Travelling between two of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, Copenhagen and Berlin, has never been easier. With a flight time of just over an hour, this popular route connects Scandinavia’s design hub with Germany’s historic and culturally rich metropolis. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a weekend getaway, understanding your flight options can help you make the most of your journey.
Air travel between these two cities offers a blend of efficiency and convenience, making it an attractive choice for many travellers. From budget-friendly options to full-service carriers, there’s a flight to suit every preference and budget. Let’s dive into the details of flying from Copenhagen to Berlin, exploring everything from direct routes to environmental considerations.
Copenhagen airport (CPH) to berlin: direct flight routes and airlines
Copenhagen Airport, also known as Kastrup Airport, serves as the main international gateway for Denmark and southern Sweden. It’s well-connected to Berlin, offering several direct flight options. The primary airlines operating on this route include SAS Scandinavian Airlines, easyJet, Ryanair, and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
These carriers provide a mix of full-service and low-cost options, catering to different traveller needs. SAS, as the flag carrier of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, offers a more premium experience, while budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair focus on no-frills, cost-effective travel.
Most flights from Copenhagen land at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which opened in 2020 as the city’s primary international airport. This modern facility replaced the older Tegel (TXL) and Schönefeld (SXF) airports, centralizing Berlin’s air traffic and improving overall efficiency.
Berlin’s airport options: comparing BER, TXL, and SXF
While Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is now the main point of entry for flights from Copenhagen, it’s worth understanding the city’s recent airport history. Until 2020, travellers to Berlin might have landed at either Tegel (TXL) or Schönefeld (SXF) airports.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport, located southeast of the city centre, was designed to replace both TXL and SXF. It offers modern facilities, improved transport links, and increased capacity to handle Berlin’s growing air traffic. The airport’s design incorporates sustainable features and efficient passenger flow systems, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience.
For those who have previously travelled to Berlin, it’s important to note that Tegel Airport officially closed in November 2020. Schönefeld Airport, on the other hand, has been integrated into Berlin Brandenburg Airport as its Terminal 5, though this terminal is currently closed due to reduced passenger numbers.
The consolidation of Berlin’s airports into BER has streamlined the city’s air travel infrastructure, offering a more cohesive and efficient experience for travellers arriving from Copenhagen and other international destinations.
Optimizing travel time: Copenhagen-Berlin flight durations and schedules
The flight time between Copenhagen and Berlin is remarkably short, typically lasting between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes. This quick journey time makes it an ideal route for business travellers or those looking to maximize their time in either city. However, actual travel times can vary depending on factors such as wind conditions and air traffic.
When planning your trip, it’s crucial to consider not just the flight duration but also the overall travel time. This includes factors like getting to and from the airports, security checks, and potential delays. Let’s look at the specific offerings of major airlines operating on this route:
SAS scandinavian airlines: frequency and timetables
SAS offers multiple daily flights between Copenhagen and Berlin, providing flexibility for travellers. Their schedule typically includes early morning, midday, and evening departures, catering to various travel preferences. As a full-service carrier, SAS provides amenities like complimentary refreshments and a more generous baggage allowance compared to budget airlines.
Frequent flyers can benefit from SAS’s EuroBonus program, accumulating points for future travel or upgrades. The airline’s reliability and consistent service make it a popular choice for business travellers and those seeking a more comfortable flying experience.
Easyjet’s Budget-Friendly Copenhagen-Berlin services
EasyJet, known for its low-cost model, operates several weekly flights on the Copenhagen-Berlin route. While their flight frequency might be lower than SAS, they offer competitive prices that appeal to budget-conscious travellers. EasyJet’s services typically include a mix of morning and evening flights, providing options for different travel schedules.
It’s important to note that easyJet’s base fares often don’t include extras like checked baggage or seat selection. Travellers should factor in these potential additional costs when comparing prices. Despite the no-frills approach, easyJet maintains a reputation for punctuality and efficiency on short-haul routes like Copenhagen to Berlin.
Ryanair’s Ultra-Low-Cost options from CPH to BER
Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, also serves the Copenhagen-Berlin route with its signature ultra-low-cost model. Their flight schedule varies seasonally but usually includes several weekly options. Ryanair’s fares are often the lowest available, making them attractive for travellers prioritizing cost over amenities.
When flying with Ryanair, it’s crucial to carefully read the terms and conditions. Their base fares are very restrictive, with charges for most extras including cabin baggage exceeding a small personal item. However, for travellers able to pack light and who don’t require additional services, Ryanair can offer unbeatable value on this route.
Norwegian air shuttle: seasonal routes and pricing
Norwegian Air Shuttle sometimes offers seasonal flights between Copenhagen and Berlin, typically during peak travel periods. Known for their modern fleet and competitive pricing, Norwegian provides a middle ground between full-service and ultra-low-cost carriers.
