How to Get to Potsdam. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as the main airport for both Berlin and Brandenburg. It is the closest international airport to Potsdam.

Information

Major Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
Airlines: Lufthansa, Eurowings, Turkish Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet.
Direct Flights: From New York (JFK/EWR), London (LHR/LGW), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Istanbul (IST), Dubai (DXB). Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for routes.

Transfers & Facilities

BER is a contemporary airport with many facilities. Transfer options from BER to Potsdam are plentiful.

Airport Amenities & Transfers

Facilities: Shops, restaurants, car rental, lounges, duty-free.
Train Transfer: Airport Express (FEX), Local Trains (RE7, RB14) to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, then connect to Potsdam. Direct RB22 train from BER to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (~40 mins).
Taxi/Ride-sharing: ~€70-100, 30-50 mins. Uber also operates.

Price Fluctuations

How much flights cost is highest in summer and around major holidays. Travel in the shoulder season offers better value. Book in advance.

Airport Location

BER is southeast of Berlin, providing close access to Potsdam and surrounding Brandenburg.

General Advice

Always check airline specific recommendations for arrival times at the airport.

Train Connections & Services

Deutsche Bahn DB

Potsdam Hauptbahnhof is a major hub.
Long-distance trains (IC, ICE) link Potsdam to major German cities (Hamburg, Munich).
Inter-town trains (RE, RB) connect Potsdam to Berlin and other Brandenburg cities.
These services are quick and cost-effective.

Long-distance Bus Options

FlixBus is the main long-distance operator.
Bus travel is for the most part more economical than train travel.
Travel times are usually longer than by train, subject to traffic.
Less lots of direct services to Potsdam compared to trains.

Self-Driving & Car Rental

Road Network & Requirements

Germany has an excellent network of Autobahns and Bundesstraßen. A valid driving license from your home country works for short stays. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended for non-EU/EEA licenses.

Car Rental & Conditions

Major international companies operate at BER and in Potsdam/Berlin the heart of the city (Sixt, Hertz, Avis). Minimum age for rental is typically 21-25. Roads are well-maintained. For car rentals, use DiscoverCars.com.

Safety & Zones

Road laws are strictly enforced. Pay attention to speed limits, parking, and environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in city centers. Potsdam has an environmental zone; rental cars usually have the green sticker.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation

Potsdam is an inland city on the Havel River. It has no sea ports or direct seaside access for large vessels. River transportation on the Havel is mainly for leisure plus touring.

Leisure & Sightseeing

Enjoy boat tours and cruises on the interconnected lakes.
Tours offer lovely views of palaces, parks, and bridges from the water.
Ferries and cruise ships for routes to other countries dock at Germany's northern coast, distant from Potsdam.

Border Crossings

Germany is a schengen country. This simplifies land travel from other Schengen zone nations, where routine border inspections are typically absent.

Schengen Area Travel

No routine passport control when traveling by land from other Schengen countries (e.g., France, Poland).
Standard passport and visa checks apply at external borders for non-Schengen arrivals.
This facilitates seamless travel across much of Europe.

Departure Information

Preparing to depart from Potsdam matches the planning for your arrival.

Exit Fees & Airport Facilities

No specific departure or exit taxes for travelers leaving Germany by air or land.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) offers shops, restaurants, cafes, plus lounges for departing travelers.
Potsdam Hauptbahnhof has shops, eateries, restrooms, and bags lockers.

Departure Procedures

Timing Recommendations

Air Travel (International): Arrive at BER at least 2-3 hours before departure. Check airline's specific recommendations.
Train/Bus Travel: Arrive at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof 15-HALF an hour before departure.
This time allows for check-in, security, and boarding with comfort.

Comparison Table: Intercity Travel Options

Regional Train DB

Fast, frequent, direct, scenic views. Might be busy during peak hours. Cost: €6-9 (single ticket). Speed: 25-40 minutes from Berlin.

FlixBus long-distance

Economical for longer journeys, comfortable coaches. Slower, less frequent to Potsdam specifically. Cost: Varies (€5-20 for longer routes). Speed: Slower than train, subject to traffic delays.

Car Rental

Flexibility, direct access to particular locations. Parking can be expensive/difficult, traffic, environmental zones. Cost: Varies (rental fees, fuel, parking €20-50/day). Speed: Varies (often quicker than bus, similar to train for direct routes).

Travel Flexibility

Consider a mixture of transport methods based on your financial limits and desired flexibility. Rail services are highly effective for city-to-city travel, while a rental car may suit exploring the wider Brandenburg region.

How to Get to Potsdam