Travelers encounter significant inconvenience on journeys linking Munich and Salzburg due to train service interruptions
Train Service Between Munich and Salzburg Disrupted by Extensive Construction Work
Travelers planning trips between Munich and Salzburg should be aware of significant disruptions to train services due to ongoing construction work. The construction, which started on July 31 and is set to continue until mid-August 2025, involves the replacement of overhead lines and rails on the Munich–Rosenheim and Rosenheim–Salzburg lines.
Deutsche Bahn (DB), the rail operator, has reported restrictions on both regional and long-distance services due to the construction work between Rosenheim and Freilassing. This has resulted in numerous cancellations, delays, and route changes affecting local and long-distance trains.
Between August 1 and 18, passengers can expect extensive cancellations and diversions, with many trains being diverted via Passau instead of the usual route. Rail replacement bus services operate between Salzburg and Kufstein every two hours due to the German corner closure, causing longer travel times and omission of some stops such as Kufstein on long-distance trains.
Local transport uses replacement buses on affected sections to minimize disruption. However, long-distance trains see reduced frequencies or cancellations, including trains to/from Vienna and routes further south to Italy (Venice, Bologna).
These measures are part of a larger infrastructure modernization planned through 2027 for improved long-term punctuality and stability. Travelers have reported delays, cancellations, and confusion due to sudden platform changes and poor communication, which contribute to travel stress during this period.
It is highly recommended to check current timetables and prepare for longer travel times and potential inconveniences if traveling between Munich and Salzburg in late August 2025.
DB has acknowledged the difficult situation for passengers and apologized for the inconvenience. Train cancellations and delays lasting up to 3 hours have been experienced between Munich and Salzburg this week. Passengers have been left stranded at crowded platforms, particularly in Salzburg on Monday.
The single-track section near Freilassing, which was mentioned previously, remains unchanged. The rail operator has not announced any assistance for passengers to take the S-Bahn across the border to Freilassing and continue their journey on regional trains.
Austrian rail operator ÖBB has reported delays of up to 120 minutes, but DB's statement does not mention any delays reported by ÖBB. The disruption is expected to last until around Tuesday at noon.
It's important to note that Salzburg is a popular holiday destination for many German holidaymakers, and this construction work may impact travel plans for many.
References:
- Deutsche Bahn - Construction Work on Munich–Salzburg Line
- Deutsche Bahn - Rail Replacement Bus Services
- Deutsche Bahn - Diversions via Passau
- Four-hour delays - Issues with German trains for foreigners
- News article about the current situation - German
- Due to the extensive construction work on the Munich-Salzburg line, travelers may face challenges in the finance sector, as abrupt changes and delays in train services can lead to unexpected costs.
- The disruption in the train industry between Munich and Salzburg has also impacted the transportation sector, as rail replacement bus services have been employed and long-distance trains see reduced frequencies or cancellations, affecting routes not only within Germany but also to neighboring countries such as Italy.
