Promised my hubby we wouldn't have any super early days on this trip. We will be staying at the Regent Berlin and will be flying to Budapest. Considering booking an 8:35am flight on Air Berlin from TXL. What time would you suggest we leave the hotel in order to make the 8:35am flight (will not be checking any luggage). If I determine too early will probably book a 1pm from SXF on EasyJet but I would prefer to arrive in Budapest earlier.

For flights inside Europe I consider one hour before take off sufficient.
Never missed a flight.
However when with family or for important trips I come earlier. Sometimes much earlier.
Just a question of risk assesment / risk aversion.
If you can afford to lose your flight tickets and book another flight, then do as I say.
Remember I'm not the one paying for the tickets and I don't know what chaos you may face if you miss your flight.

As for time to reach airport, ask the hotel.

There are a few bottlenecks on the route from your hotel to TXL airport when you go during rush hours.
I'd go by taxi instead of taking the TXL bus to save a few minutes and as taxis can take alternative routes which the bus can't.
If I wanted to minimize risks, I'd leave the hotel by 6:30 for an 8:30 flight.
Travel time should not exceed 30 minutes (by taxi).
Tegel airport has different terminals (well, small, but still different), so make sure you know the terminal before you get into the cab.

I agree with Cowboy's timing assessment for the taxi. We went from the Sofitel (which is right next to the Regent) and it took just a little less than 30 minutes to TXL. It's a small airport. if I'd checked in online and have my boarding pass I would be happy to leave by 7am but it's a matter of preference as Pariswat suggests

Leaving 2 hours before departure should be fine since you don't have any luggage. Often you can even check in 30 minutes before departure. The trip by taxi shouldn't take more than about 30 minutes.

Evelyn

I would leave at 6:30 by taxi. The Regent is a great hotel in a fabulous location. Stayed there in April.

unlikely you will be able to check into your Budapest hotel before midday at the earliest whereas if you take the later flight, you'd be able to have a leisurely breakfast, easy trip out to the airport, and you'd get there in time to check-in.

It does rather depend of course on how long you have in Budapest - if it's only a day or two then it might be worth doing, otherwise I wouldn't bother.

No aspersions cast on reponses you get here, but I would ask your hotel. They know what's going on in their neighborhood the actual day you are skedded to leave.

I second the idea of knowing, in advance, the terminal from which your flight departs. At the TXL entrance there are illuminated signs with flight numbers and departure gates shown but I would check with the airline, on line, before departing the hotel just to be certain.

At <B>that time of morning</B> we have never had a problem with taking several cab trips to the airport from our usual hotel (the Hyatt at Potsdamer Platz) in terms of traffic delays, etc., and that hotel is only a little closer to the airport than yours.

Great thanks! All replies are helpful. I like to get to airport with plenty of time, so will plan to leave at 6:30am. Since it will be our only early morning hubby is okay with it!