Overview
- The new direct link, which began service Friday, is running one train each way using ČD’s ComfortJet trainsets.
- Because work continues on the Hamburg–Berlin line, the train diverts via Stendal and Uelzen, pauses about 80 minutes at Hamburg-Altona, and takes roughly 13 hours.
- Operators plan to add a second daily train in each direction and drop the diversion and long stop after a June 14 target for reopening the line, which would shorten trips.
- The inaugural northbound run ended early in Hamburg-Altona after an ICE damaged overhead wires near Lüneburg, in what TAG24 reported caused a full line closure and forced passengers to change.
- The service is a joint effort by Deutsche Bahn, Denmark’s DSB, and Czech Railways and is the first European Commission pilot aimed at boosting cross-border rail links.