Latest Rail News
Fresh updates on German rail travel, Deutschlandticket, strikes, and timetable changes. Written for travelers, not insiders.
Live Updates
Bahn presents results of pilot projects for greater train attendant safety in Frankfurt
After a fatal attack on a train attendant caused shock, the Bahn has initiated additional security measures. In Frankfurt, initial results from pilot projects aimed at improving staff protection are now being presented.
Rail line Ingolstadt–Eichstätt closed on the night of June 13
Due to track construction work, the line between Ingolstadt and Eichstätt is completely closed in the night from Friday to Saturday. Deutsche Bahn is deploying rail replacement services with a special schedule.
DB presents results in Frankfurt on the protection of train staff
Deutsche Bahn is presenting initial results today from pilot projects aimed at protecting train attendants from assaults. The focus is on the use of bodycams and self-assertion training.
S-Bahn Hamburg: Closures between Altona and Stellingen at the weekend
This weekend, line closures will occur on lines S3 and S5 in the west of Hamburg. S-Bahn Hamburg has set up a rail replacement service.
National strike in Italy: 23-hour disruption in rail traffic announced
The trade unions CUB and SGB have called a strike in Italian rail traffic for June 11 and 12. Long-distance connections to Germany and Austria as well as regional transport in South Tyrol are also affected.
Rhätische Bahn plans large model of the Albula line in Bergün
For the 125th anniversary, the railway museum in Bergün wants to recreate the Albula line as a huge outdoor model railway. The project on 4000 square meters is scheduled to open in 2028.
Short-haul flights in Germany: Rail as alternative fails due to trust and price
Almost half of all passenger flights at German major airports are short-haul. A commentary sees the cause less in the unwillingness of travelers, but in deficits of Deutsche Bahn regarding reliability and pricing.
Greens in Rhein-Lahn-Kreis demand continuous student Deutschlandticket during holidays
The Green Faction in the Rhein-Lahn-Kreis is calling on the district administration not to deactivate the Deutschlandticket for students in July. This is intended to secure access to education and leisure during the holidays.
S-Bahn Halle-Dessau: Operations normalize after copper theft
Following a non-ferrous metal theft near Bitterfeld, which led to signal malfunctions and cancellations in S-Bahn services, train services are again running largely according to schedule.
Deutsche Bahn plans summer promotion: Cheap family ticket and free youth Bahncard
Deutsche Bahn announces discount campaigns for the summer. These include a family ticket for 99.99 Euro as well as the free Jugend-Bahncard 25 for a limited period.
Tree falls on overhead line: Train evacuated
A tree fell onto the overhead line near St. Valentin and caught fire. A passenger train with around 80 passengers had to be evacuated as a result.
Construction start for new Huntebrücke bridge at Elsfleth: DB plans completion by 2028
Deutsche Bahn has officially started construction work for the new railway bridge over the Hunte at Elsfleth. The project is modeled on the Friesenbrücke bridge at Weener to enable completion by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
Commentary: Rail trust problem drives travelers to short-haul flights
Almost half of all flights in Germany are short-haul. A commentary sees the cause less in the unwillingness of travelers, but in deficits of Deutsche Bahn regarding price and reliability.
New Siemens Mireo trains in trial operation for S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland from June 14
Starting June 14, 2026, the new S-Bahn trains of the type Siemens Mireo will run on a trial basis in the Halle/Leipzig network. The trial operation takes place in cooperation with DB Regio before the official takeover by Länderbahn in December.
Official construction start for new Hunte bridge at Elsfleth
Deutsche Bahn is starting construction work for the new railway bridge over the Hunte. The structure is scheduled to be completed by early 2028 and replaces the old bridge, which was damaged by a ship collision in 2024.
S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland: Trial operation with new Siemens Mireo trains starts on June 14
Months before the official operator change, the new trains for the Halle-Leipzig network are rolling. As part of a trial operation, the Siemens Mireo trains are in use from mid-June.
