Travel disruptions in Europe
It's important to know if there are disruptions or planned works on the tracks and stations that may affect your travel plans. Some railway companies offer dedicated pages with updates and detailed maps. Below you can find the details, per country. A few railway companies only offer this information in their own language. We've also included those links, as you may want to use a translation plugin to read the updates.
We do our best to keep the information on this page accurate and up-to-date. However, we cannot influence train disruptions or strikes, and there are occasions when a trade union cancels a planned strike action at the last minute without our knowledge.
Please take into account the travel restrictions being applied in some countries in Europe. Follow the updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects on train travel on this page.
Ongoing strikes & disruptions
- Train traffic severely disrupted around/through Hannover, Germany
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The German national railways have notified that train traffic around Hannover is currently severely disrupted because of an accident. It is not yet clear when traffic will be back to normal.
The following train lines are affected:
- Cologne – Wuppertal/Düsseldorf – Dortmund – Bielefeld – Hannover – Berlin
- Amsterdam – Osnabrück – Berlin
- Regional trains around Hannover
For more information, please check the DB notification (page in German only). If your planned train journey is affected, please contact DB (page in German only) for a full refund on your seat reservation. Also check your passenger rights (page in German only) for more details.
Please note that our rail planner is not up to date and only shows static data. For real time travel information, please check the DB timetable shortly before departure.
- United Kingdom: train travel disrupted due to strikes on September 30 and October 4
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Strike action has been announced by the ASLEF Union on the following days:
- Saturday 30 September
- Wednesday 4 October
In addition, they have also announced an overtime ban across the UK rail network on Friday 29 September and from Monday 2 to Friday 6 October which may also disrupt your travels.
For more information visit National Rail's website or their timetable.
Please note: Interrail's timetable may not reflect any last-minute changes to the train schedules. For live information, please always refer to National Railway's website.
- Athens-Thessaloniki rail services in Greece will be unavailable for the foreseeable future
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Storm Daniel caused devastating floods in parts of Greece, especially in the Thessaly region. The railway line between Athens-Larissa-Thessaloniki is severely damaged, and it will take a long time before trains can operate again.
Roads will be repaired faster; however, no replacement buses are possible for the Athens-Larissa-Thessaloniki rail service.
Train service on the Larissa-Thessaloniki part of the line may resume before full service (Athens-Thessaloniki) is reinstated.
For the most up-to-date information, please check https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en/announcements and HELLENIC TRAIN ticketing for more details about journeys in Greece.
- No trains between Lund & Malmö in Sweden from 22 September to 1 October
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No trains will be running between Lund and Malmö in Sweden from 22 September to 1 October.
According to SJ, the Swedish railway, you can:
- Catch a replacement bus to complete your journey; however, capacity is limited.
- Board a direct train from Malmö to Stockholm (limited capacity).
- Transfer in Malmö or Lund to reach Copenhagen or Stockholm (there are no direct trains to either location).
- Take a bus between Malmö and Lund to continue your journey towards Stockholm.
- Our timetable is up-to-date for static and offline train times. But for real-time train information, we always recommend checking out the Swedish railway's website or Snälltåget's traffic information.
Night trains
- (International) Night trains operated by SJ and Snälltåget will run; however, the travel time will be longer as the service will operate on a different route.
- Construction works impact rail travel to and from Zagreb
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The Croatian national railways have announced that due to construction works, your train journey on the route between Zagreb–Vienna and Zagreb–Villach–Munich–Frankfurt will be impacted until 30th September.
If you were planning to take train EC 212 that normally leaves Zagreb at 07:05 in the morning, you will now have to travel by a replacement bus until 9th September from Zagreb GK – Savski Marof, that leaves in front of the Zagreb main building at 06:30. You can then use the train after Savski Marof until your destination. From 10th September onwards, the trains EC 212 from Zagreb to Villach and EC 158 from Zagreb to Graz will be fully operational but will have an earlier departure from Zagreb main station at 06:37 am. Please plan your journey accordingly.
Please note that our timetable has been updated. If you have a planned journey to or from Zagreb, please update your Interrail Rail Planner App, search for new trips on your intended travel route and save the trip information again to get up-to-date travel times.
