Delays and cancellations: S-Bahn in Berlin stops!

Delays and cancellations: S-Bahn in Berlin stops!

On Monday morning, October 20, 2025, there were significant delays and cancellations on the Berlin S-Bahn, primarily affecting lines S1, S2 and S8. Again Daily Mirror reported that the S1 only ran between Nordbahnhof and Schöneberg every 10 minutes. On the route between Schöneberg and Wannsee, the S1 had to switch to a 20-minute service.

The delays on the S2 line resulted from a required repair to a signal in Zepernick, which was completed around 7:00 a.m. Despite this measure, failures continued to occur on this line. The S8 was also affected, as traffic between Blankenburg and Schönfließ was interrupted due to a signal repair in Schönfließ. However, the S8 continues to run between Wildau/Grünau and Blankenburg as well as between Schönfließ and Birkenwerder. A replacement bus service was also set up between Blankenburg and Bergfelde.

Technical causes for the disruptions

The technical problems are partly due to the complex infrastructure of the S-Bahn, which consists of tracks, switches and signals. Like on the S-Bahn website explained, electronic signal boxes (ESTW) use digital control and safety technology to ensure smooth and safe train traffic.

Despite regular maintenance and modernization measures, malfunctions can occur. Signal malfunctions usually lead to delays rather than complete interruptions, while switch malfunctions can mean that the affected switch can no longer be used, which results in a closure. Depending on the extent, rectifying such malfunctions can take between an hour and several days, especially if switch parts even have to be replaced.

DB InfraGo is responsible for quickly resolving disruptions, which is crucial for passengers to make everyday life on the platforms as smooth as possible. Despite the difficulties on Monday, there remains hope that the S-Bahn can return to reliable transport operations in a timely manner.