Germany (Berlin and Brandenburg) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services
Introduction
This list is based on the timetable dated from 11 December 2022 to 9 December 2023, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained in General Information.
Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Germany) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland by Schweers + Wall.
Obscure services
Routes are listed generally in the following order: (i) Berlin central area; (ii) the Berlin Outer Ring (Außenring) and connections to or from it, in anti-clockwise order starting from Biesdorfer Kreuz; (iii) all others outside the Außenring.
Berlin central area
Berlin-Charlottenburg – Berlin-Halensee (Halensee Kurve)
[200.41, 200.42] (ERA-E 51B3 not shown; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128B3) DE22/251
This south to east curve links the S-Bahn Ringbahn and Stadtbahn lines. It is used by a pair of Ringbahn trains entering or leaving service at Berlin-Charlottenburg.
- From Berlin-Halensee: 01:27 SSuX
- From Berlin-Charlottenburg: 03:55 SSuX
Berlin-Lichtenberg – Berlin Ostkreuz
[209.12, 209.24, 209.25, 209.26] (ERA-E 51B4-51B3 not shown; ERA-R 94B3-94A3; S+W 129B3-129C3) DE22/252
There are two routes for main line trains between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Berlin Ostkreuz. One runs via the Ringbahn to the high-level platforms at Berlin Ostkreuz. The other runs parallel with the S-Bahn to low level platforms 7 and 8 at Berlin Ostkreuz. The low-level route is used by RB trains to and from Küstrin-Kietz, Templin Stadt and Werneuchen. The connection to/from the high-level platforms is used by RB24 services between Eberswalde and Senftenberg, which call at both Berlin-Lichtenberg and Berlin Ostkreuz.
Berlin-Lichtenberg/Berlin Ostkreuz – Berlin Gesundbrunnen/Bernau (b. Berlin) (Abzw Bornholmer Straße) (Ringbahn Ferngleise)
[209.9, 209.24, NEB RB54/209.54] (ERA-E 51B4-51B3; ERA-R 94B3-94A4; S+W 129A1-129C3) DE22/253
This is the north-eastern quadrant of the Ringbahn Ferngleise between Berlin Ostkreuz (high level) and Berlin Gesundbrunnen. There is an east-to-north connection from Berlin-Lichtenberg to Abzw Frankfurter Allee, north of Berlin Ostkreuz, and an east-to-north connection from Abzw Schönhauser Allee, east of Berlin Gesundbrunnen, to the Eberswalde line at Abzw Bornholmer Straße.
Berlin Ostkreuz - Berlin Gesundbrunnen is used by the twice-hourly FEX (Flughafen Express) services between Flughafen BER - Terminal 1-2 and Berlin Hbf (low level).
Berlin-Lichtenberg - Abzw Frankfurter Allee - Berlin Gesundbrunnen is used by the following RB54 services, which now run all year round.
| RB61187 | 07:45 Berlin-Lichtenberg – Rheinsberg (Mark) | ||
| SSuX | RB61200 | Rheinsberg (Mark) – 22:01 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Berlin-Lichtenberg | |
| SSuO | RB61198 | Rheinsberg (Mark) – 23:15 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
This route is also occasionally used by diverted services between Poland and Berlin Gesundbrunnen. Details of any such services may be seen at entry DE22/261 under Biesdorfer Kreuz West - Süd.
Berlin Ostkreuz - Abzw Schönhauser Allee - Abzw Bornholmer Straße has had no passenger use since 10 July 2021, when the hourly RB24 services between Senftenberg and Eberswalde reverted to running via the Außenring.
Berlin Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Berlin-Wedding) – Berlin Jungfernheide (Abzw Moabit Ost)
[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 128D1-128C2) DE22/254
This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleise is used by hourly RE6 services running direct between Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin-Spandau, not via Berlin Hbf.
The route is also used by the following:
| SuO | ICE750 | Stralsund Hbf – 17:56 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Köln Hbf | |
| Note | SuO | IC1932/ICE1132 | Greifswald – 19:40 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Oldenburg (Oldb) Hbf |
Note: Runs as IC1932 until 6 June and as ICE1132 from 13 June 2022
Berlin-Spandau – Berlin-Staaken (Nennhauser Damm)
[209.13, ODEG RE4] (ERA-E 51B2; ERA-R 93C4; S+W 124D4-124C4) D21/255
There are two routes between Berlin-Spandau and Staaken. The more northerly route makes a junction with the line from Falkensee about 1 km to the west of Berlin-Spandau. The southern route, mostly following the alignment of the Lehrter Bahn, converges with the main line at the west end of Berlin-Spandau station. Trains using the southern route can call only at platform 6, or use a non-platform track outside the station roof. IC, ICE and EC trains use the northern route in both directions. RE and RB trains generally use the northern route westbound and the southern route eastbound. If an eastbound train is to use the northern route, signal 8942 at Staaken (just east of the station) displays speed restriction ‘6’ (= 60 km/hr) above the main aspect.
Berlin Außenring (Outer Ring) and connections
Details are given of trains using connections on and off the Außenring at each of the junctions. Services referred to, generally operating hourly, are thus:
| RE2 | Wismar – Wittenberge – Spandau – Alexanderplatz – Königs Wusterhausen – Cottbus | 202, 209.14 |
| RE5 | Rostock/Stralsund – Oranienburg – Gesundbrunnen – Südkreuz – Elsterwerda | 205 |
| RE6 | Wittenberge – Neuruppin – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Spandau – Gesundbrunnen | 206 |
| RE7 | Dessau/Jüterbog – Alexanderplatz – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 – Wünsdorf-Waldstadt | 207 |
| RB10 | Nauen – Spandau – Südkreuz – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 (Monday to Friday only) | 209.14 |
| RB12 | Ostkreuz – Lichtenberg – Oranienburg – Templin Stadt | 209.12 |
| RB14 | Nauen – Spandau – Alexanderplatz – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 | 209.14 |
| RB20 | Oranienburg – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Potsdam Hbf (Monday to Friday only) | 209.20 |
| RB21 | Friedrichstraße/Potsdam Hbf - Golm - Wustermark | 209.21 |
| RB22 | Potsdam Hbf – Golm (reverse) – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 – Königs Wusterhausen | 209.21 |
| RB24 | Eberswalde – Hohenschönhausen – Ostkreuz – Königs Wusterhausen – Senftenberg | 209.24 |
| RB25 | Ostkreuz – Lichtenberg – Werneuchen | 209.25 |
Biesdorfer Kreuz
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D2) DE22/261
Biesdorfer Kreuz West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord is used by services RB12, RB24 and RB25.
Biesdorfer Kreuz West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd: There are two single lines between Biesdorfer Kreuz West and Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd. The short curve (line 6071) is reversible, but the long curve (line 6076) can only be used by trains towards Berlin-Lichtenberg. Generally, the long curve is only used if other movements prevent use of the short one. Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West is an intermediate junction on the short curve, where it is joined by the line from Rummelsburg.
Services from Lichtenberg will use the short curve; in the other direction they are likely to use the short curve but may use the long curve if there is a conflicting southbound service on the Außenring.
The following service is booked to operate via this route.
| Note | IC2075 | Westerland (Sylt) – 20:21 Berlin Südkreuz – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
Note Between 19 March – 7 April 2022 this train runs via the Stadtbahn, not via Südkreuz. Its last call before Berlin-Lichtenberg is at Berlin Hbf (high level) at 19:55 to set down only, from where it is booked to take 1h10 to reach Lichtenberg, presumably via Rummelsburg (DE22/273) and this route.
EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin are booked to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen instead of Berlin Hbf, thus using this route, on the following dates:
- 29 August - 16 September 2022
- 23 - 30 September 2022
- 8 - 11 October 2022.
Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord is a single track parallel with the Außenring which is used by trains between Rummelsburg and the north side of the ring. No passenger use of this line has been identified in this timetable period.
There is no passenger use of the curves to the Außenring from Biesdorfer Kreuz Ost, nor of the Außenring between Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd and Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord.
Karower Kreuz
(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 125C2) DE22/262
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow (east to north) is used by RB24.
Berlin-Blankenburg – Berlin-Karow West (south to west) is used by RE5 and IC trains between Berlin and Rostock.
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow West (Außenring ) is used by RB12.
There is no scheduled passenger use of the south to east or north to west curves.
