Germany - General Information: Difference between revisions

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Deutsche Bahn AG (DBAG) is a company wholly owned by the German government. It functions through a large number of subsidiary companies. The principal ones responsible for railway operations in Germany are:
Deutsche Bahn AG (DBAG) is a company wholly owned by the German government. It functions through a large number of subsidiary companies. The principal ones responsible for railway operations in Germany are:


* DB Fernverkehr AG: Long-distance (''IC/ICE'') passenger services
* DB Fernverkehr AG: Long-distance (''IC/ICE'') passenger services, also operation of ''EC'' and most other international services within Germany.
* DB Regio AG: Local and regional passenger services
* DB Regio AG: Local and regional passenger services. DB Regio is split into regional divisions and also owns various subsidiary rail passenger companies, almost all of which bear DB branding.
* DB Vertrieb GmbH: Retail sales and systems  
* DB Vertrieb GmbH: Retail sales and systems  
* DB Cargo Deutschland AG: Freight services
* DB Cargo Deutschland AG: Freight services
* DB Netz AG: Infrastructure
* DB InfraGO AG: Infrastructure (since 27 December 2023 when it was formed by a merger or the former DB Netz and DB Station&Service entities)
* DB Station&Service AG: Stations
* DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH: Maintenance
* DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH: Maintenance


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Subsidiaries of DB Cargo AG in Germany include RBH Logistics GmbH and an 80% holding in Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn (MEG). Outside Germany it has 100%-owned subsidiaries in several European countries under the DB Cargo name, and part-ownership of several railfreight firms such as Transfesa.
Subsidiaries of DB Cargo AG in Germany include RBH Logistics GmbH and an 80% holding in Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn (MEG). Outside Germany it has 100%-owned subsidiaries in several European countries under the DB Cargo name, and part-ownership of several railfreight firms such as Transfesa.


DB Regio AG is subdivided into the following regional units:
===Other Operators===


* DB Regio Baden-Württemberg
====Long-distance services====
* DB Regio Bayern
* DB Regio Mitte (including S-Bahn RheinNeckar)
* DB Regio Nord (including DB Regio Schleswig-Holstein)
* DB Regio Nordost
* DB Regio NRW
* DB Regio Südost
* S-Bahn München
* S-Bahn Rhein-Main
* S-Bahn Stuttgart


DB Regio AG also has numerous wholly-owned subsidiaries including many bus companies and:  
There has been only limited success with open-access long-distance passenger services in competition with DB. The following operators run trains within Germany or to neighbouring countries:


* DB RegioNetz Verkehrs GmbH
* Flixtrain, a subsidiary of German long-distance coach operator Flixbus, runs various long-distance trains within Germany. PDF timetables and a route map are available [https://www.flixtrain.com/train-lines here]. Note that both flixtrain.com and flixtrain.de redirect to the Flixbus site so this link must be used. There are generally one or two trains each way on certain days only on each route. Timetables change frequently. Other than the core Stuttgart to Berlin and Hamburg to Köln services, routes and stations served are also subject to frequent changes, additions and withdrawals.
* DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH
* Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH
* S-Bahn Berlin GmbH
* S-Bahn Hamburg GmbH
* Usedomer Bäderbahn GmbH


DB RegioNetz Verkehrs GmbH is the holding company for several semi-autonomous regional networks:
* Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland runs the ''Harz-Berlin Express'' on summer weekends only between Berlin and Goslar/Thale Hbf, having taken over from Transdev in 2018.


* Erzgebirgsbahn
* [https://www.snalltaget.se/en Snälltåget] (a subsidiary of Transdev) operates overnight trains between Berlin, Malmö and Stockholm for most of the year.
* Kurhessenbahn
 
* Oberweißbacher Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn
* [https://www.rdc-deutschland.de/rdc-deutschland RDC Deutschland] subsidiary BahnTouristikExpress operates a Hamburg-Lörrach overnight car-carrying service in the summer months, marketed as ''BTE AutoReiseZug'', and the seasonal weekend-only ''Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress'' overnight service between Salzburg and Westerland (Sylt). RDC subsidiary RDC Autozug Sylt GmbH operates a car-carrying service between Niebüll and Westerland (Sylt) in competition with DB.
* Südostbayernbahn
 
* Westfrankenbahn.
* [https://urlaubs-express.de/?lang=en Urlaubs-Express] operates Motorail services in the winter from various cities in northern Germany to München and ski resorts in Austria, and in the summer to München, Lörrach, Innsbruck and Verona. Passengers without cars are also carried.
 
* Thalys operates high-speed services between Paris, Brussel/Bruxelles and Köln, with occasional services extended to the Ruhr. They are now part of Eurostar Group which is mainly owned by the French and Belgian national railways SNCF and SNCB/NMBS. In 2024 Thalys services are expected to be rebranded as "Eurostar".
 
====Local services====
 
Local and regional services are tendered by regions (''Länder'') in lots comprising a particular area or network, usually for a period of between two and twelve years. As a result, over the years an increasing number of services have become operated by companies other than DB Regio, to the extent that DB Regio-operated trains are a rarity in quite a few areas.
 
These non-DB companies are often owned by the ''Land'' concerned (for example HLB in Hessen and SWEG in Baden-Württemberg), or by the state railways of other countries (for example various companies are owned by Netinera, part of FS, the Italian state railway company), or they can be completely private companies, often foreign (for example National Express (UK), Go-Ahead (UK) or Transdev (France)).


