airplanes_at_sunrise

Berlin Tegel Airport TXL Airport Traveler Guide

Explore Today's Deals

iFly.com
iFly.com
iFly.comTXLBerlin Tegel Airport

TXL Airport Insights & Guide

Author's Image
Tony Hanseder
Reviewed by: Hylke Robben
Updated:

Read our Trust & Transparency Statement

Key TXL Airport Topics:

Getting to Know TXL Airport

Discover Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), the iconic hexagon-shaped gateway to Germany's capital, offering easy navigation and a unique architectural experience. Ideal for all travelers, our Comprehensive Airport Guide simplifies your TXL journey with essential info on flight status, parking, terminal maps, and more. Dive into our guide for a seamless travel experience, complete with shopping and dining tips to enjoy at Tegel Airport.

iFly Tip: Get tips on how to find affordable parking at airports by visiting our parking guide.

TXL Airport, with the airport code TXL, has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal C, and Terminal D. Terminal A is the smallest of the three, with only a handful of gates, while Terminal C and Terminal D are larger and handle most of the airport's traffic. Terminal C is primarily used by Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners, while Terminal D is used by all other airlines.

When navigating the airport, it's important to know which terminal your airline is using. Most airlines will list the terminal on your boarding pass or in your itinerary, but if you're unsure, there are information desks located throughout the airport where you can ask for assistance. Each terminal has its own security checkpoint, so make sure you're in the correct terminal before getting in line.

Once you're past security, you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and services in each terminal. Terminal C and Terminal D have the most options, including duty-free shops, cafes, and fast food restaurants. If you have a long layover or need to kill some time before your flight, there are also lounges available for purchase in each terminal.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal C, and Terminal D. The terminals are located within walking distance of each other, and it takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk between them. If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, there are shuttle buses available to transport you between the terminals free of charge.

Another option for getting between the terminals is to take the airport's shuttle train, which runs every 5-10 minutes and is also free of charge. The shuttle train stops at all three terminals and is a convenient way to quickly move between them. If you are unsure which terminal you need to go to, there are information desks located throughout the airport where you can ask for assistance.

Tips from TXL Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Berlin Tegel Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from TXL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"When flying out of TXL, I always check my boarding pass for the terminal number. It saves a lot of time knowing exactly where to go, especially since Terminal C is quite busy with Lufthansa flights. If you're unsure, the information desks are very helpful." — Hans M., Berlin, December 2023

"Don't forget that each terminal has its own security, so make sure you're in the right place before lining up. Terminal D is great if you want to grab a quick snack after security." — Claudia K., Potsdam, March 2024

Getting To/From the City

"The TXL bus is the best way to get to the city center. It's affordable and drops you right in the heart of Berlin. Just make sure to check the schedule in advance." — Mehmet Y., Oranienburg, January 2024

"If you're in a rush, taxis are a reliable option. They are a bit pricey but can save you time if you're heading to a meeting in the city." — Anja S., Falkensee, June 2024

Parking

"For long-term parking, booking online can get you better rates. The parking garage near Terminal A is very convenient if you're catching a flight from there." — Lukas B., Hennigsdorf, February 2024

"The cell phone waiting area is a lifesaver when picking someone up. It's free and keeps you from driving in circles." — Petra F., Bernau bei Berlin, May 2024

Inside the Airport

"I always grab a Currywurst at Terminal A. It's a quick and tasty meal that gives you a real taste of Berlin." — Stefan L., Kleinmachnow, April 2024

"For coffee lovers, the Starbucks in Terminal C is a must. It's perfect for a caffeine boost before a long flight." — Ingrid W., Teltow, July 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"I always arrive at least two hours before my flight. TXL can get busy, especially during peak hours, so it's better to be early." — Uwe R., Ludwigsfelde, August 2024

"Download your airline's app to get real-time updates on your flight. It helps to know if there are any delays before you head to the airport." — Jana T., Königs Wusterhausen, October 2024

iFly Tip: Stay informed about TSA regulations when obtaining a gate pass with tips from our gate pass guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Berlin Tegel Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and drivers should not leave their vehicles unattended. The airport recommends using the short-term parking facilities if you need to park for more than a few minutes.

If you are waiting to pick up arriving passengers, you can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the terminals. These areas provide a convenient place to wait until your passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up. Once they are ready, you can proceed to the curbside to pick them up.

It is important to note that Berlin TXL Airport has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal C, and Terminal D. Make sure to confirm which terminal your passengers will be arriving or departing from before heading to the airport to avoid any confusion or delays.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of TXL, you'll find several parking options available to you. The airport has several parking garages and lots located near each terminal, making it easy to find a spot that's convenient for your needs.

Terminal A has a parking garage located directly across from it, while Terminal C has a parking lot located just a short walk away. Terminal D has both a parking garage and a parking lot located nearby.

If you're picking up a passenger, the airport also offers a cell phone waiting area where you can park for free and wait for your party to call you when they're ready to be picked up.

For those with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces available in all of the parking garages and lots. These spaces are located close to the terminals and are clearly marked for easy identification.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal without the hassle of finding parking on-site.

Get details about TXL Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers to choose from.

  • Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz offering their services. The car rental counters are located in the terminal building, making it easy for travelers to rent a car upon arrival.
  • Taxis are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal building. The fare for a taxi ride to the city center is approximately 25-30 euros, depending on the destination.
  • Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at Tegel Airport. The pickup areas for these services are located outside the terminal building, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.
  • Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several companies offering their services. The pickup areas for these shuttles are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination.
  • Public transportation options are also available at the airport, with buses and trains providing easy access to the city center and surrounding areas. The bus stops and train station are located outside the terminal building, and fares are relatively inexpensive.

iFly Tip: Get expert tips on booking flights and managing airport security when traveling with a toddler from our comprehensive guide.

Airport Hotels

When traveling by air, finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay is essential. Whether you're catching an early flight, arriving late, or simply want to stay close to the airport during your trip, we've got you covered. From luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options, our selection of airport hotels offer a range of amenities including airport shuttles, on-site restaurants, fitness centers, and more. Discover the best options for your needs with our comprehensive list of Berlin Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Tegel Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy during their time at the airport. Terminal A has a great selection of restaurants, including Currywurst Express, which serves authentic German sausages, and Marché Mövenpick, which offers a range of delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Terminal C is home to the popular coffee chain, Starbucks, where you can grab a quick coffee or snack before your flight. If you're looking for some last-minute shopping, Terminal D has a variety of stores, including Duty Free, where you can purchase tax-free goods such as cosmetics, perfumes, and alcohol.

For those who want a sit-down meal, we recommend visiting Bistro & Bar Berlin in Terminal A. This restaurant offers a range of international dishes, including burgers, salads, and pasta, as well as a variety of cocktails and beers. If you're looking for a quick bite, we suggest trying Brezelbäckerei Ditsch in Terminal C, which serves freshly baked pretzels and other baked goods.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Tegel can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, here's where to find everything you need.

Passenger Services

Tegel is a modern airport that offers a wide range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible. Whether you are traveling with children, have special needs, or need medical assistance, the airport has got you covered.

If you need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available to help you retrieve any lost items. For families traveling with children, there are dedicated children's play areas located throughout the airport to keep your little ones entertained.

If you have special needs, the airport offers a range of services to assist you. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. The airport also has a medical center where you can receive medical assistance if needed.

For banking services, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport. So, you can easily access your money or exchange your currency without any hassle.

Overall, Berlin Tegel Airport offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for all passengers. These services are available in all terminals including Terminal A, Terminal C, and Terminal D.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding your flight status. At Berlin TXL Airport, there are several ways to get flight status updates.

One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which are located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another option is to download your airline's mobile phone app, which can send push notifications directly to your device. You can also sign up for text or email alerts to be notified of any departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at TXL by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: TXL Airport is located in the northwest of Berlin, Germany.
  • Terminals: The airport features three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal C, and Terminal D.
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Lufthansa, EasyJet, and Eurowings. For a list of all airlines, check out the TXL Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: TXL Airport handles approximately 20,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 200 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from TXL are Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Amsterdam.
  • Hub Status: TXL Airport is a hub for airlines such as Eurowings, EasyJet, and Ryanair.
  • Notable Features: The airport is known for its efficiency and modern facilities, making it a popular choice for travelers visiting Berlin and the surrounding areas.

Airport History

Tegel, also known as Otto Lilienthal Airport, is located in the northwest of Berlin, Germany. It was opened in 1948 as a military airport for the French forces in Germany. In 1951, it was handed over to the United States Air Force and became a major airbase during the Cold War.

After the reunification of Germany, the airport was transferred to civilian use and became a hub for domestic and international flights. In 2008, the airport was renamed to honor the German aviation pioneer, Otto Lilienthal.

Here are some significant events in the history of Berlin Tegel Airport:

  • 1948: Berlin TXL Airport is opened as a military airport for the French forces in Germany.
  • 1951: The airport is handed over to the United States Air Force and becomes a major airbase during the Cold War.
  • 1990: The airport is transferred to civilian use after the reunification of Germany.
  • 2008: The airport is renamed to Berlin Tegel "Otto Lilienthal" Airport in honor of the German aviation pioneer.
  • 2020: Berlin Brandenburg Airport opens and TXL begins its gradual closure.
  • 2021: TXL Airport officially closes on June 15th, marking the end of an era for air travel in Berlin.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Berlin Tegel Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.

Berlin Tegel Airport Q&A

The terminals are within walking distance, taking about 5-10 minutes. Shuttle buses and a shuttle train are available for free to transport passengers between terminals.
You can take the TXL bus for a direct and cost-effective route. Taxis and shared ride services like Uber and Lyft are also available, with designated pick-up areas outside the terminals.
For long-term parking, it's best to book online in advance for better rates. Short-term parking is available near each terminal, and there's a cell phone waiting area for free parking while waiting to pick someone up.
Currywurst Express in Terminal A is a local favorite for a quick meal. Terminal C has a Starbucks for coffee and snacks, while Terminal D offers various dining options.
Consider using one of the shuttle services available at the airport, as they are reliable and can save you the hassle of navigating public transport with heavy bags.
Check the in-airport flight displays for real-time updates, or download your airline's app for notifications. You can also visit the iFly website for flight status information.
Yes, there are children's play areas throughout the airport to keep young travelers entertained. Additionally, family-friendly dining options are available.
You can contact the airport's lost and found services to help retrieve any lost items. Information desks are also available for assistance.
Yes, lounges are available in each terminal for purchase, offering a quiet space with Wi-Fi and refreshments, ideal for catching up on work or relaxing before your flight.
Terminal D has a variety of stores, including Duty Free, where you can purchase tax-free goods such as cosmetics, perfumes, and alcohol.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport