Overview

Traveling from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Karlovy Vary Airport (KLV) connects Germany’s bustling capital with one of Central Europe’s most iconic spa destinations. This 370 km journey takes approximately 4.5 hours by road, crossing through scenic Saxon Switzerland and the Ore Mountains. While there’s no direct flight between these airports, ground transfers offer flexibility for travelers seeking to explore Bohemia’s thermal springs, historic colonnades, and film-festival glamour.

Getting to Know Your Destination

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) has attracted visitors since the 14th century with its 13 therapeutic hot springs and Baroque architecture. Key highlights include:

• The Mill Colonnade’s neoclassical grandeur
• Moser Glass Museum’s craftsmanship exhibits
• The International Film Festival (July)
• Iconic spa treatments at hotels like Grandhotel Pupp

For those considering alternative routes, airport transfer Karpacz from Brandenburg is another popular option, connecting BER to Poland’s Karkonosze Mountains for hiking and skiing.

Arriving at Brandenburg Airport

Berlin Brandenburg Airport serves as the primary hub for eastern Germany:

1. Follow purple “Exit” signs after baggage claim
2. Taxi ranks and rental car counters are in Terminal 1’s arrivals hall
3. Train stations (BER-T1/T2) require a 5-minute walk via covered walkways Pro tip: Free Wi-Fi near information desks helps coordinate pickups.

Main Transfer Options

Public Transport

Train + Bus (€45–€65, 6–7 hours):

• RE7 train to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (30 mins)
• EC/IC train to Ústí nad Labem (4 hrs 10 mins)
• Bus 855300 to Karlovy Vary (1 hr 40 mins) Check schedules at Deutsche Bahn and Czech Transport.

Taxi & Rideshare

• Metered taxis: €400–€550
• BlaBlaCar: Shared rides from €35 (limited availability) Note: Pre-negotiate cross-border fares to avoid surcharges.

Car Rentals

Providers like Europcar and Sixt offer one-way rentals (€90–€130/day):

• A17/A4 highways provide the fastest route
• Czech vignette (€11/10 days) required for motorways

Private Transfer Services

For Brandenburg Airport private shuttle to Karpacz or Karlovy Vary, companies like A2B Transfers provide:

• Fixed pricing (€320–€420)
• Door-to-door service
• Multilingual drivers
• Complimentary 60-minute airport waiting time

Choosing the Best Method

Recommendations:

• Budget travelers: Train/bus combo
• Families: Private transfer with child seats
• Business travelers: Executive car services

Travel Tips & Local Insights

• Border crossing: Keep passports accessible; Germany-Czech Republic checks are rare but possible
• Scenic detour: Take Route 96 through Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Peak seasons: Book transfers 72+ hours in advance during July (film festival) and December (Christmas markets)

Reaching Your Final Destination

Most Karlovy Vary transfers drop guests at:

1. Terminal A (public transport hub)
2. Hotels along Teplá River
3. Spa complexes like Elizabeth Baths Pro tip: Download PID Lítačka app for local trams/buses.

Where to Get More Info

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport
• Karlovy Vary Tourism Board
• Czech Railway

FAQ

How long is the Brandenburg Airport to Karlovy Vary transfer? Expect 4–4.5 hours by road, depending on Dresden traffic.

Are there direct flights from BER to KLV? No – ground transfers are required.

What’s included in a private shuttle service? Reputable providers like A2B Transfers include tolls, meet-and-greet, and 60-minute airport waiting time.

Can I book a Brandenburg Airport private shuttle to Karpacz? Yes – many operators serve both Karlovy Vary and Karpacz routes. Confirm vehicle size for mountain roads.

Is advance booking necessary? Highly recommended – last-minute bookings incur 20–30% surcharges during peak seasons.

Safe travels! Whether you’re soaking in Karlovy Vary’s thermal waters or exploring Karpacz’s trails, reliable transfers let you focus on the journey.