From 1 August 2025 to 30 April 2026, Deutsche Bahn (DB) will completely close the 278-kilometre railway line between Hamburg and Berlin to carry out a general renovation.
Scope of construction works
The general renovation is divided into three construction sections:
1. Hamburg–Büchen
2. Büchen–Dergenthin
3. Dergenthin–Berlin
Within the nine-month period, DB plans to renew more than 180 km of track and around 200 switches. Additionally, six new transfer points will be built to allow more flexible traffic management, including overtaking of slower freight trains.
Upgrades to control and safety systems are scheduled, including construction of new signal boxes. In total, 28 traffic stations along the route will be modernised.
Due to signal box and control system replacements, the closure also affects surrounding sections, including:
- Mölln – Büchen – Lauenburg (Elbe)
- Hagenow Stadt – Hagenow Land – Schwerin Süd – Ludwigslust
- Ludwigslust – Parchim
- Wittenberge – Perleberg – Osterburg
- Kyritz – Neustadt/Dosse
Nine-month total closure with alternative transport measures
During the closure, long-distance services between Hamburg and Berlin will be diverted, maintaining direct connectivity. Trains to and from Rostock and Stralsund will be rerouted via Lübeck.
Regional rail traffic will be substituted by more than 170 buses as part of a comprehensive replacement service. Real-time travel information and departure boards will be provided via DB Navigator, bahn.de, and regional transit apps.
Freight transport diversions and sidings
Freight traffic will also be rerouted between 1 August 2025 and 30 April 2026. DB expects diversions via Uelzen and Stendal, as well as routes through Rotenburg (Wümme), Verden (Aller), Hanover, and Magdeburg. Trains from Rostock may be rerouted through Neustrelitz.
The corridor is especially relevant for hinterland freight movements between northern ports and economic regions in eastern and central Germany. On average, 90 freight trains use the corridor daily. DB has engaged with affected operators, presenting its diversion concept at a meeting in Berlin on 22 January 2025. Individual solutions have been offered to companies with sidings along the route.
Most of the freight operators have, however, raised serious concerns about the capacity of diversions and many logistics companies informed their customers about potential deliveries delays in advance.
National overhaul programme
The Hamburg–Berlin route is part of a broader 4,200 km overhaul initiative led by DB in coordination with the federal government. The programme began with the Riedbahn (Frankfurt–Mannheim) in 2024 and will continue with corridors including Emmerich–Oberhausen.
The line between Hamburg and Berlin plays a key role in national and cross-border passenger and freight traffic, with train speeds reaching up to 230 km/h. DB reports the infrastructure is under heavy strain, with wear attributed to high daily train volumes. The current works are expected to reduce disruption over the longer term by addressing multiple infrastructure needs in one coordinated effort.
