Car Hire Berlin Airport — Hit the Road Fresh Off Your Flight
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) opened in 2020 after years of delays, and it’s finally the gateway Berlin deserves. Located in Schönefeld, about 18 km from the city centre, BER handles over 35 million passengers annually. If you’re renting a car here — and honestly, you should if you want to see more than just Berlin — you’ll find all the major rental companies right in Terminal 1. No shuttle buses, no confusing off-site lots. Just pick up your keys and go.
Why rent from the airport instead of the city centre? Simple: you’ll save time and often money. Airport locations have better fleet availability, longer opening hours, and competitive pricing from providers competing for travelers. Plus, you avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar city streets right after landing. The A100 ring road is accessible within minutes of leaving the terminal, connecting you to the entire region.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Berlin Airport
All rental counters are in Terminal 1’s arrival hall, Level E0. Follow the car rental signs after baggage claim — you can’t miss them. Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and several local providers operate here. Most counters are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with some offering 24-hour service for advance bookings. If you’re arriving late, confirm your provider’s hours beforehand.
Terminal 1 also houses the car rental return area. Follow the signs for “Mietwagenrückgabe” as you approach the airport. The process is quick — usually under 10 minutes — but allow extra time during peak hours. Fuel stations are located on the airport grounds near the return area. Fill up before returning to avoid premium refuelling charges (€2-3 per litre surcharge is standard).
German rental contracts require a credit card for the deposit (typically €500-1500 depending on vehicle class). Bring your driving licence and passport. Non-EU licence holders should carry an International Driving Permit — it’s not always checked, but the one time you don’t have it, you’ll wish you did.
Where to Go from Berlin Airport
Berlin City Centre (25-40 minutes) — The fastest route is via the A100 ring road. Head toward the centre (Zentrum) and your destination. Parking in Mitte is expensive but manageable — use Parkhaus garages rather than street parking.
Potsdam (40 minutes) — Skip Berlin traffic entirely and head straight to Sanssouci. The B96A and A115 connect the airport to Potsdam efficiently. Spend a day at the palaces before driving into Berlin if that’s your base.
Spreewald Biosphere (1 hour) — A unique day trip through Germany’s inland delta. Rent a boat in Lübbenau or explore by car, stopping at traditional villages along the way.
Leipzig (1.5 hours) — Via the A9, Leipzig makes a great first stop if you’re heading south. The city has a thriving arts scene and excellent restaurants — a softer introduction to eastern Germany than post-tourist Berlin.
Polish Border (1 hour) — Drive east to the Oder River and cross into Poland. Słubice is directly across from Frankfurt (Oder) and offers a different perspective on the region’s history.
Tips for Driving in Germany
German roads are excellent and well-maintained. The Autobahn network around Berlin (A9, A10, A100, A115) connects all major directions efficiently. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas (watch for town signs), 100 km/h on rural roads, and advisory 130 km/h on unrestricted Autobahn sections. Stay right except when overtaking — it’s the law and locals take it seriously.
Speed cameras are ubiquitous and often unmarked. Unlike some countries, German traffic tickets follow you home via international agreements. Rental cars automatically forward fines to your address. Budget €15-30 for speeding and expect no warnings. Fuel is pricier in central Berlin — fill up at the airport or Autobahn stations for better rates.
Compare prices from all providers using the search above. Berlin Airport offers excellent selection across budget to premium vehicles. Book your car hire today and start exploring Germany’s roads on your own terms.