Berlin has become a very popular city break destination following the break-up of the communist bloc. Initially people came to see the squalor brought about by the communists but now they come for the decadence that reunification has brought about.
Berlin is a big city and a hire car will be essential unless you are going the brave the crush of the city’s metro system. There is so much to see from the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the remains of the wall. Today, Berlin is a city of festivals, culture and vibrant innovation.
Berlin Schoenefeld Airport Mini Guide
Why do People go to Berlin?
Berlin is such an exciting place. It still bears some of the atmosphere and excitement of the cold war and there are all of the reminders of the time when the city was a divided enclave within East Germany. Today, there is so much to see and do; a photograph at the Brandenburg Gates is an essential as should be a visit to one of the many museums that tell the glorious and not so glorious past of the city. Today, it is Germany’s glittering capital and modern buildings are springing up, demonstrating the new wealth of the city. Take a guided tour of the Bundestag government building with its glass domed observation deck and look out over the city.
How do I get to Berlin?
There is a choice of two airports, Tegel and Schoenefeld with Schoenefeld being the largest and with the greater variety of airlines and destinations. There are flights from all over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East with easyJet being the largest budget operator and, together with Ryanair, provide flights from the UK.
What is the Airport Like?
It is big and has four terminals, with Terminal A being the one used for most international flights. Terminal D is only six years old and is used by German operators. It has excellent facilities presented in a modern setting and, as with all things German, it prides itself on its efficiency.
What can I Expect When I Arrive?
The airport has some air bridges but a lot of the flights that arrive there require you to walk to the terminal from the stands. If you need help, the information desk is to the right of the doors on the ground floor of Terminal A and if you need medical assistance after your flight there’s a medical facility outside of terminal A on the right of the car park. If you are travelling into the city using public transport, you’ll find a shuttle to the train station that will get you directly into the centre and an airport shuttle bus that makes several stops at the big hotels before a final drop off in the centre. If you’ve pre-booked a hire car you’ll need to exit Terminal A and cross the road where you’ll find the car hire building with the cars parked behind it.
And on the day of my Departure?
The airport has extensive facilities including a wide range of restaurants, cafes, fast food and bars with Marche Bistro being the nicest place to eat. There are food stops either side of security so you needn’t worry about getting hungry. Once you’ve finished your meal you can wander around the excellent shops that sell a range of items including clothing, groceries, flowers, souvenirs and sunglasses. After security there’s a large duty free shop selling everything you’d expect and further coffee bars serving light snacks. Once you’ve finished your shopping you can connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi network and check your emails and post about your holiday on Facebook.
Useful Links: