Germany (Berlin and Brandenburg) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

This list is based on the timetable dated from 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained here.

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: Book 2) 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.

Note The stations at Flughafen BER have been renamed. With the closure of Terminal 5 (the former Schönefeld airport) to flights, the former Flughafen BER - T5 (Schönefeld) station is now known as 'Schönefeld (b Berlin)' and the former Flughafen BER - T1-2 station is now simply known as 'Flughafen BER'.

Berlin central area

Berlin-Charlottenburg – Berlin-Halensee (Halensee Kurve)

[200.45] (ERA-E 51B3 not shown; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128B3) DE24/251

This south to east curve links the S-Bahn Ringbahn and Stadtbahn lines. It is used by a few S-Bahn trains entering or leaving service at Berlin-Charlottenburg.

• From Berlin-Halensee:

• • 00:29 (S45 every night except 4., 5., 19., 20., 25. March, 18 to 25. Nov 2024, 14. Dec 2024)

• • 01:27 (S41 4. Mär bis 16. Okt 2024 Mo - Mi; 5. bis 26. Sep 2024 Mo - Do, So; nicht 11. bis 13. Mär 2024, 18., 25. Mär, 30. Apr, 8., 20. Mai, 17. Jul bis 28. Aug 2024, 15. Sep, 2. Okt; auch 3., 17., 21., 24. Mär, 4., 7., 11., 14., 18., 21., 25., 28. Apr, 2., 5., 9., 12., 16., 23., 26., 30. Mai, 2., 6., 9., 13., 16., 20., 23., 27., 30. Jun, 4., 7., 11., 14. Jul, 10., 17. Okt)

• From Berlin-Charlottenburg:
  • 03:55 (S42 29. Feb bis 17. Okt 2024 Mo, Di, Do; nicht 12., 14., 21. Mär, 1. Apr, 9., 20. Mai, 18. Jul bis 29. Aug 2024, 3. Okt; auch 1., 6., 27. Mär, 3., 5., 10., 12., 17., 19., 24., 26. Apr, 3., 8., 10., 15., 22., 24., 29., 31. Mai, 5., 7., 12., 14., 19., 21., 26., 28. Jun, 3., 5., 10., 12. Jul, 4., 6., 11., 18., 20., 25. Sep, 9., 16. Okt)

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) DE24/252

There are two routes for main line trains between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Berlin Ostkreuz. One joins the Ringbahn Ferngleise to run 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 (Kostrzyn when the line reopens, planned for March 2024), Templin Stadt and Werneuchen. The connection to/from the high-level platforms is used by RB24 and RB32 services which run between Berlin-Lichtenberg or Oranienburg and Schönefeld (b Berlin).

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) DE24/253

This is the north-eastern quadrant of the Ringbahn Ferngleise (used for freight, regional and diverted long-distance services) between Berlin Ostkreuz (high level) and Berlin Gesundbrunnen. From Ostkreuz to Storkower Straße, the Ferngleise are on the outer side of the 'Ring', but just west of Storkower Straße the S-Bahn lines fly over the Ferngleise, so that for the rest of the way to Gesundbrunnen, the Ferngleise are on the inner side.

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 and Berlin Hbf (tief / low level).

Berlin-Lichtenberg – Abzw Frankfurter Allee is used by the following service:

SSuX

RB61200

Rheinsberg (Mark) – 22:01 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 DE24/261 under Biesdorfer Kreuz West - Süd.

Abzw Schönhauser Allee - Abzw Bornholmer Straße no longer has regular passenger use but is occasionally used by diverted RB24 or RB32 services.

Berlin Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Berlin-Wedding) – Berlin Jungfernheide (Abzw Moabit Ost)

[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 128D1-128C2) DE24/254

This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleise is used by the hourly RB21 (Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Potsdam Hbf) services running direct between Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin-Spandau, not via Berlin Hbf.

Berlin-Spandau – Berlin-Staaken (Nennhauser Damm)

[204.West, 209.21] (ERA-E 51B2; ERA-R 93C4; S+W 124D4-124C4) DE24/255

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 and ICE trains towards Hannover use the northern route, but those heading towards Berlin, with the exception of trains from Amsterdam, arrive at Spandau platform 6, so must use the southern route. RE4 and RB21 trains use the northern route westbound and both routes 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 as follows. (Note that 'tief' and 'oben' in this context mean 'low level' and 'high level' respectively).

