Berlin’s S1 and S7 train lines resume after suspected arson disruption

A suspected arson attack halted Berlin’s key train routes for hours. Now restored, but with lingering delays—here’s what passengers need to know.

, and Administrator

2026 January 5 . 3:05 PM

1 min read

In this image in the center there are two trains, and some people are standing. And at the bottom... — In this image in the center there are two trains, and some people are standing. And at the bottom there is walkway and railway track, and in the background there are some poles, wires, street lights, trees and mountains.

S1 and S7 are running again - Restrictions remain - Berlin’s S1 and S7 train lines resume after suspected arson disruption

Train services on Berlin’s S1 and S7 lines are back in full operation after a major power outage disrupted travel in the city’s southwest. The incident, suspected to be caused by arson, forced temporary closures and delays earlier in the day. Deutsche Bahn has now restored both routes, though some adjustments remain in place.

The disruption began when a suspected arson attack cut power to parts of the network. As a result, sections of the S1 and S7 lines halted operations while repairs took place.

The S1 line has resumed service but continues to skip three stations—Mexikoplatz, Schlachtensee, and Nikolassee—between Zehlendorf and Wannsee. Replacement buses are running to cover these stops. Trains on this stretch now operate every 20 minutes, while the section between Frohnau and Zehlendorf runs every 10 minutes.

For the S7 line, services between Wannsee and Potsdam have restarted, though with limited frequency. A single shuttle train is in use, meaning departures occur every 40 minutes. Between Charlottenburg and Potsdam, trains run every 20 minutes, while the route from Ahrensfelde to Charlottenburg maintains a 10-minute interval.

Deutsche Bahn confirmed that both lines are now fully operational, though some restrictions remain due to the earlier disruption. Passengers travelling between Zehlendorf and Wannsee on the S1 or between Wannsee and Potsdam on the S7 should check for updated schedules before boarding.