Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
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.
Deutsche Bahn modernizes Wetterau: Full closures and rail replacement service from October 5
Deutsche Bahn (DB InfraGO) will renew rails, cables and level crossings on several lines in the Wetterau from October 5. Between Ober-Widdersheim, Glauburg-Stockheim, Friedberg, Wölfersheim-Södel, Beienheim and Nidda, line closures will occur – with far-reaching effects on lines RB 46, RB 47 and RB 48 as well as connections to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Track and switch construction at Friedensbrücke: Frankfurt tram lines to run on altered routes from 5 October
Due to extensive construction work at the Friedensbrücke stop, tram lines 12, 15, 17, 18 and 21 will be diverted in two phases. At times, a rail replacement service with buses will be in operation. Lines 11 and 12 on Hanauer Landstraße are also affected.
Tunnel boring for Stuttgart 21: Deutsche Bahn begins construction of the Wartberg Tunnel
On 5 October 2026, Deutsche Bahn began boring the approximately 700-metre-long Wartberg Tunnel. The structure is part of the P-Option, which is preparing the northern approach for the Deutschlandtakt with additional tracks between Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof and Stuttgart-Feuerbach.
Deutsche Bahn: €99.99 family ticket with seat reservation to become a permanent fixture from 1 November 2026
DB boss Evelyn Palla has announced that the family ticket, initially introduced during the summer holidays, will be offered permanently. For €99.99, up to two adults and three children can book a round trip including an ICE seat reservation.
Deutsche Bahn brings back the Family Ticket permanently – 99.99 euros for a round trip
Starting in November, Deutsche Bahn will permanently offer its Family Ticket again. A round trip for families is set to cost 99.99 euros including an ICE reservation, according to the Bahn CEO.
Munich U-Bahn: Massive restrictions from Monday – only U1, U2 and U7 running normally
Due to renovation work at several U-Bahn stations, MVG passengers must prepare for closures, diversions and replacement buses from October 5. Construction work on the U3, U4, U5, U6 and U8 lines will in some cases continue until the end of November.
European Sleeper: Night train London–Hamburg from €49.99 in promotional sale
European Sleeper is selling tickets for the London–Brussels–Hamburg route as part of a "Good Morning Flash Sale" from €49.99. The journey combines Eurostar and night train, with bookings available until 6 October.
Altenburg station barrier-free and more comfortable after modernization
Deutsche Bahn has completed the comprehensive modernization of Altenburg station. Around 420,000 euros significantly improved accessibility, comfort, and quality of stay.
Construction: Deutsche Bahn investigates soil for new freight rail line between Hohberg and Kenzingen
Deutsche Bahn is launching extensive soil investigations along the A5 motorway on 5 October 2026 for the planned new freight rail line between Hohberg and Kenzingen. Across around 31 kilometres, approximately 1,350 boreholes are to be drilled by the end of 2027 to provide findings for the four-track expansion of the Rhine Valley Railway.