Central Berlin with Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island, and the main train station connecting to all of Europe.

About Berlin City Center (Hauptbahnhof)

Berlin Hauptbahnhof is Europe's largest crossing station, a stunning glass-and-steel structure where trains on two levels intersect at right angles. Opened in 2006, the station serves as the hub for ICE high-speed trains to Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and beyond, as well as regional and S-Bahn services. The five-level building includes shops, restaurants, and a rooftop terrace.

The station sits in the government quarter near the Reichstag, the Bundestag, and the Chancellery. The Spree River curves past the station, and a short walk south leads to the Holocaust Memorial and Brandenburg Gate. Despite its central role, the area around the station is still developing, with new hotels, offices, and residential buildings continuing to transform this once-divided section of the city near the former Berlin Wall route.

Nearby Landmarks

Reichstag Brandenburg Gate Holocaust Memorial Chancellery Spree River

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost EUR 40-55
Time 30-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost EUR 35-50
Time 30-45 minutes

Terminal 1, ground level

Train (FEX (Airport Express))

Cost EUR 4
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take FEX from BER station (below Terminal 1) direct to Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi EUR 40-55 30-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare EUR 35-50 30-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train EUR 4 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The TXL bus ran until approximately midnight, with night bus N26 providing overnight service. Taxis from Tegel to Hauptbahnhof cost approximately €20-25 at night. Note: Tegel Airport permanently closed in November 2020; all flights now use BER Brandenburg Airport.

Luggage Tips

The TXL bus had low-floor boarding and luggage space near the front. Berlin Hauptbahnhof has elevators to all platforms and extensive luggage storage lockers. Rolling suitcases are easily managed in the station.

Accessibility

The TXL bus was fully wheelchair accessible with ramp boarding. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is one of Germany's most accessible stations with elevators, tactile guidance, and barrier-free paths to all platforms. DB Reisezentrum offers mobility assistance with advance booking.