Germany has announced a 48-hour public transport strike that will affect major cities and regions. Some routes will not run, and there may be disruptions before and after the strike ends. Find out more about which transport will be open and how to plan your travel during the strike

On February 27-28, passengers in Germany will face serious disruptions in public transportation. A trade union has announced a 48-hour warning strike, which will result in the suspension of subways, trams and most buses in many cities. Most restrictions are expected in large agglomerations, particularly in Berlin, where certain types of transport will be virtually shut down. However, not all transportation is affected by the strike, so a pre-planned route will help avoid unnecessary delays and stress while traveling.

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When and how long will the strike last?

The strike has been declared as a warning strike and will last for two days, but with possible disruptions before and after the official hours due to the restart of traffic. The timeframe may vary slightly from region to region, so it's worth checking for the latest updates before traveling.

Key dates and times:

1. Start: February 27, in the morning (in Berlin - from 03:00)

2. Ending: February 28, in the evening (in Berlin - until March 01, 03:00)

3. Possible disruptions: before the start and after the end of the strike due to the resumption of traffic

Some regions warn that disruptions may be felt until Sunday morning, so plan your trips with time to spare.

In our previous article, we told you that a large-scale transport strike is planned in Belgium on March 12.

Which transport will not work?

During the strike, public transportation will stop in most German cities. First of all, we are talking about buses, trams, and subway lines that will not run during the main period of the action. In large cities, this means a virtual paralysis of public transportation during rush hours and serious delays for those who use public transport on a daily basis.

The most difficult situation is expected to be in Berlin, where all U-Bahn lines, trams and the vast majority of city buses will be out of service. There may also be disruptions before and after the strike ends, as traffic does not resume immediately. As a result, even after the official end of the action, some routes may not follow the usual schedule for some time.

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What will work despite the strike?

Despite the large-scale stoppages of public transport, there will be no complete transport collapse in Germany. Intercity and regional trains are not affected by the strike, so rail connections between cities and within agglomerations will remain available. This means that long-distance high-speed trains and most regional routes can be used as the main “framework” for travel during strike days.

Berlin's S-Bahn will continue to operate, as well as regional trains connecting the capital with suburbs and neighboring cities. Some bus routes operated by private companies under contract are also not involved in the strike, but their schedules may vary depending on the traffic and road situation. Therefore, even where transport is formally operating, you should prepare for delays and check the current traffic before leaving.

Earlier we talked about the 13 best places for a spring trip in Europe in 2026.

How to get around during a strike: practical tips

During a strike, you should reconsider your routes in advance and not rely on your usual public transportation. In large cities, rail will be the main alternative for traveling between districts, and the last part of the journey will have to be planned separately.

What will help to avoid unnecessary problems on the way:

1. Plan a route via S-Bahn and regional trains as the main way to get around the city;

2. Allow extra time for the journey due to traffic congestion and possible delays;

3. Before leaving, check the real-time traffic, even if the transport is formally supposed to work;

4. For short distances, consider bicycles, electric scooters or car sharing;

5. Plan important trips, such as to the airport or train station, with extra time or leave earlier than usual.

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Which cities and regions will be affected the most?

The most significant disruptions in transportation are expected in large cities, where most passengers use city buses, trams, and subways on a daily basis. In Berlin, the strike will practically paralyze urban transportation, as the main U-Bahn lines, trams, and most bus routes will not run for two days. This will make it much more difficult to move between neighborhoods, especially during rush hours.

The problems with public transportation will affect not only the capital. Disruptions are also expected in other major cities and agglomerations in Germany where public transport operators are on strike. In the regions, particularly in Brandenburg, restrictions may affect intercity bus routes and connections between small towns, making travel to the suburbs or neighboring communities take longer than usual.

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We remind you! In February and early March, flight delays and cancellations are possible in Italy due to strikes by aviation industry workers and related services. Several European media outlets and Italian news agencies are warning passengers about the risks. We discussed the strikes at Italian airports in more detail in our previous article.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

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