InnoTrans returns to Berlin from September 22 to 25, 2026, for a new edition dedicated to transport technologies, the railway industry and tomorrow’s mobility solutions. Organized every two years by Messe Berlin, InnoTrans is regarded as the leading international meeting place for manufacturers, operators, equipment suppliers, engineers, public authorities and decision-makers in the transport sector.
The 2026 event will be particularly significant, marking both the 15th edition of the trade show and InnoTrans’ 30th anniversary. Since it first opened on October 15, 1996, the event has become a global platform showcasing trains, metros, trams, buses, infrastructure, digital systems and passenger equipment.
Whether you want to meet suppliers, discover the latest railway innovations, identify future partners or simply understand how mobility is evolving, this guide brings together all the practical information you need to plan your visit to InnoTrans 2026.
InnoTrans 2026 at a glance
| Information | Details |
| Event name | InnoTrans 2026 |
| Dates | Tuesday, September 22 to Friday, September 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Berlin ExpoCenter City, Messe Berlin |
| Address | Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Germany |
| Opening hours, Tuesday to Thursday | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Friday opening hours | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Audience | Trade visitors |
| Frequency | Every two years |
| Organizer | Messe Berlin |
| Main sectors | Railway technology, infrastructure, public transport, interiors and tunnel construction |
| One-day ticket price | From €55 on Friday and €65 on other days |
| Four-day pass | €100 |
| Berlin public transport | Zones ABC included for the validity of the ticket |
The dates, opening hours, prices and admission conditions above are those published by the organizer and its official ticketing service for the 2026 edition.
What is the InnoTrans trade show?
InnoTrans is an international trade show dedicated to transport technologies. Although rail remains at its core, the event now covers a much broader ecosystem: rolling stock, urban transport, infrastructure, tunnels, digital technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, onboard comfort and passenger services.
The trade show occupies the entire Berlin exhibition grounds, with 42 halls, outdoor areas, a bus demonstration track and around 3,500 metres of railway track. This setup makes it possible to display full-size vehicles, from locomotives and high-speed trains to trams, wagons, maintenance machinery and road-rail vehicles.
A trade show dedicated to rail transport
InnoTrans is an international trade show dedicated to transport technologies. Although rail remains at its core, the event now covers a much broader ecosystem: rolling stock, urban transport, infrastructure, tunnels, digital technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, onboard comfort and passenger services.
The trade show occupies the entire Berlin exhibition grounds, with 42 halls, outdoor areas, a bus demonstration track and around 3,500 metres of railway track. This setup makes it possible to display full-size vehicles, from locomotives and high-speed trains to trams, wagons, maintenance machinery and road-rail vehicles.
InnoTrans is aimed in particular at:
- Railway companies and public transport operators;
- Manufacturers of trains, metros, trams and buses;
- Equipment suppliers and industrial subcontractors;
- Infrastructure managers;
- Engineering consultancies and engineering firms;
- Construction companies;
- Local authorities, ministries and transport authorities;
- Researchers, universities and laboratories;
- Mobility start-ups;
- Investors, consultants and trade journalists.
The 2024 edition welcomed 2,946 exhibitors from 59 countries and 169,214 visitors from 128 countries. It covered 200,000 m² and featured 133 vehicles, including 11 buses. These figures illustrate InnoTrans’ exceptional scale and explain why careful preparation is essential.
What are the dates and opening hours for InnoTrans 2026?
InnoTrans 2026 will take place over four days:
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
- Thursday, September 24, 2026: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
- Friday, September 25, 2026: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The trade show will be held at the Berlin ExpoCenter City on the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds, at the following address:
Messedamm 22
14055 Berlin
Germany
InnoTrans is reserved for trade visitors. Unlike some previous editions, the official 2026 programme does not include any days open to the general public.
How much does an InnoTrans 2026 ticket cost?
The official ticket office offers several options tailored to the length of the visit and the participant’s profile.
| Ticket type | Price incl. VAT | Validity |
| One-day trade visitor ticket | €65 | Any one day |
| Friday trade visitor ticket | €55 | Friday, September 25 only |
| Permanent trade visitor pass | €100 | All four days |
| One-day Campus ticket | €17 | Any one day |
| Permanent Campus pass | €30 | All four days |
Campus tickets are reserved for students, apprentices, final-year pupils and young people in vocational training. Valid proof of status must be presented at the entrance.
