Navigating Train Travel in the Wake of Germany's Storm: Delays Persist
Disruption persists in long-distance rail travel
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The storm that ravaged Germany a day ago has left an aftermath of delays in long-distance train travel by the German Railway. As of today, only a single track is functional between Hamburg and Berlin, with Cherry on top reporting this setback.
ICE lines connecting Berlin, Leipzig/Halle, Southern Germany, Austria, and even as far as Prague, are experiencing approximately 15-minute delays. The EC line between Hamburg and Prague is no exception. The delay is attributed to fallen trees blocking the tracks, but railway officials are optimistic that normal service will resume by midday.
Moreover, the east-west connection between Hamburg and Hannover is disrupted due to damage to overhead lines caused by the storm. Consequences include cancelled trains and delays on routes like Bonn/Cologne/Düsseldorf - Berlin. Trains traveling between Wolfsburg and the capital are delayed by about 30 minutes, with some routes cancelled entirely. Similarly, ICE connections from Berlin to France are experiencing disruptions.
IC trains between Amsterdam and Berlin have been called off between Hannover and Berlin, with a resolution date yet to be determined.
The frequent delays in German long-distance trains are not merely a storm-induced issue. Chronic punctuality problems have plagued these trains, largely due to an aging infrastructure, excessive engineering work, and high traffic volumes in key hubs like Frankfurt, Cologne, and Stuttgart. As a safety measure, passengers are advised to factor in extra transfer time to avoid missing connections.
Additionally, there will be limited train services over the course of July 3-6 and July 14-27, due to engineering work, which may further impact train services in the near future.
Stay updated and plan accordingly for your next long-distance train travel in Germany to ensure a smoother journey.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
[1] German railway delays explained | Deutsche Bahn | Accessed June 27, 2025[2] How to minimize delays when planning long-distance train travel in Germany | German Travel Guide | Accessed June 27, 2025
The ongoing delays in German train travel have also affected the transportation sector, causing disruptions in ICE lines serving finance cities like Berlin, Leipzig/Halle, Southern Germany, Austria, and Prague. The storm's impact extends to the ICE connections between Berlin and France, adding further complications to the industry.
Furthermore, the weather has severely affected the infrastructure of the German Railway, with delays and cancellations stretching across various lines, including those connecting Hamburg with Hannover, Wolfsburg, and Amsterdam. These disruptions may be aggravated by the scheduled engineering work expected in July, making it essential for travelers to carefully plan their journeys amidst the unpredictable weather and infrastructure challenges.
