Replacement services for the Hamburg–Berlin general renovation
Replacement services during the general renovation
The line between Hamburg and Berlin will be completely closed from 1 August 2025 to 30 April 2026 due to the general renovation. Long-distance trains will be diverted around the line closure. Travellers on regional services will be able to reach their destinations via alternative routes and extensive replacement bus services.
Find bus routes and times at bahn.de/en, in the DB Navigator app, in the local public transport apps and on the websites of the local transport associations. See the route network map for an overview of the 27 replacement bus routes for regional transport.
In addition to the overview, you can also download more detailed maps of the individual regions.
Timetables and posters with information about replacement bus services and changes to journey times will be provided at all affected stations in advance of the construction work. Visit bahnhof.de/en for information on how to get to the replacement bus stops. When the replacement services start operating, you will also find departure boards for each stop here as well as live maps tracking the buses.
The replacement bus services will be operated by ecoVista eK.
Changes to regional transport
As part of the general renovation of the Hamburg–Berlin line, train services will be severely restricted from 1 August 2025 to 30 April 2026. Travellers will still be able to reach their destinations. However, the following service changes and bus replacements will apply to regional and local trains:
Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein/Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Line | Usual route | Changes from 1 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
RE1 | Hamburg <> Büchen <> Hagenow Land <> Schwerin <> Bad Kleinen <> Bützow <> Rostock | RE1 will not run between Hamburg and Bad Kleinen. Trains will run every 60 minutes between Bad Kleinen and Rostock. |
RE2 | New RE2 line between Lübeck and Bad Kleinen. Larger trains will run on this line, providing increased capacity. However, these trains are unable to accelerate as quickly and will therefore not stop at all intermediate stations. To maintain connections in Lübeck and Bad Kleinen, RE2 trains will not stop at Grieben, Plüschow and Bobitz. Replacement buses will serve these stations instead. | |
RE4 | Lübeck <> Bad Kleinen <> Bützow <> Güstrow <> Neubrandenburg <> Szczecin | RE4 will run between Bützow and Neubrandenburg/Szczecin only; the new RE2 will run between Lübeck and Bad Kleinen instead of RE4. |
RE5 | Rostock <> Güstrow <> Waren (Müritz) <> Oranienburg <> Berlin | RE5 will be diverted between Rostock and Waren (Müritz); trains will not stop at Güstrow. |
RE8 | Wismar <> Bad Kleinen <> Schwerin <> Ludwigslust <> Wittenberge <> Berlin Central <> Berlin Airport BER | RE8 will not run between Wismar and Berlin. Passengers travelling between Schwerin and Berlin should instead use the new RE85. |
RE83 | Lübeck <> Mölln <> Büchen <> Lüneburg | Buses will replace RE83 between Mölln and Lauenburg (see below) |
RE85 | New RE85 line every 120 minutes between Schwerin and Berlin-Südkreuz via Bad Kleinen, Güstrow, Waren (Müritz), Neustrelitz, Oranienburg, Berlin-Gesundbrunnen and Berlin Central. Neustrelitz will only be served by trains towards Schwerin. | |
RB14 | Hagenow Stadt <> Hagenow Land <> Ludwigslust <> Parchim | RB14 will not run; replacement bus services will be provided (see below) |
RB17 | Wismar <> Bad Kleinen <> Schwerin <> Ludwigslust | Trains will not run between Schwerin-Süd and Ludwigslust; RB17 will run hourly on the rest of the route. |
RB18/RB28 | (Ludwigslust <>) Schwerin <> Bad Kleinen (<> Rostock) | RB18 and RB28 will not run between Ludwigslust, Schwerin and Rostock. A very limited service will run between Rostock and Schwerin at peak times. |
Niedersachsen/Sachsen-Anhalt
Line | Usual route | Changes from 1 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
RE19 | Uelzen <> Salzwedel <> Stendal <> Magdeburg | RE19 will not run. |
RE20 | Uelzen <> Salzwedel <> Stendal <> Magdeburg | Daytime RE20 services will be replaced by buses between Uelzen and Salzwedel and between Hohenwulsch and Stendal (see below). |
RE50 | Hildesheim <> Braunschweig <> Wolfsburg | The usual half-hourly RE50 service between Braunschweig and Wolfsburg will be reduced to a mostly hourly service. |
