Decision date undetermined by the Commission
In the coming weeks, passengers traveling between Leipzig and Dresden may face some changes due to ongoing renovation work on the rail network. Here's what you need to know.
The Zeithain–Leckwitz section of the Leipzig-Dresden route is currently undergoing an upgrade, aiming to increase the maximum speed from 120 km/h to 160 km/h after the removal of level crossings. This work is scheduled for July 30, 2025, and may cause temporary engineering works around that time.
While no specific large-scale cancellations or strikes affecting this route have been reported, general delays and disruptions are common in Germany's rail network in 2025, with frequent engineering works contributing to delays of typically around 30 minutes and occasionally over an hour.
For the Leipzig-Dresden corridor, no direct mention of active travel disruptions affecting ICE (InterCity Express), IC (InterCity), or regional trains was found, suggesting services are likely running with usual minor delays from engineering work rather than major disruptions.
However, several trains on lines RE15, RE18, and RB31 will be cancelled in the night from 25th to 26th July between Großenhain and Coswig, and replaced by buses. Similarly, trains on line RE50 (Dresden - Leipzig) will be cancelled in the night from 25th to 26th July between Riesa and Coswig, and from 26th to 28th July in the evenings between Priestewitz and Riesa, with buses used instead. Trains on line RB45 (Chemnitz - Elsterwerda) will be cancelled in the entire period between Riesa and Elsterwerda, with buses used instead.
Long-distance trains will only stop at Dresden-Neustadt station during the construction work. Most ICE trains between Dresden and Leipzig will be cancelled or diverted via Elsterwerda, increasing travel time by about an hour.
On July 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM, travel disruptions will occur on the route between Leipzig and Dresden due to construction work between Zeithain and Leckwitz.
Deutsche Bahn plans to carry out a major renovation of important routes, but the timeline has been extended until 2036. This includes plans to reduce travel time between Leipzig and Dresden to under an hour by setting trains to run at a constant speed of 200 km/h on the route in the future.
Germany invested more money in its rail network in 2024 than ever before, but it still lags behind in EU comparison. The dilapidated infrastructure in Germany is considered the main reason for late trains. Industry associations are demanding faster expansion and more digitization in Germany's rail network.
Despite the disruptions, satisfaction with mobility in Dresden and Leipzig is highest, according to ADAC. The federal government wants to catch up with a major renovation program for its rail network.
Current timetable information is available on the websites of Deutsche Bahn, Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn, Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe, and in the "DB Navigator" app. Passengers are advised to check these sources for the most current information on train status for this route.
In conclusion, while there may be some disruptions and delays on the Leipzig-Dresden rail line due to ongoing renovation work, services are expected to continue running with minor delays from engineering work rather than major disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to check the timetables for their specific journeys and plan accordingly.
The ongoing renovation work on the Leipzig-Dresden rail network in 2025 might impact transportation for passengers, particularly affecting lines RE15, RE18, RB31, RE50, and RB45. This will likely result in temporary changes within the finance industry, as Deutsche Bahn will need to reorganize operations to accommodate the construction. The broader rail industry may also be affected, as Germany's rail network undergoes major renovations to improve efficiency and reduce travel times, with ambitious goals to achieve a constant speed of 200 km/h in the future.
