Berlin–Hamburg rail upgrade to cause 9-month passenger disruptions
The 278-kilometre railway line between Hamburg and Berlin is one of the busiest in Germany. It welcomes around 470 trains operating daily, including long-distance and regional services. It serves nearly 11 million passengers annually, making it the country’s most used direct intercity rail link.
To increase capacity and reliability, Deutsche Bahn (DB), in collaboration with the federal government, will carry out a comprehensive upgrade of this strategic corridor. This project is part of the broader “Deutschlandtakt” initiative. It aims at creating a nationwide, regular-interval timetable and enabling digital rail operations.
From August 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, the high-speed line will completely close to traffic for a general overhaul. DB will use this nine-month time to carry out extensive works on tracks, switches, and overhead lines. In addition to infrastructure renewal, DB will install modern control and safety systems. It will also modernize 28 stations along the route.
Despite the closure, DB has designed an alternative transport plan to maintain reliable service. Long-distance trains between Hamburg and Berlin will take another route, preserving direct connections. However, passengers must expect to spend an additional 45 minutes during their journeys. Trains between Hamburg and Rostock/Stralsund will go more north, passing through Lübeck.
Several regional train lines will however be fully suspended. A service of 170 busses will commute instead of the train. Detailed information on alternative travel options will be made available through DB’s official channels, including the DB Navigator app and the website www.bahn.de.
Related News Stories: Berlin–Hamburg rail upgrade to cause 9-month passenger disruptions Rail Archives - TravelMole Air Archives - Page 3174 of 3175 - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole Visit Sweden - TravelMole Partner News - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt