Berlin is one of the world's great cities — Germany's capital and the most historically layered, culturally vibrant, and creatively dynamic metropolis in Europe. From the Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial to the UNESCO Museum Island, the preserved Berlin Wall memorials, and Norman Foster's glass Reichstag dome, Berlin's 20th-century history is present at every turn. The city's legendary arts scene, world-class museums, affordable cost of living, and extraordinary nightlife culture make it one of Europe's most compelling destinations for every type of traveler.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is served by nonstop flights from the US on Delta, United, and Lufthansa. FareOptic compares all airlines and fares to find the cheapest flights to Berlin.









*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
Berlin is a city unlike any other in Europe — where 20th-century history is impossible to ignore, where world-class museums sit alongside the world's greatest nightlife scene, and where an affordable, creative energy makes it endlessly rewarding to explore.
The Brandenburg Gate — a neoclassical triumphal arch completed in 1791 — is Berlin's most recognizable landmark and the defining symbol of German reunification. Once divided by the Berlin Wall, the gate now stands in the heart of unified Berlin at the western end of Unter den Linden boulevard. The square in front of the gate (Pariser Platz) hosts the US and French embassies and the remarkable Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial).
Early morning before 8 AM for photos without tour groups — the gate at golden hour is Berlin's most photographed sight
Museum Island — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of the Spree River — is one of the world's great museum concentrations: five world-class museums including the Pergamon Museum (housing the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate), the Neues Museum (Nefertiti bust), the Altes Museum, the Bode Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie. Plan at least half a day — ideally a full day — to explore the island.
The Pergamon Museum for the Pergamon Altar (2nd century BC Greek temple) and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon — both extraordinary
The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is the most historically significant preserved section of the Wall — with an open-air museum, a documentation centre, a preserved 'death strip' section, a reconstructed watchtower, and the poignant Chapel of Reconciliation. The East Side Gallery (1.3 km of Wall murals on the Spree) is the largest open-air gallery in the world. Both sites are free.
The Berlin Wall documentation centre on Bernauer Strasse for the most comprehensive Cold War division history
The Reichstag — Germany's parliament building — is one of Berlin's must-see architectural experiences. Norman Foster's celebrated glass dome atop the historic parliament building is open to visitors (free, booking required) and offers extraordinary 360-degree views across Berlin and the Brandenburg Gate. The walk up the dome's spiral ramp is particularly memorable at dusk.
Book the Reichstag dome visit at least 2–3 weeks ahead online (free but requires registration) — walk-up admission not available
Prenzlauer Berg — a beautifully preserved 19th-century apartment-building neighborhood in former East Berlin — is Berlin's most fashionable residential district: tree-lined streets, excellent cafes, the Mauerpark flea market (Sunday), and the Kulturbrauerei arts complex. Kreuzberg is Berlin's most multicultural and alternative neighborhood — the epicentre of Berlin's legendary nightlife, street food, and underground culture.
The Mauerpark flea market and open-air karaoke (Sundays, 3 PM) in Prenzlauer Berg — one of Berlin's most beloved traditions
Charlottenburg Palace — the largest palace in Berlin and one of Germany's finest Baroque buildings — was the summer residence of Queen Sophie Charlotte and later expanded into a magnificent royal palace. The palace's ornate state apartments, the Porcelain Cabinet, and the New Wing are open for tours. The palace gardens (free entry) are modeled on Versailles and beautiful in summer.
The palace gardens are free and beautiful — the interior tour (€12 for the historic apartments) is worth adding for the Porcelain Cabinet
Berlin is one of the most competitive transatlantic routes from the US — Delta, United, American, and Lufthansa all compete for US passengers with nonstop service. The 6–10 week window typically offers the best fares. Shoulder season (April–June and September–October) offers 20–30% lower fares than peak July–August.
Delta operates the most nonstop US–Berlin options, including JFK–BER (approximately 8 hours), BOS–BER (approximately 7.5 hours), and ATL–BER (approximately 9.5 hours). Delta's frequent nonstop schedule from East Coast cities makes it particularly competitive for New England and Southeast US travelers.
Berlin is at its best in late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). The summers (July–August) are excellent but very crowded, with higher prices. Berlin's art and culture scene is most vibrant in autumn. March–April sees the city emerging from winter with opening festivals and excellent deals.
Some travelers route Berlin via Frankfurt (FRA) — Germany's busiest hub — then take the train to Berlin (approximately 4 hours). However, direct BER service from the US (Delta, United, Lufthansa) is now extensive and usually more efficient. Compare BER-direct vs. FRA+ICE train on total journey time and fare.
