Berlin, Germany
Smoking policy at Berlin, Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (SXF)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all terminal buildings. Airside smoking areas are for passengers only; a valid boarding pass is required. Terminal 5 (old Schonefeld terminal) is currently closed, including any former smoking facilities there. Connecting passengers who need to change terminals may have to exit and re-enter security to access outdoor smoking areas.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER, formerly SXF/Schonefeld) has a clear no-smoking policy inside all terminal buildings, but designated smoking areas do exist both landside and airside, so you are not completely out of luck. The situation is better than many European airports, with enclosed smoking lounges available past security in Terminal 1 and a small smoking booth in Terminal 2.
Before Security
Smoking is only permitted outside the terminal buildings in designated outdoor areas. The official airport website lists two landside spots:
Terminal 1, Level E1: Outdoor smoking area on the side of the entrance, accessible to anyone before check-in or after arriving.
Terminal 2, Level E0: Outdoor smoking area at the entrance/exit of Terminal 2.
Both are free to use and open to the public. You will need to step fully outside the terminal to reach them, so factor in time if you plan to smoke before going through security.
After Security
This is where BER is genuinely more generous than most German airports:
Smoking Lounge near Gate C01, Terminal 1, Level E2: An enclosed, glass-walled Raucherlounge (Smokers Lounge) officially listed by the airport. It is reserved for passengers only (boarding pass required) and is located in the security area of the departure zone. The lounge has standing-height counters with ashtrays and good ventilation, visible through the glass facade.
Smoking Area near Gates A02 and A03, Terminal 1: Traveler reports from 2022 describe a smoking area with apron views near the A gates.
Smoking Area between Gates B02 and B03, Terminal 1: A dedicated smoking spot in the B gates concourse, confirmed by multiple traveler reports.
Smoking Booth near Gate B30, Terminal 2: A small, transparent ventilated cabin just past security, marked "Raucherbereich - nur fur Fluggaste" (passengers only). It fits roughly two people standing, has sliding doors with air holes, and extractor fans. Multiple travelers confirmed it was still operating as of April 2023.
Smoking Lounge near Gate D1, Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen): Located after passport control in the non-Schengen area. A large smoking area was confirmed by a traveler in May 2026 and originally reported in May 2023.
Transit and Layovers
If you are connecting through BER and need to change terminals or re-enter Germany, you may need to exit the secure zone, smoke outside, and then go back through security. Plan extra time if this applies to your itinerary.
Terminal 5 (Former Schonefeld)
Terminal 5, which served as the old Schonefeld terminal, is listed as presently closed. The smoking room that was previously reported in Terminal K (next to the Relay shop) is no longer accessible.
Bottom Line
BER offers a reasonable number of airside smoking options for a German airport, with enclosed lounges in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 past security. Smoke outside before check-in if you want the most flexibility, but you do have real options once you are through.
Is something wrong or outdated?
Help us keep information accurate. Submit a correction and we'll review it.