==Language==
==Language==
German.  
German.  


Upper and Lower Sorbian are Slavic languages, related to Czech and Polish, spoken in eastern Germany in the areas round Bautzen and Cottbus respectively. They have official status as protected minority languages. Travellers are most likely to encounter these languages on signs and notices, including station nameboards where they appear alongside German.
Upper and Lower Sorbian are Slavic languages spoken in the areas around Bautzen and Cottbus respectively. They appear alongside German on station nameboards in these areas.


North Frisian is a minority language in the north-west of the mainland of Schleswig-Holstein, and on the islands of Sylt, Amrum and Föhr. Station nameboards in this area are also bilingual.
North Frisian is a minority language spoken in the north-west of Schleswig-Holstein. Station nameboards in this area are also bilingual.


==Currency==
==Currency==
Line 61: Line 54:
==UIC codes==
==UIC codes==
* Deutsche Bahn AG: numeric 80, alpha DB.  
* Deutsche Bahn AG: numeric 80, alpha DB.  
* Ahaus Alstätter Eisenbahn GmbH and Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG: numeric 68, alpha AAE.


The former Deutsche Reichsbahn code was 50, but this will now be seen only on withdrawn or museum vehicles.  UIC code 50 now applies to ŽFBH, the railway of the Muslim-Croat Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Other companies operating on DB InfraGO AG (formerly DB Netz) tracks in Germany also use numeric code 80 but each has its own individual alpha code.
 
The former Deutsche Reichsbahn code was 50, but this will now be seen only on withdrawn or museum vehicles.


==Timetable==
==Timetable==
===Journey Planner===
===Journey Planner===
*PC/laptop: [http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en]
*PC/laptop: [https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en DB Journey Planner]
*Smartphone: [http://www.bahn.de/p/view/buchung/mobil/mobile-apps.shtml DB Navigator]
*Smartphone: [https://int.bahn.de/en/booking-information/db-navigator-app DB Navigator]


===Actual Train Times===
===Actual Train Times===
* [https://www.zugverfolgung.com/db-deutsche-bahn Zugverfolgung.com] Note that this site seems to offer tracking for Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland as well.
* [https://www.zugverfolgung.com/db-deutsche-bahn Zugverfolgung.com] Note that this site seems to offer tracking for Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland as well.
* [https://marudor.de/ BahnhofsAbfahrten] This site provides a real time view of departure information for the selected station
* [https://bahn.expert/ BahnExpert] This site provides a real time view of departure information for the selected station
* [https://dbf.finalrewind.org/ DBF] an unofficial site providing a real time view of departure information for trains within Germany
* [https://dbf.finalrewind.org/ DBF] an unofficial site providing a real time view of departure information for trains within Germany


===Downloadable Timetable===
===Downloadable Timetable===
[http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe/d.&rt=1&mainframe=tab_main kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe/d.&rt=1&mainframe=tab_main]
[http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe]


If the table number is known, it can simply be inserted in the ''Kursbuchstreckennummer'' search box at top left.
If the table number is known, it can simply be inserted in the ''Kursbuchstreckennummer'' search box at top left.


Otherwise, the left-hand column has various ways of searching for the desired table:
Otherwise, use one of the buttons in the left-hand column:


The "Kursbuchtabellensuche" button gives options to search by:
* "Kursbuchtabellensuche". This button gives options to search by:
* Bahnhof/Halt (Station/Halt)
** Bahnhof/Halt (Station/Halt)
* Liniennummer (Line Number. Note this is '''not''' the table number, but the ''S-Bahn'' or ''RB/RE'' line number. These are duplicated across Germany, so a search for (e.g.) ''S2'' or ''RB40'' will produce results from many different areas, from which one can pick the desired route)
** Liniennummer (Line Number. Note this is '''not''' the table number, but the ''S-Bahn'' or ''RB/RE'' line number. These are duplicated across Germany, so a search for (e.g.) ''S2'' or ''RB40'' will produce results from many different areas, from which one can pick the desired route)
* Kursbuchstreckennummer (Timetable table number)
** Kursbuchstreckennummer (Table number)
* Zugnummer (Train number e.g. ''IC1234'')
** Zugnummer (Train number e.g. ''IC1234'')


There is also the option of an interactive map - select "Interaktive Streckenkarte" and a more-or-less up-to-date passenger network map is shown. By using the arrows at the edge of the map, one can scroll to the desired area. By clicking on the timetable number next to a line, that line's tables will be displayed.
* "Interaktive Streckenkarte". This button produces a passenger network map. Scroll to the desired area, click on the table number next to a line and that line's timetable will be displayed.


Alternatively, click on "Tabellenübersichten". This contains further sections:  
* "Tabellenübersichten". This button produces further options, including:  
* Regionaltabellen (In spite of its name, a complete table list - but see note on omitted tables below)  
** Regionaltabellen (In spite of its name, an almost-complete table list - but see note on omitted tables below)  
* Schifffahrtstabellen (Shipping services - although none currently shown)
** Museums- und Nostalgiebahnen (Preserved railways - only a very few shown)  
* Bergbahnen (Mountain railways - although none currently shown)
* Museums- und Nostalgiebahnen (Preserved railways - only a very few shown)  
from which one can select the desired table number.


Unfortunately, some services, particularly in the Berlin area, provided by operators other than DB are not included in the electronic ''Kursbuch''. Details of omitted tables are in the 'Lines with Obscure or Sparse Passenger Services' section under [https://egtre.info/wiki/Germany_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Regular_services_not_in_the_Kursbuch 'Regular Services Not in the ''Kursbuch'' '].  
The Schifffahrtstabellen (shipping services) and Bergbahnen (mountain railways) buttons do not link to any tables.


While ''IC/EC'' and ''ICE'' services appear in many tables alongside regional services, there are many routes where ''IC/EC'' or ''ICE'' services operate but only the regional services are shown in the tables. For full timetables of long-distance services, the [http://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu/ European Rail Timetable] is recommended.
Unfortunately, some services provided by operators other than DB are not included in the electronic ''Kursbuch''. These are listed in the 'Lines with Obscure or Sparse Passenger Services' section under [https://egtre.info/wiki/Germany_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Regular_services_not_in_the_Kursbuch 'Regular Services Not in the ''Kursbuch'' '].
 
While ''IC/EC'' and ''ICE'' services appear in many tables alongside regional services, there are many routes where ''IC/EC'' and ''ICE'' services operate but only the regional services are shown in the tables. For full timetables of long-distance services, the [https://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu/ European Rail Timetable] is recommended.


===Printed Timetable===
===Printed Timetable===
DB no longer provides a hard-copy national timetable. The 2007-8 ''Kursbuch'' was the last one available for general sale. Some ''Länder'' continued to sponsor the production of printed timetable books in ''Kursbuch'' format, but only for those tables traversing the relevant ''Land''. By the 2021/22 timetable period, with the cessation of publication of the Bayern timetable book, Baden-Württemberg, NRW and Schleswig-Holstein appear to be the final ''Länder'' publishing such volumes.
DB has not provided a hard-copy national timetable since 2007-08. A local book for the 2023 timetable in Nordrhein-Westfalen is available to order from the [https://www.vrs.de/fahren/liniennetz-und-fahrplaene/infomedien-bestellen/produktauswahl VRS website]. It is believed that Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein also still publish timetable books for services in their areas.


===Engineering Information===
===Engineering Information===
[http://bauarbeiten.bahn.de bauarbeiten.bahn.de] in German only.
[https://bauinfos.deutschebahn.com/ Engineering work information] in German only.


A DB engineering works app [https://inside.bahn.de/db-bauarbeiten-app/?dbkanal_006=L01_S01_D088_KTL0005_INSIDE-BAHN-2016_TWITTER-DB-BAUARBEITEN-_LZ01 DB Bauarbeiten] is available in both Android and iPhone versions but only in German.
A [https://bauinfos.deutschebahn.com/apps DB engineering works app] is available in both Android and iPhone versions but only in German.


The APKPure [https://m.apkpure.com/db-bauarbeiten/de.bauarbeiten.bahn DB Bauarbeiten] app gives a number of options.
The APKPure [https://m.apkpure.com/db-bauarbeiten/de.bauarbeiten.bahn DB Bauarbeiten] app gives a number of options.
Line 124: Line 117:
===Web-based Maps===
===Web-based Maps===
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left-hand side, then on Germany on the map, then "Actuele tekeningen - simpel" for a map showing coverage of the current network. This is limited to most of the former West Germany with no coverage in the eastern ''Länder''.
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left-hand side, then on Germany on the map, then "Actuele tekeningen - simpel" for a map showing coverage of the current network. This is limited to most of the former West Germany with no coverage in the eastern ''Länder''.
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_germany.php Map of Germany]. This is no longer being updated.
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/germany.html Map of Germany] updated December 2022 Also enlargements for [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/berlin.html Berlin] [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/hamburg.html Hamburg] [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/dortmund_essen_duisburg_dusseldorf_cologne.html the Ruhr area] [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/frankfurt_mannheim_karlsruhe_stuttgart.html Frankfurt to Stuttgart]
 
*[[Maps and Plans#Germany|Maps and Plans - Germany]]
*[[Maps and Plans#Germany|Maps and Plans - Germany]]
* The DB Netz [https://fahrweg.dbnetze.com/fahrweg-en/customers/network_statement/infrastructure_register/interactive_map-1394746 Infrastructure Register]. It is based around an [https://geovdbn.deutschebahn.com/pgv/public/map/isr.xhtml interactive map] which is optimised for Google Chrome.
* The DB InfraGO Infrastructure Register has an [https://www.dbinfrago.com/web/schienennetz/netzzugang-und-regulierung/infrastrukturregister/interaktive_karte-11089022# interactive map] available.
* The [https://www.bahn.de/p/view/service/fahrplaene/streckennetz.shtml DB website] has downloadable schematic maps of local services for all ''Länder'' except Hessen. It also has very general maps showing the ''ICE'' and ''IC/EC'' networks.
* DB Netze had a catalogue of railway maps available to order. It is not clear if this still exists on the new [https://www.dbinfrago.com/web-en DB InfraGO website].
* The [https://www.bahn.de/service/fahrplaene/streckennetz DB website] has downloadable schematic maps of local services for all ''Länder''. It also has very general maps showing the ''ICE'' and ''IC/EC'' networks.


