A buffer means and a method for buffering containers, in particular in a container handling apparatus, like for example bottles in a bottle filling apparatus, is described. The buffer means comprises at least a first conveyor track. Furthermore at least a second conveyor track is provided, which is drivable along a second transport direction. The first conveyor track and the second conveyor track are parallel to each other and form a buffer module. A transfer device transfers the containers from an infeed conveyor track onto an outlet conveyor track of the buffer module. By means of a sliding device the required buffer capacity of the buffer means can be set. Between the infeed conveyor track and the outlet conveyor track of a buffer module at least two further drivable transfer conveyors are provided. Thus a closed surface of the buffer module is created.