RE5	Rostock / Stralsund – Oranienburg – Gesundbrunnen – Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz	205
RE6	Wittenberge – Neuruppin – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Spandau – Charlottenburg	206
RE7	Dessau / Bad Belzig – Berlin Hbf (oben) – Ostkreuz – Königs Wusterhausen – Senftenberg	207
RE8N	Wismar – Wittenberge – Nauen – Spandau – Berlin Hbf (oben) – Ostkreuz (tief) – Flughafen BER	208, 209.10
RE8S	Berlin Hbf (tief) – Wünsdorf-Waldstadt – Elsterwerda	no table (see ODEG website)
RB12	Ostkreuz (tief) – Lichtenberg – Oranienburg – Templin Stadt	209.12 (NEB)
RE17	Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz – Elsterwerda (IC services to Dresden with joint RE designation in Brandenburg)	no table
RB20 (SSuX)	Oranienburg – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Golm – Potsdam Hbf – Potsdam-Griebnitzsee	209.20
RB21	Potsdam Hbf – Golm – Wustermark (reverse) – Berlin Gesundbrunnen	204 West, 209.21
RB22	Potsdam-Griebnitzsee (SSuX) – Potsdam Hbf – Golm (reverse) – Flughafen BER – Königs Wusterhausen	209.20
RB23	Golm (SSuX) – Potsdam Hbf (SSuX) – Charlottenburg – Berlin Hbf (oben) – Flughafen BER	209.23
FEX/RB24	Berlin Hbf (tief) – Gesundbrunnen – Ostkreuz (oben) – Flughafen BER (as FEX) then Flughafen BER – Rangsdorf (as RB24). (NB: At weekends, the RB24 section is replaced by a Schönefeld (b. Berlin) – Rangsdorf – Zossen bus service)	209.24
RB24	Lichtenberg – Ostkreuz (oben) – Schönefeld (b. Berlin) (NB: RB24 runs as two independent services, with the only station in common being Ostkreuz. Because of engineering work, it does not run between Bernau (b. Berlin) and Lichtenberg during this timetable period).	209.32
RB25	Ostkreuz (tief) – Lichtenberg – Werneuchen	209.25
FEX/RB32	Berlin Hbf (tief) – Gesundbrunnen – Ostkreuz (oben) – Flughafen BER (as FEX) then Flughafen BER – Ludwigsfelde (as RB32)	209
RB32	Oranienburg – Hohenschönhausen – Lichtenberg – Ostkreuz (oben) – Schöneweide – Schönefeld (b Berlin) (NB: RB32 runs as two independent services, with the only station in common being Ostkreuz).	209.32
RB54	Berlin-Lichtenberg (occasional services) – Löwenberg (Mark) – Rheinsberg (Mark)	209.54 (NEB)

Biesdorfer Kreuz

(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D2) DE24/261

Biesdorfer Kreuz West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord is used by services RB12, RB25 and RB32. It is normally also used by RB24 but this service is currently not running over this section because of engineering work.

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. 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 movement such as a southbound service on the Außenring. No services have been identified as using this connection in this timetable period.

Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West is an intermediate junction on the short curve, where it is joined by the line from Rummelsburg.

When EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin are diverted to run from and to Berlin-Gesundbrunnen instead of Berlin Hbf, they will generally use this route.

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.

Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord (Außenring) has no booked services, but it is used by diverted EC trains between Berlin-Gesundbrunnen and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) when they run via Karower Kreuz instead of Berlin-Lichtenberg (see entry DE24/291 under Berlin Blankenburg – Berlin Karow Ost for details).

There is no passenger use of the non-electrified curves to the Außenring from Biesdorfer Kreuz Ost.

Karower Kreuz

(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 125C2) DE24/262

Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow (east to north) is normally used by RB24; however this service is not running over this section in this timetable period because of engineering work.

Berlin-Blankenburg – Berlin-Karow West (south to west) is used by RE5 and IC trains between Berlin and Rostock. It is also used by the one RB54 service at the end of the day that runs to Berlin-Lichtenberg via Berlin Gesundbrunnen. This is shown in entry DE24/253.

Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow West (Außenring ) is used by RB12 and RB32.

Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Blankenburg (east to south)

There is no scheduled passenger use of the north to west curve.

Abzw Hohen Neuendorf

(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 93C5; S+W 125A1) DE24/263

Schönfließ West – Birkenwerder (east to north) is used by RE5, RB12 and RB32 (Oranienburg – Schönefeld), 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 does not see regular use.

