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Difficulties for train traffic in Germany. What changes for travellers in spring? | PolishTrains

Q: How do I check which station my train to Berlin terminates at?

The most reliable approach is to **check the current timetable immediately before travel**. During engineering works, the terminating station may be Berlin Lichtenberg, Berlin Gesundbrunnen or Frankfurt (Oder).

Q: Do trains from Poland arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof during the engineering works?

No, during most affected periods **trains from Poland do not terminate at Berlin Hbf**. Check the latest information before you travel, as the terminating station changes at each phase of the works.

Q: What should you do if you have a connection at a different Berlin station?

**Allow extra time to travel between stations.** During the works you may alight at an unfamiliar station or end your journey on a replacement bus service.

Q: Does a seat reservation remain valid if the train route is shortened?

Yes, **a reservation covers the rail section included on the ticket**. If the operator introduces a replacement bus or a major change to the journey plan, check the latest information and fare conditions before you travel.

Q: Where should I report a problem with my Berlin train ticket purchased on PolishTrains?

Contact **PolishTrains customer services**. The adviser will check whether exchanging your ticket, requesting a refund or keeping the ticket as it is is the best option in your situation.

In recent months, rail travel between Poland and Germany has become significantly more difficult. The reason is the prolonged renovation of the Frankfurt-Berlin railway line and the temporary closure of a key railway section within Germany. Further changes are expected in the spring. Is this good news? All signs point to yes..

At a glance

Polish cities including Warsaw, Krakow, Gdynia and Wroclaw are connected to Berlin by direct trains
Engineering works on the German side have caused long-running disruption to Berlin services
During works, trains from Poland may terminate at Berlin Lichtenberg or Berlin Gesundbrunnen
Replacement bus services operate on some affected sections between Poland and Berlin
The terminating station changes at each phase of works, so checking before travel is essential
Passengers with onward connections in Berlin should allow extra time to transfer between stations

What changes for travellers? Latest information and dates

Connections from Poland to eastern Germany are among the most popular international journeys. Intercity and Deutsche Bahn trains connect the German capital with cities such as Warsaw, Cracow, Przemyśl, Gdynia and Wrocław, between which as many as a dozen trains regularly run during the day. In connection with the modernisation of the popular line on the western side of the border, travellers have long complained about difficulties and the need to use substitute transport. According to the carrier, this is to remain in place for most connections, but only on individual days. The terminating stations of trains that travel directly to Berlin are also changing. Here is a detailed list and calendar of the most important changes:

Changes to trains to and from Berlin

Trains to Berlin

From 30 June to 6 July 2025, trains running to Berlin have a changed route and do not stop at the stations: Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Hbf, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Charlottenburg. Trains run to the stations Berlin Lichtenberg and Berlin Gesundbrunnen.

Please note that the exception is train 40 on 6 July, which only runs to Frankfurt (Oder) station. The onward journey to Berlin will be made by Substitute Bus Transport.

From 7 to 25 July 2025, all trains to Berlin only run as far as Frankfurt (Oder) station, the onward journey will be by Substitute Bus Transport.

From 26 July to 8 August 2025, trains are re-routed and do not stop at Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Hbf, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Charlottenburg stations. Trains run to the stations Berlin Lichtenberg and Berlin Gesundbrunnen.

Train 40 on 29 July, 30 July, 15 August and 27 August 2025 does not stop at Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Hbf, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Charlottenburg stations. The train runs to Berlin Lichtenberg and Berlin Gesundbrunnen stations.

Trains from Berlin

From 30 June to 6 July 2025, trains operating from Berlin are re-routed and do not stop at the stations: Berlin Hbf, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Charlottenburg. Trains run from Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin Lichtenberg stations.

From 7 to 25 July 2025, all trains run from Frankfurt (Oder) station, while earlier travel from Berlin is by Replacement Bus Service.

On 26 July, trains (with the exception of train no. 41) are re-routed and do not stop at the stations: Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Hbf, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Charlottenburg. Trains run from the stations Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin Lichtenberg.

Please note that the exception is train No. 41, which runs from Frankfurt (Oder) station on 26 July, while earlier travel from Berlin is by Substitute Bus Service.

From 27 July to 30 August 2025, trains have a changed route and do not stop at the stations: Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin Hbf, Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Charlottenburg. Trains run from Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin Lichtenberg stations.

IMPORTANT: It is not necessary to purchase a separate ticket for the bus replacement service. Travellers are entitled to travel on the Frankfurt (Oder)-Berlin section with the purchased rail ticket.

Does this mean the announced end of the renovations? We hope so, however, due to the high dynamics of the changes, we recommend that all travellers keep checking train routes and departure times to avoid unpleasant surprises during their travels. You will find the latest train timetable and train tickets at attractive prices at PolishTrains.pl!