Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB issue heat warnings, offer free ticket cancellations

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) issued a heat warning, noting that record temperatures can cause track buckling, speed reductions and temporary service restrictions. Passengers were urged to avoid non‑essential trips, to plan extra travel time, carry water and use sun protection.

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn warned that its network is under severe strain from the same heat wave. It advised customers to postpone non‑essential journeys and introduced a special “heat‑culmination” policy allowing free cancellation of tickets purchased by 23 June for journeys up to 30 June. The rail operator also distributed bottled water at major stations and highlighted risks such as track deformation, landslide fires and storm‑related damage to signals and overhead lines. A passenger association, Pro Bahn, said only about one‑third of DB’s trains have adequate air‑conditioning for extreme heat. In North‑Rhine Westphalia, operator National Express temporarily halted regional services for six hours due to the heat.

Both rail companies emphasized heightened monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure to mitigate the impact of the ongoing extreme temperatures.