Berlin Transfers Made Easy — A Practical Guide to Reading Platform Signs on the Way to BER

Berlin Ostkreuz major rail interchange station. Source: Berlin.de

 

When navigating Berlin’s public transportation system, transfers are often part of the journey. If you are traveling from central spots like the TV Tower (Alexanderplatz) to BER Airport using regional lines, you will typically make a quick transfer at key interchange hubs like Ostkreuz or Südkreuz. 

 

Ostkreuz vs. Südkreuz Services

• Ostkreuz: Serviced by regional trains RB24 / RB32 and S-Bahn lines (S9 / S85).
• Südkreuz: Serviced by the FEX (every 15 minutes) and RE20. 

Figure 1. Ostkreuz Platform Sign — A typical platform display at Berlin Ostkreuz station

How to Read a Platform Direction Sign 

When transferring between platforms at a station like Berlin Ostkreuz, reading overhead direction signs ensures you reach the correct platform promptly. 

Using Figure 1 as an example, the sign provides the following guidance from your current location:

Top Large Sign"Berlin Ostkreuz" — This is the name of the station.Middle Blue Directional Sign (Most Important)This tells you which platforms serve which trains:

• Left side (← 3-8) with the S-Bahn logo (green S):
  Platforms 3 to 8 are for S-Bahn trains (the urban/suburban rail system).
• Right side (↙️ 1-2, Übergang 13-14) with a train icon:
  Platforms 1-2 and 13-14 are for Regional trains (RB/RE) and long-distance trains.
  “Übergang” means “Transfer” or connection area between these platforms.

Bottom Blue Sign (Exit & Direction Information)This helps you find exits and nearby streets:

• Left side: Exit toward Sonntagstraße / Annemirl-Bauer-Platz (with symbols for S-Bahn, WC/toilets, elevators, etc.)
• Right side: Exit toward Hauptstraße / Markgrafendamm (with bus and other connections)

Figure 2. BER Airport Platform Sign — A typical departure‑time display at Berlin Brandenburg Airport

Reading Electronic Departure Display

Station monitors deliver real‑time train updates, giving you the information you need to manage transfers smoothly. The explanation of Figure 2 (BER Airport Platform Sign) below shows how to read its departure‑time display clearly and efficiently.

 

Time	Train	Via (key stops)	Destination	Platform
16:17	S45	BER T 5 → Altglienicke → Adlershof	Berlin Südkreuz (S)	6
16:29	S9	BER T 5 → Hauptbahnhof → ...	Berlin-Spandau (S)	5
16:37	S45	Same as above	Berlin Südkreuz (S)	6
16:49	S9	BER T 5 → ...	Berlin-Spandau  (S)	5

 

Notes:

• (S), (U), or (S+U) — Notation on signs and boards: (S) = S-Bahn only, (U) = U-Bahn only, (S+U) = both systems at the station (major interchange).
• Terminal 5 (T5) was permanently closed. All flights now use Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Look for trains stopping at “Flughafen BER – Terminal 1-2”.
• Zeit = Time (departure time)
  Zug = Train number / type
  Über = Via (intermediate stops)
  Ziel = Destination
  Gleis = Platform / Track

Berlin Central to BER Transport Modes

A quick comparison of the main public transport options from central Berlin (around Alexanderplatz / TV Tower) to BER Airport. 

 

Feature	FEX (Airport Express)	Regional Trains (RB24 / RB32)	Other Regional (RE20)	S-Bahn (S9 / S45 / S85)
Service Type	Non-stop Express	Regional Train	Regional Express	Urban / Suburban Rail
Primary Hub Transfer	Südkreuz (from Hauptbahnhof / Potsdamer Platz)	Ostkreuz	Südkreuz	Ostkreuz (S9, S85) Südkreuz (S45)
Direct from Alexanderplatz / TV Tower?	No (Transfer at Südkreuz or Hauptbahnhof)	No (Transfer at Ostkreuz)	No (Transfer at Südkreuz)	Yes (S9 is direct)
Travel Time to BER	~23 mins	~20 mins (from Ostkreuz)	~15 mins (from Südkreuz)	~40–45 mins
Frequency	Every 15 mins	Every 30 mins	Hourly	Every 20 mins
Required Fare	ABC Ticket / Deutschlandticket	ABC Ticket / Deutschlandticket	ABC Ticket / Deutschlandticket	ABC Ticket / Deutschlandticket

Notes:

• Ticket Requirement: All routes (FEX, RB/RE, S-Bahn) use the standard Berlin ABC zone ticket—no premium airport express surcharges or separate tickets required.
• RB/RE (Regionalbahn / Regional Express): Faster regional trains operated by Deutsche Bahn with fewer stops. Ideal for quick connections to the airport.
• S-Bahn: Yellow/red suburban rail system. Runs frequently and provides direct access from central lines, though slightly slower than regional trains due to more stops.
• U-Bahn: Underground metro system. Does not connect directly to BER Airport—requires an additional bus or train transfer.
• FEX (Flughafen-Express): Dedicated Airport Express running via Südkreuz—one of the fastest routes to Terminal 1-2.
• Validating Your Ticket: Paper tickets must be stamped in the yellow/red validation machines on the platform before boarding. Digital tickets bought in the Jelbi or BVG apps are valid upon purchase.
• Fare Penalty: Riding without a valid or stamped ticket incurs a €60 fine.
• Real-Time Tracking: Always check the Jelbi or BVG app for real-time updates, platform changes, and route delays.
• Luggage Space: Regional and S-Bahn trains feature overhead racks and floor space near doors for large bags.
• Group Travel: Travelers in groups of 3–5 people should consider the 24-Hour Small Group Ticket (ABC) for better value than individual single-trip tickets. 

Recommendation for Airport 

Route / Mode	Recommendation Level	Best Used For
FEX (Airport Express)	Best Overall (from Central/West)	Fastest journey times (~23 mins) from Hauptbahnhof, Potsdamer Platz, and Südkreuz.
RB24 / RB32	Best Overall (from East Berlin)	Direct regional connection to BER when transferring at Ostkreuz.
S-Bahn (S9)	Very Good	Direct, transfer-free ride from Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, and Friedrichstraße. Ideal for travelers with heavy luggage.
S-Bahn (S45 / S85)	Good Backup	Convenient outer-ring connections via Südkreuz or Ostkreuz during regional train delays.
U-Bahn + Bus	Not Recommended	Requires transferring to express buses (like X7/X71 at Rudow). Only useful if starting deep in southern U-Bahn lines.

Further Inspiration & Resources

1. BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe) – Main operator
• Tickets, ABC zones, validating rules, Jelbi app, station info
2. Jelbi App & Website – Official multimodal app for Berlin
3. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – Official airport site
• Terminals, how to get there by public transport, current status
4. S-Bahn Berlin
• To see the S9’s full list of stops along its route, check the station sequence here.
5. VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg) – Regional transport association
• Fare zones, ABC tickets, regional trains like RB/RE/FEX
6. visitBerlin – Official tourism site
• Public transport guides for tourists, WelcomeCard, airport transfers