Why Rent a Car at Berlin Airport?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the main international gateway to Germany’s capital and a key starting point for travellers planning to explore beyond the city.

While Berlin itself has excellent public transport, renting a car at the airport is especially useful if your journey continues outside the capital.

Renting a car at the airport is convenient if you plan to:

  • drive directly to destinations outside Berlin

  • begin a multi-city road trip across Germany

  • avoid navigating central Berlin before starting their journey

  • access a wider selection of vehicles

The Berlin Airport is located approximately 27 kilometres south of central Berlin, with driving time to the city typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

For regional travel, collecting a car at the airport is often the most efficient option.

If you plan to stay in Berlin first, picking up the car in the city may be more practical.

Where Are the Rental Desks Located?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport has a modern terminal layout, and rental services are well organised.

Most major rental providers operate on-site desks within the arrivals area.

Vehicles are typically:

  • parked in designated airport car parks within walking distance

  • located in clearly marked rental zones near the terminal

Some providers may operate from nearby off-site locations, offering shuttle transfers between the terminal and vehicle collection areas.

Before arrival, travellers should confirm:

  • whether their provider is on-site or shuttle-based

  • exact pickup instructions in the booking confirmation

Available Car Rental Companies at Berlin Airport

Berlin Airport hosts a mix of international and local providers.

  • Sixt – German provider with strong airport presence

  • Hertz – wide range of vehicle categories

  • Europcar – extensive coverage across Germany

  • Avis – reliable fleet and flexible rental options

  • Budget – cost-focused options

  • Enterprise – broad selection and customer service focus

  • Buchbinder – German provider with regional coverage

Airport car rental pickup locations typically offer larger fleets and better availability, especially during peak travel periods. Comparing providers allows travellers to evaluate daily pricing, fuel policy, deposit requirements, insurance coverage, and pickup convenience.

Popular Car Types at Berlin Airport

Berlin Airport offers a broad range of vehicles suitable for both urban and long-distance travel.

Economy & Compact Cars

Ideal for city driving and short stays. Common models include:

  • Opel Corsa

  • Volkswagen Polo

  • Ford Fiesta

  • Toyota Yaris

These are the most affordable and easiest to park.

Intermediate & Family Cars

Suitable for longer journeys and motorway travel.

  • Volkswagen Golf

  • Ford Focus

  • Skoda Octavia

These cars provide additional comfort and luggage space.

SUVs & Crossovers

Recommended for longer trips or travelling with extra luggage. Common models include:

  • Volkswagen Tiguan

  • Hyundai Tucson

  • BMW X1

Premium Vehicles

Berlin Airport offers a strong selection of premium German brands. Popular models:

  • BMW 3 Series

  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  • Audi A4

Automatic Vehicles

Automatic cars are widely available at airport locations. But they are less common than manual cars. During peak periods, it is recommended to book early.

7–9 Seater Vans

These cars are available for families or group travels. Airport locations generally offer better availability for larger vehicles.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are available at Berlin Airport, supported by Germany’s strong charging infrastructure. Common models include:

  • Volkswagen ID.3

  • Tesla Model 3

  • BMW i3

Rental Prices at Berlin Airport

Car rental prices at Berlin Airport vary depending on season, demand, and vehicle category.

Indicative daily ranges:

  • Economy cars: €20–€50 per day

  • Intermediate cars: €35–€70 per day

  • SUVs: €50–€110 per day

  • 7–9 seater vans: €80–€150 per day

Automatic vehicles typically cost 15 to 30% more than manual.

Prices tend to increase during summer travel season, major events and exhibitions in Berlin, and public holidays and long weekends.

During these periods, booking in advance helps secure better rates and preferred vehicle types. Airport rentals may include additional concession fees.

Seasonal Demand at Berlin Airport

Berlin Airport experiences consistent demand throughout the year, with peaks during tourism and business travel periods.

High-demand periods include summer months (June–August), major trade fairs and exhibitions, Christmas and New Year travel and long weekends.

