Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
Baden-Württemberg puts 11 rail line reactivation projects on hold – 12 projects set to continue
Due to strained state finances, Baden-Württemberg's Ministry of Transport is reshuffling its rail reactivation projects: twelve initiatives are prioritized, eleven are put on ice for now. Transport Minister Razavi even considers the existing rail service to be at risk.
German government plans stricter oversight of Deutsche Bahn – turnaround on the rails?
The German government wants to exercise stronger control over Deutsche Bahn with a new plan. Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) announces imminent improvements. A commentary from Berlin.
Schedule change on 13 December: New ICE direct connections from Fulda – fewer trains to Berlin
From 13 December 2026, rail passengers in Fulda will benefit from a new ICE direct connection to the Baltic Sea as well as an earlier ICE to Frankfurt. At the same time, ICE connections on the north-south axis to Berlin will be thinned out, and extensive construction works between Fulda and Hanau are planned for 2027.
Rail timetable 2027: Construction extends ICE journeys from Kassel by up to 40 minutes
With the timetable change on 13 December 2026, new ICE connections come into force for Kassel – at the same time, extensive construction work between Hannover and Berlin as well as from mid-August 2027 toward the north causes significantly longer journey times. A daily direct connection to Innsbruck returns.
DB launches Hamburg–Munich Sprinter in 5:20 hours: Timetable change on 13 December brings over 320 international connections
From 13 December, a new Sprinter will connect Hamburg and Munich in 5:20 hours with only two intermediate stops in Hanover and Nuremberg. Advance ticket sales start on 14 October, and according to Deutsche Bahn, prices will remain stable.
2027 Timetable Change: New ICE Sprinters, direct Paris connections and night train to Vienna from Baden-Württemberg
From 13 December 2027, the new timetable applies in Baden-Württemberg: more ICE Sprinters to Berlin, additional TGV/ICE connections to Paris, a revived night train to Vienna and better connections to the Baltic coast and East Westphalia. Tickets will be available from 14 October. However, Deutsche Bahn expects temporary restrictions due to construction work.
Schedule change on December 13: New Sprinter line Hamburg–Munich saves 20 minutes
Deutsche Bahn is expanding its long-distance services with the schedule change on December 13 and introducing a new fast connection between Hamburg and Munich. At the same time, many routes remain affected by construction work.
Timetable change in December 2026: New ICE connection Stralsund–Hamburg and further construction sites in MV
From the timetable change in December 2026, an additional ICE connection between Stralsund and Hamburg is planned. At the same time, new construction sites are planned in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
New DB timetable from December 13: 70 daily Sprinter connections, ticket prices stable
A new timetable applies at Deutsche Bahn from December 13. Around 70 daily Sprinter connections are planned, ticket prices stay unchanged. Planned train cancellations are reversed following criticism.
Nationwide alcohol ban at train stations: Saarland extends regulation to all stations
From 15 October 2026, a ban on alcohol consumption applies at all train stations in Germany. The regulation already in force in Saarbrücken since May is thus being extended to all stations in Saarland. Deutsche Bahn is relying on house rules rather than additional control staff.
Deutsche Bahn in Baden-Württemberg seeks apprentices for 2027 – Job events in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe
Deutsche Bahn will train in over 50 professions in 2027 – from electrical systems fitter to train traffic controller, in some cases to IT specialist. Free DB job events are being held in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe.
Deutsche Bahn makes the Family Ticket a permanent offering – sale starts on 26 October
From 1 November, Deutsche Bahn's Family Ticket will be permanently bookable. For 99.99 euros, families receive a return trip including ICE reservation. Advance sales begin on 26 October.
Deutsche Bahn extends alcohol consumption ban to around 5,400 stations
From 15 October 2026, a nationwide ban on consuming alcoholic beverages on station premises will apply at all Deutsche Bahn stations. Sealed bottles in luggage and station gastronomy are exempt.
Travel report: Why Spanish trains are ahead of German trains in terms of punctuality and order
A travel report on DerWesten.de draws parallels between Spanish and German rail services. While trains in Spain run on time and passengers board and disembark in an orderly fashion, the author sees clear shortcomings in Germany – both at Deutsche Bahn and in passenger behavior.
VBB timetable change on 13 December 2026: More trains between Berlin and Brandenburg – fares rise on 1 January 2027
With the 2026/2027 timetable change, the new Nord-Süd and Berlin-Stettin networks bring noticeable service expansions on RE3, RE4 and RE5. At the same time, the general refurbishment of the Lehrter Bahn is extended until the end of 2027, and the Deutschlandticket will become more expensive on 1 January 2027, rising from 63 to 66.80 euros.
Kassel hub to become major construction zone until 22 October – numerous regional trains cancelled
Deutsche Bahn is launching extensive modernization work in the Kassel rail hub on 9 October. Between Kassel Hbf and Vellmar-Obervellmar, around 1.4 km of rails will be renewed and preparations made for the new Kassel electronic interlocking (ESTW). In regional services, there will be numerous cancellations and diversions until 22 October.
Kassel hub being modernized: Extensive construction work from 9 October – rail services restricted
Deutsche Bahn will renew the signaling and safety technology at the Kassel hub from 9 October and replace around 1.4 kilometers of rails. Until 22 October, regional services will see partial cancellations and diversions with replacement services by bus and tram.
Transport Minister Bilger criticizes Deutsche Bahn: Excessive burden from Berlin–Lehrte corridor renovation
Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) is calling on Deutsche Bahn to significantly reduce the impact on travelers on the closed east-west route between Berlin and Lehrte. He announced a revised concept for future corridor renovations.
Wunderline in operation: After eleven years, trains are running again between Groningen and Leer
After an eleven-year break, cross-border rail traffic is rolling again on the Wunderline: from 5 October, Arriva will connect Groningen and Leer, cutting journey time by around 15 minutes. The centrepiece is the new Friesenbrücke over the Ems.
Wunderline in service: After eleven years, trains are rolling again between Groningen and Leer
After an eleven-year interruption, cross-border rail service is running again on the Groningen–Leer route. The official launch took place on 1 October 2026 with a special trip over the new Friesenbrücke, and from 5 October Arriva will begin regular passenger rail service. The journey time is shortened by around 15 minutes.
DB bundles construction work between Frankfurt-Höchst and Wiesbaden: Closures from 16 October affecting S1, RB10, RE4 and RE14
From 16 October, Deutsche Bahn is closing the Kostheim – Frankfurt-Höchst section for extensive construction work. Several S-Bahn and regional rail lines are affected, and a rail replacement bus service will be set up.
DB bundles construction work between Frankfurt-Höchst and Wiesbaden – Rail services restricted from October 16
Deutsche Bahn is bundling extensive construction work between Frankfurt-Höchst and Wiesbaden. From October 16, the Kostheim–Frankfurt-Höchst line will be closed, affecting the S1, RB10, RE4 and RE14 services. Replacement bus services will be provided.
Kulmbach city council pushes through own plan for Neuseidenhof level crossing – bridge definitively ruled out
The Kulmbach city council has unanimously opted for its own variant for the renewal of the level crossing on the B 289 near Neuseidenhof. An overpass preferred by Deutsche Bahn is thus definitively off the table.
Bridge renovation near Maschen: Bus routes 343, 348 and 647 on detour during autumn holidays
Due to the renovation of the "Unner de Bult" motorway bridge on the A 1 near Maschen, the K 79 district road is fully closed from 9 to 26 October. Bus routes 343, 348 and 647 in the Seevetal area will run on partially altered routes during this period.