Berlin Schönefeld is the second largest airport in Berlin, It mainly hosts low fare/ second tier airlines that offer cheap domestic and international flights within Europe. As a result of the daily large amount of passengers traveling through SXF, the airport offers a wide variety of transportation means to the city center of Berlin. Although Schonefeld airport taxis are the most convenient option, a sophisticated network of buses and railways are also offered as a reliable alternative heading to most central stations and districts of the city. Depending on the choice of transportation the time required to reach the heart of Berlin can range from 30 to 50 minutes. Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Berlin at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.
Comparison of the options
PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION
PRICE
DURATION
AVAILABILITY
Taxi
€49
40min
24/7
Welcome Pickups
€49
40min
24/7
A trusted, professional driver will pick you up at the gate right on time. Excellent reviews, flat price, no hidden fees, free cancellation.
How to get from Schönefeld Airport to city centre by taxi
The taxis at Schönefeld Airport are available at ranks all through the day. The vehicles are easily recognized by their creamy white/beige color as well as clearly illuminated by yellow/black roof signs. Due to the chaotic traffic condition during rush hours at Schönefeld Airport, travelers might need to wait 5 to 15 minutes for an available vehicle. Although taking a taxi from Schonefeld airport is considered to be the safest way of traveling to the centre of Berlin, the ride will usually take more than 40 minutes along a 49€ tariff.
Taxi fare from Schönefeld Airport to city centre
The total price of the trip to the centre of Berlin under normal conditions is expected to be round 49€. This price includes variables such as: initial tariff 3.90€, luggage costs 1€, travel time, and distance 2€/km for the first 7 kilometers and a constant 1.5€/km after the 7th km until the final destination. Larger XL vehicles include extra charges such a 5€/individual after the 4th person.
Taxi prices
Day time (05:00–24:00)
Night time (00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM SFX - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE
€49
€49
40 min
FROM SFX - TO CITY CENTRE
€49
€49
40 min
FROM SFX - TO TEGEL TXL
€58
€58
32 min
FROM SFX - TO BERLIN WALL
€49
€49
38 min
BOOK A TAXI WITH FLAT PRICE
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Meet & Greet at the gate.
Free cancellation.
Mario Lavreti
I used Welcome Pickups twice. On time and english speaking drivers.
Convenience
Although traveling with a taxi ensures your security and personal space, due to the crowded streets of Berlin the ride will take more than 40 minutes to reach the centre of the city and could become quite uncomfortable, especially after a long flight.
Editor’s Note
A 10-20% tip to the driver is a common practice in Berlin and not doing so is considered impolite.
Useful Tips
In the rare even of no taxis being available at the ranks the service staff will be happy to call a taxi for you.
In order to avoid queue lines taxi rides can be booked along with the plane ticket.
Many websites offer the option of predetermined taxi fares to popular locations such as the city centre of Berlin.
How to get from Schönefeld Airport to city centre by bus
Berlin's Schönefeld Airport offers a wide range of day and night buses to accommodate all travelers. Although their routes are slightly different, all of the final destinations fall within the district of downtown Berlin. The fastest of the buses is the X7 express which is available every 10 minutes except a 4 hour stop from 1:15am to 5:30am. The 163 and 171 are the least preferred options, since they will make multiple stops before reaching the centre of the city, traveling 45 to 55 minutes depending on traffic. Finally, the N60 and N7 buses will take around 30 minutes to reach their respective destinations.
How much is the bus from Schönefeld Airport to city centre?
Since Schönefeld Airport is located in the outer most zone of Berlin (zone C), the public transit tickets cost 3.40€ and 2.50€ the reduced available for kids aging 6 to 14. Tickets can be purchased from machines within the airport or the tickets office in the main terminal.
Photos (4)
X7 & No. 171 Buses at Schonefeld airport
Cost
3.40€
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Waiting time is 10 minutes
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Express X7/163/171 are available from 5:34am to 1:14am every 10 to 30 minutes depending on the time of the day. The two night buses N60/N7 are available from 4:12am to 5:42am every 30 minutes.
Where do I get it from?
All bus stations at Schönefeld Airport are located right outside terminal A and B. In case of uncertainty for which bus will take you to your final destination, please refer to any service staff member in the airport for directions.
Convenience
As in most airports, buses from Schönefeld Airport are not the most comfortable choice of transportation to the city center. Personal belongings are always exposed, frequent stops can become uncomfortable and exhausting especially after a long flight and the price is the same with the two faster railway options.
Buses heading to the center of Berlin are available every 5-10 minutes, thus it is a better choice to wait for the next available one, in order to have a bit more personal space.
Useful Tips
If you are unfamiliar with Berlins public transportation system, the service staff will be happy to assist you chose the appropriate route for you.
Berlin's transportation network is separated into two main regions (AB and ABC). Schönefeld Airport belongs to the outer ABC region; therefore, the tickets are slightly more expensive than the city of Berlin.
How to get from Schönefeld Airport to city centre by train
Berlin’s railway system is a very efficient mean of transportation. Plus, the train station is just a five-minute walk from the airport, via an enclosed walkway. To get to the city center from the Schönefeld Airport there are two options. One could take the S9, on the S-Bahn local railway which runs every 5-20 minutes, depending on the time day, with a duration of 40 minutes. The other option is the Airport express trains: RE7 and RB14, a regional railway. The Airport Express is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel. This train ride is just 30 minutes, but the train only passes twice per hour. A one-way ticket to the city-center costs 3.40€, regardless of the train you choose.
How much does the train from Schönefeld airport to city center cost?
All train tickets cost 3.40€ and 2.50€ for children under the age of 14. Be sure to purchase the ticket in tariff zone ABC, since the airport is located in Zone C.
Photos (4)
RE7, RB14 & S9 Trains at Schonefeld airport
Cost
3.40€
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Waiting time is around 10 minutes for the S9 and 30 minutes for RE7 and RB14.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
The S9 is available from 4:30am to 1:30am and on weekends it is available around the clock. The RE7 and RB14 are available between 4:30am and 11:30 pm.
Where do I get it from?
The S9 and the Airport express trains RE7/RB14 are located at a five-minute walk from the airport, via an enclosed walkway, on S-Bahn platform.
Convenience
Trains are a very efficient way to get to the city center of Berlin from Schönefeld airport. The most convenient are the RE7 and RB14, since they are the easiest trains to spot and the travel time is 30 minutes, unlike the S9, which takes 40 minutes.
Remember to purchase the ticket for Zones ABC, since the airport is located in Zone C, in order to be able to travel to and from the airport.
Useful Tips
Be very careful with your personal belongings, since there is usually a big number of pickpockets on the train to and from the airport.
You can purchase a day ticket (Tageskarte) which allows travelling for as many trips desired throughout the whole day and costs 7.70€ and 5.30€ for children from 6 to 14.
On weekends, the S9 train runs 24 hours and at night it runs in 30 minute intervals.
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Berlin. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
How far is it from Schönefeld airport to the city center of Berlin?
The distance from Schönefeld airport to the city center of Berlin is around 22.7 km.
How much does a taxi cost from Schönefeld airport to city center?
The forty-minute taxi ride from Schönefeld airport to Berlin's city center is 49€.
How long is the bus ride from Schönefeld airport to city center?
The bus ride from Schönefeld airport to the city center of Berlin is 30 minutes and costs 3.40€.
How much does the train from Schönefeld airport to city center cost?
All train tickets cost 3.40€ and 2.50€ for children under the age of 14. Tickets can be bought at multilingual ticket machines on platforms S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations.
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