Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
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.
Deutsche Bahn begins ground investigations for new freight rail line between Hohberg and Kenzingen
For the four-track expansion of the Rhine Valley Railway, DB is having the ground investigated over 31 kilometers along the A5 between Hohberg and Kenzingen. From October 5, 2026, around 1,350 boreholes are planned, expected to last until the end of 2027.
Deutschlandticket will become more expensive in 2027 – RMV fares in Hesse could become attractive again for many passengers
The price of the Deutschlandticket will rise automatically to 66.80 euros for the first time in 2027. In Hesse, however, the RMV wants to keep single and day tickets stable and simplify the fare system by summer 2027 – for occasional riders, this could pay off.
ICE route Berlin–Hannover closed for 14 months: 80 minutes longer travel time to NRW
From Friday, the important ICE connection between Berlin and Hannover will be almost completely closed for around 14 months. Travelers from North Rhine-Westphalia must expect diversions and a travel time extended by 80 minutes. A refund is possible for certain tickets.
Wunderline launches: After eleven years, trains run again between Groningen and Leer
With a special trip in Weener, the Wunderline between Groningen and Leer was officially put into service on 1 October 2026. From 5 October, Arriva will once again connect the German-Dutch border region with passenger rail services – more punctual, faster and barrier-free.
Rail operator plans demolition of Sauerlandhalle for bridge construction site – Altena pushes back
DB InfraGo needs the site of the Pragpaul sports facility in Altena to renew the 140-meter-long railway bridge on the Ruhr-Sieg line from the 2030s onwards. The city and sports clubs are demanding a replacement new build of the hall and information that has so far been missing from the rail operator.
Deutschlandticket to become more expensive in 2027: monthly price rises to 66.80 euros
From 1 January 2027, the Deutschlandticket will cost 66.80 euros per month – 3.80 euros more than in 2026. The price increase was decided by the Coordination Council based on a new index-based calculation model. Prices for the Jobticket and Semesterticket have also been set.
Deutschlandticket to become more expensive: €66.80 from January
The Deutschlandticket will cost €66.80 per month from January – around four euros more than before. Job and semester tickets are also set to become more expensive at the start of the new year.
Italy in October: Wave of strikes hits rail, local transport and ports – all dates at a glance
Italy is starting October with a wave of strikes. Affected are, among others, nationwide rail services on October 2, regional services in Sicily on October 12/13, and DB Cargo Italia's rail freight traffic in Lombardy. Travelers must also expect restrictions on metros, trams and buses.
Trenitalia, ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn plan Frecciarossa services from Germany to Italy
DB modernizes Wetterau network: Restrictions from October 5 on three route sections
From October 5, 2026, Deutsche Bahn will carry out extensive construction work in the Wetterau region. On several route sections, tracks will be renewed, cables laid and three level crossings modernized. Travelers must expect train cancellations and rail replacement services until mid-December.
Tegernsee Railway closes Schaftlach–Tegernsee line for around two weeks – rail replacement service with buses
Due to the renewal of rails and sleepers at Gmunder Berg, the Schaftlach–Tegernsee section will be fully closed from 5 October (7:45 a.m.) to 17 October 2026 (7 p.m.). Bayerische Regiobahn is setting up a rail replacement service.
Tegernsee-Bahn closes Schaftlach–Tegernsee line for two weeks – rail and sleeper renewal on the Gmunder Berg
From 5 October 2026, the Tegernsee-Bahn will renew rails and sleepers on the Gmunder Berg. The Schaftlach–Tegernsee section will be completely closed until 17 October; BRB will set up rail replacement services with buses.
Wetterau: DB to modernize infrastructure from 5 October – weeks of disruptions on RB 46, RB 47 and RB 48
From 5 October, Deutsche Bahn is bundling extensive construction work on several lines in the Wetterau region. Passengers must expect partial cancellations and rail replacement services between Friedberg, Nidda, Wölfersheim-Södel and Gelnhausen until mid-December.
Frankfurt Central Station: Pedestrian tunnel to be closed in sections from Monday
Deutsche Bahn is renewing the flooring of the Post and pedestrian tunnel at Frankfurt Central Station. From Monday (28/09/2026), access to the platforms will be restricted in sections, until the end of the year.
Alcohol ban at German train stations: Deutsche Bahn wants to implement rule by October 15
Deutsche Bahn is introducing a ban on alcohol consumption at all around 5,400 train stations in Germany. The rule is set to apply by October 15, 2026 – in concourses and on platforms.