==Ticketing==
==Ticketing==


===''9-Euro-Ticket''===
===''Deutschland-Ticket''===


As a special offer to stimulate demand and tempt motorists out of their cars, a monthly season ticket for just nine euros is being offered in June, July and August 2022. This is valid on all scheduled local train services throughout Germany, with the only exceptions being the narrow-gauge steam railways in eastern Germany that run daily services, and the funicular/electric service from Obstfelderschmiede to Cursdorf. It is also valid in all tariff areas (''Verkehrsverbünde''), covering local buses, trams and ''U-Bahn'' systems.  
This is a season ticket for almost all urban, local and regional transport across Germany, priced at only €49 per calendar month. It is sold on a subscription basis and in digital format only.  


It is not valid on any ''EC'', ''IC'', ''ICE'' or other long-distance train services, even those where local tickets are normally accepted, or on long-distance buses.
Tickets are not valid as a rule on long-distance services (''IC/EC'' or ''ICE''), but there are certain exceptions as shown in the validity conditions. They are valid on most of the narrow-gauge steam railways in eastern Germany that operate regular scheduled services, usually on payment of a supplement.


The ticket is available to anyone without subscription and can be purchased from DB and other transport companies and tariff associations online, through an app, from ticket offices and from ticket vending machines. Irrespective of when it it purchased during the month, the expiry date will be the end of that month. Therefore the last day that these tickets can be used is 31st August 2022.
A summary of the validity conditions is on the DB site in English [https://int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional/deutschland-ticket here]. Full validity details are on a pdf which is linked to from the DB German-language site [https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket here] under ''Wo, in welchen Zügen, gilt das Deutschland-Ticket in Deutschland?'' then under ''Geltungsbereich Deutschland-Ticket''.


Full details are on the [https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/9-euro-ticket DB website].
Normally a German, or Eurozone-based bank account is required to set up a direct debit for the subscription; however a few possibilities for international purchasers are known with the Hamburg transport authority's "HVV Switch" app where UK customers can use PayPal, or "MoPla Solutions" which allows payment by UK credit card.


===''Quer-durchs-Land Ticket''===
For occasional visits to Germany, the following offers may be more suitable.


'''As the ''9-Euro-Ticket'' is a much better offer, it is not recommended to buy the ''Quer-durchs-Land Ticket'' during June, July or August 2022.'''<br>
===Rover tickets===
Details of this ticket will be reinstated towards the end of August.
<!---The ''Quer-durchs-Land Ticket'' is a very useful bargain ticket. It gives one day's unlimited travel throughout Germany for up to five people travelling together on all local trains (''S-Bahn'', ''RB'', ''RE'' and ''IRE'') on any day of the week. It is valid from 09:00 on Mondays to Fridays, and from midnight at weekends, until 03:00 on the day following the day of validity. The number of people travelling must be specified when booking - there is a base fare for one passenger with each additional passenger being charged a small extra amount. Tickets are best purchased online or from a ticket vending machine as there is a EUR 2 surcharge at ticket offices. The names of all the passengers in the group need to be written on the ticket. It is permitted for people to join the main party later on the journey as long as the names of the whole group are shown on the ticket from the outset, and all the passengers have been paid for.


The ''QdL Ticket'' is valid on almost all non-DB companies that run scheduled local train services. Tourist and preserved railways, including most steam railways that operate a regular service, are not included. The ticket is not valid on local urban tram and ''U-Bahn'' services or on any buses, although it is valid on certain 'tram-train' services where they have railway-like characteristics. Use of ''ICE'' and ''IC'' trains, while not generally allowed, is permitted between Stuttgart and Konstanz, and west of Bremen. A few lines that cross into Austria, Switzerland  and Poland are included.
There are two main versions, the '''Quer-durchs-Land Ticket''' which covers the whole of Germany, and '''Länder-Tickets''' which cover each individual region (''Land'') of the country.


Much useful information is on the [https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/day-ticket-for-germany.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_REGIO-INDEX-QDL-DESKTOP_LZ01 DB website] and validity information can be checked on the [https://www.diebefoerderer.de/ Die Beförderer website], the tariff website of the TBNE organisation of German train operating companies.--->
All these tickets are valid from 09:00 on Mondays to Fridays, and from midnight at weekends and on public holidays, until 03:00 on the morning following the day of validity and are only valid on local train services (''IRE'', ''RE'', ''RB'' and ''S-Bahn'', not ''IC/EC'' or ''ICE'').
===''Länder-Tickets''===


'''As the ''9-Euro-Ticket'' is a much better offer, it is not recommended to buy ''Länder-Tickets'' during June, July or August 2022.'''<br>
The main difference between the two types of ticket, apart from the areas of validity, is that the ''Quer-durchs-Land Ticket'' is not valid on local urban transport (buses, trams and ''U-Bahn'' services) whereas ''Länder-Tickets'' generally (but not always) are.
Details of these tickets will be reinstated towards the end of August.
<!---''Länder-Tickets'' give unlimited travel for up to five people for one day throughout the ''Land'' [region] concerned on local trains, and in some cases a neighbouring ''Land'' as well. Tram, ''U-Bahn'' and most local bus services within the area of validity are also included. They are valid from 09:00 on weekdays and all day at weekends and on national or regional holidays.


Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt and Thüringen count as the one area, and a ticket for any one of these ''Länder'' is valid in all three. The same principle applies to Saarland and Rheinland-Pfalz. Note however that while a ''Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket'' is valid in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the converse is not true, although both are valid in Hamburg. A ''Niedersachsen-Ticket'' is valid in Hamburg and in Bremen, which are both separate ''Länder''.
The ''Quer-durchs-Land Ticket'' and most ''Länder-Tickets'' are valid for between one and five people, with a base fare being charged for the first person and a small additional amount added for each additional traveller. The number of passengers must be specified at the time of purchase and all their names written on the ticket. A few ''Lander-Tickets'' are sold either at a flat fare for up to five people or with only a single or multiple travellers option.


Certain ''Länder-Tickets'' are valid on Intercity services, for example in the Berlin area, and west of Bremen. Most ''Länder-Tickets'' now have a base fare with a small extra amount for each additional passenger. Only Berlin/Brandenburg and Hessen still charge a flat price while Nordrhein-Westfalen has one-person and two-to-five-person versions. A few ''Länder'' offer First Class and/or evening (''Nacht'' - valid after 18:00) versions as well as the basic version.
Some ''Länder-Tickets'' are valid in more than one ''Land''; in particular Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt and Thüringen count as the one area, and a ticket for any one of these ''Länder'' is valid in all three. Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland also count as the one area, and the ''Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket'' is valid in Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.


Validity details for each ''Länder-Ticket'' can be checked on the [https://www.diebefoerderer.de/ Die Beförderer website]. Maps and other useful information are on the [https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/regional-day-tickets.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_REGIO-INDEX-LAENDERTICKETS-DESKTOP_LZ01 DB website]
There are numerous options only available in certain ''Länder'' including all-day, evening-only, youth and First Class versions. Some ''Länder-Tickets'' and the ''Quer-Durchs-Land Ticket'' are valid on Intercity services in a few areas.


Some areas offer an add-on to other countries for an extra cost, for example the ''Niedersachsen-Ticket'' has an optional extension to Groningen (NL) and the ''Sachsen-'' and ''Bayern-Tickets'' have a version which is also valid in Bohemia (''Böhmen'') in the Czech Republic. Note that the ''Sachsen-Böhmen-Ticket'' is not valid in Sachsen-Anhalt or Thüringen.--->
Rover tickets are also available which include areas of other countries, including Groningen (NL), Alsace and Lorraine (FR) and Bohemia (''Böhmen'') (CZ).


===''Verkehrsverbund'' tickets===
Validity details for each of these tickets can be checked on the DB website's [https://int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional regional offers page].


'''As the ''9-Euro-Ticket'' is a much better offer, it is not recommended to buy ''Verkehrsverbund'' tickets during June, July or August 2022.'''<br>
There are also tariff association (''Verkehrsverbund'') tickets available in most regions of Germany. These can cover just the area round a town, or an entire region such as Berlin and Brandenburg. These normally offer day tickets for various zonal combinations which may be better value than a ''Länder-Ticket'', or have no weekday start time restriction.
Details of these tickets will be reinstated towards the end of August.
<!---All urban areas are part of a ''Verkehrsverbund'' which co-ordinates public transport in that area and in which an integrated ticketing system applies. These can cover just the area round a town, or an entire region such as Berlin and Brandenburg. These normally offer day tickets for various areas which may be better value than a ''Länder-Ticket'', or have no weekday start time restriction.--->


===''Sparpreis'' and ''Super Sparpreis''===
===Point-to-point tickets===


'''While the ''9-Euro-Ticket'' is available, if more than a very short connecting journey is being made on local trains, it is not recommended to buy ''Sparpreis'' or ''Super Sparpreis'' tickets that include local journeys, but to buy tickets to cover the ''IC/EC'' or ''ICE'' leg only and use the ''9-Euro-Ticket'' to cover any local journeys instead.'''
As with most European railways, dearer flexible and cheaper train-specific tickets are available.


''Sparpreis'' and ''Super Sparpreis'' tickets are quota-controlled tickets, often much cheaper than the full fare. They must have at least one leg on a long-distance service (''ICE/ECE'' or ''IC/EC''). The tickets are only valid on the specified long-distance train or trains. Local connecting services, if shown on the itinerary, are only suggested services and those particular local train(s) need not be used.
'''Flexible tickets''' are known as ''Flexpreis'' on long-distance (''ICE'' or ''IC/EC'') trains and as ''Normalpreis'' on local trains when priced by DB. They can be used on any train of the specified type on any permitted route between origin and destination. Break of journey is allowed. Tickets for ''ICE'' trains are dearer than those for ''IC/EC'' or purely local services. A ''Flexpreis'' ticket for a dearer train type can be used on cheaper train types if desired.


''Sparpreis'' and ''Super Sparpreis'' tickets can be booked for travel on the same day as well as in advance, subject to availability.
''Notes'':
For journeys of over 100 km, ''Sparpreis'' tickets include a "City-Ticket" at origin and destination (if a large town or city) which gives one free single journey to the origin station and from the destination station on local public transport in the towns concerned. City-Tickets are shown by the designation "+ City" after the name of the town. ''Super Sparpreis'' tickets are cheaper, only available in limited quantities, and do not include City-Tickets.