Abzw Hohen Neuendorf
(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 93C5; S+W 125A1) DE22/263
Schönfließ West – Birkenwerder (east to north) is used by RE5, RB12 and IC trains between Berlin and Rostock. There are two routes. The Lange Kurve runs parallel with the S-Bahn via Hohen Neuendorf, passing below the Außenring. The Kleine Kurve is a direct east to north connection from the Außenring to Birkenwerder. Both routes are reversible single tracks. The Kleine Kurve is used by all northbound trains. Southbound RB12 trains normally run via the Lange Kurve, but others use the Kleine Kurve unless it is necessary to avoid conflict with a westbound freight on the Außenring.
Hohen Neuendorf West – Birkenwerder (west to north) is used by RB20. There are two routes. The Kleine Kurve is used in both directions by RB20 in order to call at Hohen Neuendorf West, whose single platform lies on this line, although it is also possible to regain the main line and thence the Lange Kurve. This branches south from and then passes below the Außenring having described three-quarters of a circle. It no longer sees regular use.
Note that until 18 March 2022, RB20 from Potsdam Hbf terminates at Hennigsdorf (b. Berlin) with a bus forward to Hohen Neuendorf S-Bahn. There is therefore no use of this curve during this period.
There is normally no passenger use of the Außenring between Schönfließ West and Hohen Neuendorf West.
Abzw Hennigsdorf
(ERA-E 51A2; ERA-R 93C5; S+W 124D2) DE22/264
Hennigsdorf Nord (Hdo) – Hennigsdorf (east to south) is used by RB20 (but see Note below)
Hennigsdorf Nord (Hdw) – Hennigsdorf (west to south) is used by RE6 and RB20
Note Until 18 March 2022, RB20 from Potsdam Hbf terminates at Hennigsdorf (b. Berlin) with a bus forward to Hohen Neuendorf S-Bahn station. There is therefore no use of the east to south curve during this period.
There is no scheduled passenger use of the Außenring between Hdo and Hdw, avoiding Hennigsdorf, although it is occasionally used for diverted services from the Eberswalde or Oranienburg lines to Berlin via Spandau.
Falkenhagener Kreuz
(51A1-51A2; ERA-R 93B4; S+W 124B3) DE22/265
Falkenhagen – Finkenkrug (north to east) is used by RE6
Falkenhagen – Brieselang Hasselberg (Außenring ) is used by RB20
There is no passenger use of the curves to the Außenring from Brieselang.
Abzw Wustermark
(ERA-E 51B1; ERA-R 93B4; S+W 124A4) DE22/266
Wustermark – Priort (west to south) is used by RB21 and the following Nightjet services:
| D1 | NJ470 | Zürich HB – 03:16 Göttingen – Berlin Hbf | |
| D1 | NJ471 | Berlin Hbf – 21:03 Berlin Südkreuz – Zürich HB |
D1: 14 October - 10 December 2022
Wustermark Awf – Priort (Außenring ) is used by RB20
There is no passenger use of the east to north and east to south curves to the Außenring from Dallgow-Döberitz (Wustermark Rbf Abzw Wot).
Potsdam
(ERA-E 51C1; ERA-R 93B2-93B1; S+W 126A2) DE22/267
Potsdam Park Sanssouci – Golm (east to north) is used by RB20, RB21 and RB22.
Postdam Wildpark West – Werder (Havel) (south to west) has been used by passenger trains on Saturdays and Sundays during the “Baumblütenfest” (Blossom Festival) in Werder in late April and early May. If the 2022 event goes ahead, RB22 may be diverted to Werder (Havel), instead of Golm, or other arrangements may be made.
Golm – Potsdam Wildpark West (Außenring ) is used by RB22.
There is no passenger use of the north to west curve from Golm to Werder (Havel), nor of the connections from the Außenring to the Belzig line at Wilhelmshorst and Saarmund.
Abzw Genshagener Heide
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 93C1-93C2; S+W 127A3) DE22/268
Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide Mitte (north to east) is a loop west of the Berlin - Leipzig main line used by RE5 and RB10 and byIC/EC trains between Berlin and Dresden.
Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide (north to west) is used by the following Nightjet services.
| D1 | NJ470 | Zürich HB – 03:16 Göttingen – Berlin Hbf | |
| D1 | NJ471 | Berlin Hbf – 21:03 Berlin Südkreuz – Zürich HB |
D1: 14 October - 10 December 2022
It is also occasionally used for diverted services between Berlin and Braunschweig when the route via Berlin-Wannsee is blocked.
