Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
Erfurt: Major Deutsche Bahn construction project at Schmidtstedter Knoten begins – ICE Sprinter cancelled for months
Deutsche Bahn will replace a 1,800-tonne bridge section dating from the 1970s at the Schmidtstedter Knoten in Erfurt starting 3 August. Travelers must expect diversions, partial closures at the main station and the cancellation of the Munich–Berlin ICE Sprinter service until the end of September.
Consumer association: Deutsche Bahn's Super-Sparpreis rarely available during the day
Germany Ticket for apprentices: 37.80 euros per month from August 2026 in Brandenburg
Apprentices in Brandenburg will receive a discounted Germany Ticket for 37.80 euros per month from August 2026. The subsidy corresponds to a 40 percent discount on the regular price and also applies nationwide in leisure time.
Deutsche Bahn back in the black – long-distance punctuality at just 59 percent
For the first time since 2019, Deutsche Bahn is back in the black: a half-year profit of 147 million euros and a passenger record of 960 million travelers contrast with a persistently low punctuality rate in long-distance services.
No return of the Baltic resort trains: Deutsche Bahn rejects seasonal Baltic Sea connections from the GDR era
GDR Baltic resort trains brought holidaymakers to the Baltic Sea without changing trains. Deutsche Bahn sees no need for such an offer anymore – while the Greens in the Bundestag are calling for the revival of seasonal routes.
Deutsche Bahn lowers entry points for bonus free rides – customers suspect hidden price increase
From 1 August 2026, free rides in the BahnBonus programme will start at 750 points instead of 1,000. However, the points price can rise to up to 2,000 points depending on the connection, route and booking time – potentially doubling the previous value. Customers are criticising a possible backdoor price increase.
Bremen Hauptbahnhof: Deutsche Bahn plans general refurbishment of the listed platform halls
Deutsche Bahn wants to comprehensively refurbish the historic halls of Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Construction could start in two to three years – the outer appearance is to be preserved.
Deutsche Bahn introduces dynamic points system for BahnBonus: Free tickets partly significantly more expensive from August
From 1 August 2026, Deutsche Bahn is converting its bonus programme to dynamic pricing. Although the entry threshold for free tickets drops to 750 points, many tickets will cost significantly more reward points than before – especially for short-notice bookings and Flex tickets.
Deutsche Bahn presents half-year results – Group restructuring and long-distance recovery program underway
Deutsche Bahn will present its half-year results on 30.07.2026. The focus is on weak punctuality, dilapidated infrastructure, a billion-euro loss in 2025 and the ongoing group restructuring under Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla.
Deutsche Bahn modernizes three stations on the Niedtalbahn: 9 million euros for accessibility and comfort in Saarland
Since the end of June, DB InfraGO has been renovating the Siersburg, Hemmersdorf and Niedaltdorf stations. Around 9 million euros will be used to create barrier-free platforms, new weather shelters and modern passenger information – the Dillingen–Niedaltdorf section is closed until 7 August.
Deutsche Bahn switches BahnBonus to a dynamic points system from 1 August – many free rides become more expensive
From 1 August 2026, Deutsche Bahn is restructuring its bonus programme based on route, booking time and demand. While entry is possible from as few as 750 points, last-minute and flex travellers will in some cases pay significantly more.
Deutsche Bahn back in the black: half-year profit and passenger record
Deutsche Bahn posted a profit in its core business in the first half of 2026 for the first time in seven years. At the same time, the group counted around 960 million passengers – more than ever before. High fuel prices and new discount offers are seen as the drivers.
Erfurt: Major construction site at Schmidtstedter Knoten – Rail service restrictions until end of September
Deutsche Bahn is replacing an 1,800-ton bridge section from the 1970s at the Schmidtstedter Knoten in Erfurt. From 30 July, partial closures will affect Erfurt Hauptbahnhof, long-distance services and road traffic.
Rail in Schleswig-Holstein: 86.8 percent punctuality in the first half of 2026 – commuter routes particularly affected
In the first half of 2026, 24 of 33 lines in Schleswig-Holstein were less punctual than in the previous year. Nah.SH and Pro Bahn see the backlog in rail infrastructure renewal as the main cause – with far-reaching consequences for commuters.
Bamberg–Schweinfurt rail line: Major restrictions due to short-notice construction works
Since Tuesday morning (28/07/2026), train services between Bamberg and Schweinfurt have been severely restricted. The reason is short-notice construction works by the infrastructure operator – including a brief full closure in the morning.
Elevator at Wandsbek Markt U-Bahn station to be renewed for months
After around 21 years of service, the elevator at the Hamburg U-Bahn station Wandsbek Markt is being renewed. The construction work is expected to last several months and disrupt traffic.
Rail traffic Cologne–Aachen: Switch damage extends closure beyond the weekend
On the important connection between Cologne and Aachen, train cancellations and diversions continue due to two damaged switches. Affected are RE1, RE9, RB38 as well as ICE trains between Brussels and Frankfurt am Main.
DB InfraGO aims to make rail traffic more reliable during extreme heat – service reductions possible above 35 degrees
DB InfraGO will respond earlier to announced heatwaves in the future: contracting authorities and railway undertakings can run fewer trains to keep the remaining service stable. The new regulation applies nationwide for the first time from 30 July, and in five western German states already from 29 July.
DB InfraGO aims to act proactively during extreme heat – new regulation enables early train reductions
DB InfraGO will respond earlier to announced heatwaves in the future and is creating a regulation that makes it easier for transport authorities and railway undertakings to run fewer trains in advance. This is intended to make rail operations more reliable at temperatures above 35 degrees.
By train to Bavaria's sights: Travel times from Munich at a glance
A Merkur overview shows which excursion destinations in Bavaria are easily reachable by train or car – including specific travel times from Munich, Nuremberg or Bamberg.
S-Bahn Rhein-Main: Reduced service on S1 and S2 due to platform repairs
During the summer holidays, Deutsche Bahn is running fewer trains on the S-Bahn lines S1 and S2 in the Rhein-Main region. The reason is repair work on platforms along the routes – the service is being thinned out to a 30-minute interval.
Saar business community warns of location problem: Ludwigshafen–Forbach rail line to be closed for months in 2028 and 2029
Deutsche Bahn plans to fully close the central rail connection of the Saarland via Saarbrücken and Homburg for extended periods as part of the general renovation. The VSU and IHK Saarland fear significant impacts on businesses, commuters and freight traffic – coinciding with burdens on the A620 and the construction of the new Fechingen Valley Bridge.
Paindorf rail stop: DB reaffirms two-hour service and announces review of skipped train stops
Following complaints from Reichertshausen, Deutsche Bahn has clarified that the two-hour service at the Paindorf rail stop will not be further thinned out. In addition, recent incidents in which trains passed through despite scheduled stops are to be officially reviewed.
Munich S-Bahn: Replacement buses from August 3 at Westkreuz – S6, S8 and Werdenfelsbahn affected
Due to construction work on a new bridge structure at Munich Westkreuz, passengers on the S-Bahn lines S5, S6 and S8 as well as the Werdenfelsbahn must prepare for timetable changes and replacement bus services in August.