Archive
Every rail news update we have published, newest first.
Saarbahn: 17th GDL strike looms on Monday – weekend warning strikes called off at short notice
The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) has withdrawn at short notice the warning strikes at Saarbahn that had been announced for Saturday and Sunday. The S1 line services subsequently ran as scheduled, but for Monday, 17 August 2026, the GDL is keeping open the option of further industrial action.
Deutsche Bahn kept 800,000 water packs ready for heat emergencies in long-distance trains
During the heat months of June and July 2026, Deutsche Bahn had around 800,000 Tetra Paks of water as an emergency supply in its long-distance trains. According to Deutsche Bahn, there was no wave of cancellations following the heat goodwill policy.
Deutschlandticket valid cross-border: These international destinations you can reach without surcharge
The Deutschlandticket covers not only German local transport. On certain routes, it also takes you directly to Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands – at no extra cost.
Bike carriers instead of ramps: DB InfraGo has bikes carried up stairs because cyclists were left out of planning for the Rhine line closure
During the two-week closure of a level crossing in Rüdesheim, Deutsche Bahn apparently failed to consider cyclists. Instead of a barrier-free detour, helpers had to carry bicycles up a steep staircase – the ADFC is calling for systematic changes.
Operation Laim: Munich's S-Bahn main line partially closed from August 25 – special timetables for seven lines
From Monday evening (August 17), Deutsche Bahn begins the second construction phase at Laim station. Until at least mid-2028, the S3, S4, S6 and S8 will no longer stop in the city-bound direction. From August 17 to 25, the main line will also be partially closed with special timetables for all lines.
Weeks of IC cancellations between Stuttgart and Nuremberg: Rail repairs heat-damaged tracks until end of August
Due to heat-related track damage, several stops on the IC route between Stuttgart and Nuremberg are cancelled for weeks. Deutsche Bahn is working to clear the disruption – travelers should expect rescheduling and delays.
Deutsche Bahn adjusts refurbishment strategy: Routes to be reopened in stages
DB CEO Evelyn Palla is adapting the modernization program: refurbished sections are to go into service in stages going forward – with a particular focus on control and safety technology as well as ETCS preparation. At the same time, key projects such as Hamburg–Berlin are being delayed.
Bridge works between Magdeburg and Halberstadt: Rail replacement service until end of September
Due to bridge works in Groß Quenstedt, the Dodendorf–Halberstadt section has been closed to rail traffic since 11 August 2026. Deutsche Bahn is setting up a rail replacement service with buses and asks passengers for patience.
Deutsche Bahn launches "DB Junior Express": Supervised travel for children on selected ICE trains
From 21 August 2026, Deutsche Bahn will offer a new service for unaccompanied children aged 6 to 14 on selected ICE trains: the "DB Junior Express". Specially trained pedagogical staff will accompany the children throughout the entire journey – including handover at the departure and arrival station.
Saarbahn strike reaches new peak: GDL to halt trains again from Tuesday
In the collective bargaining dispute over an independent locomotive engineers' agreement at Saarbahn, the GDL is continuing its rolling strike. From Tuesday, 11 August, 7 a.m., trains on the Lebach–Sarreguemines line will come to a standstill – with no end in sight. A strike notice has also already been issued for Wednesday.
DB closes level crossing in Rüdesheim – cyclists directed to steep stairs
During the corridor renovation of the right Rhine line, Deutsche Bahn has closed the level crossing on the B42 in Rüdesheim. For cyclists, the only detour was a steep, narrow staircase – two helpers carried bikes up and down.
Niedtalbahn: Commissioning of modernized stations postponed to 24 August 2026
Deutsche Bahn (DB InfraGO) is renovating the Siersburg, Hemmersdorf and Niedaltdorf traffic stations on the Niedtalbahn. Weather, planning adjustments and additional civil engineering works are delaying completion – rail service will now start on 24 August 2026, with replacement bus service continuing until then.
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 advice center: 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.