Deutsche Bahn delays slow travel on Berlin‑Poland and Berlin‑Hamburg routes

Deutsche Bahn’s ongoing infrastructure problems are extending travel times on several key routes. On the Berlin‑Poland corridor, journeys that once took about two hours in the 1930s now require roughly four hours to Wrocław and over five hours to Warsaw. Ongoing track renovations, staff shortages and delayed modernization projects mean the Berlin‑Szczecin connection remains particularly problematic, with full works now expected only by the end of 2027.

On the Berlin‑Hamburg high‑speed line, service resumes in mid‑June after a general overhaul, but new signalling and control systems enforce speed limits that make the fastest ICE run two minutes slower than before. The line’s reopening was delayed by harsh winter weather, and minor remaining works are being completed under “high‑intensity” effort.

Both routes illustrate how Deutsche Bahn’s delayed investments are pushing passengers toward cars or planes, despite the company’s promises of faster, more reliable rail service.