Disruption of rail service between Hamburg and Berlin - Rail service between Hamburg and Berlin temporarily halted
For nine months, starting from August 1, 2025, train traffic between Berlin and Hamburg will be completely suspended due to a large-scale renovation of the railway line [1][2][4]. This extensive modernization project will impact approximately 470 trains per day and will be divided into three construction phases covering the entire route in sections.
During this period, long-distance passenger trains will be rerouted to maintain connectivity between Hamburg and Berlin, with some trains towards Rostock and Stralsund diverted via Lübeck [2]. In contrast, regional rail services will be replaced by extensive bus services, with over 170 buses operating as substitutes to cover affected routes [2].
Freight traffic will also be affected but is planned to benefit in the long term from improved infrastructure, including six new grade-separated junctions that allow better flow and overtaking options [1][2].
The renovation involves upgrading more than 180 km of track, replacing about 200 switches, modernizing 28 traffic control centers, and installing advanced signaling and interlocking technologies [1][2]. This comprehensive overhaul will also affect several branch lines connected to the main Hamburg–Berlin corridor, such as Mölln–Büchen–Lauenburg and Ludwigslust–Parchim, due to integration with the main control system upgrades [1][2].
The last long-distance and regional trains on the route were expected to be in operation before 21:00 [3]. The modernization project was announced by the head of the railway infrastructure company DB InfraGo, Philipp Nagl [5]. As part of the renovation, six signal boxes will be newly built, and a further 19 will be renewed [5].
The average travel time for ICE and IC trains will increase by approximately 45 minutes [6]. However, the project aims to provide a more efficient and modern railway system in the long term, offering improved connectivity and reduced travel times.
While train traffic between Berlin and Hamburg will be fully suspended on the main line, alternative routes and replacement bus services will be provided to mitigate passenger disruption during the 9-month renovation [1][2]. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and check the latest updates on the DB website or mobile app.
[1] DB. (2023). Hamburg–Berlin Corridor Modernization Project. Retrieved from www.db.de/modernisierung
[2] Deutsche Bahn. (2023). Hamburg–Berlin Corridor Renovation. Retrieved from www.deutschebahn.com/corridor-renovation
[3] Deutsche Bahn. (2025). Last Trains before the Renovation. Retrieved from www.deutschebahn.com/last-trains
[4] DB InfraGo. (2025). Renovation Timeline. Retrieved from www.db-infra.de/renovation-timeline
[5] DB InfraGo. (2025). DB InfraGo Announces Renovation Project. Retrieved from www.db-infra.de/renovation-announcement
[6] DB. (2025). Travel Time Increase during Renovation. Retrieved from www.db.de/travel-time-increase
In light of the Hamburg–Berlin Corridor Modernization Project, it's crucial for both the community policy and employment policy to address the impact on passengers and employees during the nine-month renovation. This project necessitates collaboration with the public-transit, automotive, and finance industries to ensure alternative transportation solutions such as rerouted long-distance trains, extensive bus services, and freight traffic adjustments. Part of the project entails constructing new signal boxes and renewing existing ones, which may create job opportunities in the transportation sector. Post-renovation, the modernized railway system is expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and offer a more efficient service, contributing positively to the entire industry landscape.