RB40 | Braunschweig <> Helmstedt <> Magdeburg | The additional peak hour RB40 services will not run. |
RB47 | Uelzen <> Bad Bodenteich <> Braunschweig | RB47 will only run the full length of the route every 2 hours. Buses will replace trains every 2 hours between Uelzen and Bad Bodenteich (see below) |
S1 | Wittenberge <> Stendal <> Magdeburg <> Schönebeck-Bad Salzelmen | S1 will be replaced by buses between Wittenberge and Osterburg (see below). |
Berlin/Brandenburg
Line | Usual route | Changes from 1 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
RE2 | Nauen <> Berlin <> Lübbenau <> Cottbus | From Berlin's main east-west rail line, RE2 trains will run to Hennigsdorf via Berlin-Spandau and Dallgow-Döberitz. |
RE6 | Wittenberge <> Pritzwalk <> Hennigsdorf <> Berlin | RE6 (Prignitz-Express) will take a different route during the general renovation. Trains will run from Perleberg via Pritzwalk, Wittstock (Dosse), Neuruppin, Löwenberg and Oranienburg to Berlin-Gesundbrunnen. |
RE8 | Wismar <> Bad Kleinen <> Schwerin <> Ludwigslust <> Wittenberge <> Berlin Central <> Berlin Airport BER | RE8 will not run between Wismar and Berlin. RE8 trains from BER Airport will run via Berlin's main east-west rail line and then continue to Berlin-Spandau, Dallgow-Döberitz and Elstal. |
RE85 | New RE85 line every 120 minutes between Schwerin and Berlin-Südkreuz via Bad Kleinen, Güstrow, Waren (Müritz), Neustrelitz, Oranienburg, Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, Berlin Central. | |
RB10 | Nauen <> Berlin-Südkreuz | RB10 will not run. |
RB14 | Nauen <> Berlin-Südkreuz | RB14 will run from the Berlin North-South Tunnel to Wustermark via Berlin-Spandau and Dallgow-Döberitz. |
RB20 | Potsdam-Griebnitzsee <> Golm <> Hennigsdorf <> Oranienburg | RB20 will not run between Birkenwerder and Oranienburg and will be replaced by the S-Bahn. |
RB73 | Pritzwalk <> Wusterhausen <> Neustadt (Dosse) | RB73 will not run between Kyritz and Neustadt (Dosse). |
Long-distance trains
Long-distance trains are also affected and will be diverted around the line closure. The changes are already included in DB's electronic timetable information. You can find timetable information at bahn.de/en and in the DB Navigator app. Plan and book your journey in advance using the website or app. Replacement bus services are also planned for some long-distance trains. However, these will not be operated by ecoVista eK. Further information on routes, diversions and times is available here.
Hamburg–Berlin general renovation: What is planned?
The 278-kilometre rail link between Hamburg and Berlin is one of Germany's most important direct city-to-city connections and is heavily used. To reduce infrastructure-related disruption and enable a better quality, more punctual service, the German government and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have decided to carry out a general renovation of this line.
During the construction period from 1 August 2025 to 30 April 2026, DB will combine numerous different works on tracks, points and overhead lines. New crossovers will be installed to improve operational flexibility, and control and safety systems will be updated. In addition, 28 stations along the route will be modernised and in some cases upgraded to stations of the future. Travellers and goods will still be able to reliably reach their destinations during the works. To ensure this is the case, the passenger transport authorities and rail companies affected have developed a comprehensive plan together with DB. This was presented to the public in various formats at the beginning of 2025.
You can find more information about the construction project here. If you would like to find out more about regional transport services during the construction period, please click here.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Please note that the FAQ is currently still under construction. Further questions and answers will be added in due course.
Where can I find the timetable information for the replacement services?
All replacement services are shown via the usual travel information channels, for example at bahn.de/en or in the DB Navigator app as well as in the apps of the regional transport associations. Departure timetables are also available at the bus stops used by the replacement service.
