After a multi-week closure, Deutsche Bahn has reopened the Hamburg Verbindungsbahn between Hauptbahnhof and Altona for train traffic. A new Sternbrücke weighing around 3,700 tonnes replaces the old structure and strengthens the Hamburg rail node.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant for rail travelers, as it may have concrete effects on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutschebahn, Hamburg, Verbindungsbahn, Sternbruecke, Dbinfrago, rail traffic, construction project and Hamburg S-Bahn. The key points are summarized concisely below.
Key points
- Since 31.08.2026, at approximately 4:15 a.m., scheduled rail traffic has been running again over the new Sternbrücke between Hamburg-Altona and Hamburg Hauptbahnhof.
- The first train was the RE 70 from Kiel; in long-distance traffic, ICE 103 to Basel SBB was the first departure, and the S5 toward Hauptbahnhof was the first S-Bahn.
- Around 1,000 long-distance, regional and S-Bahn trains use the route daily.
- During construction, around four kilometers of rail, approximately 3,000 sleepers and around 8,000 tonnes of ballast were installed, among other things; the new bridge is 108 meters long and weighs approximately 3,700 tonnes.
- The measure creates the prerequisites for the relocation of the Altona long-distance and regional station to Diebsteich.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, it is worth taking a closer look at the period, route and booking conditions. The key question is whether the report already triggers specific timetable changes or primarily describes a political or strategic development.
Context
Reopening of the Hamburg Verbindungsbahn: DB InfraGO has completed the replacement construction of the Sternbrücke and additional bundled construction measures. The route was closed for several weeks; long-distance, regional and S-Bahn trains are now running on schedule again between Altona and Hauptbahnhof. The new bridge was financed through the special fund. The work is part of the modernization of the Hamburg transport node and a prerequisite for the relocation of Altona station to Diebsteich.
What to watch now
- Check specific timetable or construction notices only once travel dates are set.
- Plan transfer times more generously for international journeys.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still preliminary.