Last updated: 19 October 2026
Berlin World Expo 2035: Latest Plans, Location and Visitor Guide
The idea of a Berlin World Expo 2035 has moved from a civic dream to a live political debate. Supporters want to turn the whole city into an exhibition on sustainable urban life. Critics point to the costs and to Hanover’s troubled Expo 2000.
The short version: Berlin has not been awarded the Expo, and Germany has not yet filed a formal bid. This guide explains what is known, what is undecided and how to plan a Berlin trip that works whatever happens.
What Is the Berlin World Expo 2035?
A World Expo is a international exhibition run under the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the Paris-based body that governs these events. Countries build their own pavilions and show ideas on a shared theme. A World Expo runs for months, often around six, and draws visitors from across the world. A trade fair, by contrast, is shorter and aimed at a specific industry.
The Berlin proposal is driven by the EXPO 2035 Berlin GmbH, founded in 2024, and the civic association Global Goals Berlin. Their pitch is to make “all of Berlin” part of the Expo. A main site would host the country pavilions, while neighbourhood laboratories would let local projects present themselves in the city’s districts. The initiative puts the UN Sustainable Development Goals at the centre. A formal theme would only be set in the official application to the BIE.
Is Berlin Hosting the World Expo in 2035?
No, not yet. Berlin is a would-be candidate, not a host and not an official bid city. Here is where things stand as of 19 October 2026:
- Only the federal government can apply. Under BIE rules, a national government must submit the candidacy. The EXPO 2035 Berlin initiative sets out this process on its timeline page (in German).
- A joint review found no fundamental obstacles. Berlin and Brandenburg examined a joint bid. According to Tagesspiegel (German, may be paywalled), the review concluded the project would be feasible if the federal government joined as the main shareholder.
- Brandenburg has postponed its decision. The Tagesspiegel reports that the Brandenburg government is leaning towards declining. It is waiting to see which government Berlin forms after its 2026 state election.
- Berlin’s likely next coalition is committed. The exploratory paper of Linke, SPD and Greens says they will keep pursuing a “financeable, sustainable” Expo, according to Tagesspiegel. Coalition talks are still under way.
- Federal support is signalled but unfunded. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil indicated goodwill, conditional on positive votes in Berlin and Brandenburg. DBZ reports there is no funding commitment.
- There is competition. The US has signalled interest with Miami, and The Berliner reports that a Berlin IHK survey found 65% of Berliners in favour of a bid.
For official announcements, check the BIE website.
When Would Expo 2035 Berlin Take Place?
The proposed year is 2035. No dates are officially confirmed. An internal Berlin–Brandenburg review, as reported by Tagesspiegel, assumed a run from 1 May to 31 October 2035. Treat that as a planning assumption, not a schedule you can book around.
The timetable also remains open:
- The initiative expects the federal government to file the candidacy, with a BIE General Assembly vote in 2028.
- The review report says the company structure should be settled by February or March 2027 so the Letter of Candidature can be filed on time.
- If a rival candidacy is filed first, other countries get a limited window to respond under BIE rules.
Where Would the Berlin World Expo Be Located?
No venue is confirmed. The sites discussed are proposals only.
- Schönefeld, next to BER Airport (the main proposal). The joint review, as reported by Tagesspiegel, describes a main site of about 290 hectares. Roughly two-thirds lies in Schönefeld (Brandenburg) and a quarter in Treptow-Köpenick (Berlin). The report notes it sits under an approach path, which would limit building heights.
- Infrastructure conditions. The report treats an extension of the U7 underground line from Rudow towards the site as essential, along with a new A113 motorway exit. Neither has been approved for the Expo.
- Berlin-only alternatives. Earlier debate mentioned former airfields such as Tegel and Tempelhof, but Berlin’s senate considered Tegel unsuitable as a central site. Nothing is decided.
Practical location details are not available yet. There is no confirmed address, no nearest station and no official map. We cannot give a route or journey time to an Expo site because none exists. What we can say reliably is that BER Airport is right next to the proposed area, so arriving by air would put you close.
What Could Visitors Expect at the Expo?
Everything here is a possibility, not a confirmed programme. The proposals describe:
- National pavilions from many countries, as at every World Expo.
- Exhibitions on urban life, technology, architecture and sustainability.
- Neighbourhood “labs” in Berlin’s districts, so visitors would explore the city rather than one fairground.
- Cultural events alongside the exhibition, though no programme has been announced.
Why Is Berlin Interested in Hosting a World Expo?
The case for. Supporters see a catalyst for infrastructure, jobs and international visibility. The joint review, as reported, projects a GDP contribution of around €8.7 billion and about 33,100 secured or new jobs. It assumes around 20 million visitors. These are forecasts from one internal document, not guarantees.
The case against. The same review projects operating losses of €292–342 million in the base case and up to €718 million in the worst case. It also notes upfront public financing needs and about €1.2 billion for transport infrastructure. The Brandenburg government has raised concerns about cost and risk. The last German Expo, Hanover 2000, ended with a large deficit, which critics often cite.
