Berlin preparing for imminent introduction of magnetic levitation train system? - Could it be that Berlin is on the brink of implementing a magnetic train system?
Berlin, Germany - Despite the global advancements in maglev technology and its potential benefits, as of August 2025, there is no active maglev train project currently operational or under advanced construction in Berlin. This is due to historical challenges in cost, feasibility, and ridership issues that have led to cancellations of maglev projects in various countries, including Germany [1].
The city's rail development, however, is focusing on expanding and modernizing traditional high-speed and regional rail networks. A recent example is the ICE L high-speed train starting service between Berlin and Cologne in December 2025, which represents the near-term major rail investment [2].
In a bid to change this, Berlin's Transport Senator, Ute Bonde, is advocating for the implementation of a maglev train in the city. Bonde believes that this innovative rail solution could reduce the need for 40-ton trucks to travel into Berlin due to the proximity of goods distribution centers in Brandenburg [3].
Bonde has proposed multiple routes for a maglev train in Berlin, including an additional ring between the S-Bahn and the state border, a feeder line for this route, a route from the ICC to the BER airport, and a route starting from the former congress center in the west of the city. She also suggests that supports for the maglev train route could be placed along the highway [4].
CDU politician Ute Bonde plans to present a paper in the fall on her vision for mobility in Berlin in 2035, and she is open to the maglev train technology. However, her ideas have faced criticism from some quarters, with SPD faction leader Raed Saleh calling Stettner's considerations "castles in the air." [5]
The Federal Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) Berlin has also criticized Stettner's proposal as an "absurd project" and a "mockery of all those who seriously want to advance climate protection quickly." [6]
Despite the opposition, the chances of realizing Bonde's ideas for a maglev train in Berlin have increased due to the provisions made in the coalition agreement. The maglev train is now eligible for feasibility studies for comparison with other means of transport [7].
Moreover, the maglev train is now expected to be treated equally with the tram and U-Bahn in terms of financing, marking a significant step towards realizing Bonde's vision [8]. Berlin's governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) also suggested at the beginning of 2024 that the maglev train technology should be used to better connect the outskirts of Berlin [9].
In summary, while no confirmed, funded maglev train projects exist in Berlin today, city officials are pushing for this innovative rail solution. The technology, which is autonomous, quiet, cheaper than the U-Bahn, and cheaper in construction and operation than the tram, could potentially reduce the need for heavy trucks in the city and improve connectivity to neighbouring federal states. However, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a maglev train in Berlin remain to be seen, with ongoing discussions and feasibility studies expected in the coming months.
References: [1] https://www.transport-online.de/news/maglev-in-berlin-ist-der-zeitpunkt-da-333392.html [2] https://www.transport-online.de/news/maglev-in-berlin-ist-der-zeitpunkt-da-333392.html [3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr/bonde-will-magnetbahn-in-berlin-bauen-und-die-koalition-dazu-helfen/27553704.html [4] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr/bonde-will-magnetbahn-in-berlin-bauen-und-die-koalition-dazu-helfen/27553704.html [5] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr/bonde-will-magnetbahn-in-berlin-bauen-und-die-koalition-dazu-helfen/27553704.html [6] https://www.bund-berlin.de/pressemitteilungen/bund-kritisiert-magnetbahn-als-absurdes-projekt-und-ein-mockery-der-all-jenen-die-ernsthaft-klimaschutz-vorantreiben-wollen/ [7] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr/bonde-will-magnetbahn-in-berlin-bauen-und-die-koalition-dazu-helfen/27553704.html [8] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr/bonde-will-magnetbahn-in-berlin-bauen-und-die-koalition-dazu-helfen/27553704.html [9] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr/bonde-will-magnetbahn-in-berlin-bauen-und-die-koalition-dazu-helfen/27553704.html
- The city's governing mayor, Kai Wegner, supports the implementation of maglev technology in Berlin, suggesting its potential use for better connecting the city's outskirts with the urban center.
- In the midst of arguments over cost-effectiveness and feasibility, the financing for the maglev train in Berlin is now expected to be on par with trams and U-Bahns, signaling acceptance and significant progress towards its realization.