===''Flexpreis''===
1. ''Flexpreis'' tickets are no longer available from on-board staff. If you board an ''ICE'' or ''IC/EC'' train without a ticket, you must buy a ticket on the DB website or app within 10 minutes of departing from your boarding station or be liable for a considerable surcharge. <br>
2. ''Normalpreis'' tickets cannot be upgraded to be used on long-distance services except where there is disruption, when they may exceptionally be allowed to be used without extra payment.
There are three levels of flexible full-price (''Flexpreis'') fares - the dearest, for ''ICE/ECE'' services, a slightly cheaper rate for ''IC/EC'' services, and the cheapest, valid on local trains only. If purchasing a ''Flexpreis'' ticket for a route on which various types of train operate it is important to specify which type of train it is intended to use. ''Flexpreis'' tickets for a higher price-band can also be used on cheaper trains without penalty. Tickets at the local rate cannot be upgraded - a new ticket must be purchased to travel on an ''ICE/ECE'' or ''IC/EC'' service, except in the event of service disruption or cancellation, where at the conductor's discretion local tickets may be accepted. Tickets for travel on local trains only are often identifiable by having the words ''"Nur Gültig in Zügen des Nahverkehrs"'' or ''"...in NV"'' on them.


===''BahnCards''===
Local tickets entirely within city or ''Land'' tariff areas have different pricing structures and conditions. Often these tickets are zonal and time-limited, and valid on other local transport, but they may well be non-refundable and have no break of journey facility.


Regular travellers may wish to purchase a ''BahnCard'', which is an annual discount railcard. The ''BahnCard 50'' gives 50% discount on ''Flexpreis'' tickets but only 25% discount on ''Spar/Super Sparpreis'' tickets. The ''BahnCard 25'' gives a 25% discount on all tickets. Both the ''BahnCard 50'' and ''BahnCard 25'' come in First Class and cheaper Second Class versions. The First Class version can also be used to obtain a discount on Second Class fares. Cheaper versions of all ''BahnCards'' are available for those under the age of 26 or over 65.
'''Advance tickets''', known as ''Sparpreis'' and ''Super Sparpreis'', are available on any journey with at least one leg on a long-distance service. They are only valid on the booked long-distance train. Cheaper tickets are available to under-27s and over-65s.


''BahnCards'' are accepted on almost all non-DB local services, but note that some local fares in urban areas do not attract a discount.
Full details of all DB tickets are on the DB website [https://www.bahn.de/angebot/spar-flexpreis ticketing page].


There is also a ''BahnCard 100'' which allows unlimited travel throughout Germany for one year, including on local urban transport in the central areas of large towns.
===''BahnCards''===
 
''BahnCards'' are sold on a subscription basis so a new one will automatically be sent out (and have to be paid for) shortly before the expiry of the existing card, unless the subscription has been cancelled.


All ''BahnCards'' have a ''Probe'' (trial) version which is valid for three months. After the three months has expired, an annual subscription will commence unless the trial version has been cancelled at least six weeks before its expiry.
''BahnCards'' are annual discount railcards, sold on a subscription basis, which give either a 25% or 50% discount and in either First or Second Class versions. Cheaper Youth and Senior Cards are available, as are trial and occasional promotional versions. There is also a ''BahnCard100'' which gives one year's unlimited travel on almost all public transport throughout Germany.


''Bahncard'' details are available on the [https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/bahncard/bahncard.shtml DB website].
Full details are available on the [https://int.bahn.de/en/offers/bahncard DB website].


===''Flixtrain'' tickets===
===Flixtrain tickets===


''Flixtrain'' tickets must be booked from the [https://www.flixtrain.com/ Flixtrain website] or a Flixtrain office. DB tickets and Interrail/Eurail passes are not valid.
Flixtrain tickets must be booked from the [https://www.flixbus.de/ Flixbus website] or a Flixbus office, which can be found at major bus stations. DB tickets and Interrail/Eurail passes are not valid on Flixtrain services.


==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
===Infrastructure Authority===
===Infrastructure Authority===
[http://fahrweg.dbnetze.com/fahrweg-en/start/ DB Netz AG], a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, is responsible for track and infrastructure.
[https://www.dbinfrago.com/web-en DB InfraGO AG], a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, is responsible for track and infrastructure. It replaced DB Netz AG on 27 December 2023, when it was created by a merger of the DB Netz AG and DB Station&Service organisations.


The [http://www.eisenbahnbundesamt.de Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA)] is a government agency tasked with regulatory oversight of safety and some other matters, independent of DB.
The [https://www.eba.bund.de/DE/home_node.html Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA)] is a government agency tasked with regulatory oversight of safety and some other matters, independent of DB.


===Network Statement===
===Network Statement===
[https://fahrweg.dbnetze.com/fahrweg-en/customers/network_statement DB Netz AG] ''> Network Statement''
[https://www.dbinfrago.com/web-en/rail-network/network_statement/Network-Statement-2024-12541132# DB InfraGO AG] ''> Network Statement 2024''


===Gauge===
===Gauge===
Standard. There are various narrow-gauge private lines, including former DB/DR operated ones at Dresden, Fichtelberg, the Harz, Radebeul, Molli, Weißeritz Valley and Zittau. DB operates a metre gauge line on the island of Wangerooge. A number of tramway systems are metre gauge. The train ferry terminal at Sassnitz Fährhafen (Mukran) has 1524 mm gauge tracks to receive and despatch wagons from and to Klaipeda, in addition to the standard gauge tracks. The funicular section Obstfelderschmiede - Lichtenhain is 1800 mm gauge.
Standard.  
 
