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

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

When navigating Berlin’s public transportation system, transfers are often part of the journey.  If you want the fastest route from the TV Tower to BER Airport using regional lines, it requires a quick change— typically at Ostkreuz or Südkreuz. The route example below highlights how to read platform signs during such a transfer at Berlin Ostkreuz.

How to Read a Platform Sign 

If you need to transfer trains at a specific station, understanding the platform sign is essential. It tells you where you are, which trains stop here, and how to move between lines so your connection stays smooth.

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

The interpretation of Figure 2 is outlined below, detailing how to read its departure‑time display.

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	6
16:49	S9	BER T 5 → ...	Berlin-Spandau	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–BER Airport Transport Overview

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

Feature	FEX (Airport Express)	S-Bahn (e.g. S9)	U-Bahn	Other Regional Trains  (RE/RB e.g. RE20,  RB32)
Type	Fast Regional Express	Urban/Suburban Rail	Underground Metro	Regional Trains
Direct from Alexanderplatz?	No (1 transfer)	No (1 transfer)	No (multiple transfers)	Usually 1 transfer
Typical Total Time	45–55 min	50–65 min	70+ min	45–60 min
Frequency	Every 15–30 min	Every 10–20 min	Every 5–10 min (but needs transfers)	Every 15–60 min
Stops	Very few (fast)	Medium	Many (slow for airport)	Few to medium
Luggage Space	Excellent	Good	Limited	Excellent
Comfort	High (modern trains)	Good	Basic	Good to High
Best For	Speed + luggage	Frequent service, late nights	Short inner-city trips	Good alternative to FEX
Ticket	ABC zone (same for all)	ABC zone	ABC zone	ABC zone
Operator	Deutsche Bahn	S-Bahn Berlin	BVG	Deutsche Bahn
Recommendation for Airport	Best overall	Very good alternative	Not recommended	Excellent (often similar to FEX)

Notes:

• All routes (FEX, RB/RE, S-Bahn, etc.) use the same ABC zone ticket — no need for separate tickets.
• RB/RE = Regional trains (Regionalbahn / Regional Express) operated by Deutsche Bahn. Faster with fewer stops — excellent for airport trips.
• S-Bahn = Yellow/orange suburban rail system. More frequent but slightly slower than regional trains for the airport.
• U-Bahn = Underground metro. Not recommended for the airport (multiple transfers).
• FEX = Dedicated Airport Express (a type of RE train) — one of the fastest options.
• Validating your ticket: If you buy a paper ticket, validate (stamp) it immediately at the yellow validation machines before boarding. Digital tickets in the Jelbi app are automatically valid after purchase.
• Fine for riding without a valid ticket: €60 — always validate or use the app!
• For real-time departures, exact platforms, delays, and the best connection, always check the Jelbi app (or BVG app).
• Luggage: All trains have good space (designated racks + under seats).
• Group travel: Buy individual tickets or a 24h ABC pass — no group discount needed.

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
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