New S-Bahn line to Hauptbahnhof opens in Berlin

Construction began in 2010, and the initial launch date was 2017, then 2024, but a new S-Bahn line directly connecting northern Berlin and Hauptbahnhof has finally opened.

S15 line connects Wedding and Hauptbahnhof

Starting June 15, locals and tourists in Berlin can avail themselves of a new S-Bahn line connecting Berlin’s Wedding district with the city’s central station.

The new S15 train will run every 10 minutes, stopping at Gesundbrunnen, Wedding and Hauptbahnhof. Though it is a short line with only three stops, the S15 will make the central station more easily accessible from the northwest of the city.

While a journey between Gesundbrunnen or Wedding and Hauptbahnhof previously took 15 to 20 minutes and required one change, the journey will now be direct and take about six minutes.

Since Hauptbahnhof is well connected to Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER), the new line will also make travel from the northwest, via Hauptbahnhof and on to the airport, much easier.

At Hauptbahnhof, the S15 will arrive and depart at a temporary platform connected to the main building via a pedestrian bridge. 

S15 construction began in 2010

Germany is known for enduring transport construction projects, and the S15 is no exception. The shorter line is part of a wider project to better connect northern and southern Berlin, known as the S21 north-south corridor. 

The S21 project was initiated in 1992; construction began in 2010; and the S15 line was initially scheduled for completion in 2017, then in December 2024, but was repeatedly delayed.

According to Deutsche Bahn, the recent S15 opening delays were caused by a shortage of construction inspectors and track work that needed replacement or retrofitting.

In the wider S21 project, three construction phases remain. The next will extend the S15 line to Potsdamer Platz by 2036, and the last via Gleisdreieck to Yorckstraße and Yorckstraße Großgörschenstraße by 2037. 

Finally, the line will be extended to stop at Julius-Leber-Brücke, follow along the so-called “Chersuskurve” and terminate at Südkreuz.