VRR Offer: 5 Euro Voucher for eezy.nrw available only until June 7
The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) is giving away a 5 Euro credit for the digital fare system “eezy.nrw” until June 7. However, the offer is limited in quantity and only relevant for new customers of this tariff.
Construction works in Bavaria: Werdenfelsbahn and Munich core line affected
Deutsche Bahn has announced extensive construction measures for June. Affected are the line from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen as well as parts of the S-Bahn network, including the central core line.
Bamberg–Würzburg: Replacement bus service due to construction work starting in June
There will be massive restrictions on the line between Bamberg and Würzburg in the first half of June. Deutsche Bahn is setting up a replacement bus service.
Frankfurt: Entrance Kaisertor at Central Station Reopened after Remodeling
The modernized Kaisertor entrance at Frankfurt Central Station is open again for travelers. Deutsche Bahn confirms barrier-reduced access to Level B as well as to S-Bahn and U-Bahn.
Major restrictions in rail traffic around Magdeburg: Line closures and train cancellations
Rail travelers in Saxony-Anhalt must prepare for significant disruptions. Due to construction work and track damage, there are delays, diversions and month-long train cancellations on various lines around the Magdeburg hub.
Hamburger Hochbahn presents the shell of the U4 extension to Horner Geest
Around 4,500 people visited the 2.6 kilometer long tunnel of the U4 extension on Saturday. According to the Hochbahn, the shell construction was completed on schedule; commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2027.
Hamburger Hochbahn presents shell of U4 extension to Horner Geest
Around 4,500 people visited the new tunnel of the U4 extension in Hamburg over the weekend. The shell construction of the 2.6 kilometer long section has been completed on schedule; commissioning is planned for the end of 2027.
Staffing issues at S-Bahn Rhein-Main resolved – Construction sites hinder punctuality
S-Bahn Rhein-Main has largely overcome its staff shortages. However, passengers must continue to expect impairments, as numerous construction measures are impacting operations.
Pro Bahn criticizes failure of replacement transport for Hannover-Hamburg renovation
The comprehensive route renovation between Hannover and Hamburg is causing considerable unrest in the surrounding area. While the alternative route via Bremen is completely overloaded, the passenger association Pro Bahn complains of massive problems with rail replacement services and a reduced train service.
Bahn starts Last-Minute campaign: ICE tickets from 6.99 Euro against fuel prices
In view of high fuel costs, Deutsche Bahn wants to win over spontaneous travelers with a new offer. From now on, saver fares for the following week will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. A comparison shows, however, that the bargain does not always pay off.
Fatal accident involving an S-Bahn shortly before Siegburg/Bonn station
A person has died after an accident involving an S-Bahn shortly before Siegburg/Bonn station. The ICE line was temporarily closed.
Warning strike at Bonn University Hospital: restrictions in clinical operations
The Marburger Bund has called for a nationwide warning strike at 23 university hospitals. Bonn University Hospital (UKB) is also affected.
Construction work on Anklam bypass: Access to airfield affected
The road construction office is currently renovating the roadway of the Anklam bypass. In this context, the entrance and exit to the airfield are repeatedly closed for short periods.
New "Super Sparpreis Last Minute" from Deutsche Bahn starting at 6.99 Euro
Starting May 9, 2026, Deutsche Bahn introduces the "Super Sparpreis Last Minute". The ticket enables travel in long-distance traffic starting at 6.99 Euro.
Line near Bardowick clear again: Overhead line repair completed
After an ICE collided with a downed overhead line near Bardowick, the line is fully passable again. The damage has been repaired, but the cause of the line tearing is still unclear.
Streik bei Bpost kostet Unternehmen 15 Millionen Euro
Nach ersten Schätzungen belaufen sich die finanziellen Verluste durch den wochenlangen Streik bei Bpost auf 15 Millionen Euro. Dies geht aus den neuen Quartalszahlen hervor.
Südbahn blocked: Railway replaces trains between Aulendorf and Friedrichshafen with buses
Due to extensive construction work on the Südbahn, train services between Aulendorf, Ravensburg and Friedrichshafen will be suspended until June 8. Deutsche Bahn has set up a replacement bus service and advises travelers to allow more time.