The trade visitor ticket also includes the use of Berlin public transport in fare zones ABC for the duration of its validity. These zones cover central Berlin, the surrounding area and Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The transport ticket is personal and must be shown together with valid identification.
Which ticket should you choose?
For a first visit, the four-day pass is often the most practical option. At €100, it costs only €35 more than a standard one-day ticket. As the site is enormous, a single day is rarely enough to explore the halls, outdoor vehicles, conferences and networking areas.
The €55 Friday ticket can be a good option for a targeted visit or a limited budget. Bear in mind, however, that the final day ends at 4 p.m. and some exhibitors may begin winding down their activities later in the afternoon.
For students and recent graduates, the €30 Campus pass offers excellent value, particularly for access to recruiters and career-focused events.
The five main sectors at InnoTrans
The InnoTrans exhibition is organized around five main segments.
| Sector | Technologies and solutions presented |
| Railway Technology | Trains, locomotives, metros, trams, traction systems, braking, signalling and maintenance |
| Railway Infrastructure | Tracks, points, electrification, stations, control, safety and construction-site equipment |
| Public Transport | Buses, urban mobility, ticketing, information systems and digital services |
| Interiors | Seating, lighting, materials, air conditioning, design, accessibility and passenger comfort |
| Tunnel Construction | Machinery, ventilation, safety, tunnel construction, inspection and maintenance |
These five sectors are complemented by several specialist areas, including the Outdoor Display, Bus Display, AI Mobility Lab, Mobility+, InnoTrans Campus and Travel Catering & Comfort Services.
Railway Technology
The Railway Technology segment is the historic heart of InnoTrans. It brings together rolling-stock manufacturers, major industrial groups and numerous component suppliers.
Visitors can discover:
- Regional and high-speed trains;
- Electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered locomotives;
- Metros and trams;
- Traction and braking systems;
- Doors, axles, bogies and couplers;
- Supervision software;
- Predictive maintenance solutions;
- Signalling and control equipment.
Railway Infrastructure
This section of the trade show focuses on the technologies needed to build, operate and modernize railway networks.
It will be of particular interest to infrastructure managers, civil engineering contractors, engineering consultancies and maintenance managers. The solutions on display cover tracks, overhead lines, electrical substations, points and crossings, structural monitoring and worksite safety.
Public Transport
The Public Transport sector is not limited to rail. It includes buses, shared-mobility solutions, passenger information, digital applications, ticketing and urban network management.
The Mobility+ area notably showcases complementary services for organizing an end-to-end journey: booking, payment, on-demand mobility, vehicle sharing and multimodal platforms.
Interiors
The Interiors sector focuses on the passenger experience inside trains, metros, trams and buses.
Exhibitors present seats, materials, flooring, lighting systems, acoustic solutions, sanitary equipment, accessibility solutions and onboard information technologies.
A Travel Catering & Comfort Services area complements this offering with onboard catering equipment, coffee machines, tableware, hygiene products, trolleys, comfort accessories and solutions for dining cars.
Tunnel Construction
This segment brings together specialists in tunnel construction, operation and safety.
It features tunnel-boring machines, ventilation systems, detection devices, fire-protection solutions, communication equipment and infrastructure inspection technologies.
What to expect at InnoTrans 2026
The 2026 edition will highlight several major themes shaping the future of transport: artificial intelligence, digitalization, cybersecurity, autonomous public transport and the development of night trains. The official opening will focus on global mobility and the growth opportunities created by major projects.
The Outdoor Display and its full-size trains
The Outdoor Display is one of InnoTrans’ most spectacular features. Manufacturers can exhibit their vehicles on more than 3,500 metres of track directly connected to the halls.
High-speed trains, hybrid locomotives, trams, wagons, maintenance machinery and road-rail vehicles can all be viewed up close. Some vehicles are open to trade visitors, providing access to driving cabs, interior layouts and new onboard technologies.
Tip: visit this area first thing in the morning. It quickly becomes crowded, especially around world premieres and the largest vehicles.
The Bus Display
The Bus Display lets visitors see buses and charging systems in operation on a 500-metre demonstration circuit.
Visitors can observe the performance of electric or low-emission vehicles, their manoeuvrability and their charging equipment in conditions that are more realistic than a static presentation.
The AI Mobility Lab
Artificial intelligence will play a major role at InnoTrans 2026. The AI Mobility Lab brings together exhibitors offering AI solutions for maintenance, traffic management, safety, passenger information and energy optimization.
