Berlin–Hamburg Railway Works Delayed – Prague–Copenhagen Train Connection to Start Later

Construction work on the important railway line between Berlin and Hamburg is taking longer than planned. The reason is delays to individual works during the winter months. The later reopening will also affect international train connections from Prague.

The extensive modernisation of the railway line between Berlin and Hamburg is taking longer than planned. Due to the cold winter months, some construction works have been delayed, meaning the reopening of the line will be pushed back by around six weeks. The changes will also affect international train connections from the Czech Republic.

As Deutsche Bahn announced today, services on the line will be resumed gradually. Initially, on 15 May, the section between Hamburg and the station Hagenow Land, located around 80 kilometres to the east, will reopen. This will allow train connections between Hamburg and Schwerin, among others, to resume. The full reopening of the entire line between Hamburg and Berlin is now planned for 14 June.

Foto: Česke drahy

Impact on connections from Prague

The several-month full closure of the line also affects international services operated by České dráhy. Trains from Prague to Hamburg currently terminate in Berlin. Passengers must change there to other services to continue their journey to northern Germany.

Long-distance trains between Berlin and Hamburg are still running, but are being diverted via Stendal and Uelzen. As a result, travel time is extended by at least 45 minutes. In addition, during the construction works only one train per hour operates between the two cities instead of two.

The planned railway connection between Prague and Copenhagen will also start later than planned. The direct train connection originally scheduled for May will therefore begin at a later date. The reason is also the extended construction phase on the line between Berlin and Hamburg.