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) DE23/264

Hennigsdorf Nord (Hdo) – Hennigsdorf (east to south) is used by RB20

Hennigsdorf Nord (Hdw) – Hennigsdorf (west to south) is used by RE6 and RB20

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) DE24/265

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) DE24/266

Wustermark – Priort (west to south) is used by RB21.

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) DE24/267

Potsdam Park Sanssouci – Golm (east to north) is used by RB20, RB21, RB22 and RB23.

Postdam Wildpark West – Werder (Havel) (south to west) has been used in the past by passenger trains on Saturdays and Sundays during the “Baumblütenfest” (Blossom Festival) in Werder in late April and early May. No details of any diverted trains in 2023 became apparent, so it may be that these trains no longer run.

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) DE24/268

Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide Mitte (north to east) is a loop west of the Berlin - Leipzig main line used by RE8S and by EC/IC/ICE trains between Berlin and Dresden.

Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide (north to west) has no booked services, but it is 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.

Genshagener Heide Ost – Birkengrund Süd is used by RB24 (Flughafen BER – Rangsdorf).

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) DE24/269

Glasower Damm West – Blankenfelde (Glasower Damm Süd) is used by RE8S. With the re-routeing of the Dresden / Chemnitz – Berlin – Warnemünde IC services away from Flughafen BER, it is now also used by all EC/IC/ICE trains between Berlin and Dresden, except ICE1076, as listed below.

Glasower Damm West – Glasower Damm Ost (Außenring) is used by RB22, RB32 (Flughafen BER – Ludwigsfelde) and the following ICE service after reversal at Flughafen BER:

SO

ICE1076

Dresden Hbf – 10:04 Elsterwerda – Ostseebad Binz

Glasower Damm Ost – Glasower Damm Süd is used by RB24 and the following long-distance services:

	SO	ICE1076	Dresden Hbf – 10:04 Elsterwerda – Ostseebad Binz
D1		RJ256	Graz Hbf – 20:37 Doberlug-Kirchhain – Berlin-Charlottenburg

D1: 20 March - 8 June 2024

Note that there are two pairs of tracks between Glasower Damm Ost and Abzw Selchow, where the line to Flughafen BER diverges from the Außenring. RB24 towards Ludwigsfelde and (as far as is known) ICE1076 in both directions run via the northern junction at Glasower Damm Ost. The connection to the southern pair of tracks is used by RB24 towards Flughafen BER and (as FEX) Berlin Hbf. Eastbound RB22 and RB32 services can use either pair of tracks.

Abzw Selchow

(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 94A2-94B2; S+W 127C3) DE24/270

At Abzw Selchow, the northern pair of tracks dives under the Außenring towards Flughafen BER. The southern pair of tracks continues east as the Außenring, and has a single-track connection from the southern (eastbound) line to the Flughafen BER line.

Abzw Selchow West – Abzw Selchow Süd (single-track spur) can be used eastbound only. It is reportedly used by RB24 (Rangsdorf – Flughafen BER) and may also be used by RB22 and RB32 (Ludwigsfelde – Flughafen BER).

The double-track diveunder must be used westbound and can be used eastbound. All services (RB22, RB24 (Flughafen BER – Rangsdorf) and RB32 (Flughafen BER – Ludwigsfelde)) use it westbound. Certain services may use it eastbound.

Abzw Selchow West – Schönefeld (b Berlin) (Außenring) is no longer used by most passenger trains, which run via Flughafen BER. It is still used by the following late-night RB22 services and one dated long-distance service:

	MTO	RB18139	23:07 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf
	TWO	RB18101	00:17 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf
D1		RJ256	Graz Hbf – 20:37 Doberlug-Kirchhain – Berlin-Charlottenburg
	TO	RB18136	Potsdam Hbf – 22:24 Ludwigsfelde-Struveshof – Königs Wusterhausen
	MTO	RB18138	Potsdam Hbf – 23:24 Ludwigsfelde-Struveshof – Königs Wusterhausen

D1: 20 March - 8 June 2024

Grünauer Kreuz

(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B2; S+W 127D2) DE24/271

Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Berlin-Grünau (south to east) is only used by the residual late-night RB22 service:

	MTO	RB18139	23:07 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf
	TWO	RB18101	00:17 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf
	TO	RB18136	Potsdam Hbf – 22:37 Flughafen BER - Schönefeld – Königs Wusterhausen
	MTO	RB18138	Potsdam Hbf – 23:38 Flughafen BER - Schönefeld – Königs Wusterhausen

Grünauer Kreuz Nord – Berlin-Grünau (north to east) is used by RE2, RE7, RE8N, RB14 and FEX, plus the following IC services:

	SuX	IC2432	Cottbus Hbf – 06:52 Königs Wusterhausen – Norddeich Mole
	SX	IC2431	Emden Außenhafen – 18:45 Berlin Ostkreuz – Cottbus Hbf

Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz West is used by RB24 and RB32 (Schönefeld – Lichtenberg / Oranienburg).

Schönefeld (b. Berlin) – Grünauer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is used by RB24 and RB32 (Schönefeld – Lichtenberg / Oranienburg), also the sparse late-night service of RB22 trains shown under Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Berlin-Grünau, above.

Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz Nord (Außenring) is only used by the following dated service:

D1

RJ256

Graz Hbf – 20:37 Doberlug-Kirchhain – Berlin-Charlottenburg

D1: 20 March - 8 June 2024

Wuhlheide

(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D4) DE24/272

Berlin-Eichgestell – Berlin-Ostendgestell (south to west) is used by RE2, RE7, RE8N, RB14, and FEX, plus the following long-distance services:

	SuX	IC2432	Cottbus Hbf – 06:52 Königs Wusterhausen – Norddeich Mole
D1		RJ256	Graz Hbf – 20:37 Doberlug-Kirchhain – Berlin-Charlottenburg
	SX	IC2431	Emden Außenhafen – 18:45 Berlin Ostkreuz – Cottbus Hbf

D1: 20 March - 8 June 2024

Berlin Stadtforst – Eichgestell Nord (north to east) 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 last occurred in 2022.

Berlin-Eichgestell – Eichgestell Nord – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is used between Eichgestell Nord and Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd by diverted EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) when they are booked to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen. For details of any such diversions, see Berlin Stadtforst – Eichgestell Nord directly above.

There is no passenger use of the south to east curve from Berlin-Eichgestell to Berlin-Stadtforst.

Berlin Ostkreuz (Rummelsburg Rgbv) – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West

(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129C3-129D3) DE24/273

There is no west to north curve at Wuhlheide, but this line enables trains to run between Berlin Ostkreuz and the north side of the Außenring or Berlin-Lichtenberg. There is no regular passenger use of this connection.

Other lines outside the Außenring

Berlin-Staaken – Stendal – Wolfsburg

[204.West, 301] (ERA-E 51B2-48C4; ERA-R 93C4-100C5; S+W 124C4 to 32D4) DE24/280

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 Hbf (Stadtbahn) – Nauen [/ Bad Belzig (occasional journeys)]	202
RE11 (two-hourly)	Frankfurt (Oder) – Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster) – Leipzig	210
RE18 (two-hourly)	Cottbus – Ruhland – Großenhain – Dresden	225
RB43 (two-hourly)	Frankfurt (Oder) – Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster)	210
RB49 (two-hourly)	Cottbus – Ruhland – Elsterwerda-Biehla - Falkenberg (Elster)	213

To/from Lübbenau (Spreewald) and Berlin

(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE24/282

South side platforms 1 to 4

Reached by the main line via former Stw W20 (line 6142).

Used by RE2 (except those shown below as using platforms 5 to 10) and the following services:

	SuX	IC2432 / RE56	06:01 Cottbus Hbf – Norddeich Mole
		RE7 3734	Dessau Hbf – 22:28 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 the following RE2 services and one IC service:

	SSuX	RE3140	Lübbenau (Spreewald) – 05:51 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3102	Berlin-Charlottenburg – 06:51 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf
		RE3106	Nauen – 08:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3110	Nauen – 10:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE18768	Berlin-Charlottenburg – 11:36 Vetschau – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3114	Nauen – 12:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3118	Nauen – 14:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3122	Nauen – 16:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3124	Nauen – 17:49 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RE3128	Nauen – 19:49 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf
	SX	IC2431 / RE56	Emden Außenhafen – 19:42 Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuX	RE18753	05:26 Cottbus – Bad Belzig
	SSuX	RE18755	06:13 Cottbus – Bad Belzig
	SSuO	RE3111	08:04 Cottbus – Nauen
	SSuO	RE3115	10:04 Cottbus – Nauen
	SSuO	RE3123	14:04 Cottbus – Nauen
	SSuX	RE18761	15:13 Cottbus – Bad Belzig
	SSuO	RE3127	16:04 Cottbus – Nauen
	SSuO	RE18769	17:13 Cottbus – Berlin-Charlottenburg
	SSuO	RE3131	18:04 Cottbus – Nauen
	SSuO	RE3133	19:04 Cottbus – Nauen

