Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
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.
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.
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.
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 service on 5 May
On 5 May 2026, an eight-hour strike by maintenance personnel of RFI DOIT Firenze has been announced in the Province of Florence, which may cause delays and cancellations in regional rail traffic
Bernina Express ranked among Europe's most beautiful train journeys in 2026 (Lonely Planet)
The Bernina Express (Switzerland–Italy) is listed in current 2026 travel rankings as one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys – with dramatic landscape changes, viaducts, passes, and UNESCO World Heritage sections.
Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC): BMV starts preparation of funding for pioneer trains
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) is preparing a funding guideline for the installation and testing of the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) in "pioneer trains." According to the BMV, initial calls for funding are expected in the second half of 2026.
Italy: Strike by on-board catering staff on Trenitalia trains on 4 May
On 4 May 2026, employees of caterer Elior, who provide on-board catering on Trenitalia trains, are striking in Italy, which may lead to limited on-board services
ÖBB Nightjet to Croatia: Seasonal Vienna–Split connection launches
Bookings for the summer night train service to the Adriatic are open again: The ÖBB Nightjet will take holidaymakers from late April three times a week directly from Vienna and Graz to Split. Vehicle carriage is also possible.
Gäubahn: Construction work in Stuttgart impacts IC 87 in May 2026
Due to maintenance work in Stuttgart, the Panoramabahn line is completely closed at times. The IC 87 (Stuttgart–Horb–Singen–Zurich) will only run between Stuttgart-Vaihingen and Zurich in sections during May 2026; additional service gaps are possible on individual weekends.