New S-Bahn Line S15 Connects Wedding and Hauptbahnhof in Berlin
Berlin, June 16, 2026 – A new S-Bahn line, the S15, has officially opened in Berlin, directly connecting the city’s Wedding district with Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). The line, which had been under construction since 2010 and faced multiple delays, is expected to significantly improve accessibility to the central station and streamline travel for both locals and tourists.
The S15 train, which began operations on June 15, runs every 10 minutes and makes stops at Gesundbrunnen, Wedding, and Hauptbahnhof. Although a short line with only three stops, it provides a crucial direct link to the central station from the northwest of the city.
Reduced Travel Times and Improved Airport Access
Previously, a journey between Gesundbrunnen or Wedding and Hauptbahnhof would take approximately 15 to 20 minutes and require at least one change. With the introduction of the S15, this travel time has been cut down to a mere six minutes, offering a much more efficient route for commuters and travelers.
The new line also enhances connectivity to Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER). Given Hauptbahnhof’s strong connections to the airport, the S15 will make travel from the northwest of Berlin, via the central station and onward to BER, considerably easier.
At Hauptbahnhof, the S15 will utilize a temporary platform that is connected to the main station building via a pedestrian bridge.
A Long-Awaited Completion: The S15 Construction Journey
The S15 project, like many transport infrastructure developments in Germany, has a long history of construction and delays. Construction for this specific line commenced in 2010, as part of the broader S21 north-south corridor project, which aims to better connect northern and southern Berlin. The S21 project itself was initiated in 1992.
Initial projections for the S15 line’s completion were set for 2017, then revised to December 2024, but these deadlines were repeatedly missed. According to Deutsche Bahn, the recent delays in the S15’s opening were primarily due to a shortage of construction inspectors and the necessity to replace or retrofit certain track work.
Future Expansions: The S21 Project Continues
The opening of the S15 marks a significant milestone, but it is only one component of the larger S21 project. Three construction phases remain for the comprehensive S21 north-south corridor:
- Phase 1: The next phase will extend the S15 line to Potsdamer Platz, with an anticipated completion by 2036.
- Phase 2: Following this, the line will be extended via Gleisdreieck to Yorckstraße and Yorckstraße Großgörschenstraße, projected to be completed by 2037.
- Phase 3: The final extension will see the line stopping at Julius-Leber-Brücke, continuing along the so-called “Chersuskurve,” and ultimately terminating at Südkreuz.
The opening of the S15 line is a positive development for Berlin’s public transport network, promising improved efficiency and connectivity for a significant portion of the city’s residents and visitors, despite the protracted construction timeline.
Source: https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/germany-news/new-s-bahn-line-hauptbahnhof-opens-berlin