- Paris - Turin - Milan line closure due to landslide
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The French national railways has announced that rail traffic between Modane and St-Michel-Valloire will be disrupted for the time being due to a landslide that was reported in the French Alps on 27th August. This would impact train journeys on the route between Paris – Turin – Milan until at least 1st November. Read more about it on the SNCF website.
If you were planning to travel on the impacted route, we recommend using an alternative route via Zurich. Please note that the route from Paris – Zurich – Milan is currently facing a delay due to the closure of the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland (check post below for more information). Please make sure to check the SBB timetable shortly before departure of your planned journeys for up-to-date information.
For all of the above disruptions, please contact the relevant carriers to inquire about exchanging your reservations for the alternative routes suggested.
- Train derailment in Swiss Gotthard tunnel on route Zurich – Milan
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The Swiss National Railways has announced that a freight train derailment on 10th August in the Gotthard Base Tunnel located on the route between Zurich to Milan has caused severe track damage. SBB expects that the tunnel will only be available for passenger train travel from the beginning of 2024.
As a result, the direct international Eurocity train will now take the scenic route across the mountains instead of the tunnel, resulting in 1 hour longer travel times. For this reason, SBB recommends catching a 1-hour earlier train from Zurich so as to not miss any further connecting trains:
- Eurocity Zurich – Lugano – Milan/Venice/Genova
For all other international and domestic connections, there are direct trains every 30 minutes from Zurich to Lugano taking the scenic route instead of the tunnel. In Lugano or Chiasso, one can change trains for destinations such as Como and Milan. In addition, many local Trenord trains run from Lugano and Chiasso into Italy without requiring any seat reservations.
If you happened to miss your connecting train because of this disruption, please get a new seat reservation arranged locally at a train station in Lugano, Chiasso or Italy.
Check the SBB timetable for the most up-to-date traffic information. The Interrail timetable is up to date, but does not have real-time traffic information for last minute updates.
- Norway: The line between Oslo & Trondheim is still closed
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Due to Storm Hans on the 23rd of August, the main railway line between Oslo and Trondheim is still closed. In short, a bridge collapsed between Lillehammer and Dombås; therefore, normal traffic will not resume for the foreseeable future.
Some trains have been rerouted, affecting multiple railway lines, and replacement buses are servicing other routes.
Check out the temporary timetable that will be in place until the 9th of December. For detailed information, please check SJ Norge and Entur's website.
Please know that our timetable is up-to-date with static train times, but we advise you to check SJ Norge or Entur for real-time information.
Travel information
High-speed trains and reservations
International travel between the UK and Europe: Pass holder seats can sell out quickly for the high-speed Eurostar service. Check out the alternative route from London to Europe without the Eurostar.
International travel between the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland: the high-speed trains (ICE and IC Berlin) and the Nightjet Zurich are extremely busy this summer - consider using regional trains instead.
Spain and Portugal: seat reservations are mandatory and can be pre-reserved by phone 3 days in advance or booked locally at a train station.
Tips for high season
Due to the exceptional high season in Europe, trains are more crowded than usual, and seat reservations for high-speed trains are limited.
Here are a few tips to help you travel smoothly this summer:
Choose trains that don't require a reservation - tap on "Options" and "No seat reservations required" in the Rail Planner app or select the 'No seat reservations required' filter when using the timetable.
Book seat reservations well in advance (subject to availability)
If you cannot book seat reservations for high-speed and night trains, check out our reservation-free itineraries and learn more about how to avoid reservations.
Visit overlooked destinations to escape the crowds.
Consider postponing your trip until after the peak season.
Check out current and upcoming travel disruptions per country below, to ensure you're informed about any scheduled works or changes in the countries you want to visit. Even though we do our best to keep our timetable updated, some information might not reach us on time.
Disruptions per country
Belgium
This page contains information on all the ongoing track disruptions and engineering works in Belgium.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
You can follow updates of the Bosnian railway network ZFBH via this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Croatia
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It is possible to travel between Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia with a seasonal train connecting Sarajevo and Ploče. This train runs only during weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between July 1st and September 11th.
Trains to Zagreb and other parts of Croatia are suspended until further notice.
