Sleeping in Airports

Berlin Brandenburg Airport Guide

(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / September 2022)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Berlin Brandenburg Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

BER Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (Code: BER).

What to Expect

After 14 years of construction and delays, Berlin Brandenburg Airport opened in 2020, just in time for the Covid-19 pandemic. There are two terminals: 1 and 2. Terminal 1 is the main terminal, while Terminal 2 services the low-cost carriers. There are food concessions located both landside and airside, although currently, only one bakery is open 24 hours a day. To help pass the time while you await your flight, you can connect to the free WiFi or hang out in one of the airport lounges on the airside.

(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / June 2024)

Sleeping in Brandenburg Airport

If you’re airside looking for a place to nap, you may be more successful in Terminal 1, where you will have some luck with flat benches or armrest-free seating. Some travellers have reported sleeping on the couches outside Starbucks, but most recent reports suggest they lock them up at night, making a comfortable couch sleep impossible. Instead, if you walk past Starbucks, you will find long wooden benches outside the Room of Silence. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s marginally better than sleeping on the floor!  Others have reported plenty of floor space to spread out and set up camp. Bring a mat and extra layers for added comfort!

If you don’t make it airside, some travellers have reported couches to sleep on outside of a burger restaurant on the second floor.

A few hotels are situated within walking distance, and there are sleep cabins inside the terminal.  See Airport Hotels below.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Berlin Brandenburg Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

Brandenburg Airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Have you seen any dedicated rest areas around the terminal? Click here to update this guide.

A “Room of Silence” is a quiet room open to all travellers regardless of religious denomination. Location: Check-in Area, Gallery, Level E2. Hours: closes overnight, reopens at 4:00 AM.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  At the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: No
  • Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those looking to sleep at Brandenburg Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, there are sleep pods and a hotel on the public side of Terminal 1. You will need to pass through immigration to access both. A few area hotels provide an airport shuttle.

Hotels at the airport

  • NapCabs – Four sleep cabins are equipped with a single bed. Location: Train station, Level U1, Level U1. Rates: 17,00 €/h (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 12,00 €/h (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Minimum two hours.
  • Steigenberger Airport Hotel – Located outside Terminal 1, a 50m walk from the terminal. » Check Rates
  • InterCityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport – Located outside Terminal 1. A 5-minute walk from Terminal 1 and an eight-minute walk from Terminal 2. » Check Rates

Hotels near the airport

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Brandenburg Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Lounge Tempelhof – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level E1, Gate A20. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (EUR 48 per person).
  • Lounge Tegel – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level E1, Gate B17. Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (EUR 36 per person).
  • Zeitgeist – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level E0. Hours: Unknown. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the Lufthansa Lounge (Location: T1, Airside, Level E1, opposite Gate B20. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM). Check with your airline.

Related Pages: Brandenburg Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

A reader tells us that water stations to refill water bottles are available near the washrooms.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. At the time of our September 2023 update, only one eatery is operating 24/7: Kamps Bakery (T1, Train Station T1/2, Level U1).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Location: Train Station T1/T2, Level U1. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Rates: unknown.

Mobile Charging

A reader tells us, “Most gates have charging stations with sets of lightning, micro USB and USB-C charging cables.” (January 2023)  On the landside, a reader says, “T1: The only charging ports I could find were on the departures level. There are three ‘charging stations’ on the entire floor, each with two sockets and several usbs sticking out of them. There is no charging port at a seat at all.
T2: There are sockets in between most of the seats at the benches.” (December 2023)

Showers

Showers are no longer available. A reader tells us, “There are no longer available showers in [the] Terminal 1 Arrivals area. I asked the supervisor at the Information desk on Level 2, and she said the one shower in a bathroom across from the car rental desk needs a key. That key has not [been] available since COVID.” (May 2023)

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Brandenburg Airport. Connect to the “_Free Airport WiFi” network.

Security & Safety

We’ve not been informed of any safety issues at BER. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Accessibility Services – The airport’s Mobility Service Team can assist you should you require assistance from check-in to boarding. Location: T1, Information Service Desk, Check-in Area 1-8, Level E1. Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Airport Information – Information desks can be found in several locations in both terminals. Locations: T1, Arrival Areas, Arrival 2, Level E0 (Hours: 24/7) • T1, Check-in areas 1-8, Level E1 (Hours: 24/7) • T1, Departure Areas, MarketPlace, Level E1 (Hours: 24/7), T2, Check-in areas, Level E0 (4:30 AM – 10:00 PM).

Art & Exhibitions – Several art installations can be found throughout T1.

ATMs – Locations: T1, Check-in Area 1-8 on Level E1 • T1, Departure Area, Level E1, MarketPlace • T1, Arrivals Area, Baggage Claim A1-A4, Level E0 • T2, Check-in Area, Level E0 • T2, Arrival Area, Baggage Claim, Level E0.

Baggage Carts – Baggage trolleys are available at the P4 and P6 parking lots and all levels of the car parks.

Baggage Wrap –  Location: Train Station T1/T2, Level U1. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Rates: unknown.

Currency Exchange – Travelex has several locations in both terminals: T1, Departure Areas, MarketPlace, Level E1 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • T1, Arrivals 1, Level E1. (Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) • T1, MarketPlace, Level E1. (Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM) • T1, Arrival Areas, Level E0 (Hours: 5:00AM – 11.00PM) – T1, Arrival Areas, Arrival 1, Level E0 (Hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM) • T2, Check-in areas, Level E0 (Hours: 24/7) • T2, Arrival Areas, Baggage Claim, Level E0 (Hours: 24.7).

