DB expands cross-border services in 2026 timetable
Deutsche Bahn (DB) will significantly expand its international network with the December 2026 timetable change, introducing more ICE Sprinter services and higher cross-border frequencies in what the company calls Germany’s largest long-distance rail expansion in years.
The program focuses on doubling ICE Sprinter frequencies and adding more half-hourly long-distance connections on major corridors. DB’s new ICE L trains, designed for longer international routes with upgraded comfort and accessibility features, will form the backbone of the expansion. The new timetable takes effect on 14 December 2026, synchronised with partner operators’ European schedule updates.
Cross-border growth
Enhanced services will strengthen links with the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and France. The Amsterdam–Frankfurt–Basel corridor will gain additional trains, while new direct connections are planned between major German cities and Prague, Warsaw, and Brussels. International passenger demand has rebounded strongly since the pandemic—outpacing domestic recovery—and DB reports load factors above 80 percent on several cross-border routes.
Market and operational impact
The expansion is expected to reshape the competitive landscape on international corridors. Private operators such as FlixTrain may see fewer open market opportunities, while national partners including SNCF, Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will coordinate timetables and capacity planning to ensure interoperability.
Infrastructure capacity remains the main challenge. Several border sections are already congested, limiting new train paths and requiring close coordination with neighboring infrastructure managers. Some planned additions depend on future upgrades not yet financed, meaning final implementation will depend on available capacity and infrastructure readiness.