Prolonged halt of the light rail service within the upcoming year, with the S-Bahn being the sole remaining rail service in operation - Railway shutdown in the city next year, with only S-Bahn services operational
Next year, from August 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, a significant closure of the Hamburg–Berlin railway line will take place for a comprehensive renovation. This closure will affect long-distance and regional trains, leading to some changes in public transportation options for commuters [1][2].
Alternative Public Transportation Options
During the closure, over 170 replacement buses will operate to substitute regional rail traffic, especially where train services are cancelled due to construction. Twenty-seven replacement bus lines will run during peak times to cover routes affected by the closure, with longer journey times accounted for, including school transport considerations [1][2].
Long-distance trains between Hamburg and Berlin will be rerouted rather than cancelled, maintaining direct connections but on alternative routes. For example, trains to/from Rostock and Stralsund will be diverted via Lübeck [2].
For the regional service between Falkensee and Berlin, passengers will take replacement or municipal buses to Dallgow-Döberitz station, where connections to several regional train lines (RE2, RE8, RB14, RE4, and RB21) are available. This move is intended to reduce journey times and improve reliability [1].
Simultaneous Construction Projects
Several construction projects will be carried out simultaneously during the closure. These include the full renovation of the entire Hamburg–Berlin line, involving three major sections: Hamburg–Büchen, Büchen–Dergenthin, and Dergenthin–Berlin [2].
Renewal of tracks and switches, construction of new overtaking points for freight trains, upgrading of signal boxes, and installation of modern safety and control systems are also part of the renovation process [2].
Twenty-eight traffic stations along the route will be modernized for improved traffic management and infrastructure [2].
The closure effects also extend to surrounding lines, including sections between Mölln, Büchen, Lauenburg, Hagenow, Schwerin, Ludwigslust, Wittenberge, and others, due to signal box and control system upgrades [2].
Other Changes
Only the S-Bahn will operate on this section during the closure. The east-west rail link between Ostbahnhof and Zoologischer Garten stations will be closed during this period. Station renovation and maintenance work is also planned during this closure [1].
The City Rail in Berlin will have long-term restrictions from June 14 to December 12 [1].
Real-time information and updates will be provided via DB Navigator, bahn.de, and regional transit apps [2].
The railway company announced these changes, previously reported by Berliner Morgenpost. It is advisable for public transport users to prepare for extensive replacement bus services combined with rerouted and supplemented train connections, while Deutsche Bahn undertakes a broad modernization of the Hamburg-Berlin railway corridor and associated lines [1][2].
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the railway closure and the subsequent changes in public transportation options, as the industry, finance, and even the transportation sector of public-transit will be significantly impacted. Some of the direct trains between Hamburg and Berlin will be rerouted, while replacement buses will operate to cover regional rail traffic during this period.