How do I find the bus stops for the replacement services?
The replacement bus stops are usually outside the train station or, to minimise bus journey times, at another convenient central location. They are clearly labelled. Signage points the way to the replacement bus stop. Maps of the surrounding area are provided on the platform notice boards, showing walking routes between the station and the replacement bus stop.
How will I recognise the buses for the regional replacement services?
All the buses are completely purple and have "Ersatzverkehr Replacement Service" written on the side. The symbol for the replacement bus service is also easy to recognise. Digital displays on the side and front of the bus show the bus route number and destination.
Do the same passenger rights apply as on trains, especially with regard to delays and refunds?
The same passenger rights apply on replacement buses as on trains, including refunds and compensation in the event of delays.
Do the buses have the same capacity and frequency as the trains?
Due to traffic conditions, travellers will sometimes experience longer journey times on the replacement buses compared with the usual train service. In some cases, buses must take a longer route than the train due to the lack of direct roads. The departure times of the buses have been planned accordingly. From some transport hubs, there will be a variety of replacement bus routes to offer passengers as many options as possible to reach their destination. Up to 173 comfortable intercity and articulated buses will be used for the replacement services. We are working with our partners to ensure that enough vehicles and drivers are available to offer sufficient capacity.
How will it be ensured that there is enough room for everyone on the bus and that overcrowding is avoided?
The routes and timetables for the replacement services have been designed based on experience from previous construction projects. Travel patterns will be closely monitored, especially during the first few weeks. All vehicles are equipped with automatic passenger counting systems for this purpose. This data will be provided to the project partners so that bus capacity can be adjusted if necessary.
Will the replacement services wait for delayed connecting trains/buses?
There is enough slack in the timetable to absorb minor delays. In the event of longer delays, you may have to wait for the next train or bus, as connections can only wait for a limited time.
Does the DB Navigator app provide real-time tracking for replacement services?
The buses used for regional transport will be equipped with GPS trackers. This means you will able to check whether your bus is on time in the DB Navigator app and other information systems before you set off. On board the bus, display screens will also provide you with information about the route, connections and next stops. In addition, from the start of the general renovation, you will be able to track the replacement buses using a live map on this website.
Are bicycles allowed on replacement services?
We want as many passengers as possible to continue using public transport during the general renovation and to be able to reliably reach their destination using the bus. In order to maximise capacity for passengers, it is not possible to take bicycles on the replacement buses. Folding bikes are considered luggage (if folded away) and can be carried on all replacement bus routes.
Are e-scooters allowed on board?
Due to the elevated risk of fire, e-scooters are not permitted on the replacement buses.
Are dogs allowed on board?
Dogs are permitted on the replacement service under supervision. The condition is that the dogs are either kept in containers such as carry-on luggage (e.g., pet crates) or are on a leash and muzzled.
Can children in pushchairs and passengers with reduced mobility travel on the replacement buses?
Pushchairs and wheelchairs will of course be permitted on board the replacement buses. The articulated buses have two designated areas with boarding aids for wheelchairs and pushchairs; the non-articulated buses have a special use area for this purpose, also with boarding aids. We recommend that passengers with reduced mobility contact the Mobility Service Centre (MSC) in advance.
What ticket do I need?
No additional ticket is required to travel on replacement services. As with any train journey, a ticket for the desired route must always be purchased before travelling. This ticket is then valid on the replacement bus service instead of the train.
Where can I get a ticket for the replacement buses?
You can obtain tickets from the apps, websites, ticket offices and ticket machines of the regional transport associations and participating rail companies (e.g. DB Navigator or bahn.de/en). Tickets cannot be purchased on the bus.
Is it possible to buy a ticket at the bus stop?
In most cases, there are no ticket machines or sales points in the immediate vicinity of the replacement bus stop. Please plan your ticket purchase in advance. Tickets can be purchased quickly and easily in the apps and on the websites of the regional transport associations and rail companies (e.g. in the DB Navigator app).
Are long-distance trains also affected by the closure?
Long-distance trains are also affected and will be diverted around the line closure. Further information is available here.
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