To/from Calau (Niederlausitz) and Leipzig

(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE24/283

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) DE24/284

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:

		RB18444	Falkenberg (Elster) – 00:33 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf
		RB18422	Falkenberg (Elster) – 05:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf
		RB18404	Dresden-Neustadt – 07:36 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf
		RB18436	Falkenberg (Elster) / Jüterbog – 18:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf
		RE18416	Dresden-Neustadt – 19:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf
		RB18438	Falkenberg (Elster) / Jüterbog – 20:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf
		RE18418	Dresden-Neustadt – 21:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf
		RB18440	Falkenberg (Elster) – 22:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf
		RE18405	08:18 Cottbus Hbf – Dresden-Neustadt
		RB18437	19:16 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster)
		RB18441	21:16 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster)
		RB18443	22:16 Cottbus Hbf – Ruhland

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)

[210] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE24/285

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 now used by only the following RB43 services:

	SSuX	RB18690	03:48 Falkenberg (Elster) – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuO	RB18696	04:48 Falkenberg (Elster) – Cottbus Hbf
	SSuX	RB26080	04:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Frankfurt (Oder)
	SSuX	RB26094	16:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Frankfurt (Oder)
	SSuX	RB26096	18:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Frankfurt (Oder)
		RB26091	Frankfurt (Oder) – 23:03 Uebigau – Falkenberg (Elster)
		RB26095	Cottbus Hbf – 00:05 Uebigau – Falkenberg (Elster)

RE10 and other RB43 services use the high-level platforms.

A full sized diagram is here.

Bad Liebenwerda (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw W15) – Falkenberg (Elster) ob Bf (Stw W2)

[211] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE24/286

This south to west curve connects the line from Elsterwerda-Biehla with the high-level platforms at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by the following RE11 and RB49 services.

Note: Some of these services, although running every day, only use the high-level platforms on the days shown.

	SSuX	RE18182	Leipzig Hbf – 08:07/08:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
	SSuX	RE18184	Leipzig Hbf – 10:07/10:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
	SuX	RE18186	Leipzig Hbf – 12:07/12:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
	SuX	RE18188	Leipzig Hbf – 14:07/14:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
		RE18190	Leipzig Hbf – 16:07/16:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
		RE18192	Leipzig Hbf – 18:07/18:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
D1	SuO	RE18194	Leipzig Hbf – 20:07/20:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda
D1	SSuX	RE18181	Hoyerswerda – 05:33/05:36 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
D1	SSuX	RE18181	Hoyerswerda – 05:33/05:36 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
D1	SSuX	RE18183	Hoyerswerda – 07:33/07:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
D1	SSuX	RE18185	Hoyerswerda – 09:33/09:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
D1	SSuX	RE18187	Hoyerswerda – 11:33/11:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
		RE18189	Hoyerswerda – 13:33/13:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
		RE18191	Hoyerswerda – 15:33/15:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
D2	SSuX	RB18433	Cottbus Hbf – 16:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Falkenberg (Elster)
D1	SuO	RE18193	Hoyerswerda – 17:33/17:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf
D2	SSuX	RB18435	Cottbus Hbf – 18:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Falkenberg (Elster)
D1	SuO	RE18195	Hoyerswerda – 19:33/19:40 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf

D1: 10 December 2023 - 7 June 2024
D2: 3 April - 7 June 2024

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) DE24/287

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). No services are booked to run this way any longer; however all of this route is covered by trains in the previous two entries.

A full sized diagram is here.

