Port information & tips for Berlin-Spandau
Berlin-Spandau is the maritime gateway to the German capital and impresses with its idyllic location at the confluence of the Havel and Spree rivers. The historic old town, with its charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone alleys, radiates a unique flair and invites you to take a stroll. Outstanding sights in the immediate vicinity include the impressive Zitadelle Spandau, one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance fortresses, as well as the Gothic St. Nikolai-Kirche. Cruise ships usually dock directly at the Lindenufer pier, which is only a few minutes' walk from the lively center of Spandau. Thanks to the excellent connection provided by the nearby Berlin-Spandau station, guests can easily reach Berlin City West and Alexanderplatz in a short time by S-Bahn or regional train.
Berlin-Spandau is an excellently connected starting point for river cruises and is easily accessible from throughout the DACH region. The piers on the Havel are well integrated into the Berlin transport network, although the term "cruise terminal" typically describes the various docking points for river cruise ships.
Car
Arrival by car is convenient via the Berlin A111 motorway, which offers a direct connection to the A10 (Berliner Ring) and A100 (Berliner Stadtring). For loading and unloading, you can drive right up to the ship at the Altstadthafen Spandau, and the Centrovital Hotel offers a paid underground car park in the immediate vicinity. Parking at the Lindenufer is very limited, but the car park at Spandau Arcaden is only about 900 meters away. In addition, there are Park & Cruise offers in Berlin-Spandau that often include hotel packages with transfers to the ship, ensuring a relaxed start to your river cruise.
Train
Berlin-Spandau station is a central hub for regional and long-distance Deutsche Bahn services, served by ICE, IC, RE, and RB trains. From there, you can reach the piers in Spandau, such as the Altstadthafen or Lindenufer, comfortably on foot in about 5 to 10 minutes. Furthermore, the station is perfectly connected to the Berlin S-Bahn network (lines S3, S9) and the U-Bahn (line U7), ensuring easy accessibility from all parts of the city.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located approximately 34 to 38 kilometers from Spandau. A direct S-Bahn connection with the S9 line takes you from BER to Spandau. Regional trains and express buses also connect the airport with other Berlin railway stations, from which you have convenient connections to Spandau. The journey by train from BER to Spandau takes about 39 to 52 minutes depending on the connection, often with a change. Alternatively, private airport transfers offer a comfortable and quick journey, taking 39 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. For a relaxed arrival after a long flight, a pre-cruise stay at a hotel in Berlin is also recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Berlin-Spandau is an excellently connected starting point for river cruises and is easily accessible from throughout the DACH region. The piers on the Havel are well integrated into the Berlin transport network, although the term "cruise terminal" typically describes the various docking points for river cruise ships.
Car
Arrival by car is convenient via the Berlin A111 motorway, which offers a direct connection to the A10 (Berliner Ring) and A100 (Berliner Stadtring). For loading and unloading, you can drive right up to the ship at the Altstadthafen Spandau, and the Centrovital Hotel offers a paid underground car park in the immediate vicinity. Parking at the Lindenufer is very limited, but the car park at Spandau Arcaden is only about 900 meters away. In addition, there are Park & Cruise offers in Berlin-Spandau that often include hotel packages with transfers to the ship, ensuring a relaxed start to your river cruise.
Train
Berlin-Spandau station is a central hub for regional and long-distance Deutsche Bahn services, served by ICE, IC, RE, and RB trains. From there, you can reach the piers in Spandau, such as the Altstadthafen or Lindenufer, comfortably on foot in about 5 to 10 minutes. Furthermore, the station is perfectly connected to the Berlin S-Bahn network (lines S3, S9) and the U-Bahn (line U7), ensuring easy accessibility from all parts of the city.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located approximately 34 to 38 kilometers from Spandau. A direct S-Bahn connection with the S9 line takes you from BER to Spandau. Regional trains and express buses also connect the airport with other Berlin railway stations, from which you have convenient connections to Spandau. The journey by train from BER to Spandau takes about 39 to 52 minutes depending on the connection, often with a change. Alternatively, private airport transfers offer a comfortable and quick journey, taking 39 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. For a relaxed arrival after a long flight, a pre-cruise stay at a hotel in Berlin is also recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The berths at Lindenufer are located directly on the edge of the historic Altstadt and, thanks to their central location, offer excellent connections to the Berlin transport network.
On Foot
The picturesque Altstadt of Spandau and the impressive Zitadelle can be reached easily in just 5 to 10 minutes. A walk along the waterfront promenade leads you directly into the charming center with its pedestrian zones and shopping opportunities.
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
Thanks to the nearby Altstadt Spandau and Rathaus Spandau stations, you can reach the Berlin city center quickly and directly. The U7 line and the S3 and S9 S-Bahn trains offer a comfortable connection to world-famous sights such as the Brandenburg Gate or Alexanderplatz.
Taxi
Official taxis are available at central hubs such as Spandau station and at designated stands near the berths. Additionally, rides can be conveniently booked via app, allowing for flexible onward travel to individual destinations throughout the city.
Take advantage of the ideal location in Spandau for a discovery tour that combines historic charm right at the harbour with the glorious palaces of the surrounding area.
Zitadelle Spandau
This imposing Renaissance fortress is located just a short walk from the pier and offers visitors a fascinating journey through history, thanks to its well-preserved bastions and exciting museums.
Altstadt Spandau
The charming district enchants with its winding alleys and the historic St. Nikolai-Kirche; additionally, Berlin's largest pedestrian zone is perfect for a relaxed stroll and lingering in traditional cafés.
Schloss Sanssouci
The magnificent summer palace of Frederick the Great in Potsdam is quickly accessible thanks to excellent rail connections and impresses with its terraced vineyards as well as the extensive park grounds.
Zitadelle Spandau
The history-steeped Zitadelle Spandau is located just a few minutes' walk from the cruise pier at Lindentufer and, as one of Europe's most significant Renaissance fortresses, offers a fascinating experience for history enthusiasts. A climb up the historic Juliusturm rewards you with a wide view over the Havel landscape and the Berlin surroundings, while the well-maintained courtyards and museums invite you to linger. Thanks to its excellent location directly on the water, the visit can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the adjacent Altstadt, where charming cafes are available for refreshment. It is best to start your tour directly in the morning to explore the fortress complex in peace and be back on board your ship early in the afternoon, completely relaxed.
The way back to the pier at Lindenufer or Wröhmännerpark is straightforward thanks to the central location in Spandau and can be planned very easily.
Public transport
From Berlin-Spandau station and the Rathaus Spandau U-Bahn station, you can reach the port comfortably in just a few minutes. The U7 line as well as the S3 and S9 S-Bahn lines bring you directly from Berlin's city center to the central hub in the immediate vicinity of the piers.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are located directly at the Spandau long-distance station as well as at the Spandau Arcaden and the market square in the Altstadt. Thanks to the short distances within the district, you will reach the pier quickly and punctually before your ship's scheduled departure.
On foot
From the historic Altstadt Spandau, you can take a leisurely stroll along the riverside paths at Lindenufer directly back to the ship. The paths are level and easy to find thanks to clear landmarks such as the Rathaus tower and good signage towards the water.