During these periods vehicle availability may be limited, larger and automatic vehicles sell out quickly, and prices increase across most categories.

Early booking is recommended to avoid limited choices and higher rates.

Pickup & Return Process at BCN

Pickup

After collecting luggage:

  1. Proceed to the renal desk in your terminal.

  2. Present driving license, passport/ID, and credit card in the main driver’s name.

  3. Sign the rental agreement and collect vehicle instructions.

Inspect the vehicle carefully before departure and ensure any existing damage is documented.

Return

When returning your vehicle:

  1. Follow signs for “Car Rental Return” at BER.

  2. Park in your provider’s designated area.

  3. Complete inspection procedures.

If returning outside office hours, many providers offer key drop facilities. During peak periods, allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes for the process.

Driving from Berlin Airport

Berlin Airport provides direct access to major routes across Germany.

Key connections include:

  • A113 motorway – connects the airport to central Berlin

  • A10 (Berlin Ring Road) – provides access to surrounding regions

  • A13 motorway – leads toward Dresden and southern Germany

These routes allow travellers to begin their journey without navigating dense city traffic.

Driving Conditions around Berlin Airport

Driving around Berlin Airport is generally straightforward.

  • roads are well maintained and clearly signposted

  • motorway access is efficient

  • traffic can increase during peak hours

Once outside Berlin, driving becomes more relaxed, with less congestion and easier navigation.

One-way Car Rental from Berlin Airport

Berlin Airport is a common starting point for one-way journeys across Germany and Europe.

Popular routes include:

  • Berlin → Dresden → Prague

  • Berlin → Hamburg → Bremen

  • Berlin → Leipzig → Munich

One-way rentals offer flexibility for travellers not returning to Berlin. However, additional fees may apply, cross-border travel must be declared, and restrictions may apply to certain vehicle types.

Berlin Airport Car Rental FAQs

Is it better to rent a car at Berlin airport or in the city?
For most travellers, renting at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is more convenient—especially if you plan to leave Berlin shortly after arrival. Airport locations offer a wider selection of vehicles, longer opening hours, and direct access to major motorways. City pickup may be more practical if you are staying in Berlin for a few days before driving.

How far is Berlin Airport from the city centre?
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is located about 27 km from central Berlin. Driving typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination within the city.

Are rental desks open late at Berlin Airport?
Many rental providers at BER operate extended hours, often aligned with flight arrivals. However, late-night pickups may involve additional fees or require advance notice, so it’s important to confirm this with your provider before arrival.

Is shuttle pickup for rental cars common at BER?
Most major rental companies operate directly from on-site desks within the terminal. Some lower-cost providers may operate off-site and offer shuttle transfers to their vehicle collection areas. Always check your booking confirmation for pickup details.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Berlin Airport?
You will typically need a valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Some non-EU travellers may also need an International Driving Permit, depending on their country of origin.

Do I need to worry about environmental zones when driving from the airport?
Yes. Berlin has a low-emission zone (Umweltzone) in central areas. Most rental vehicles are compliant, but it’s still important to confirm this with your provider—especially if you plan to drive into the city centre.

Can I drive directly onto the Autobahn from Berlin Airport?
Yes. Berlin Airport is well connected to major roads such as the A113 and A10, allowing quick access to the wider motorway network. This makes it easy to begin a road trip without navigating central Berlin first.

Is one-way car rental possible from Berlin Airport?
Yes, one-way rentals are widely available. You can pick up a vehicle at BER and return it in another city such as Hamburg, Munich, or Frankfurt. Additional fees may apply depending on distance and provider policies.

Are automatic cars available at Berlin Airport?
Yes, automatic vehicles are available, especially at airport locations where fleet size is larger. However, they are still less common than manual cars and may cost more, so booking in advance is recommended.

When is the cheapest time to rent a car at Berlin Airport?
Off-season months such as November to March usually offer the lowest prices and best availability. Prices tend to increase during summer, holidays, and major events in Berlin, so early booking is advisable during these periods.