Walddrehna (Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord) – Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz) (Abzw Hennersdorf West)

[203 not shown] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R S+W 102C2;47D4) DE24/288

This north to east curve links the Berlin – Dresden main line with the Leipzig – Cottbus line. It is used by the following RE5 services between Berlin Hbf, Luckau-Uckro and Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz):

	SSuX	RE62052	Berlin Hbf – 06:01 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl)
	SSuX	RE62056	Berlin Hbf – 08:17 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl)
	SSuX	RE62072	Berlin Hbf – 16:07 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl)
	SSuX	RE62076	Berlin Hbf – 18:07 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl)
	SSuX	RE62080	Berlin Hbf – 20:17 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl)
	SSuX	RE62055	05:35 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf
	SSuX	RE62055	05:35 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf
	SSuX	RE62059	07:26 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf
	SSuX	RE62075	15:25 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf
	SSuX	RE62083	19:27 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf

Kamenz (Sachs) – Hosena – Senftenberg (Brieske)

[227.1] (ERA-E 50B1-50B2; ERA-R 103A2; S+W 60C3-60B2) DE24/289

This freight line is used every summer by a weekend train pair between Dresden and Senftenberg. The line south of Hosena is mostly within Land Sachsen.

D1	SSuO	RB16657	Dresden Hbf – 10:28 Kamenz (Sachs) – Senftenberg
D1	SSuO	RB16656	16:56 Senftenberg – Dresden Hbf

D1: 22 June to 4 August 2024

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

DE24/291

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. This diversion does not cover any lines that do not have a passenger service; however it uses the Berlin Lichtenberg Abzw B1 - Abzw Frankfurter Allee curve which normally has a very sparse service (see DE24/253).

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.

Genshagener Heide – Blankenfelde: In event of an extended journey time between Berlin-Lichterfelde Ost and Blankenfelde, RE17/IC 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 (DE24/253). These trains will then also use Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd – Nord (DE24/261) and, in common with the trains diverted via Lichtenberg, Eichgestell Nord - Berlin-Stadtforst (DE24/272).

Falkenberg (Elster) – Glaubitz (b Riesa) (Abzw. Zeithain Bogendreieck)

(ERA-E 50A2-50A1; ERA-R 102C2-192C1; S+W 59C1-59C3) DE24/292 [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 and IC trains between Berlin and Dresden are diverted by this route. The Warnemünde – Chemnitz via Dresden IC services are also diverted this way as far as Röderau, then by the curve to Riesa station (DE24/334).

These diversions occurred frequently in the last few years while the main line was upgraded. Although the upgrade has now been completed, further occasional diversions still occur.

Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Lienewitz Lia) – Beelitz Heilstätten

[207] (ERA-E 51A1; ERA-R 93B1; S+W 47A1) DE24/293

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.

Potsdam-Pirschheide (Abzw Potsdam Wildpark Süd) – Potsdam Park Sanssouci

[209.23] (ERA-E 51A1; ERA-R 93B1; S+W 126B2) DE24/294

This south to east curve enables trains from the Ferch-Lienewitz line to avoid Potsdam Hbf. It was last used in late 2022.

Berlin-Wannsee (Abzw Berlin-Grunewald Gds) – Berlin Hbf (tief) (Abzw Moabit Ost)

[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128A3-128C2) DE24/295

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.

It was used in August and September 2022.

Berlin-Karlshorst (Abzw Berlin-Rummelsburg Rgbo) - Berlin-Frankfurter Allee (Berlin-Lichtenberg Abzw B1)

(S+W 129C3) DE24/296

This line connects the Frankfurter Bahn from Erkner with the Ringbahn Ferngleise (DE24/253) via Rummelsburg Bbf (ICE depot) and a flyover across the Frankfurter Bahn, joining the line from Lichtenberg at Abzw Lichtenberg B1.

It was last used in May 2021 by diverted EC services to and from Poland on certain dates when they did not use the Stadtforst - Eichgestell Nord curve (DE24/272) and the curves towards Lichtenberg at Biesdorfer Kreuz (DE24/261). It was also used in August and September 2021 by diverted FEX airport services between Berlin Hbf and Flughafen BER.

Werbig avoiding curve (Abzw Werbig oben - Werbig (Ostbahn))

[209.60] (S+W 37B2) DE24/297

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 was used in mid-2022 to terminate trains from Eberswalde at a temporary platform on the loop on the Ostbahn at the east end of this curve, parallel with the Berlin - Kostrzyn/Küstrin line.

Schönborn (b. Doberlug) – Walddrehna (Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord) via Doberlug west curve

[210] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59D1) DE24/298

This west to north curve links the Leipzig - Cottbus line with the Dresden - Berlin main line. It has no regular passenger services and is rarely used for diversions.

Between 19 and 23 November 2023 it was reported that certain IC/ICE services between Leipzig Hbf and Dresden Hbf were to run this way; however it appears that they actually ran via a reversal at Lauchhammer and the curve at Elsterwerda-Biehla.