Main hub
BERBerlin Brandenburg (BER)
Berlin’s international hub. Airport Express (FEX) and S9/S45 reach the city centre in about 30–45 minutes.
- To centre
- ≈ 35 min
- Distance
- ≈ 25 km
Travel
Getting to Berlin
Berlin is one of Europe’s best-connected capitals. ICE high-speed rail links every major German city; Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves destinations worldwide; and the A10 Berliner Ring ties the city into the motorway network.
ICE direct from 5 major cities
By car · over 3 autobahns
ICE direct from 5 major cities
| Origin | By train | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt | 3 h 55 m | 5 h 20 m |
| Cologne | 4 h 25 m | 5 h 45 m |
| Hamburg | 1 h 45 m | 3 h 00 m |
| Leipzig | 1 h 14 m | 2 h 00 m |
| Munich | 3 h 55 m | 5 h 50 m |
Times are approximate door-to-door from each city's central station.
Berlin Hauptbahnhof – the heart of Europe’s rail network
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is one of Europe’s largest stations, on the ICE corridors to Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt and beyond. From there, U-Bahn, S-Bahn or bus take you out to the Freie Universität campus in Dahlem.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
For international arrivals, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the natural gateway, with the Airport Express (FEX) and S-Bahn running straight into the city.
To the venue
S+UFrom BER to Dahlem
Take the S-Bahn to the city ring, then the U3 to Freie Universität (Thielplatz) – around an hour door to door.
- Door to door
- ≈ 1 h
- Distance
- ≈ 30 km
Long-haul
ICEOnward across Europe
BER offers direct connections across Europe; long-haul travellers can also route via Frankfurt or Munich and continue by ICE.
- Via FRA / MUC
- ≈ 4 h
- Distance
- ≈ 550 km
Berlin (BER), Munich (MUC) and Düsseldorf (DUS) also work - all connect to Berlin Hauptbahnhof by ICE, typically with one change in Frankfurt or Hannover.
Berlin’s motorway ring
The A10 Berliner Ring encircles the city, with the A100 and A115 (AVUS) leading in towards Dahlem. Parking near the campus is limited – public transport is usually faster.
Travel documents
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Requirements depend on your nationality.
-
EU / EEA / Switzerland
Valid national ID card or passport. No visa or registration required.
-
Visa-exempt countries
US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea and others. Passport valid for 3+ months beyond your departure date.
-
Schengen visa
All other nationalities. Apply at your nearest German embassy or consulate well ahead of the conference dates.
Two letter types
Both generated self-service in the booking frontend.
For institutions
Support Letter
Administrative proof of attendance for your employer, university or research institute.
For embassy & consulate
Visa Application Letter
Schengen visa applications. Some events also require passport / ID data, requested inline before the PDF is generated.
Both delivered as a PDF on screen and by email.