Genshagener Heide – Genshagener Heide Mitte (Außenring) is used by RB22.
There is no passenger use of any of the other curves at Genshagener Heide.
Abzw Glasower Damm
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 94A2; S+W 127C3) DE22/269
Glasower Damm West – Blankenfelde (Glasower Damm Süd) is used by RE5 and by the two-hourly EC/IC/ICE trains between Kiel, Hamburg or Berlin and Praha via Dresden.
Glasower Damm West – Glasower Damm Ost (Außenring) is used by RB10, RB22 and the two-hourly IC services between Warnemünde, Berlin and Dresden. These trains run via Abzw Selchow Süd to/from Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2, where the IC services reverse.
Glasower Damm Ost – Glasower Damm Süd is used by RE7 and the Warnemünde – Berlin – Dresden IC services. RE7 towards Wunstorf-Waldstadt and the IC services in both directions run via the northern junction at Glasower Damm Ost. The connection to the southern pair of tracks is used by RE7 towards Berlin Ostkreuz and Dessau.
Abzw Selchow
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 94A2-94B2; S+W 127C3) DE22/270
Abzw Selchow West – Abzw Selchow Süd (single-track spur) is used by RE7 from Wunstorf-Waldstadt towards Dessau Hbf via Berlin Ostkreuz and by RB10 from Nauen to Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2 via Berlin Südkreuz, both in that direction only. RE7 and RB10 services in the other direction and IC services in both directions between Warnemünde, Berlin and Dresden (which reverse at Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2) are booked to use the double-track diveunder to and from the northern pair of tracks between Abzw Selchow West and Glasower Damm rather than this spur, however eastbound IC services may use the southern lines and the spur if the northern lines are unavailable.
Abzw Selchow West – Grünauer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is no longer used by most passenger trains, which run via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. It is still used by the following RB22 and IC/ICE services:
| MTO | RB18137 | 23:03 Königs Wüsterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| TO | RB18139 | 00:11 Königs Wüsterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| WO | RB18100 | Potsdam Hbf – 04:22 Ludwigsfelde-Struveshof – Königs Wüsterhausen | |
| D2 | IC2075 | Westerland (Sylt) – 20:21 Berlin Südkreuz – Berlin-Lichtenberg | |
| D3 | FSuO | ICE1743 | Berlin Hbf – 21:23 Berlin Südkreuz – Dresden Hbf |
| MTO | RB18138 | Potsdam Hbf – 23:22 Ludwigsfelde-Struveshof – Königs Wüsterhausen |
D2: From 8 January; not 19 March - 7 April 2022
D3: 29 April - 14 October 2022
Grünauer Kreuz
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B2; S+W 127D2) DE22/271
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Berlin-Grünau (south to east) was used by RB22, but since the opening of Flughafen Berlin-Brandenburg in October 2020 almost all of these have run via Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2 to/from Abzw Bohnsdorf Süd. The following trains still use this route:
| MTO | RB18137 | 23:03 Königs Wüsterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| TO | RB18139 | 00:11 Königs Wüsterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| WO | RB18100 | Potsdam Hbf – 04:38 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Königs Wüsterhausen | |
| D3 | FSuO | ICE1743 | Berlin Hbf – 21:23 Berlin Südkreuz – Dresden Hbf |
| MTO | RB18138 | Potsdam Hbf – 23:38 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Königs Wüsterhausen |
D3: 29 April - 14 October 2022
Grünauer Kreuz Nord – Berlin-Grünau (north to east) is used by RE2, RE7 and RB14 and the following IC services:
| SX | IC2431 | Emden Außenhafen – 18:45 Berlin Ostkreuz – Cottbus Hbf | |
| SuX | IC2432 | Cottbus Hbf – 06:51 Königs Wüsterhausen – Norddeich Mole |
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz Nord (Außenring ) was used by RE7 and RB14, but since 31 October 2020 these have run via Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2 to/from Abzw Bohnsdorf Nord leaving this section with minimal passenger use.
It is used by the following IC service:
| D2 | IC2075 | Westerland (Sylt) – 20:21 Berlin Südkreuz – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
D2: From 8 January; not 19 March - 7 April 2022
There is no passenger use of the curves to the Außenring from Berlin-Schöneweide.
