airports

Tegel
Tel: (0180) 5000-186
Website

Just outside the city centre, Tegel is Berlin’s most convenient airport. Taxis near each gate whisk you to most hotels in 15 minutes (outside rush hour) for €10-18. Buses run between Tegel and Zoo Station (35min).

On the way back, there is no need to rush. The taxi should take you directly to your gate, where you can check in your luggage.

Schönefeld

Tel: (0180) 5000-186
Website

Both scheduled and charter flights land at Schönefeld, the former main airport for communist East Germany, also the site for Berlin’s much-delayed new international airport project. Construction is due to start in 2006, with an intended opening date of 2011. It has also become the destination of choice for the new breed of low-cost airlines.

Schönefeld lies some 35 minutes south-east of Berlin and there are smooth bus and train connections to the city. Expect to pay around €40 for a taxi to Kurfürstendamm and spend anywhere from half an hour to 45 minutes in traffic. Alternatively, take the shuttle bus to the nearby railway station for a 30-minute ride into town on the airport express, or a slightly longer S-Bahn trip.
Tempelhof

Tel: (0180) 5000-186
Website

Most turbo-prop flights land at grand old Tempelhof, built in the 1930s and the scene of the Berlin airlift (1948-9). The airport is in south Berlin (not far from Kreuzberg). Buses to Zoo Station take about 20 minutes. Taxis cost around €10 to most hotels.

Tempelhof's days are numbered, however: it is due to close in 2006 as part of Berlin's agenda to make the planned new international airport at Schönefeld viable. Tempelhof will become a vast “airlift park” memorial, and terminal buildings will be filled with offices, shops and a leisure centre with a flight theme (see this website for more information).