Brandenburg, Germany
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as the main airport for both Berlin and Brandenburg. It is the closest international airport to Potsdam.
BER is a modern airport with many facilities. Transfer options from BER to Potsdam are plentiful.
Flight prices are highest in summer and around major holidays. Shoulder seasons offer better value. Book in advance.
BER is southeast of Berlin, providing close access to Potsdam and surrounding Brandenburg.
Always check airline specific recommendations for arrival times at the airport.
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.
Major international companies operate at BER and in Potsdam/Berlin city centers (Sixt, Hertz, Avis). Minimum age for rental is typically 21-25. Roads are well-maintained. For car rentals, use DiscoverCars.com.
Traffic rules 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.
Potsdam is an inland city on the Havel River. It has no sea ports or direct sea access for large vessels. River transportation on the Havel is mainly for leisure and sightseeing.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. This simplifies land travel from other Schengen countries, where routine border checks are typically absent.
Planning your departure from Potsdam matches the planning for your arrival.
Fast, frequent, direct, scenic views. Can be crowded during peak hours. Cost: €6-9 (single ticket). Speed: 25-40 minutes from Berlin.
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.
Flexibility, direct access to specific sites. Parking can be expensive/difficult, traffic, environmental zones. Cost: Varies (rental fees, fuel, parking €20-50/day). Speed: Varies (often faster than bus, similar to train for direct routes).