Wuhlheide
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D4) DE22/272
Berlin-Eichgestell – Berlin-Ostendgestell (south to west) is used by RE2, RE7, RB14 and:
| SX | IC2431 | Emden Außenhafen – 18:45 Berlin Ostkreuz – Cottbus | |
| SuX | IC2432 | Cottbus – 06:51 Königs Wusterhausen – Norddeich Mole |
Berlin Stadtforst – Eichgestell Nord (north to east) was used in 2020 by trains EN440 FSuO Moskva - Berlin-Lichtenberg and EN441 MSO Berlin-Lichtenberg - Moskva. In the 2020/2021 timetable period they were booked to run direct between Berlin Ostbahnhof and the Frankfurt (Oder) line and so did not use this curve. These trains are currently suspended and a resumption of service is not expected in the near to medium term.
This curve is used by diverted EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin when they are booked to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen instead of Berlin Hbf. This occurred earlier in 2022 and on the following dates:
- 29 August - 16 September 2022
- 23 - 30 September 2022
- 8 - 11 October 2022.
Berlin-Eichgestell – Eichgestell Nord – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is used by the following IC service:
| D2 | IC2075 | Westerland (Sylt) – 20:21 Berlin Südkreuz – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
D2: From 8 January; not 19 March - 7 April 2022
It is also used by the trains between Berlin and Moskva when they are diverted via Cottbus. These trains are currently suspended and a resumption is not expected in the short to medium term.
There is no passenger use of the south to east curve from Berlin-Eichgestell to Berlin-Stadtforst.
Berlin Ostbahnhof (Rummelsburg Rgbv) – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129C3-129D3) DE22/273
There is no west to north curve at Wuhlheide, but this line enables trains to run between Berlin Ostbahnhof and the north side of the Außenring or Berlin-Lichtenberg. There is no regular passenger use of this connection, however it is booked to be used by the following dated IC service:
| D4 | IC2075 | Westerland (Sylt) – 19:55 Berlin Hbf (high level) – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
D4: 19 March - 7 April 2022
Note that this service is booked to take 1h10 from the set-down only stop at Berlin Hbf to Lichtenberg.
Other lines outside the Außenring
Rheinsberg (Mark) – Stechlinsee
[NEB RB54] (ERA-E 44C1; ERA-R 91B3; S+W 25D3) DE22/280
For the last few years one return service has run on this line on summer weekends. Special tickets are required, which are available on the train. These are very cheap. The 2021 service ran on Saturdays and Sundays between 3 July and 8 August, departing Rheinsberg (Mark) at 13:25 and returning from Stechlinsee at 14:00. Once details of any service in 2022 become available, this entry will be updated.
Berlin-Staaken – Stendal – Wolfsburg
[ODEG RE4, 301] (ERA-E 51B2-48C4; ERA-R 93C4-100C5; S+W 124C4 to 32D4) DE22/281
On this route the double track Schnellfahrstrecke runs alongside one or two other tracks for most of the way. Between Berlin-Staaken and Elstal local passenger trains use a double line immediately south of the Schnellfahrstrecke. There is a single-track local line between Elstal and Wustermark. All passenger trains use the Schnellfahrstrecke between Wustermark and Rathenow. There is no passenger use of the parallel track from Wustermark to Abzw. Ribbeck (east of Buschow), which is not electrified, or from Abzw. Bamme (west of Nennhausen) to Rathenow. RB34 trains between Rathenow and Stendal use the parallel non-electrified single line. All others use the Schnellfahrstrecke. Between Hämerten (Abzw. Staffelde) and Vinzelberg (Abzw. Nahrstedt) the Schnellfahrstrecke follows a separate route to the south of Stendal, which is used by all trains not calling there. All RB trains west of Stendal use the single, non-electrified line. The two routes diverge slightly at a number of places, particularly at Oebisfelde.
Cottbus Hbf
The three lines into Cottbus Hbf from the west all split into separate routes to the south side platforms, 1 to 4, and to the middle and north side platforms, 5 to 10, as shown on this map.