Family Services

  • Strollers – available free of charge in 21 locations in both terminals. First come-first serve basis.
  • Kids TV corner – Location: Arrival Areas, Baggage Claim, Level E0, near Baggage Claim C3 • T1, Arrival Areas, Baggage Claim A1- A4, Level E0 • T1, Arrival Areas, Baggage Claim B1 – B4, Level E0.
  • Children’s Play Area – Location: T1, Departure Areas, MarketPlace, Level E1.

Hairport Lounge – Get a haircut or beauty treatment before you board your flight upon arrival. Location: Train Station T1/T2, Level U1. Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Lost and Found – Location: Train Station T1/T2, Level U1.

Medical Services

  • Dentist – Location: Outside the terminal, Willy-Brandt Platz, Level U1. Hours: varies (Monday – Fri)
  • Medical Centre – Location: Outside the terminal, Willy-Brandt Platz, Level U1. Hours: varies.
  • Pharmacy – Location: T1, Arrivals Area, Arrivals 2, Level E0 (7:00 AM – 9:00 PM) • T1, Departures Area, Market Place, Level E1 (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Observation Deck – Watch the action on the tarmac from the Observation deck. Location: T1, Check-in Areas, Gallery, Level E4. Rates: €3. Hours: 8:00 AM –8:00 PM.

Parking – 10-minute free parking is available at the Kiss & Fly located in an unsheltered area outside the terminal. No ticket is required. There are five car parks and three sheltered ground-level parking lots for more extended stays.

Postal Services – Location: Train Station T1/T2, Level U1. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon, Thur, -Fri, Sun).

Printing – Need to have documents printed? 4service –  Location: Train Station T1/2, Level U1. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon, Wed-Fri, Sun).

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Smoking – Inside Terminal 1, you will find several smoking areas. Locations: T1, Gate A 02, A38, B02, B30, B31, C01, & C01. On the public side of the terminal, there are designated smoking areas outside T1 on Level E0.

Tax Refund Services – Get your VAT Refund at Global Blue. Refunds are available through Alipay, WeChat Pay, Credit Cards, Cash and more. Location: Check-in Area, Galley, Level E2. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Tourist Information – The Welcome Center offers information about tourist attractions and ticket sales for sightseeing tours and attractions. You can also pick up a Berlin Welcome Card, which offers free transportation in Berlin, savings on attractions and a city map. Location: T1, Arrivals 1, Level E0. Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Berlin and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, there are several travel agencies with offices at the airport that can probably be of assistance. They can be found in T1, Arrivals, Level E0.

Airlines
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean • Aer Lingus • Air Alsie • Air Baltic • Air Cairo • Air France • Air Malta • Air Serbia • AlbaStar • Arkia • ASL Airlines • Austrian Airlines • Azerbaijan Airlines • BA City Flyer • BlueBird • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Bulgaria Air • Corendon Airlines • Corendon Airlines Europe • Croatia Airlines • Danish Air Transport • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • EasyJet Europe • EasyJet Switzerland • Egypt Air • EL AL – Israel Airlines • European Air Charter • Eurowings • Evelop • Finnair • Fly Egypt • Fly Erbil • Freebird Airlines • Freebird Airlines Europe • Hainan Airlines • Hiberian Airlines • Iberia • Iberia Express • Icelandair • Iraqi Airways • Israir • KLM • KLM Cityhopper • LOT Polish Airlines • Lufthansa • Luxair • MIAT Mongolian Airlines • Neos • Norse Atlantic Airways • Norwegian Air Shuttle • Nouvelair Tunisie • Pegasus Airlines • Play • Qatar Airways • Ryanair • SAS • Scoot • Sky Alps • Smartlynx • Smartwings • Southwind Arilines • SundAir • SunExpress • Swiss • Tailwind Airlines • TAP Air Portugal • Trade Air • Transavia Airlines • Transavia France • TUIfly • Tunis Air • Turkish Airlines • Ukraine International Airlines • United Airlines • Volotea • Vueling Airlines • Wizz Air.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

  • Express buses X7 and X71 (Rudow Terminus U7 – BER T1/2). Duration: 16 minutes.
  • Express bus BER2 (Potsdam Central Station – BER T1/2 & T5). Duration: 60 minutes. [ more info ]

Car Rentals

These car rental companies have locations at Brandenburg Airport in T1, Arrivals Area 1/2, Level E0. Avis Budget • Hertz • Sixt • Europcar • Enterprise.

Car Sharing

You can now easily rent a car via an app. No paperwork, just get the car and go. MILES Carsharing • Share Now GmbH • Sixt Share • WeShare are the four companies with cars at BER Airport. Location: T1, Car Park P4.

Hotel Shuttles

See also Airport Hotels above.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates throughout Germany. A ride to the city centre will cost you about $40 – $45.

Taxi

Taxi ranks are located in front of T1 on E0.

Trains

The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains (RE7, RB14) travel between the Berlin central station and “Flughafen BER – Terminal 1-2” is located below Terminal 1. The S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 stop at both “Flughafen BER – Terminal 1-2” and “Flughafen BER – Terminal 5”.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.