Fahrplanwechsel: Neuer Fahrplan: Öfter ins Ausland und neue Sprinter-Linie

Berlin - The struggling Deutsche Bahn is expanding its connections to European destinations with the new timetable introduced mid-December. Currently, over 320 international train journeys are offered daily, according to the state-owned company - about 20 more than before and 20 percent more than in 2019. Starting from December 13, a new rapid connection between Hamburg and Munich will be available, with the Sprinter train taking 5 hours and 20 minutes, running thrice daily in both directions and stopping only in Hanover and Nuremberg.

"In times of expensive fuel, the train remains a good and affordable alternative to car and plane," said long-distance transport chief Michael Peterson. The overall timetable will remain stable, the Bahn announced, though some connections might not be offered due to construction-related issues. Tickets for the new timetable can be purchased starting Wednesday (October 14) with no price increase.

Bahn chief Evelyn Palla had already announced in April that passengers would be spared from fare hikes in long-distance travel until May 2027.