The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON brings tens of thousands of runners and visitors from around the world to the German capital. In 2026, race day is Sunday, 27 September, with the start on Straße des 17. Juni near Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten.
For international runners, airport transport is only one part of the logistics. You may also have a suitcase, race shoes you absolutely cannot lose, an expo visit, road closures and an early start morning to plan.
A little preparation makes the weekend much easier.
Arriving at BER before marathon weekend
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is connected to central Berlin by the FEX, regional trains and S-Bahn.
For runners staying near Hauptbahnhof, Potsdamer Platz or another well-connected station, public transport can be very practical.
A private transfer is useful when you arrive with several bags, travel as a group or want to go directly to the hotel without carrying luggage through stations.
AirportTaxi.Berlin offers pre-arranged partner rides to hotels across Berlin.
Keep essential race gear in cabin baggage
This is one of the most important marathon travel tips.
Do not put everything you need for race day in checked luggage.
Keep running shoes, race clothing, essential medication and any difficult-to-replace equipment in your cabin bag if airline rules allow.
A delayed suitcase is inconvenient. Losing your only race shoes two days before a marathon is much worse.
Choose a hotel location carefully
The start and finish area is around Tiergarten and Brandenburg Gate.
Staying in Mitte, Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz or near a strong U-Bahn/S-Bahn connection can simplify race morning.
Do not choose accommodation based only on airport travel. The marathon weekend involves road closures and very large crowds, so easy public transport to the start matters more.
Race expo and bib collection
The official marathon requires participants to collect race materials according to the event instructions.
Check the current expo location, opening times and required identification before arriving in Berlin.
Do not leave bib collection until the last possible moment after a delayed flight.
If you arrive on Friday or Saturday, plan the expo as a separate part of the trip rather than trying to squeeze it between airport arrival and hotel check-in.
Race-day roads are different
This is critical for taxis and private vehicles.
A marathon closes major roads across central Berlin. The normal driving route to a hotel or landmark may be unavailable.
On race morning, the organisers specifically encourage public transport to reach the start.
Do not expect a taxi or transfer vehicle to drop you beside the start line on Straße des 17. Juni.
Use the official participant guidance and public transport stops near the event area.
Airport transfer before and after the race
Private airport transfer is most useful for arrival day and departure day, not for reaching the start itself.
Before the marathon, a direct ride can take you from BER to your hotel with all luggage.
After the race, it can collect you from the hotel for the flight home, avoiding the need to carry bags through stations on tired legs.
For a Sunday-evening flight immediately after the marathon, be very cautious. Race-day road closures can affect driving times.
Should you fly home on Sunday?
If possible, many runners prefer to stay Sunday night.
After 42.195 kilometres, recovery, food and hydration deserve time.
A Monday flight avoids the pressure of racing, returning to the hotel, collecting luggage and reaching BER while road restrictions are still changing.
If you must fly on Sunday, choose a very late departure and plan a large buffer.
Groups and running clubs
Running clubs often travel together.
A minivan or minibus can simplify arrival because everyone goes from BER to the same hotel in one booking.
AirportTaxi.Berlin currently lists partner vehicle classes up to 12 passengers.
State every suitcase. Marathon groups often travel with more luggage than expected because of race gear and shopping.
Spectators
Family and friends should also understand the road closures.
The marathon route crosses central Berlin repeatedly.
Spectators moving between viewing points should generally rely on U-Bahn and S-Bahn rather than cars.
A private vehicle is better for airport-hotel transport than for chasing the runner around the course.
Bib transport ticket
For the 2026 event, the organiser states that the participant bib is valid as a public transport ticket in zones A, B and C from 24 to 27 September under the event conditions.
Participants should read the official marathon information for exact validity.
That can make public transport particularly convenient during race weekend.
Departing BER after the marathon
Pack most of your luggage before race day.
After the race, you will be tired and may not want to organise a suitcase from scratch.
If your transfer is booked for Monday morning, be in the hotel lobby before the confirmed pickup time.
Allow extra airport time if many marathon visitors are departing simultaneously.
Book your BER airport transfer for marathon weekend: AirportTaxi.Berlin can take runners, families and small groups directly between BER and their Berlin hotel. For race-day movement around the course, follow the organiser’s public transport and road-closure guidance.