The AI Mobility Corner will host presentations and panel discussions, while themed guided tours will take participants to companies showcasing artificial-intelligence innovations. Two AI Tours are scheduled each day.
The ‘AI on Track’ hackathon
The InnoTrans ‘AI on Track’ hackathon will bring together developers, start-ups and companies to address practical challenges in the mobility sector.
Teams will work on artificial-intelligence solutions before presenting their concepts to an international audience. An awards ceremony will recognize the best teams on Friday.
InnoTrans Campus and job opportunities
InnoTrans Campus is designed for students, recent graduates, jobseekers and recruiters. The services and activities include:
– RecruitingLAB;
– a job vacancy wall;
– the Talent Stage;
– Career Tours;
– company presentations;
– one-to-one meetings with recruiters.
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Eurailpress Career Boost will also give young professionals 90 seconds to present their profile to recruiters before meeting them in individual interviews.
The InnoTrans Convention
The InnoTrans ‘AI on Track’ hackathon will bring together developers, start-ups and companies to address practical challenges in the mobility sector.
Teams will work on artificial-intelligence solutions before presenting their concepts to an international audience. An awards ceremony will recognize the best teams on Friday.
Guided tours
Several themed tours will be organized each day:
- World Innovation Tours, showcasing world premieres;
- AI Tours, dedicated to artificial intelligence applications;
- Career Tours, designed for students and young professionals.
As places may be limited, it is advisable to check the programme and register as soon as bookings open.
InnoTrans 2026 compared with previous editions
| Edition | Exhibitors | Countries represented by exhibitors | Trade visitors | Highlights |
| 2018 | 3062 | 61 | 153421 | Last edition before the pandemic-related interruption |
| 2022 | 2771 | 56 | 132319 | Return of the trade show after a four-year absence |
| 2024 | 2946 | 59 | 169214 | Record attendance and 200,000 m² occupied |
| 2026 | 15th edition and 30th anniversary |
The figures for 2018, 2022 and 2024 show InnoTrans’ ability to maintain a strong international profile. After a 2022 edition still affected by the consequences of the health crisis, attendance rose sharply in 2024, even exceeding the 2018 level.
The final number of exhibitors at InnoTrans 2026 will not be known until shortly before or after the event. However, more than 85% of the exhibition space had already been booked by February 2025, confirming at an early stage the strong demand for this anniversary edition.
How to get to InnoTrans in Berlin
The exhibition grounds have several entrances. It is important to choose the one closest to the halls you plan to visit.
| Entrance | Nearby halls | Recommended station |
| South Entrance | Halls 1 to 6 | Messe Süd S-Bahn station |
| Hall 7 Entrance | Halls 7.1 and 7.2 | Messe Süd S-Bahn station |
| CityCube Entrance | CityCube A and B | Messe Süd S-Bahn station |
| Hall 9 Entrance | Halls 8 to 10 | Westkreuz S-Bahn station |
| East Entrance | Halls 11 to 17 | Westkreuz or Messe Nord S-Bahn station |
| North Entrance | Halls 18 to 23 | Theodor-Heuss-Platz U-Bahn or Messe Nord S-Bahn station |
| Hub27 Entrance | Halls 24 to 27 | Messe Süd S-Bahn station |
From Berlin Brandenburg Airport
The InnoTrans ticket covers public transport in zones ABC, including the airport. Check your route on the day of travel using the BVG, VBB or InnoTrans app, as the best journey will depend on your chosen entrance and any engineering work on the network.
By train
Messe Berlin offers Deutsche Bahn event fares valid from September 20 to 27, 2026. Advertised fares start at €16.19 for certain journeys within Germany and may be combined with selected BahnCard benefits. The train ticket does not include admission to InnoTrans.
Should you travel by car?
Driving is rarely the easiest way to reach InnoTrans. Roads around the exhibition grounds can be congested and parking may be limited during major events.
The S-Bahn and U-Bahn networks serve several entrances directly, while local travel is already included in the trade show ticket. Public transport is therefore generally more convenient.
Where to stay during InnoTrans
Berlin has around 800 hotels and more than 130,000 beds, but demand rises sharply during InnoTrans. It is best to book several months in advance, especially for accommodation close to the exhibition grounds.
Accommodation tip
Do not search only for hotels around ‘Messe Berlin’. Also look at properties near the following stations:
- Messe Süd;
- Messe Nord;
- Westkreuz;
- Charlottenburg;
- Zoologischer Garten;
- Berlin-Spandau.