Lufthansa connects Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to its Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) hubs with multiple daily flights, providing extensive transatlantic connections. Lufthansa also operates select nonstop US–Berlin flights from New York JFK and other US gateways, making it the primary German carrier for the route.
Frankfurt FRA, Munich MUC to BER — plus nonstop from New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco
Delta Air Lines operates nonstop flights to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) from New York JFK, Boston, and Atlanta — the most comprehensive US nonstop Berlin service. Delta's SkyTeam partnership with Air France and KLM provides extensive Berlin connectivity from European gateways as well.
New York JFK (nonstop), Boston BOS (nonstop), Atlanta ATL (nonstop) to BER
United Airlines connects Berlin (BER) from Newark (EWR) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) with nonstop transatlantic service. United's Star Alliance partnership with Lufthansa provides complementary routing options via Frankfurt and Munich.
Newark EWR (nonstop), Chicago O'Hare ORD (nonstop) to BER
Ryanair operates an extensive network from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to European destinations at very low fares — including Dublin, London Stansted, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, and dozens of other cities. Ryanair is the largest low-cost carrier at BER and essential for onward European connections.
London Stansted, Dublin, Barcelona, Rome Ciampino, Madrid, Warsaw, Krakow, and 50+ European cities from BER
easyJet operates from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Amsterdam, Paris CDG, and other European cities. easyJet is the second-largest budget carrier at BER after Ryanair.
London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Amsterdam, Paris CDG, Geneva, Rome, Barcelona, and 30+ European cities
Euro (€) — Germany is part of the Eurozone
German — English widely spoken especially in central Berlin
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer
+49 (Germany) — Berlin area code 030
BER — Berlin Brandenburg Airport (20 km southeast)
No — 90-day Schengen visa-free entry for US passport holders
Type C/F — 230V / 50Hz
112 (EU standard)
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Berlin, Germany
Compare Delta (nonstop from JFK, BOS, ATL), United (from EWR, ORD), Lufthansa (from multiple US cities), and American Airlines on FareOptic. Book 6–10 weeks ahead. Travel in April–June or September–October for 20–30% lower fares. Delta operates the most US nonstop options to BER.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (IATA: BER), also known as Willy Brandt Airport, is Berlin's single international airport, opened in 2020. It is located approximately 20 km southeast of central Berlin. The Airport Express (FEX) train runs to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (central station) in approximately 30 minutes. S-Bahn S9 runs to Ostbahnhof and Alexanderplatz.
Airlines with nonstop US–Berlin (BER) flights include Delta (from New York JFK, Boston, Atlanta), United (from Newark, Chicago), Lufthansa (from New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco), and American Airlines (via British Airways partnerships from multiple US cities). Berlin is one of the best-connected German cities for direct US service.
No. US citizens can visit Germany (and all Schengen Area countries) for up to 90 days without a visa. A valid US passport is required. The EU ETIAS online authorization system is planned — check current ETIAS requirements before travel.
May–June and September–October are the best times — warm, long days, and lower crowds than peak summer. July–August is Berlin's busiest and most expensive period. Berlin has excellent year-round culture and nightlife. December brings famous Christmas markets at Gendarmenmarkt and Charlottenburg Palace.
The Airport Express (FEX) train runs every 30 minutes from BER to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (30 minutes, €4 with Berlin ABC zone ticket). S-Bahn S9 and S45 also serve BER to Ostbahnhof and Alexanderplatz (45–50 minutes). Taxis to central Berlin cost approximately €35–50. The train is strongly recommended.
Euro (€). Germany is part of the Eurozone. Cards are widely accepted in most of Berlin, though some traditional restaurants, smaller shops, and market stalls remain cash-only. Carry some cash — ATMs are readily available. Berlin tip culture: round up or add 10% at restaurants.
Berlin is famous for its extraordinary 20th-century history (Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie), world-class museums (Museum Island, Pergamon, Bauhaus), legendary nightlife (Berghain, Tresor, KitKatClub), thriving arts scene, and the most affordable cost of living of any major European capital. Berlin is one of the world's great cultural capitals.
With our 24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance, you will never have to manage travel challenges alone. Our highly trained travel experts are available day and night to support you with any changes, cancellations, or additional services you may require. From updating passenger details to securing special requests, we make the process smooth and stress-free.
Should your plans shift, we will walk you through every step of the cancellation and refund process, ensuring clarity and timely resolutions. In today's unpredictable travel environment, flexibility is essential, and we pride ourselves on delivering expert solutions quickly. Contact us anytime and travel with confidence knowing we will handle the details while you focus on what matters most — your journey.