We will be getting into Berlin Brandenburg airport at around 9PM on a Wednesday or Friday night (Oct 1st or 3rd), so it may be close to 9:30 or 10:00PM before we will be out of the airport. Therefore, we are thinking of taking a taxi or private transportation from the airport to hotel. We know it will be a lot more expensive than taking public transportation, but after a long flight, we prefer not to have to drag our luggage through the train and heading out at night. This will be our first time to Berlin. Any recommendation for private transport? Is Uber a good option? Or just get a taxi outside the terminal? I have read that taxi could be a scam and prices not fixed, so am somewhat hesitant to take the taxi. Or am I wrong? Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12934 posts
This may be helpful.
https://berlin-airport-brandenburg.com/transportation/airport-taxi/
Ask the hotel what a taxi ride should cost? Get an idea at least
The Welcome Pickups rate is ~$85 for 2 people
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks for your quick response! I have seen ads for Welcome Pickups. The hotel staff said they don’t know this company. Has anyone tried them to know if they are reliable and reputable? Will taxi outside the terminal give a fixed price?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12934 posts
Berlin Airport Taxi Fares and Prices
There is no set fee for the taxi ride from Brandenburg Berlin Airport to the Berlin city center. The starting tariff is 4.30€ (4.30$), and the charge per km for the first 3km is 2.80€ (2.80$). From 3km to 7km the cost per km is 2.60€ (2.60$), and from the 8th and on, it reduces to 2.10€/km (2.10$/km). Moreover, one hour of waiting time is priced at 39€
From link in my 1st reply.
For comments on Welcome Pickup---
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=welcome+pickups
Posted by
Freedonia
17895 posts
While I haven't used Welcome Pickups in Berlin, I've used them twice in Athens.
Both times were as expected. They are taxis but you have a fixed rate and know it ahead of time. The driver will speak English and meet you as you exit customs in Berlin. You will also know who your driver will be.
You pre-pay prior to the trip so no money has to change hands unless, of course, you want to give the driver a tip.
Posted by
66 posts
Since Uber does not run their service in Germany (you need to take an exam to be allowed to drive people around for money), you are restricted to taxis and licensed private companies.
The other suggestions sound reasonable enough, but just one idea: take public transport from the airport to central station, which is really convenient, and use a taxi from there. This is a direct route, so not much changing and dragging, and the places you go through are well populated at this time.
Posted by
Southeast US
4309 posts
Since Uber does not run their service in Germany
Hmmmm. Last week, I was hanging out in Berlin with my guide and buddy Robert who is a Berlin native and still lives there. I asked him if Bolt or FreeNow (European taxi apps) was better for scheduling a 6:30 am ride to the airport. His response was, "That's a good question. I always use Uber." So, i used Uber. 40 euro for a ride from Charlottenburg to the airport -- your distance appears to be a little greater than mine, so would likely be more.