Situation today (26 October 2026)
- Announced BVG strikes: none in the sources checked on 26 October 2026.
- Pay deal: BVG announced the agreement with Verdi on the framework agreement on 27 March 2026; the page we read gives neither its length nor a no-strike period.
- Strike days in 2026 (Berlin press): warning strike on 2 February, 48 hours on 27 and 28 February, local transport halted on 19 March.
- Not affected by a BVG strike: the S-Bahn Berlin (a Deutsche Bahn subsidiary) and regional trains.
Calendar
| Date | Event | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Feb, 27-28 Feb, 19 Mar 2026 | Warning strikes at BVG | U-Bahn, trams and buses stopped (past) |
| 27 Mar 2026 | BVG and Verdi agree on the framework agreement | Further strikes off the table, says BVG |
| Nov 2026 to Jan 2027 | BVG strike | Nothing announced on 26 October |
| Until 12 Dec 2026 | Stadtbahn closed to regional and long-distance trains | S-Bahn runs, more changes (VBB) |
What runs when BVG strikes
- S-Bahn and regional trains: normally run. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is reached by S-Bahn and regional train, not by U-Bahn.
- On foot and by bike: Mitte, Tiergarten and Kreuzberg are easy to explore by bike; lines and tickets are detailed in Getting around Berlin.
- Taxis and shared vehicles: prices and waits rise on strike days; allow a two-hour buffer for a flight or long-distance train.
Tickets, rights, preparation
A strike is outside the operator's control, so a flat compensation payment is not the norm; read BVG's conditions of carriage and keep tickets and receipts. If you hold a non-refundable excursion, book activities with free cancellation. The wider picture for the city is in Strikes and disruptions in Berlin.
What to do safely during the transport strike
Here is a plan B to keep your trip going without taking risks.
- Outing that does not depend on the strike: Potsdam and Sanssouci, organised trip with transport included, no train or bus to book yourself.
- Airport transfer: transfer from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) airport, no train, metro or bus to catch.
- Calm hotel, free cancellation: hotels in Charlottenburg, quiet area, refundable if your plans change.
FAQ
Is there a BVG strike tomorrow?
As of 26 October 2026 none is announced. Verdi usually announces warning strikes one to two days ahead; check bvg.de and the BVG app the evening before.
Does the S-Bahn run during a BVG strike?
Usually yes: the S-Bahn Berlin belongs to Deutsche Bahn and is covered by a different collective agreement from BVG.
Sources checked on 26 October 2026: BVG (2026 collective bargaining page, 27 March 2026), Berlin press (February-March 2026), VBB. This page will be updated as soon as a strike is announced.
