Timetable 2026: Mega upgrade for Saxony and Thuringia!

Timetable 2026: Mega upgrade for Saxony and Thuringia!

Deutsche Bahn has announced major changes to the timetable for the coming year. DB board member Michael Peterson emphasizes that the focus is on demand and capacity in the rail network. The aim is to keep the supply volume in 2026 at the record level of the previous year, despite the ongoing construction work in parts of the network. The new timetable will come into force from December 14, 2025, which promises numerous improvements for travelers in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. MeiDresden reports on the most important changes.

One of the most exciting innovations is the introduction of hourly ICE connections between Berlin and Munich, which reduce travel time to around four hours. These trains stop in Erfurt, Halle and Nuremberg, among others, as well as every two hours in Ingolstadt. The two-hourly connections from Erfurt to Gotha, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt Airport and Wiesbaden are particularly important for commuters. With 16 fast daily connections in each direction between Berlin, Halle, Erfurt and Munich, traveling becomes more convenient. The half-hourly service between Halle and Berlin and between Erfurt and Berlin will also benefit train travelers. In addition, the ICE connections from Erfurt to Nuremberg are also offered every half hour, which means a travel time of 1¼ hours.

International connections and new frequency offerings

International connections will also be expanded and will offer new direct connections between Halle/Erfurt and Paris from May 2026. There are also Eurocity connections between Leipzig, Wroclaw, Krakow and Przemysl. Travelers from Saxony can look forward to direct connections to Copenhagen, which will also be available from May 1, 2026. The popular ComfortJets from ČD will be used on the new connections, which will increase travel comfort. The Deutsche Bahn highlights that from December 14th, numerous cities will be connected to long-distance transport every half hour, which represents a doubling of the previous volume.

In addition, the number of scheduled ICE connections between Hamburg and Dresden will be increased, allowing travelers to reach their destination more quickly. There is also good news for the Bitterfeld region: the city will receive a two-hour connection on the Hamburg-Berlin-Leipzig-Munich route. A big downside, however, is the loss of the direct connection Leipzig/Lutherstadt Wittenberg–Binz as well as the adjustments to intercity traffic between Magdeburg and Hanover.

Latest developments and booking information

Across Germany, the route network for high-speed trains will be expanded from 900 to 2,300 kilometers, which will lead to better services not only in urban areas, but also in more rural regions. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of new high-speed trains by neighboring European railways, which will significantly speed up international traffic. The general renovation of the Hamburg-Berlin railway line will be completed by the end of April 2024 and includes diversions and adjusted timetables.

The start of booking should not be forgotten: from October 15, 2025, the new connections can be viewed in the timetable information, and tickets are available up to twelve months in advance. These adjustments are part of a larger plan to offer travelers in Germany a more attractive and effective transport system.