Berlin has excellent international connections

Berlin, January 2026 Berlin is a cosmopolitan city – and easily accessible from all over the world. The German capital benefits from its central location in Europe and continuously improving rail, air and urban transport connections. Whether by train from neighbouring European countries, by night train across the continent or by direct intercontinental flights, travelling to and from Berlin has never been so attractive and versatile. At the same time, efficient inner-city transport services ensure short distances, sustainable mobility and a comfortable stay.

International rail connections strengthen Berlin's role as a hub

Berlin Central Station is Europe's largest railway junction and plays a central role in international rail transport. Since December 2024, a daily direct connection has linked Berlin and Paris comfortably and without changing trains. During the day, passengers can travel between the two cities in around eight hours, an attractive alternative to air travel.

Connections to Central and Eastern Europe have also been further expanded. Up to six direct connections to Warsaw per day and direct EuroCity connections to Wrocław and Kraków strengthen Berlin's role as a hub between Western and Eastern Europe. 

More and more guests are consciously choosing to travel to Berlin by train, especially on routes with journey times of up to ten hours, where it is increasingly seen as a sustainable and comfortable alternative to flying. According to visitBerlin's "Quality Monitor 2023/2024" study, 50 per cent of all visitors travelled to Berlin by train, an increase of six percentage points compared to previous years. 

Berlin Central Station has also received international recognition: in the "European Railway Station Index 2025", it ranks fourth among the best railway stations in Europe, particularly due to its central location, modern architecture and diverse range of services and restaurants.

Travel while you sleep: night trains from Berlin

Night trains are experiencing a renaissance across Europe, and Berlin is an important hub in this network. The European Sleeper connects the capital with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels several times a week. Travellers can choose between seating, couchette and sleeping cars and reach their destination in the early morning.

The ÖBB Nightjet offers daily night connections via Prague and Vienna to Graz, as well as a highly popular connection to Zurich. 
Scandinavia can also be reached overnight: a EuroNight train connects Berlin with Stockholm via Hamburg, Copenhagen and Malmö.

Following the discontinuation of the ÖBB and SNFC night train service to Paris at the end of 2025, the provider European Sleeper also plans to launch a night service between Berlin and Paris in spring 2026, starting on 30 March.

Quickly from BER Airport to the city centre

Since 14 December 2025, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has been even faster and more convenient to reach. Thanks to the new Dresden Railway, the FEX airport express now takes only around 23 minutes to reach Berlin Central Station and runs every 15 minutes. visitBerlin expressly welcomes the significantly improved rail connection, which further strengthens BER as an efficient international hub.

Long-haul connections: From BER directly to the world

Berlin also has good intercontinental connections. BER Airport offers direct non-stop flights to North America, East Asia and the Middle East. In North America, there are year-round and seasonal flights to New York, supplemented by summer connections to Toronto and Montréal.

In Asia and the Gulf region, direct flights to Beijing, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah ensure close international connections. Doha in particular serves as an important global hub for onward travel to Asia, Africa and Australia. With this offering, BER is strengthening its role as an international gateway for the German capital.

Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER) handled around 26 million passengers in 2025. That was around two per cent more than in the previous year. And according to the international ranking "50 Best Airports in the World for 2026", BER Airport is one of the best airports worldwide, ranking 22nd, thanks in particular to smart technologies, sustainable processes and efficient passenger flows.

The further development of international flight connections is the result of joint activities by the Connectivity Board of BER Airport, visitBerlin and the Berlin and Cottbus Chambers of Industry and Commerce. The aim is to further strengthen Berlin's international accessibility as a key factor for the economic development of the capital region.

By bus to Berlin
Long-distance buses are also an important part of travelling to Berlin. Numerous providers connect the capital with cities throughout Europe. The Central Bus Station (ZOB) at the exhibition grounds offers an efficient infrastructure and good connections to local public transport.

Sustainable mobility
Within the city, guests can get around quickly, comfortably and sustainably. The well-developed network of S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, supplemented by trams and buses, enables short journeys to all parts of the city. Bicycles, bike and car sharing services and e-scooters offer additional flexibility. With the Berlin WelcomeCard, visitors to Berlin also benefit from free use of public transport and attractive discounts at numerous attractions.

Getting around by bike

The bicycle is one of the most popular modes of transport in Berlin, as it avoids traffic jams and the hassle of finding a parking space, while also allowing you to get around the city in an environmentally friendly and healthy way. Whether for short journeys, sightseeing or your daily commute, Berlin is easy to explore on two wheels.

Even if you don't have your own bike, visitors to Berlin are well catered for. Numerous rental companies and bike-sharing providers offer a variety of models around the clock – from classic city bikes to e-bikes, cargo bikes and tandems. The range is complemented by car sharing and e-scooters, as well as an efficient public transport system. This creates a flexible, sustainable mobility option for every situation.

Cycling through the countryside and to the sea

Berlin is also an ideal starting point for cycling trips beyond the city limits. Popular long-distance cycle routes such as the Berlin–Hamburg Cycle Route and the Berlin–Copenhagen Cycle Route connect the capital with other major cities and varied natural landscapes. Whether it's a day trip or a tour lasting several days, cycling allows you to slow down and enjoy new perspectives on the region.

Further information about Berlin at visitBerlin.de.