Thunderstorm chaos: rail traffic between Hamburg and Hanover paralyzed!
On July 15, 2025, there will be operational disruptions on the railway line between Hamburg and Hanover, and Uelzen will also be affected.

Thunderstorm chaos: rail traffic between Hamburg and Hanover paralyzed!
On Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, there were significant restrictions on the busy railway line between Hamburg and Hanover after a thunderstorm caused unforeseen problems. Numerous trains were delayed and canceled, which tested travelers' patience. A full closure was active in both directions between Klein Süstedt and Uelzen for several hours. Many passengers waited in vain for their connections and had to be prepared for long waiting times.
Good news for all travelers: The closure on a section between Uelzen and Suderburg has now been lifted. Traffic chaos or not, train traffic is now running on one track again. However, the rail operator Metronom urges caution, as delays and partial cancellations are still to be expected. Travelers should be prepared to be aware of train traffic and possible delays well into the night. The full opening of the route is not expected to be possible until the early hours of the next day, July 16th Hannoversche Allgemeine reported.
Affected trains and diversions
The problems not only affect the Metronome routes RE3/RB31 and RE2, but also long-distance traffic. IC and ICE trains are severely affected, many stops, including Lüneburg, Uelzen and Celle, are canceled. When planning their journey, travelers should take into account that delays of at least 30 minutes are to be expected. Long-distance traffic will be rerouted via alternative routes, causing further inconvenience. Some trains like ICE 4, ICE 11, ICE 12 and others were delayed by around 20 minutes, like the NDR news report.
An emergency bus service has been set up for passengers who rely on the Metronome routes. This is to ensure that travelers can reach their destination despite the inconvenience. Alternative connections via Bremen are also a possible solution to get to Hanover. The German railway has announced that it will fix the problems as quickly as possible and keep passengers informed of any changes.
Risks and burdens for travelers
The weather situation has once again shown how sensitive rail traffic can react. Travelers are well advised to find out in advance about the status of their trains and, if necessary, to use alternative transport options. Current events underscore the importance of a flexible travel plan, especially during unpredictable weather events.
Travelers are asked to monitor the situation closely and be patient while the railway gets to grips with the challenges. It doesn't hurt to have a good hand when planning your trip!