Wittenberg cut off from long-distance traffic: buses replace trains until December!

Wittenberg cut off from long-distance traffic: buses replace trains until December!

The railway line between Berlin Südkreuz and Bitterfeld has been completely closed since September 24, 2025. This measure, which will last until December 13th, means that Wittenberg is decoupled from long-distance traffic. Commuters and travelers are faced with the challenge of switching to comprehensive alternative transport. Deutsche Bahn has initiated the closure in order to lay new tracks and install 33 new switches on 130 km of the important ICE route Berlin-Leipzig/Halle-Erfurt-Munich. In addition, 59 switches are to be repaired so that the section remains construction-free for the next three years. Many local transport routes in the region are being replaced by buses, and this concept brings some changes that are important for travelers.

The affected local transport lines, including the RB24, RB32, RB33 and the RE lines RE3, RE4, RE5, RE85, S2 and S8, are now facing restrictions. For example, the RE4 between Oehna and Berlin is no longer running, while the RE3 between Wittenberg and Berlin no longer runs. But there are also alternatives for travelers: express buses with selected stops ensure that the connection is still possible. In addition, the fastest connection from Wittenberg to Berlin is advertised via the RB 51 to Roßlau and then on with the RE 7.

Major changes in local transport

Passengers on the routes between Halle, Leipzig, Erfurt and Munich are particularly affected, where journey times are extended by 45 to 60 minutes. In this way, Halle will only be connected to Berlin with long-distance trains every two hours during the closure. This is also something that commuters and travelers should keep in mind.

In addition, there will be another closure of the Bitterfeld junction from October 10th to 13th. During this time, no long-distance trains will stop in Bitterfeld and trains will also have to be rerouted here. Bus connections between Wolfen and Leipzig are also available during this period.

More than just Wittenberg affected

But the changes in the railway landscape go beyond Wittenberg. The Hamburg-Berlin route, one of Germany's most important direct connections at 278 kilometers, is also undergoing extensive renovation. This construction work is scheduled to take place from August 2025 to April 2026. The tracks, switches and overhead lines are being replaced and modern station structures are being created. 28 stations along the route will also be upgraded into future stations, promising changes that are expected to significantly improve the travel experience.

So it's no wonder that Deutsche Bahn has now also awarded contracts for rail replacement services in 2026 and 2027. These include future connections, for example from Hagen via Wuppertal to Cologne or from Nuremberg to Regensburg, and are intended to secure important traffic arteries while extensive renovations are carried out. The traffic problem will not only be felt in Wittenberg, but will affect the entire railway landscape in Germany.

Deutsche Bahn and the relevant authorities are working closely together to create a comprehensive transport concept that will be presented to the public at the beginning of 2025. On this occasion, passengers can look forward to modern, barrier-free vehicles with a high level of comfort.

Find out about the new timetables in good time so that your trip – whether to Berlin or somewhere else – runs as smoothly as possible!

For more information on current developments, you can read the reporting from Central German newspaper, which offers details about the general renovation, on the website German railways Read about it and find out about the planned replacement services here inform.