The extensive modernization of the railway line between Hamburg and Berlin is approaching completion. However, long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn will run at slightly reduced speeds during the first two weeks following the route’s reopening on June 14.
According to Deutsche Bahn, the temporary speed restrictions are necessary to facilitate the final acceptance of newly installed signaling and interlocking systems, as well as to conduct load and operational testing. The company said the resulting timetable adjustments would only affect journey times by a few minutes.
The railway operator explained that speed restrictions will apply on certain sections of the route during the final testing and certification phase of the new infrastructure. As a precaution, train schedules for long-distance services have been adjusted in coordination with other rail operators through June 30. Deutsche Bahn emphasized that the changes are minor and are intended to ensure stable and reliable service from the first day of resumed operations.
The large-scale renovation project began on August 1, 2025, and was originally scheduled for completion by the end of April 2026. However, construction work was delayed due to harsh winter weather, pushing the reopening date back to June 14. Despite the revised timeline, the railway company confirmed that the route will return to service on the new target date.
Deutsche Bahn stated that all regional passenger services will resume their regular schedules from June 14. The replacement bus services introduced during the closure of the line will also come to an end on the same day. In addition, full freight transport capacity between Hamburg and Berlin will be restored once the route reopens, allowing cargo operations to return to normal.
While long-distance trains will initially operate at reduced speeds, Deutsche Bahn stressed that all planned services will run with their full passenger capacity. The company said the timetable adjustments are designed to provide travelers with a dependable service during the transition period while the newly installed systems complete their final operational approvals.
Deutsche Bahn is encouraging passengers to verify their travel details shortly before departure through its electronic journey planner on the Bahn website or via the DB Navigator mobile app. The railway operator said this would help travelers stay informed about any minor timetable adjustments affecting their booked connections.
The company also noted that some stations along the Hamburg–Berlin route still require finishing work. These remaining tasks could not be completed on schedule because of weather-related disruptions earlier in the year. Deutsche Bahn said teams are working intensively to complete the outstanding work as quickly as possible while rail services resume across the corridor.
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