The decision is political and financial, which is why the timeline keeps shifting.
How to Get to Berlin
By air: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is Berlin’s main airport. See our flights to Berlin guide for planning.
From BER into the city: According to VBB, the Airport Express (FEX) runs every half hour between BER and Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The S9 and S45 S-Bahn lines also serve the city centre. You need a ticket covering zones ABC.
By train: Long-distance trains arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Check connections on bahn.de.
By coach: Long-distance coaches serve Berlin from many European cities. Check current operators and stops before booking.
Once in the city, the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses cover most trips. There is no transport route to an Expo site because the site is not confirmed.
Getting Around Berlin
Berlin’s public transport is run by BVG and S-Bahn Berlin within the VBB regional network. Plan journeys and check current tickets and fares on bvg.de. Fares and ticket options change, so we do not quote prices here.
- Most visitors need tariff zones AB for the city. BER Airport is in zone C, so an ABC ticket covers the airport.
- Validate paper tickets before boarding where required.
- Check the BVG journey planner for accessibility information on stations and vehicles.
Our complete Berlin transport guide for visitors explains the system in detail, and our Berlin travel tips cover the practical basics.
Where to Stay in Berlin
The best base depends on your plans. If an Expo site is eventually confirmed, the best location will depend on the final venue and its transport links. Until then, choose a base for the city itself:
- Near central attractions: Mitte puts you within reach of the main sights.
- Near a major station: Staying near Hauptbahnhof or a well-connected S-Bahn station makes arrivals and day trips easier.
- For atmosphere: Each district has a different character. Our guide to the best neighbourhoods in Berlin helps you compare them.
Browse our Berlin accommodation page, or see Top 10 Berlin budget hotels (affiliate link). Check free-cancellation terms before booking anything tied to Expo plans.
Search for other Berlin Accommodation Options
Things to Do in Berlin During Your Visit
You do not need an Expo to fill a Berlin trip. These established sights are open to visitors now:
- Brandenburg Gate: Berlin’s best-known landmark. Read our Brandenburg Gate guide.
- Reichstag and the government district: The parliament building has a visitor programme, so check our Reichstag visiting guide for how to visit.
- Museum Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site. See our Museum Island guide and our wider Berlin museums guide.
- Berlin Wall: Read our Berlin Wall guide to understand the history before you visit the memorial sites.
- Checkpoint Charlie: Our Checkpoint Charlie guide covers the Cold War crossing.
- East Side Gallery, Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz: All are well-connected city-centre sights you can reach by public transport.
Short on time? Our 3 days in Berlin itinerary strings the highlights together, and our best time to visit Berlin guide helps with seasons.
Tours and Experiences to Book in Berlin
Guided experiences are a good way to see the city’s history, food and architecture. Good options include:
- Guided city and historical walking tours.
- Sightseeing cruises on the River Spree.
- Museum experiences.
- Food tours. See our guide to Berlin food and drink tours.
Browse our curated Berlin experiences page.
Or see our Berlin sightseeing and historical tours listing, or Berlin tours and attractions listings,
These are independent tours and activities. They do not provide Expo access, and no Expo tickets exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Berlin World Expo 2035 confirmed?
No. As of 19 October 2026, Berlin has not been awarded the Expo and no formal bid has been filed. The German federal government would have to submit it to the BIE.
When is Expo 2035 Berlin expected to take place?
The proposed year is 2035. An internal review assumed 1 May to 31 October, but no dates are officially confirmed.
Where would the Expo be located?
No venue is confirmed. The main proposal is a site of around 290 hectares near BER Airport in Schönefeld and Treptow-Köpenick.
How can I get to the proposed Expo site?
You can’t plan a route yet because the site is not confirmed. The proposal assumes an extension of the U7 underground line, which has not been approved for this purpose. BER Airport is next to the proposed area.
When will tickets become available?
No tickets exist and there is no official ticket portal. Be cautious of anyone selling Expo access.
Where should I stay if I want to visit?
That depends on the final venue. For now, choose a well-connected base in the city. See where to stay in Berlin above.
What else can I see in Berlin?
Plenty. See the things to do section above, or our 3 day itinerary.
Where can I find official updates?
Check the BIE and the EXPO 2035 Berlin initiative. We update this guide as the situation changes.
Final Thoughts
The Berlin World Expo 2035 is a serious proposal with real support from business groups and a likely new city government. It also has real obstacles: Brandenburg’s hesitation, the need for federal backing, high costs and a tight timetable. The next milestones are the formation of Berlin’s new Senate, Brandenburg’s decision and any federal move.
Our advice: do not book travel specifically for the Expo until a candidacy is accepted and dates are confirmed. Berlin is worth visiting on its own. Bookmark this page, and start planning with our accommodation guide and experiences page.
