Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
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 on May 5
On May 5, 2026, an eight-hour strike by maintenance staff at RFI DOIT Firenze is announced in the province of Florence, which may lead to delays and cancellations in regional rail services.
Bernina Express ranks among Europe’s most scenic train journeys in 2026 (Lonely Planet)
The Bernina Express (Switzerland–Italy) is featured in 2026 travel rankings as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys, with dramatic landscape changes, viaducts, mountain passes and UNESCO-listed sections.
Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC): BMV starts funding preparation for pioneer trains
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) is preparing a funding guideline for the installation and testing of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) in "pioneer trains." According to the BMV, the first funding calls are expected in the second half of 2026.
Italy: on-board catering strike on Trenitalia trains on May 4
On May 4, 2026, staff at Elior, which provides on-board catering on Trenitalia trains, are on strike, which may lead to limited services on board.
ÖBB Nightjet to Croatia: seasonal Vienna-Split service starts
Bookings for summer night-train travel to the Adriatic are open again: the ÖBB Nightjet takes holidaymakers from Vienna and Graz directly to Split three times a week from late April. Car transport is also available.
Gäubahn: construction in Stuttgart affects IC 87 in May 2026
Due to maintenance work in Stuttgart, the Panoramabahn is temporarily fully closed. The IC line 87 (Stuttgart–Horb–Singen–Zürich) will run in parts of May 2026 only between Stuttgart-Vaihingen and Zurich, with additional service gaps on some weekends.
Rail Baltica: €295.5m CEF grant agreement signed (RB Rail AS)
The Rail Baltica project gains momentum: project coordinator RB Rail AS has signed a CEF grant agreement with an EU contribution of €295.5 million for construction and technical works in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
€18 billion for rail: EU-Rail calls for major modernization by 2034
Europe’s rail network needs to become more competitive. The EU-Rail innovation program is calling for a coordinated strategy and a record €18 billion investment volume for the coming years.
TGV M: up to 740 seats and more space on board (Alstom)
The TGV M (Avelia Horizon) is the next generation of French double-deck high-speed trains. According to Alstom, the design provides more space on board and can be configured with up to 740 seats, while improving efficiency per seat.
Coradia iLint travels 1,175 km without refuelling (Alstom)
Alstom reports a record run: a near-series Coradia iLint hydrogen train covered 1,175 kilometres without refuelling—signalling that zero-emission operations on non-electrified lines can also achieve high daily mileage.
Major General Strike in Italy: Near-total shutdown expected on May 1
Anyone traveling in or to Italy today needs patience. A nationwide general strike by several unions is disrupting rail, air and ferry services across large parts of the country on May 1.
Rail resilience to climate change (ERA report)
The EU Agency for Railways (ERA) has published a new study on how extreme weather affects Europe’s rail infrastructure and operations, and outlines six proposals to strengthen the EU legal framework for climate resilience.
ICE Sprinter Berlin–Munich: New 3h15min Route, Schedule & Prices
Deutsche Bahn launches a new high-frequency ICE Sprinter cutting Berlin–Munich travel time to 3 hours 15 minutes. Here are the schedules and what tickets cost.