Urgent: Warsaw to Berlin train delay adds four hours

20 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

PKP Intercity reroutes trains due to a damaged catenary, causing a Warsaw to Berlin train delay of about four hours. Check refunds and connections.

PKP Intercity announced a major infrastructure failure today on the Nowy Tomyśl–Opalenica stretch. Consequently, a Warsaw to Berlin train delay will add about four hours to journeys leaving Warsaw.

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What happened and which services are affected

PKP Intercity reported damage to the traction network on the line between Nowy Tomyśl and Opalenica. Therefore, trains cannot use the direct Poznań route. Moreover, the company suspended services on that specific section until further notice. Affected services include Warsaw–Poznań–Berlin and return trips. In addition, Gdynia–Berlin and Zielona Góra–Poznań routes face disruption. However, some named trains such as Galicja, Wawel and Odra still run between Berlin and Przemyśl.

Warsaw to Berlin train delay: reroute, times and tickets

Trains between Warsaw and Berlin run today on a longer route via Szczecin. Consequently, trains keep passengers on board and avoid forced changes. Therefore, operators promise no compulsory transfers. The trip now takes about ten hours. By contrast, normal travel time usually lasts around five and a half to six hours. Travelers should inform contacts in Berlin about late arrivals. Moreover, double-check onward connections in Germany before you travel.

Replacement transport, refunds and passenger rights

On the Zielona Góra–Poznań route, operators provide replacement buses between Nowy Tomyśl and Buk. Consequently, expect roughly one hour added to that journey. In addition, tickets purchased for cancelled or delayed trains remain valid on replacement buses. If you cancel because of delay, you can request a full refund. Moreover, EU rule 1371/2007 protects rail passengers. Therefore, you can claim compensation equal to 25 percent of the ticket price if delay exceeds 60 minutes. Also, you can claim 50 percent if delay exceeds 120 minutes. Contact PKP Intercity customer service online or at stations to file claims.

Practical tips for travellers

Check the live timetable on intercity.pl and the PKP Intercity app before you leave. Moreover, search by train number for the latest platform and time. Bring food and water for long trips. In addition, allow extra time for planned transfers in Germany. If you live in Poland, know basic administrative terms. For example, PESEL refers to your national ID number. Also, ZUS is social insurance and NFZ runs public healthcare. Finally, a police fine is often called a mandat, not a ticket.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat travelling today, expect delays and prepare documents for refunds. Moreover, save receipts and keep your ticket. Therefore, file compensation claims online if needed. Remember that basic Polish terms like PESEL (national ID), ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health fund) help at stations or offices.

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