Pay deal at VHH: strikes around the Hamburg Harbor Birthday averted
The Hamburg-Holstein public transport operator VHH and the union ver.di have agreed on a new collective framework agreement. This means no work stoppages are expected around the Harbor Birthday festival.
Italy: RFI maintenance strike in Florence threatens regional rail on May 5
On May 5, 2026, an eight-hour strike by maintenance staff at RFI DOIT Firenze is announced in the province of Florence, which may lead to delays and cancellations in regional rail services.
Bernina Express ranks among Europe’s most scenic train journeys in 2026 (Lonely Planet)
The Bernina Express (Switzerland–Italy) is featured in 2026 travel rankings as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys, with dramatic landscape changes, viaducts, mountain passes and UNESCO-listed sections.
Digital Automatic Coupling (DAK): BMV prepares funding for pioneer trains
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV) is preparing a funding guideline for installing and testing Digital Automatic Coupling (DAK) in “pioneer trains”. According to the BMV, initial funding calls are expected in the second half of 2026.
Italy: on-board catering strike on Trenitalia trains on May 4
On May 4, 2026, staff at Elior, which provides on-board catering on Trenitalia trains, are on strike, which may lead to limited services on board.
ÖBB Nightjet to Croatia: seasonal Vienna-Split service starts
Bookings for summer night-train travel to the Adriatic are open again: the ÖBB Nightjet takes holidaymakers from Vienna and Graz directly to Split three times a week from late April. Car transport is also available.
Deutschlandticket 2026: €63/Month Confirmed — What Changed and How to Subscribe
Germany raises the Deutschlandticket to €63/month for 2026 (up from €58 in 2025). Here is everything that changed, what stayed the same, and the fastest way to get yours.
ICE Sprinter Berlin–Munich: New 3h15min Route, Schedule & Prices
Deutsche Bahn launches a new high-frequency ICE Sprinter cutting Berlin–Munich travel time to 3 hours 15 minutes. Here are the schedules and what tickets cost.
Archive
Gäubahn: construction in Stuttgart affects IC 87 in May 2026
Due to maintenance work in Stuttgart, the Panoramabahn is temporarily fully closed. The IC line 87 (Stuttgart–Horb–Singen–Zürich) will run in parts of May 2026 only between Stuttgart-Vaihingen and Zurich, with additional service gaps on some weekends.
New European Sleeper night train: Brussels to Milan from 2026
Good news for night-train fans: European Sleeper is planning a new direct connection from Brussels via Munich to Milan. From December 2026, the route should improve access to southern Europe.
Rail Baltica: €295.5m CEF grant agreement signed (RB Rail AS)
The Rail Baltica project gains momentum: project coordinator RB Rail AS has signed a CEF grant agreement with an EU contribution of €295.5 million for construction and technical works in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
TGV M: up to 740 seats and more space on board (Alstom)
The TGV M (Avelia Horizon) is the next generation of French double-deck high-speed trains. According to Alstom, the design provides more space on board and can be configured with up to 740 seats, while improving efficiency per seat.
€18 billion for rail: EU-Rail calls for major modernization by 2034
Europe’s rail network needs to become more competitive. The EU-Rail innovation program is calling for a coordinated strategy and a record €18 billion investment volume for the coming years.
Coradia iLint travels 1,175 km without refuelling (Alstom)
Alstom reports a record run: a near-series Coradia iLint hydrogen train covered 1,175 kilometres without refuelling—signalling that zero-emission operations on non-electrified lines can also achieve high daily mileage.
Major General Strike in Italy: Near-total shutdown expected on May 1
Anyone traveling in or to Italy today needs patience. A nationwide general strike by several unions is disrupting rail, air and ferry services across large parts of the country on May 1.
Rail resilience to climate change (ERA report)
The EU Agency for Railways (ERA) has published a new study on how extreme weather affects Europe’s rail infrastructure and operations, and outlines six proposals to strengthen the EU legal framework for climate resilience.