Major Berlin-Hannover rail line to close for full overhaul until 2027
The Berlin-Hannover railway will be shut for a comprehensive renovation lasting until the end of 2027, with long-distance services rerouted and buses replacing regional trains.
Deutsche Bahn has announced a complete overhaul of the 221-kilometre Berlin-Hannover line, closing it to long-distance traffic until the end of 2027. The renovation will force intercity trains to run via Braunschweig and Magdeburg, extending travel times by about 80 minutes, while Amsterdam-Berlin services will be rerouted through Hamburg with a 70-minute increase. Regional trains will be partially suspended and replaced by modern, accessible buses painted in the company's signature colour.
The project follows the recent refurbishment of the Hamburg-Berlin corridor and reflects the rail network's broader strategy to renew key east-west links. Although a parallel Lehrter line was considered to ease disruption, its pending electrification means it cannot be used. Deutsche Bahn pledges to maintain a reliable basic service throughout the construction period.
Why it matters
The closure will significantly lengthen travel times on a key east-west rail corridor, affecting commuters and freight across northern Germany.
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