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ICE transfers at Hannover -- Amsterdam to Berlin

I need to transfer trains at Hannover and have 12 minutes.

I am coming from Amsterdam and going to Berlin with a transfer in Hannover.

How do I do this in the time I have so I don't miss the connection.

Posted by
6175 posts

You walk from one train to the other, it's as simple as that. On your ticket it will show what platforms are used so you can be prepared for where to go (although always double check that as last minute changes can happen).

Posted by
19654 posts

If it says something like arrive on track 9 and depart on track 10, you are in luck. You just walk across the platform. For other tracks, you go down the stairs to the crossover passage, walk to the stairs marked for the new track, then up to the track level. Looks like they have powered ramps you can set your luggage on. If you have mobility issues, there are also elevators to each platform.
https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/station-plans/2545.pdf

When I look in May, it shows both the arrival and departures are on track 9. If that is the case, you just step off the train and wait for it to depart. The connecting ICE will arrive a few minutes later and you get back on. The arriving IC train is also going to Berlin, but the ICE beats it there by 15 minutes as it is nonstop to Spandau.

Posted by
8377 posts

To maximize the time you have for a transfer, you need to be ready to get off the train with your luggage, before it arrives at your transfer station. You dont want to be sitting in your seat while the aisles start to clog up, and fight people getting on the train while your are trying to get off.

Posted by
7981 posts

thanks. Some train stations are very confusing and others fairly simple. sounds like Hannover is not overly complex. We are elderly and my husband is visually impaired and so to move fast I need to have things like this well planned..

Posted by
3938 posts

Yes the tip to be standing near the door with your luggage gathered up as the train pulls slowly into the station is important at all stations where connection times can be as short as 4 minutes. The word to look for on your two tickets is Gleis which is Track/Platform followed by a number. If there isn’t time to recheck an electric board in the station, I always look carefully at the signage on the incoming train and ask a uniformed attendant on the platform to verify the correct train before I hop on.

Posted by
1516 posts

What day are you travelling? Normally the trains from Amsterdam to Berlin are direct.

Posted by
19654 posts

The OP appears to be traveling in May, as they have reservations in May for the Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam (from a previous thread). Between May 11 and May 25, the IC train does not go to Berlin Hbf, but to Berlin Gesundbrunnen, so you have to change to a regional train or S-bahn at Spandau to get to Hbf. So might as well change at Hanover and get there sooner. The change at Hanover is both arriving and departing from track 9. Doesn't get any easier than that.

Posted by
7981 posts

there were no direct trains on May 15 from Amsterdam to Berlin -- I tried both Bahn and Trainline and didn't find any. I would definitely have changed to one since my ticket is changeable if that had been the case. WE are old and slow and my husband is visually impaired so I have to be really well organized for this kind of transfer with all luggage for a 6 week trip. (we travel fairly light, but still will have suitcases and backpacks.). Happy to learn that the change is on the same platform. Hope the signing is excellent -- I assume it means we jump off and our train leaves and then the next train rolls in.

Posted by
2308 posts

On May, 15 there are direct IC trains from Amsterdam to Berlin Gesundbrunnen (!) at 7:00, 9:10, 11:00 and 13:00. It takes a bit longer than the connections with transfers to the ICE at Hannover, but it may more convenient for you. In B. Gesundbrunnen (or as suggested above, in Spandau) you can transfer to local transport at no extra cost if you specify your destination as BERLIN and not Berlin Hbf.

Posted by
19654 posts

I assume it means we jump off and our train leaves and then the next train rolls in.

That is exactly what will happen. Unless you are on the late 17:05 IC train from Amsterdam (which terminates at Hanover), the other IC trains do go to Berlin, just not Hbf but to Berlin Gesundbrunnen.

Nonetheless, if you are transferring to an S-bahn at Hbf to get to your lodging, you could also stay on the IC train to Spandau and change to the S-bahn there.

Posted by
1516 posts

I would also stay till Spandau. The S Bahn is a lot more frequent, and has level boarding, so you are in less of a rush, and have an easier transfer.

Posted by
6175 posts

Nonetheless, if you are transferring to an S-bahn at Hbf to get to
your lodging, you could also stay on the IC train to Spandau and
change to the S-bahn there.

Assuming your ticket allows that.