Services are as follows:
| RE2 (hourly) | Cottbus – Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Berlin – Wittenberge – Wismar | ODEG RE2 |
| RE10 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster) – Leipzig | 209.43 |
| RE18 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Ruhland – Großenhain – Dresden | 208 |
| RB41 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Lübbenau (Spreewald) (all stations). This service is operated by replacement bus during the entire 2021-22 timetable period. | ODEG RE2 (SEV) |
| RB43 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster) (thence as RE3 to Jüterbog) | 209.43 |
| RB49 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Ruhland – Elsterwerda-Biehla - Falkenberg (Elster) | 208 |
To/from Lübbenau (Spreewald) and Berlin
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE22/282
South side platforms 1 to 4
Reached by the main line via former Stw W20 (line 6142).
Used by RE2 arrivals (except those shown below as arriving at platforms 5 to 10)
and the following services:
| RE63959 | 03:56 Cottbus Hbf – Wismar | ||
| RE63961 | 04:57 Cottbus Hbf – Wittenberge | ||
| SuX | RE63963 | 05:32 Cottbus Hbf – Wismar | |
| SuX | IC2432/RE62432 | 06:05 Cottbus Hbf – Norddeich Mole | |
| SSuX | RE63949 | 06:12 Cottbus Hbf – Berlin Friedrichstraße | |
| RB18374 | Eberswalde – 22:25 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf |
Middle and north side platforms 5 to 10
Reached by a spur from Abzw Cbn via former Stw W10 (lines 6203 and 6201).
Used by RE2 departures, except as shown above, and the following arrivals:
| FO | RE63952 | Berlin Zoologischer Garten – 16:38 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | |
| FSSuX | RE63954 | Berlin Zoologischer Garten – 18:38 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | |
| SX | IC2431/RE62431 | Emden Außenhafen – 19:35 Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Cottbus Hbf |
To/from Calau (Niederlausitz) and Leipzig
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE22/283
South side platforms 1 to 4
Reached by a connection (line 6204) from Abzw Cfw via former Stw W9 to the main line from Lübbenau.
No passenger use of this connection has been determined in this timetable period
Middle and north side platforms 5 to 10
Reached by the main line (line 6345) or parallel loop (line 6203) via former Stw B12.
Used by RE10 and RB43
To/from Ruhland and Dresden
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE22/284
South side platforms 1 to 4
Reached by a connection (line 6202) from former Südwest Stw B2 via former Stw W20.
Used by RE18 and RB49 except as shown below
Middle and north side platforms 5 to 10
Reached by a diveunder (line 6253) from former Südwest Stw B2 via former Stw B12
Used by certain RE18 and RB49 trains as follows:
| RB18420 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 05:35 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18404 | Dresden Hbf – 08:31 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18408 | Dresden Hbf – 12:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18416 | Dresden Hbf – 20:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18401 | 05:18 Cottbus Hbf – Dresden Hbf | ||
| RB18423 | 06:15 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
| RE18405 | 09:18 Cottbus Hbf – Dresden Hbf | ||
| RE18409 | 13:18 Cottbus Hbf – Dresden Hbf |
Falkenberg (Elster)
The Hoyerswerda to Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Leipzig to Cottbus lines cross at Falkenberg (Elster), passing through low-level (unt Bf) and high-level (ob Bf) platforms respectively. A series of curves south-east of the station allow trains to and from the Hoyerswerda line to use the high-level platforms (6 and 7) and those to and from the Cottbus line to use the low-level ones (3 and 4).
Uebigau (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw B3) – Falkenberg (Elster) unt Bf (Stw W17)
[209.43] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE22/285
This combination of curves provides an east to north route, on the south side of the Cottbus – Leipzig line, connecting that line with the low-level station at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by those RB43 services to Cottbus that start at Herzberg (Elster), but not in the other direction. RB43 services that start at Falkenberg (Elster) use high-level platform 6.
RB18074 Cottbus - 23:03 Uebigau - Herzberg (Elster) also uses these curves to run to platform 4.
RE10 trains, which run through to or from Leipzig Hbf, use the high-level platforms.
A full sized diagram is here.
Bad Liebenwerda (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw W15) – Falkenberg (Elster) ob Bf (Stw W2)
[208] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE22/286
This south to west curve connects the line from Elsterwerda-Biehla with the high-level platforms at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by S4 trains from Hoyerswerda to Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz via Leipzig, but not in the opposite direction, generally every two hours. A full sized diagram is here.