- Serbia/Montenegro/Croatia
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International trains between Bosnia Herzegovina and Serbia are suspended until further notice. It is possible to travel to/from Bosnia Herzegovina to Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia by international bus. The tickets for such bus journeys are not covered by the Pass.
Bulgaria
You can check live updates on the Bulgarian rail network BDZ on this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Greece/Serbia
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International connections from Bulgaria to Greece and Serbia are suspended until further notice.
- Turkey
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The Sofia - Istanbul connection has resumed circulation on the 25th of April, 2022.
- Available alternatives
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There are different international buses connecting Bulgaria to neighbouring countries. Please notice these buses are not included in the Pass.
Croatia
Traffic is also disrupted due to construction works on several lines during the second half of 2022, including Zagreb - Rijeka. You can read the details about their railway works on this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Bosnia Herzegovina
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It is possible to travel between Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina with a seasonal train connecting Ploče and Sarajevo. This train runs only during weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between July 1st and September 11th.
Trains from Zagreb and other parts of Croatia to Bosnia Herzegovina are suspended until further notice.
- Serbia
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Unfortunately, international trains connecting Croatia to Serbia are suspended until further notice. The available international buses serving these routes are not covered by the Pass.
Czech Republic
You can find details about both domestic and international disruptions affecting the Czech rail network on this page. Unfortunately, this information is only available in Czech; we recommend contacting the Czech railways for more details if you're planning to travel on any of the affected routes.
Denmark
The Danish railway company (DSB) has planned track work which will affect both regular trains and their S-tog system, including a few main routes, such as Copenhagen - Aarhus. You can see the complete list on this page of their website.
Estonia
You can check live updates on train times and replacement buses of the Estonian railway network (Elron) via this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Latvia
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When travelling between Estonia and Latvia by rail, it is necessary to change trains at the Valga border station. It is advised to check the timetables of both the Estonian and the Latvian Railways.
Finland
You can check the latest updates on the Finnish rail network via this page of their website.
France
For information about upgrades, maintenance and construction works on the French railways, you can visit this page on their website, where they share all the recent updates and maps of their rail network.
Germany
The extensive German rail network is under constant maintenance and expansion. The German national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), dedicates an entire section of their website to delays, track works and passenger rights. Unfortunately, this information is only available in German - for the maintenance/engineering works, you can check this page, while their online timetables have real-time updates on train delays/cancellations.
Greece
You can follow updates on international train times of the Greek railway network TrainOSE via this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Turkey
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International train connections from Greece to Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey are suspended until further notice.
- Available alternatives
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You can still use a Global pass or a Greek Islands Pass to travel between Greece and Italy. More information can be found here.
Another option is to travel by international buses. The tickets for such bus journeys are not covered by the Pass.
Finally, Pass holders are entitled to a discount when travelling with some of our benefits partners on alternative ferry routes.
Hungary
Some of the Hungarian rail network, both international and domestic, is or will be affected by minor works on the tracks, which may cause some trains to run on modified schedules.The Hungarian railways share the details on this page (only in Hungarian).
Notice: some connections to/from Romania are affected from June to November 2022.
- Serbia
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Because of construction works, international connections between Hungary and Serbia are currently suspended until further notice. There are international buses connecting Serbia to these neighbouring countries (unfortunately, not covered or discounted for Pass holders).
Ireland
The Irish railway company (Irish Rail) shares updates about their planned engineering works and affected schedules on this page of their website.
Italy
While detailed information is only available in Italian, you can still check if your travel plans may be affected by planned works: on this page, you can search for disruptions using either start and end dates and/or the region in which you will be travelling.
Latvia
You can follow updates by the Latvian railways via this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Lithuania
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International train connections from Latvia to Lithuania are suspended until further notice.
- Estonia
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When travelling between Latvia and Estonia by rail, it is necessary to change trains at the Valga border station. It is advised to check the timetables of both the Latvian and Estonian Railways.
- Available alternatives
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Discounted international ferries:
- Latvia – Germany: Liepaja - Travemunde (Stela line, up to 30% discount)
- Latvia – Sweden: Riga - Stockholm (Tallink Silja Oy Ferries, 20-50% discount)
Discounted international buses:Pass holders are entitled to a discount on Lux Express buses, one of our benefit partners.
