Six weeks behind schedule, the rail line between Hamburg and Berlin has reopened. The first long-distance train departed from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof on Sunday morning.
Deutsche Bahn reopened the line on June 14, 2026. The first train left Hamburg at 5:36 a.m. with a slight delay toward Berlin. Freight trains had already resumed operations the previous evening.
Thousands of commuters no longer depend on replacement buses. During the works, long-distance services were rerouted via Stendal and Uelzen. Since mid-May, trains have run continuously between Hamburg and Schwerin.
The general renovation started in August 2025 and was originally due to finish by the end of April. A harsh winter and frozen ground caused delays. The operator advises passengers to check exact departure times before traveling.