Falkenberg (Elster) unt Bf (Stw W17) – Falkenberg (Elster) ob Bf (Stw W2)
[208] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE22/287
This route is a combination of parts of the previous two. It allows trains to run in a spiral between the high-level and low-level platforms at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by:
- S4 trains every two hours from Leipzig to Hoyerswerda, but not in the opposite direction, which pass through the high-level platforms at Falkenberg without stopping and use this route to call at the low-level platforms, where they reverse.
- Those RB43 trains from Cottbus that terminate at Herzberg (Elster), but not in the opposite direction, which call at the high-level platforms and run through the low level without stopping. Exception: RB18074 Cottbus - 23:03 Uebigau - Herzberg (Elster), which runs directly to the low-level platforms via DE22/285.
A full sized diagram is here.
Walddrehna (Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord) – Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz) (Abzw Hennersdorf West)
[205 Süd] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R S+W 102C2;47D4) DE22/288
This north to east curve links the Berlin – Dresden main line with the Leipzig – Cottbus line. It is used by RE5 services between Berlin Hbf, Luckau-Uckro and Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz), every two hours in the morning and evening peaks on Mondays to Fridays only.
It is also used from 26 to 29 January 2022 by diverted IC/ICE services between Leipzig Hbf and Dresden Hbf, reversing at Hennersdorf West and Brenitz-Sonnewalde.
Kamenz (Sachs) – Hosena – Senftenberg (Brieske)
(ERA-E 50B1-50B2; ERA-R 103A2; S+W 60C3-60B2) DE22/289
This freight line is used once again in 2022 by a summer weekend train pair between Dresden and Senftenberg. The line south of Hosena is mostly within Land Sachsen.
| D3 | SSuO | RB16657 | Dresden Hbf – 10:26 Kamenz (Sachs) – Senftenberg |
| D3 | SSuO | RB16656 | 16:55 Senftenberg – Dresden Hbf |
D3: 16 July - 28 August 2022
Note that these services run as S8 between Dresden Hbf and Kamenz (Sachs) and as RB34 between Kamenz and Senftenberg.
Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions
Berlin Außenring
DE22/291
The Außenring and its connections to all of the lines radiating from Berlin provide scope for many diversions, including the following:
Karower Kreuz – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen: Trains from the Oranienburg or Bernau lines may be diverted via Berlin-Hohenschönhausen and Berlin-Lichtenberg. This has happened frequently in recent years. Such diversions result in an extended journey time.
Karower Kreuz – Berlin Hbf: A less common diversion of trains between Bernau and Berlin is via Falkenhagener Kreuz. In that event they use the curve between Berlin-Karow and Berlin-Karow West and the sections of the Außenring between Schönfließ West and Hohen Neuendorf West and between Hennigsdorf Nord Hdo and Hennigsdorf Nord Hdw. Such a diversion is likely to result in a longer journey time and any call at Berlin-Gesundbrunnen is omitted, but there may be an additional stop at Berlin-Spandau. This has happened on several occasions in recent years.
Birkenwerder – Berlin Hbf: Trains between Oranienburg and Berlin Hbf may also be diverted via Falkenhagener Kreuz. In that event they use the section of the Außenring between Hennigsdorf Nord Hdo and Hennigsdorf Nord Hdw. Such a diversion may not result in a significantly different journey time, but any call at Berlin-Gesundbrunnen is omitted and there may be an additional stop at Berlin-Spandau. It is possible that trains would use the long curve between Hohen Neuendorf West and Birkenwerder.
Brieselang – Dallgow-Döberitz: Trains between Nauen and Berlin may be diverted via the curves Brieselang to Brieselang-Hasselburg and Wustermark Awf to Wustermark Rbf Wot in event of engineering work on the line via Falkensee. This may not affect the journey time of express trains between Berlin and Hamburg significantly. Use of this route is best indicated by local trains via Falkensee being replaced by buses.
Elstal – Priort – Golm – Werder: RE1 services may be diverted between Charlottenburg and Werder (Havel), calling additionally at Golm.
Saarmund – Golm: RB22 trains may be diverted via Michendorf and Ferch-Lienewitz or (after a reversal) the Wilhelmshorst curve. In early 2021 they were diverted via Michendorf and Ferch-Lienewitz to terminate at Potsdam Hbf.