There are various narrow-gauge private lines, including former DB/DR operated ones in the Harz (1000 mm gauge), Bad Doberan (''"Molli"'') (900 mm) and, all 750 mm, on the island of Rügen (''"Rasender Roland"''), at Oschatz (''Döllnitzbahn''), Radebeul (''Lößnitzgrundbahn''), Freital (''Weißeritztalbahn''), Cranzahl (''Fichtelbergbahn''), and Zittau.  
 
DB operates a metre gauge line on the island of Wangerooge. A number of tramway systems are metre gauge.  
 
The train ferry terminal at Sassnitz Fährhafen (Mukran) has 1524 mm gauge tracks to receive and despatch wagons from and to Klaipeda, in addition to the standard gauge tracks.  
 
The funicular section Obstfelderschmiede - Lichtenhain is 1800 mm gauge.


===Electrification===
===Electrification===
Line 225: Line 216:
Welkenraedt/''LGV'' (BE) - Aachen Hbf: 7.4 km at 3 kV dc<br>
Welkenraedt/''LGV'' (BE) - Aachen Hbf: 7.4 km at 3 kV dc<br>
Węgliniec (PL) - Horka: 1.5 km at 3 kV dc<br>
Węgliniec (PL) - Horka: 1.5 km at 3 kV dc<br>
Rzepin (PL) - Frankfurt (Oder): 1.7 km at 3 kV dc.
Rzepin (PL) - Frankfurt (Oder): 1.7 km at 3 kV dc.<br>
It is planned to electrify the few hundred metres from the Polish border viaduct at Zgorzelec into Görlitz Hbf at 3 kV dc.


''Note'': The line between Emmerich and the Netherlands border was 1500 V dc but has been converted to 25 kV ac for easier operation of ''Betuweroute'' freight traffic. This means that trains between Emmerich and Arnhem must be able to operate under three different electrification systems.
''Note'': The line between Emmerich and the Netherlands border was 1500 V dc but has been converted to 25 kV ac for easier operation of ''Betuweroute'' freight traffic. This means that trains between Emmerich and Arnhem must be able to operate under three different electrification systems.
Line 245: Line 237:


==Tourist lines==
==Tourist lines==
Very few tourist lines run frequently - fortnightly or monthly during the summer is quite common, although some operate only two or three times a year. In many cases these are weekend operations over private freight lines. Whilst many tourist trains are steam-worked, numerous preserved railbuses and diesel locomotives are also used.
Very few tourist lines run frequently - once or twice a month during the summer is quite common, although some operate only two or three times a year. In many cases these are weekend operations over private freight lines. Whilst many tourist trains are steam-worked, numerous preserved railbuses and diesel locomotives are also used.
A German language site [http://www.eisenbahnwelt.com/deutschlandkarte.html Eisenbahn Vereinskarte Deutschland] comprises an interactive map of Germany showing most preserved railways.
A German language site [http://www.eisenbahnwelt.com/deutschlandkarte.html Eisenbahn Vereinskarte Deutschland] comprises an interactive map of Germany showing most preserved railways.
An [http://sinfin.net/railways/world/germany/touristde/index.html English language site] gives an overview map split by ''Länder'', with a list of many lines in alphabetical order in each ''Land'' section. Both give direct links to the various railways' homepages/timetables.
An [https://sinfin.net/railways/world/germany/touristde/index.html English language site] gives an overview map split by ''Länder'', with a list of many lines in alphabetical order in each ''Land'' section. Both give direct links to the various railways' homepages/timetables.
The DB ''Kursbuch'' site gives timetables for a small number of preserved lines in its [http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe/d.?rt=1&dosearch=1&searchmode=tableplus&controlpattern=P.12ddd&table_nr=12&mainframe=utable&tocinfo=mus_tab Museums- und Nostalgiebahnen section], sometimes in a more easily intelligible form than the railways’ own websites.
The DB ''Kursbuch'' site gives timetables for a very small number of preserved lines in its [http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe/d.?rt=1&dosearch=1&searchmode=tableplus&controlpattern=P.12ddd&table_nr=12&mainframe=utable&tocinfo=mus_tab Museums- und Nostalgiebahnen section].


Timetables and other information about tourist lines are published annually in ''Kursbuch der deutschen Museums-Eisenbahnen'' (now published by [http://www.eisenbahn-kurier.de Eisenbahn Kurier], EK-Verlag GmbH, Lörracher Str. 16, 79115 Freiburg, tel +49 761 703100).  
Timetables and other information about tourist lines are published annually in ''Kursbuch der deutschen Museums-Eisenbahnen'' (published by [https://www.eisenbahn-kurier.de/ Eisenbahn Kurier], EK-Verlag GmbH, Lörracher Str. 16, 79115 Freiburg, tel +49 761 703100).  
Owing to the very large number of tourist lines in Germany, no one source appears to give a comprehensive list of every operation, so it is suggested that each of the above sources is consulted.
Owing to the very large number of tourist lines in Germany, no one source appears to give a comprehensive list of every operation, so it is suggested that each of the above sources is consulted.


