Deutsche Bahn’s changes for 2027 bring not only service suspensions and restrictions but also some welcome benefits for travelers. As of yesterday, Wednesday, October 14, Deutsche Bahn has been selling tickets for the new schedule, which begins on Sunday, December 13, 2026. For Berlin, the most important change is the Sprinter service to Stuttgart: It will then run three times daily in each direction, instead of just once as before. The Sprinter takes 4 hours and 45 minutes and stops only in Nuremberg. Deutsche Bahn is also introducing faster Sprinter connections on the Hamburg–Munich route. Tickets are available on the DB website, in the Navigator app, and at travel centers.
Stable prices, more affordable monthly passes
In addition to faster ICE Sprinter connections and additional train services, passengers can also look forward to more affordable monthly passes and stable ticket prices. At the same time, travelers on certain routes must prepare for significant restrictions and longer travel times . While Deutsche Bahn is significantly expanding the connection between Berlin and Stuttgart, passengers on the route between Berlin and Hanover must still expect longer travel times until the end of 2027.
There’s good news regarding prices. The cheapest “Sparpreis” fares will continue to be available starting at 6.99 euros, while prices forthe BahnCard 25 and 50 will remainunchanged . In addition, monthly passes for long-distance travel will be 25 percent cheaper starting October 21.
Less encouraging, however, are the effects of extensive construction work on the route between Berlin and Hanover. Here, travelers should expect travel times to be up to 80 minutes longer . The restrictions are expected to last until December 2027.
New ICE Sprinters and Better Connections from Berlin
One of the most significant improvements in the new schedule concerns the connection between Berlin and Stuttgart. While the ICE Sprinter has so far run only once a day in each direction, service will be expanded to three daily connections starting December 13.
The new Sprinter trains will depart Berlin at 8:12 a.m., 12:12 p.m., and 4:12 p.m. In the opposite direction, trains will depart Stuttgart at 7:03 a.m., 11:03 a.m., and 3:03 p.m. Along the way, they will make only one stop in Nuremberg, reducing the travel time to 4 hours and 45 minutes. Compared to a regular ICE service via Frankfurt, travelers will save about an hour. Improvements are also planned for the route between Berlin and Hamburg. The new schedule will reintroduce half-hourly service, allowing passengers to travel more frequently between the two major cities. The regular travel time will then be approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