Genshagener Heide – Blankenfelde: In event of an extended journey time between Berlin-Lichterfelde Ost and Blankenfelde, RE5 trains can be expected to reverse at Ludwigsfelde and use the curve between Birkengrund Süd and Genshagener Heide Ost.
Berlin-Blankenburg – Berlin-Karow Ost: This is an alternative route for EC Berlin <=> Poland trains via Frankfurt (Oder) when they are diverted to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, when they may use this curve rather than running via Abzw Frankfurter Allee and Berlin-Lichtenberg (DE22/253). In common with the trains diverted via Lichtenberg, they will also use the Biesdorfer Kreuz West - Süd (DE22/261) and Eichgestell Nord - Berlin-Stadtforst (DE22/272) connections.
Until July 8th 2022, some diverted Berlin – Warszawa trains on some days were noted as running via this route and not via Abzw Frankfurter Allee. It was unclear if there was any pattern to which route was used. Further diversions are planned for later in 2022, but trains are all booked to call at Berlin-Lichtenberg and so will not use this curve.
Falkenberg (Elster) – Glaubitz (b Riesa) (Abzw. Zeithain Bogendreieck)
(ERA-E 50A2-50A1; ERA-R 102C2-192C1; S+W 59C1-59C3) DE22/292 [the southern portion of this line is in Sachsen]
This part of the original rail route from Berlin to Dresden links Falkenberg with the Leipzig – Dresden main line near Riesa. The local passenger service was withdrawn in 2004, but when there is engineering work on the main line to/from Berlin via Elsterwerda, all EC, EN and IC trains between Berlin and Dresden are diverted by this route. This occurred frequently in recent years while the main line was upgraded. Although the upgrade has been completed since December 2019, occasional diversions still occur.
Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Lienewitz Lia) – Beelitz Heilstätten
[207] (ERA-E 51A1; ERA-R 93B1; S+W 47A1) DE22/293
This north to south-west curve is occasionally used by RE7 services between Dessau and Berlin if engineering work is taking place on the direct line between Seddin and Griebnitzsee Ost, requiring diversion via Ferch-Lienewitz and Potsdam Hbf. On such occasions trains are advertised not to make the usual stops between Beelitz Heilstätten and Berlin-Wannsee.
Berlin-Wannsee (Abzw Berlin-Grunewald Gds) – Berlin Hbf (tief) (Abzw Moabit Ost)
[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128A3-128C2) DE22/294
This line is used by trains between the Potsdam line and Berlin Hbf (tief/low level) when they are not able to use the Stadtbahn via Berlin-Zoo.
Berlin-Karlshorst (Abzw Berlin-Rummelsburg Rgbo) - Berlin-Frankfurter Allee (Berlin-Lichtenberg Abzw B1)
(S+W 129C3) DE22/295
This line connects the Frankfurter Bahn from Erkner with the Ringbahn Ferngleise (DE22/253) via Rummelsburg Bbf (ICE depot) and a flyover across the Frankfurter Bahn, joining the line from Lichtenberg at Abzw Lichtenberg B1.
It was used in May 2021 by services to and from Poland which were diverted to run to/from Berlin Gesundbrunnen, on dates when they did not use the Stadtforst - Eichgestell Nord curve (DE22/272) and the curves towards Lichtenberg at Biesdorfer Kreuz (DE22/261).
It was also used in August and September 2021 by diverted FEX airport services between Berlin Hbf (tief), Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2.
Werbig avoiding curve (Abzw Werbig oben - Werbig (Ostbahn))
[209.60] (S+W 37B2) DE22/296
This north to east curve links the Eberswalde - Frankfurt (Oder) line with the Ostbahn from Berlin to Kostrzyn/Küstrin (PL), avoiding both high and low-level platforms at Werbig. It normally sees no passenger services but is used between 15 April and 19 June, and was planned to be used from 15 July until 21 August 2022, by diverted RB60 trains from Eberswalde, with replacement bus forward to Frankfurt (Oder). The trains are booked to terminate at a temporary platform adjacent to the Werbig loop on the Ostbahn. See the NEB site for details. A diagram showing the location of the temporary platform is here. From 21st July, the curve was closed as part of the wider DB program to replace cracked concrete sleepers. There are some suggestions it may re-open on 12th August for a short period before the engineering work is planned to finish on 21st August.
