Hamburg, September 24, 2026 – Long-distance train operator Flixtrain announced plans to offer hourly services between Hamburg and Berlin starting in 2027. The company intends to invest more than two billion euros in new trains to achieve this goal, as revealed at the Innotrans mobility trade fair in Berlin on Wednesday.
Flixtrain’s Ambitious Expansion Plans
Flixtrain’s ambitious expansion includes providing denser schedules on key routes. The company stated that the travel time between Hamburg and the capital will be shorter than that offered by Deutsche Bahn’s ICE trains. This move is set to intensify competition in Germany’s long-distance rail market.
Significant Investment in New Rolling Stock
Currently, Flixtrain operates 16 of its own trains. To support its expansion, the company has already placed orders for 65 new trains. This substantial investment underscores Flixtrain’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and increasing its market share.
The announcement was made during the Innotrans mobility trade fair, a leading international trade fair for transport technology, which took place in Berlin. Flixtrain’s presentation at such a prominent event highlights the strategic importance of this development for the company.
Impact on Hamburg and Rail Travel
For residents of Hamburg, the introduction of hourly Flixtrain services to Berlin will provide more frequent and potentially faster travel options. This could lead to increased connectivity between the two major German cities, benefiting commuters and leisure travelers alike.
The enhanced service is expected to offer a competitive alternative to existing rail providers, potentially influencing ticket prices and overall service quality across the long-distance rail network. The focus on faster travel times is a key differentiator that Flixtrain aims to leverage.
Broader Context of Rail Development
This development is part of a broader trend of increasing investment and competition in the European rail sector. As more travelers seek sustainable and efficient modes of transport, companies like Flixtrain are expanding their networks and modernizing their fleets to meet growing demand.
The investment in new trains and the expansion of service frequency align with goals to promote rail travel as a viable and attractive alternative to other forms of transport, such as air or road travel.
Future Outlook
While the exact details of the new schedules and specific travel times are yet to be fully disclosed, the commitment to an hourly service by 2027 marks a significant milestone for Flixtrain and for intercity travel between Hamburg and Berlin. The company’s strategy of offering competitive speeds and frequent departures aims to attract a wide range of passengers.
Further announcements regarding the implementation timeline and additional route expansions are anticipated as Flixtrain moves closer to its 2027 target. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar expansions on other key routes across Germany and potentially beyond.
The move is also expected to put pressure on established operators like Deutsche Bahn to further innovate and improve their services to retain market share in an increasingly competitive environment.