A hotel a few stops from the trade show may be more affordable and sometimes quicker to reach than accommodation that is geographically close but poorly connected.
How to organize your visit effectively
The scale of InnoTrans makes improvisation fairly risky. Crossing the site from one end to the other can take a long time, especially when you need to navigate around halls or outdoor areas.
Define your objectives
Before reviewing the exhibitor list, identify your priorities:
- Find a supplier;
- Meet clients;
- Discover a technology;
- Monitor competitors;
- Recruit or find a job;
- Attend conferences;
- Cover the event for a media outlet;
- Identify international partners.
This list will help you eliminate secondary appointments and build a realistic schedule.
Use InnoTrans Plus and the official app
InnoTrans Plus lets you browse exhibitors, products, the programme and the interactive trade show map. The platform also provides networking, appointment scheduling, chat and video-call features.
Information prepared online can be synchronized with the mobile app for use at the event. Registration on the platform is free.
Group appointments by area
Avoid scheduling two consecutive meetings in halls that are far apart. Instead, organize each half-day around a geographical area:
- South halls in the morning;
- Outdoor rail display in the early afternoon;
- North halls afterwards;
- Conferences or networking at the end of the day.
Allow at least 15 to 20 minutes between appointments in distant locations.
Visit the outdoor areas early
The Outdoor Display and the most eagerly awaited vehicles quickly draw crowds. Visiting as soon as the doors open makes it easier to take photos, enter certain vehicles and talk with technical teams.
Download the map for offline use
Although free Wi-Fi is advertised in the halls, mobile networks may be heavily used during busy periods. Keep a copy of the map and your schedule on your phone.
Wear suitable clothing
A day at InnoTrans involves walking several kilometres. Choose comfortable shoes and professional clothing that remains practical.
You should also bring:
- A power bank;
- A reusable water bottle;
- Business cards or a contact QR code;
- A lightweight notebook;
- A jacket for the outdoor areas;
- Identification;
- Proof of student or apprentice status for a Campus ticket.
How many days should you allow for visiting InnoTrans?
One day may be enough for a few targeted appointments, but it will not allow you to discover the entire trade show.
Here is one possible three-day itinerary:
| Day | Suggested programme |
| Day 1 | Main exhibitors, strategic innovations and business meetings |
| Day 2 | Outdoor Display, Bus Display, conferences and guided tours |
| Day 3 | Secondary suppliers, start-ups, networking and contact follow-up |
International visitors, buyers, journalists and project managers should consider allowing three or four days. For a highly targeted business trip, two well-planned days may be sufficient.
InnoTrans 2026 FAQ
InnoTrans 2026 will take place from Tuesday, September 22 to Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Berlin ExpoCenter City.
The trade show is held at the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Germany.
No. The 2026 edition is announced as a trade-only event. Students, apprentices and final-year pupils can nevertheless attend with a Campus ticket and valid proof of status.
A one-day trade visitor ticket costs €65. The Friday ticket costs €55 and the four-day pass costs €100. Campus tickets cost €17 for one day or €30 for all four days.
Yes. The InnoTrans ticket allows you to use Berlin public transport in zones ABC for the duration of its validity. You must carry identification with the ticket.
The final figure for 2026 has not yet been published. In 2024, InnoTrans brought together 2,946 exhibitors from 59 countries.
Yes. The Outdoor Display has more than 3,500 metres of track on which full-size trains, locomotives, trams, wagons and technical vehicles are presented.
Yes. The InnoTrans app and InnoTrans Plus platform allow you to browse exhibitors, the map, programme and events, as well as prepare professional appointments.
Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the best days for business meetings and major announcements. Thursday may be more comfortable for more in-depth visits. Friday is cheaper, but the trade show closes at 4 p.m.
Key points before visiting InnoTrans in 2026
InnoTrans 2026 will take place in Berlin from September 22 to 25, 2026. This anniversary edition will bring together the global rail, public transport and mobility industries across five main sectors and numerous specialist areas.
To make the most of the trade show:
- Buy your ticket online;
- Book your accommodation as early as possible;
- Use InnoTrans Plus to plan your route;
- Select your priority exhibitors;
- Group your appointments by hall;
- Allow several days for your visit;
- Explore the Outdoor Display early in the morning;
- Leave enough time for conferences and networking.
With its dozens of halls, full-size vehicles and international programme, InnoTrans remains an essential event for understanding how mobility is changing and discovering the technologies that will equip tomorrow’s transport networks.