Subway U3 in Hamburg: Finally back on full track!

Subway U3 in Hamburg: Finally back on full track!

Since July 4, 2025, Hamburg subway line 3 has been running again without restrictions between the Rathaus and St. Pauli stops. This route was closed for two weeks from June 20, 2025 due to necessary construction work to renew the infrastructure. The elevated railway lifted the closure as planned on Friday morning when operations began, which will certainly please commuters and tourists in the city. The renewal included 620 meters of track and 790 sleepers, which are particularly important to ensure continuous and reliable operation. Five stops were particularly affected: Rathaus, Rödingsmarkt, Baumwall (Elbphilharmonie), Landungsbrücken and St. Pauli. During the closure there was no replacement bus service and passengers were encouraged to switch to other rapid transit and bus routes.

But the U3 is not just a modern transport connection; it also has a long history, dating back to 1906 when construction began. Since it went into operation in 1912, it has been one of the oldest subway lines in Germany. Despite such traditions, regular maintenance is essential due to the age of the route. There are always short-term closures, like the last one over Pentecost, when the line between Berliner Tor and City Hall was closed due to construction work.

Outlook for further operations and future measures

But the good news goes beyond simply reopening. There is currently a replacement service for passengers in the Volksdorf area, and a further six different sections of the U3 will be affected by closures until November 2025. This construction work is part of a comprehensive plan to improve and expand the subway network in Hamburg. After all, the city is expected to have around two million inhabitants by the mid-30s, which further underlines the need for additional mobility and infrastructure measures.

• Geplante Änderungen: Ausbau des S- und U-Bahn-Netzes.
• Neuanschlüsse: Über 180.000 Bewohner werden durch den Bau der U5 und die Erweiterung der U4 an zwei Stellen einen U-Bahn-Anschluss erhalten.
• Bürgerbeteiligung: Bei der Planung und dem Bau der Projekte wird umfassende Bürgerbeteiligung angeboten.

In order to further promote mobility in the Hamburg urban area, the Hochbahn is striving to create even better transport connections. Ideas and suggestions for mobility can be found at faster-through-hamburg.de be submitted. In the meantime, Hamburg residents and visitors to the city can once again enjoy the U3 from Rathaus to St. Pauli, and in full.

The latest project includes not only technical work, but also a creative aspect: two amateur photographers documented the U3 stations and created a series of photos and a film that capture the beauty and history of this important connection.

With all of these developments, the U3 continues to be an important element of Hamburg's transport infrastructure. The city is working to serve the increasing number of passengers in an environmentally friendly, quick and safe manner, while not losing sight of its rich history. If you would like to keep an eye on the current state of affairs and future measures, see: NDR and t online all relevant information.