German rail infrastructure and service disruptions

Germany is experiencing significant disruptions to its rail network due to extensive infrastructure renovations and vehicle delivery delays.

In Berlin, the U6 subway line renovation has been delayed until summer 2027 following the discovery of additional damage to the 70-year-old infrastructure. In the Rhine-Ruhr region, track works for the Rhein-Ruhr-Express are expected to cause long-term partial closures of the S1, S6, and RE47 services starting in 2028.

Further delays have impacted the Rheingau Loreley Express (RE 19), which has been postponed from December 2025 to December 2026 due to construction on the right Rhine line and late vehicle deliveries from Stadler to VIAS. The right Rhine line is scheduled for a five-month total closure during the second half of 2026. Additionally, construction at Frankfurt-Höchst and Rhine line renovations will cause the RE 9 line to face complete service suspensions from late January 2026 through December 2026. Infrastructure and bridge works by DB InfraGO are also expected to cause diversions and canceled stops in the Rheinhessen region during late August and September 2026.