER – by car, train or bus
Important note for rail travellers: Berlin-Warsaw Express trains terminate at the stations in Berlin city centre (Ostbahnhof/Hauptbahnhof), not at the airport.
This requires a transfer. Direct buses (e.g., Flixbus) are often a more convenient option, as they arrive right outside Terminal 1.
S-Bahn Flughafen BER and Airport Express FEX – fast train connections
Once you are in Berlin (e.g. at the main station), look for the FEX (Flughafen-Express) train.
This is a dedicated line that will take you to the airport in 30 minutes, stopping only at key stations.
An alternative is the S-Bahn (lines S9 and S45) – it goes slower and stops more often, but connects the airport directly with the tourist center ( Alexanderplatz, Zoo ).
Flixbus and BlaBlaCar – alternatives for people without their own car
Flixbus offers a wide range of connections from Szczecin, Poznań, and Wrocław directly to BER. Early bird ticket prices are unbeatable (from around 40-50 PLN).
BlaBlaCar, on the other hand, is great for border routes – many Poles working in Berlin regularly travel this route and are happy to pick up passengers.
Airport transfers from Szczecin
Szczecin enjoys a privileged position. Companies like Follow Me! offer not only regular bus routes but also door-to-door BERBUS services.
The driver will pick you up from your home in Szczecin and drop you off at the terminal. This is a more expensive option, but it eliminates the hassle of carrying suitcases to the bus stop.
Transfer Poznań - Berlin airport
From Poznań, the most convenient direct option is Flixbus. The train requires a transfer in Berlin, which lengthens the journey.
There are also private carriers on the market (e.g., "Markrym," "Pojedź Busem") offering rides in small, 9-seater buses. They will take you from your designated address in Poznań directly to the airport.
Parking costs and safety
Finally, the topic that stirs up the most emotion: money and the security of your property. Is it worth paying extra for secure parking?
BER parking prices – short and long term
So you don't have to guess how much it costs, I've collected the most popular scenarios into one table:
Your goal | The best strategy | Approximate cost |
Instant pickup (passenger waiting) | Kiss & Fly Zone | 0 € (up to 10 min) |
Welcome in the hall (up to 1 hour) | Parking lot P1 / P2 (T1) or P7 (T2) | approx. 7–12 € |
Waiting for a delayed flight | Parking P6 / P7 | approx. €6–8 / hour |
One week of layover (holiday) | McParking / Dein Stellplatz (online) | approx. €50–70 |
Is the parking lot at BER safe for cars with Polish plates?
In official parking lots (P1-P8) and reputable private ones (McParking, Dein Stellplatz), your car is safe – the facilities are monitored and fenced. Incidents are extremely rare.
However, I would like to warn against illegal parking lots and unattended parking lots (e.g. at the Altglienicke station).
Polish plates in such secluded locations can attract thieves and suggest the owner is away for an extended period. Theft of wheels, catalytic converters, or broken windows pose a real risk. Saving a few dozen złoty isn't worth the stress.
Valet parking and car rentals – additional services at BER
For the most discerning, Valet Parking is available. You drive right up to the terminal, hand over your keys, and they take care of the rest.
A car will be waiting for you upon your return. This is quite expensive (starting at around €129 per week), but it eliminates all the transfer logistics.
If you plan to rent a car, you will find rental offices near the P2 parking lot.
And what now?
It's best to check the flight status of the person you're picking up right away, or reserve a parking space online if you know you'll be at the airport for more than 10 minutes. Have a safe trip!
FAQ – Passenger pick-up from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in a nutshell
Below, you'll find specific answers to frequently asked questions about logistics, costs, and security when visiting Berlin Airport. This essential information will help you avoid extra fees and stress.
How many minutes of free parking are available in the Kiss & Fly zone? Each driver is entitled to exactly 10 minutes of free parking, counted from the moment they enter the barrier.
How many times a day can I enter the Kiss & Fly zone for free? The limit is three entries per day; the fourth and each subsequent entry is charged from the first minute.
What happens if I exceed my free parking time in the Kiss & Fly zone? The system will immediately charge a fee (starting at €5) for the first 15 minutes of parking.
Can I drive my car right up to the door of Terminal 2 (Ryanair/Wizz Air)? No, Terminal 2 does not have a direct driveway for private cars in the departure area.
Where should I park to pick up someone from Terminal 2? It's best to use car parks P7 or P8, which are connected to Terminal 2 by a short pedestrian walkway.
How far is it from Terminal 2 to the Kiss & Fly area at Terminal 1? Walking between the terminals takes approximately 10 minutes (400–500 meters).
How does the parking fee system work at BER? The system relies on license plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at entry and exit, with barriers opening automatically after a ticket is paid.
Are the parking lots at BER Airport safe for Polish cars? Yes, the official parking lots and large private parking lots are monitored and secure; only the unattended P+R parking lots in the area (e.g., Altglienicke) are discouraged.
Where's the best place to wait for a delayed flight to avoid paying? It's best to wait at a rest area (MOP) on the highway or at a nearby gas station, and only enter the airport after your flight has landed.
Which app is best for tracking arrivals? FlightRadar24 lets you check the actual position of the plane, which is more accurate than the scheduled arrival time.
Does the train from Poland go directly to BER Airport? No, trains from Poland go to Berlin city center (Hbf/Ostbahnhof), from where you need to change to the FEX or S-Bahn train to the airport.
How much does it cost to park in the car park near the terminal (P1/P2) per hour? The cost of the first hour of parking in the car parks directly next to the terminal is around €7-12.
Do I need to reserve a spot for a short-term pickup? No, for a short stay (up to a few hours), you can enter without a reservation by collecting a ticket at the barrier.
What should I do if the barrier doesn't open automatically despite my reservation? Scan the QR code provided with my reservation confirmation or call the gate staff using the button on the barrier.
Are there disabled parking spaces at the airport? Yes, dedicated spaces are located on the ground floors of multi-story car parks and usually require a standard fee.
Does Flixbus from Poland stop right outside the terminal? Yes, scheduled buses stop right next to Terminal 1.
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