Their flights often include features like free Wi-Fi, making them popular among younger travellers and digital nomads. However, the availability of Norwegian’s services on this route can be less consistent than other airlines, so it’s worth checking their schedule well in advance if you prefer to fly with them.
Cost analysis: budget vs. Full-Service carriers on CPH-BER route
When choosing between budget and full-service carriers for your Copenhagen to Berlin flight, it’s essential to consider the total cost of your journey, not just the base fare. While budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet often advertise extremely low prices, these can increase significantly once you factor in extras like baggage, seat selection, and onboard refreshments.
Full-service carriers like SAS typically offer higher base fares but include many of these extras in the price. They also tend to fly to more central airports and offer more generous rebooking and cancellation policies. For business travellers or those valuing convenience and flexibility, these factors can outweigh the initially higher ticket price.
Here’s a comparison of typical costs for a one-way flight from Copenhagen to Berlin:
| Airline Type | Base Fare Range | Typical Extras | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Carrier | €20 – €50 | €20 – €60 | €40 – €110 |
| Full-Service Carrier | €80 – €150 | €0 – €20 | €80 – €170 |
Remember that these prices can vary significantly based on factors like booking time, season, and demand. It’s always worth comparing options across different airlines and dates to find the best value for your specific needs.
Environmental impact: carbon footprint of Copenhagen-Berlin flights
As awareness of air travel’s environmental impact grows, many passengers are becoming increasingly concerned about the carbon footprint of their flights. The Copenhagen-Berlin route, being a short-haul flight, has a lower per-passenger carbon emission compared to long-haul flights, but it’s still significant.
On average, a one-way flight from Copenhagen to Berlin emits approximately 90-100 kg of CO2 per passenger. This figure can vary depending on factors such as aircraft type, load factor, and weather conditions. To put this into perspective, it’s roughly equivalent to the emissions from driving a car for 500-600 kilometers.
Airlines and airports are increasingly implementing measures to reduce their environmental impact. Let’s explore some of these initiatives:
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives on the route
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is seen as a key solution for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. Made from sustainable feedstocks, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Several airlines operating on the Copenhagen-Berlin route, including SAS, have committed to increasing their use of SAF.
Copenhagen Airport has been particularly proactive in promoting SAF use. In 2019, it became one of the first airports in the world to offer sustainable aviation fuel to airlines on a commercial basis. While the adoption of SAF is still in its early stages, passengers can expect to see its use increase on routes like Copenhagen-Berlin in the coming years.
Electric aircraft developments: potential for Short-Haul flights
The development of electric aircraft holds promise for reducing emissions on short-haul routes like Copenhagen-Berlin. While fully electric commercial flights are not yet a reality, several companies are making significant progress in this area.
For instance, Heart Aerospace, a Swedish company, is developing a 19-seat electric aircraft with a range of 400 km. While this wouldn’t be sufficient for the Copenhagen-Berlin route, it demonstrates the potential of electric aviation technology. As battery technology improves, we may see electric or hybrid-electric aircraft becoming viable for longer routes in the future.
Carbon offsetting programs offered by airlines
Many airlines offer carbon offsetting programs, allowing passengers to compensate for the emissions of their flights. These programs typically involve investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.
SAS, for example, offers a carbon offset program for all its flights, including those between Copenhagen and Berlin. Passengers can choose to pay a small additional fee to offset their flight’s emissions. While carbon offsetting is not a perfect solution, it provides a way for environmentally conscious travellers to mitigate the impact of their flights.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative solutions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of flights, even on popular short-haul routes like Copenhagen to Berlin.
Alternative transport: train and bus options from copenhagen to berlin
While flying is the quickest way to travel between Copenhagen and Berlin, some travellers might prefer alternative modes of transport for environmental reasons or to experience a different kind of journey. Train and bus options, while significantly longer, offer a chance to see more of the European landscape and can sometimes be more cost-effective.
The train journey from Copenhagen to Berlin typically takes about 7-8 hours and involves crossing the Baltic Sea by ferry. This route offers scenic views and a unique travel experience. German and Danish rail companies operate services on this route, with some requiring a change of trains in Hamburg.
Bus services between the two cities are also available, usually taking around 9-11 hours. Companies like Flixbus offer regular services, often at very competitive prices. While the journey is long, buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, allowing passengers to work or relax during the trip.
These alternative options can be particularly appealing to travellers with flexible schedules or those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. However, for most business travellers or those with limited time, flying remains the most practical choice for travelling between Copenhagen and Berlin.
Ultimately, the choice between flying and alternative transport methods depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and time availability. Each option offers a different perspective on the journey between these two vibrant European capitals.