Lithuania
You can check the timetables and updates of the Lithuanian railway company LTG on this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Poland/Latvia
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The train connection between Lithuania and Poland has been improved from December 11th 2022. A daily train now connects Vilnius with Krakow via Kaunas, Bialystok and Warsaw. Passengers change trains in Mockava, on the border between Lithuania and Poland.
Montenegro
You can check international timetables and updates of the Montenegrin railways ŽPCG on this page.
Netherlands
The Dutch railway company (NS) shares up-to-date information about current disruptions and planned engineering and maintenance work on their lines via their website.
North Macedonia
All international traffic to and from North Macedonia is suspended until further notice. Unfortunately, no alternative options offer discounts to pass holders at the moment.
Norway
To see up-to-date information regarding current and planned work on the Norwegian railways, check this page of the official website of the Norwegian railway company (Vy).
Poland
The Polish railway company (PKP) shares up-to-date information about current and planned disruptions on this page of their website.
The train connecting Lithuania and Poland has resumed service, travelling 3 days per week between Kaunas and Bialystok until December 10th, 2022
- Lithuania
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The train connection between Poland and Lithuania has been improved from December 11th 2022. A daily train now connects Krakow with Vilnius via Warsaw, Bialystok and Kaunas. Passengers change trains in Mockava, on the border between Poland and Lithuania.
Portugal
Comboios de Portugal (CP), the Portuguese national railway company, shares information on traffic changes and other news regarding train travel in Portugal through this page of their website.
- Spain
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Train traffic between Portugal and Spain is currently limited to the following options:
- Porto - Vigo (two departures daily)
- Lisboa - Badajoz (which requires a change of trains in Entroncamento)
Serbia
You can check timetables and updates by the Serbian railway company ŽS on this page.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Romania/Bulgaria/North Macedonia/Bosnia/Croatia
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International connections between Serbia and the above countries are currently suspended until further notice. There are international buses connecting Serbia to these neighbouring countries (unfortunately, not covered or discounted for Pass holders).
- Hungary
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Because of construction works, international connections between Serbia and Hungary are currently suspended until further notice. There are international buses connecting Serbia to these neighbouring countries (unfortunately, not covered or discounted for Pass holders).
Slovenia
You can see updates about current train delays or cancelations in Slovenia via the official website of the SZ.
Spain
RENFE, the Spanish national railway company, dedicates this page (unfortunately not available in English) of their website to notices about disruptions and planned works.
- Portugal
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Train traffic between Spain and Portugal is currently limited to the following options:
- Vigo - Porto (two departures daily)
- Badajoz - Lisboa (which requires a change of trains in Entroncamento)
Sweden
There are several instances of track maintenance and engineering works planned by the Swedish national railways (SJ). On this page of their website you can find detailed information about current and upcoming track works.
Switzerland
SBB, the Swiss national railway company, shares all the latest updates on operations, disruptions and delays affecting their rail network on this page of their website.
Turkey
You can check the disruption updates by the Turkish railways (TCDD) via this page.
Warning - potential disruptions due to the earthquakes in February
Due to the devastating impact of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, we advise you to travel with caution if you intend to use your Eurail Pass to travel to central or southern Turkey on TCDD’s rail network for the foreseeable future.
General information
In Turkey, the central-southern part of the country has been the worst hit. It is believed that a total of 1275km of railway lines have been seriously affected by the earthquake in the Kahramanmaraş region of central Turkey, including damage to 446 bridges, 6161 culverts, and 175 tunnels.
The railway track is twisted and damaged, particularly on the Toprakkale - Narlı, Narlı - Malatya, and Narlı - Gaziantep sections of the network, while ten substations providing electric power for rail lines are out of action. In addition, there are reports that part of the 25.5km Gaziray suburban commuter railway has collapsed.
Warning - disrupted international connections:
- Bulgaria/Romania
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The Istanbul - Sofia connection has resumed circulation on the 25th of April, 2022. During summer season, a daily night train connects Istanbul with Bucharest.
- Greece
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International connections between Turkey and Greece are currently suspended until further notice.
- Available alternatives
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There are international buses connecting Turkey to both Bulgaria and Greece. Unfortunately, these buses are not covered or discounted for Pass holders.
Change of currency
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