Hello fellow travelers,
Will be in Berlin next week (Wed). We like to have a car waiting for us at the airport and not use Taxis (bad experience with these airport taxis no matter where). Thought to use Uber, but will not have available phone immediately. I checked online and there are many co's. Anyone used "Blacklane" before, or can anyone recommend a reliable co and not extremely expensive. Thanks for a quick reply.
Posted by
Southeast US
4046 posts
I've used Blacklane at Tegel a few times and have been very pleased with the service. It cost 45 euro for a ride from Tegel to my B&B near Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The driver meets you just outside baggage claim, holding a tablet with your name on it. In May, my flight arrived an hour early; the Blacklane driver had arrived early, too, and was waiting for me when I walked out of the baggage claim area. Last year, we arrived late in Amsterdam and missed our connection to Tegel. I called Blacklane from AMS, and they rescheduled the pickup without additional charge.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1935 posts
I have used Blacklane for three different trips (though not in Berlin). It was extremely reliable. They texted me with updates, but I think if you don't have a phone available for use when you get off the plane, you will still be able to find your driver, as he/she will have a sign with your name on it after you exit passport control and customs. But you might want to let them know you won't be able to receive text messages. I don't know what your option would be if there is an issue/delay.
The Tegel website has some good instructions for using a taxi that might enable you to avoid the bad experiences you may have had elsewhere, in case that is your only option. http://www.berlin-airport.de/en/travellers-txl/to-and-from/taxis/index.php
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Dave and Lane, thank you for your prompt reply, very helpful. If we decide to use the Taxis, how much average cost to center Berlin? just for comparison to the private shuttle. Thanks again,
Sara Y.
Posted by
Germany
268 posts
Expect about 20 to 30 Euros for a taxi, depending on where exactly you want to go ("central" Berlin is a big area). The taxi tariff is 3.90 base fare pluc 50 cents airport fee plus 2 Euros per km for the first 7 km; 1.50 per km after that. Surcharge of 1.50 for cashless payment (credit card, Uber); another Euro for bulky luggage.
Use of the taxi meter is obligatory; drivers must not deviate from these prices.
I find taxis to be a convenient option in Berlin; no need to look for your driver. You just step outside, and a taxi will be available.
Posted by
Southeast US
4046 posts
As I recall, it cost 23 euro last year for a taxi to get me from Tegel to Berlin Hbf, which is city centerish.
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Hello Dave, thank you again for the added info. you have been helpful.
Sara Y.
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Hello Chris,
Thanks for such a detailed response. I calculated km, off course they can take the shortest or the longest route. It no big deal, so we might use the "Black Lane" recommended above. Will see. Thanks again. Fun traveling.
Sara Y.
Posted by
Germany
268 posts
They are officially obliged to take the shortest route unless otherwise specified by the passenger (though I would explect slight deviations to get along faster). I have never had any problems with taxis in Berlin (except one driver who was exceptionally rude, but did not try to rip me off).
Of course, I cannot vouch for every single taxi driver in Berlin, and if they were trying to cheat a customer, I would assume that they choose a foreigner, not a German (like me) who is more likely to know the city and to file a complaint in case of a fraud. But I would not worry too much, as I think the vast majority of taxi drivers are honest, know their city, and keep their cars in a very good shape.