Fall break has been underway in Berlin and Brandenburg since Monday, but anyone traveling by regional rail during this time should be prepared for some restrictions. Trains on as many as five regional rail lines are currently not running as usual. According to the Berlin Transportation Information Center (VIZ), the affected lines are the RE1, RE3, RE4, RE7, and RB22. Depending on their route, passengers should expect train cancellations, replacement buses, and changes to the regular schedule. For commuters and travelers heading to BER Airport in particular, this can mean additional detours and longer travel times. To avoid unpleasant surprises, passengers should therefore check their connections before departure and, as a precaution, allow a little extra time.
RE1: Replacement buses and the S3 in the east
There are service restrictions on the RE1 through October 24, until approximately 12:30 a.m. These affect the section between Fürstenwalde (Spree), Erkner, and Berlin Ostbahnhof. Replacement buses are running between Fürstenwalde and Erkner, as well as between Frankfurt (Oder) and Jacobsdorf (Mark). Between Erkner and Berlin Ostbahnhof, passengers must take the S3.
RE4: No trains between Spandau and Hauptbahnhof
The restriction on the RE4 line will last the longest. Trains will not run between Berlin-Spandau and Berlin Hauptbahnhof until 11:59 p.m. on October 29.
RE3: Night trains are canceled
On the RE3, night services are particularly affected. Until October 22, individual trains will be canceled between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on the sections between Schwedt (Oder), Angermünde, and Eberswalde on one side and Berlin on the other.
The following train numbers are affected:
- RE3317
- RE3359
- RE3319
- RE3341
- RE3358
- RE3369
RE7 and RB22: Wannsee and BER
The RE7 will not run between Berlin-Wannsee and Berlin-Charlottenburg on trains RE3738, RE3740, RE3741, and RE3743.
If you’re heading to the airport, keep an eye on the RB22. Trains RB18137, RB18139, and RB18101 to BER will be canceled on the night of October 20. If you’re flying late in the evening or very early in the morning, it’s best to plan an alternative route.
The train number is listed on the ticket and in the timetable information. This allows you to quickly determine whether your trip is one of the canceled services.
