Replacement services during the Lehrte – Berlin corridor renovation
Replacement services during the corridor renovation
The line between Lehrte and Berlin will be closed multiple times between October 2, 2026 and December 11, 2027 due to the corridor renovation. Thanks to rerouting in long-distance transport and extensive replacement bus services in regional transport, travellers will still be able to reach their destinations.
All key information about the regional replacement bus service will be published on this website well in advance of the start of construction work. Once the replacement service is operational, a live map showing bus locations and departure times at each stop, along with other useful travel information, will be available here. Before the works begin, timetables and posters at all affected stations will provide details of revised train times and replacement bus services. Directions to the replacement bus stops will also be available on bahnhof.de/en and on this website.
Find out when and where your bus runs
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.
Changes in Regional Transport
During the corridor renovation of the Lehrte – Berlin route and the resulting rerouted services, regional rail operations will be affected in five federal states.
Depending on the construction phase, trains will either run as close as possible to the sites or be diverted. If this is not possible, a high-capacity replacement bus service will be provided instead.
Planned full line closures
- October to December 2026 and 2027: Full closure between Fallersleben and Berlin-Spandau
- February to July 2027: Full closure between Lehrte and Fallersleben
- Between these periods, some services will operate on a single track
The following lines will be affected by service changes or replacement bus services during the first closure period (October to December 2026): Services not listed below will continue to operate as scheduled.
Flexible travel via main diversion routes
On the two main diversion routes Hannover – Magdeburg – Berlin and Fulda – Erfurt – Berlin, a reliable basic service will continue to operate on local rail services throughout the construction work. Passengers can therefore continue to travel by train as usual, as no replacement bus services will be required.
Long-distance trains
Long-distance trains are also affected by the closure and will be diverted. 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.
For more information, view the DB long-distance disruption map.
Railway Line Lehrte – Berlin: Planned Measures
The Lehrte – Berlin corridor is a central component of the trans-European rail network and covering approximately 227 kilometers, forms an important east-west axis connecting Germany’s major metropolitan regions. The line combines the high-speed section with the Lehrte main line, creating an efficient mixed-traffic route for long-distance, local, and freight trains. Its significance for transport and the economy is substantial: Around 40,000 passengers travel daily between Lehrte and Berlin on DB's long-distance trains.
Plans include the replacement of numerous switches as well as the renewal of tracks and noise barriers. In addition, bridges, culverts, and point heating systems will be modernized, while overhead line systems and signaling and safety technology will be maintained. Furthermore, modernization is planned for more than 20 stations along the route.
You can find more information about the construction project between Lehrte and Berlin here.
Answers to frequently asked questions
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.
What ticket do I need for the replacement service and where can I buy it?
Boarding the replacement buses is only permitted with a valid ticket. On replacement buses for regional transport, valid local transport tickets are accepted, including the Deutschlandticket.
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). This ticket is then valid for the replacement bus instead of the train. It is not possible to buy tickets on the bus.
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.
I have restricted mobility and need assistance. Who can I contact?
Please contact Deutsche Bahn’s Mobility Service. The Mobility Service Center will organize everything necessary if you need assistance with boarding, changing trains, or alighting—for example, a platform lift for a wheelchair. The center also answers questions about suitable trains, station accessibility, and minimum transfer times. You can find information at bahn.de/en/booking-information/accessible-travel. You can also request assistance online at msz.bahnhof.de.
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