A special category are ''Parkeisenbahnen'', which are complex miniature railways where operations closely follow the prototype. A comprehensive list of these is given in [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkeisenbahn Wikipedia].
A special category are ''Parkeisenbahnen'', which are complex miniature railways where operations closely follow the prototype. A comprehensive list of these is given in [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkeisenbahn Wikipedia].


Rail cycling (''Draisinenfahrten'') is possible on a number of lines; see the [http://www.draisinenfahrten.de/index.html IG Draisinenfahrten website]. Click on 'Deutschland' to obtain a list of operations in geographical order with some useful information. Click on 'International', followed by 'Draisinenlinks' to obtain website details.
Rail cycling (''Draisinenfahrten'') is possible on a number of lines; see the [https://www.draisinenfahrten.de/ IG Draisinenfahrten website] for details of a few of them.


==Metro==
==Metro==
Berlin, Hamburg, München, Nürnberg. A number of other cities have underground tram routes, known as U-Bahn or Stadtbahn, including Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Dortmund [http://egtre.info/wiki/Germany_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes#Dortmund:_DSW21 see TSUL for Signal-Iduna-Park service ], Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Gelsenkirchen, Hannover, Kassel, Köln, Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Mühlheim (Ruhr) and Stuttgart.
Berlin, Hamburg, München, Nürnberg. A number of other cities have partially underground or interurban tram networks, known as ''U-Bahn'' or ''Stadtbahn'', including Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Gelsenkirchen, Hannover, Köln, Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Mülheim (Ruhr) and Stuttgart. Some cities have "Tram-Train" networks with vehicles that run on both the urban tram network and the suburban rail network, including Chemnitz, Heilbronn, Karlsruhe and Kassel.


Track plans for most or all metro and tram systems in Germany are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site] or [http://www.doprava.unas.cz/schemata/kolejova/zahranici.html. Doprava]
Track plans for all metro and tram systems in Germany are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].


== Trams/LRT-Systems ==
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==
Augsburg, Bad Schandau, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Brandenburg, Braunschweig, Bremen, Chemnitz, Cottbus, Darmstadt, Dessau, Dortmund, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt an der Oder, Freiburg (Breisgau), Gelsenkirchen, Gera, Görlitz, Gotha, Halberstadt, Halle (Saale), Hannover, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Jena, Karlsruhe, Kassel, Köln, Krefeld, Leipzig, Ludwigshafen, Magdeburg, Mainz, Mannheim, Mülheim (Ruhr), München, Naumburg (Saale), Nordhausen, Nürnberg, Oberhausen, Plauen, Potsdam, Rostock, Rüdersdorf, Saarbrücken, Schwerin, Strausberg, Stuttgart, Ulm, Woltersdorf, Würzburg, Zwickau. Many neighbouring systems are interlinked. It is possible to travel entirely by tram, changing cars and gauge several times, all the way from Benrath (south of Düsseldorf) to Witten (east of Bochum). This is reputed to be the longest possible journey by tram anywhere in the world.
Augsburg, Bad Schandau, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Brandenburg, Braunschweig, Bremen, Chemnitz, Cottbus, Darmstadt, Dessau, Dortmund, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt an der Oder, Freiburg (Breisgau), Gelsenkirchen, Gera, Görlitz, Gotha, Halberstadt, Halle (Saale), Hannover, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Jena, Karlsruhe, Kassel, Köln, Krefeld, Leipzig, Ludwigshafen, Magdeburg, Mainz, Mannheim, Mülheim (Ruhr), München, Naumburg (Saale), Nordhausen, Nürnberg, Oberhausen, Plauen, Potsdam, Rostock, Rüdersdorf, Saarbrücken, Schwerin, Strausberg, Stuttgart, Ulm, Woltersdorf, Würzburg, Zwickau. Many neighbouring systems are interlinked. It is possible to travel entirely by tram, changing cars and gauge several times, all the way from Benrath (south of Düsseldorf) to Witten (east of Bochum). This is reputed to be the longest possible journey by tram anywhere in the world.


Track plans for most or all tram systems in Germany are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site] or on the [http://www.doprava.unas.cz/schemata/kolejova/zahranici.html Doprava] website or the [http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/de/germany.htm UrbanRail,net] site.  
Track plans for all tram systems in Germany are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site] or on the [https://www.urbanrail.net/eu/de/germany.htm UrbanRail] site.  


See also [[Germany_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Germany - Tram services over obscure routes]]
See also [[Germany_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Germany - Tram services over obscure routes]]
Line 272: Line 264:
===General===
===General===


The funding of local transport, including railways, now rests with the ''Länder'' (Provinces) and in some areas responsibility has been devolved to the ''Kreise'' (Districts). Western ''Länder'' are generally supportive of rail and many lines have been re-opened in the last couple of decades. However in the eastern ''Länder'' many lines have been closed as a result of depopulation and increasing car ownership since reunification, and lack of funds to support such a dense network of local services. The rate of closures has slowed considerably in recent years, and the federal government is making funds available to the ''Länder'' for re-opening schemes. While there have been numerous lengthy lists published of closed lines which are possible candidates for re-opening, only those proposals which are likely to be progressed with are mentioned below.
The funding of local public transport, including railways, is controlled by the ''Länder'' (regions) and in some areas responsibility has been devolved to the ''Kreise'' (districts). Western ''Länder'' are generally supportive of rail and many lines have been re-opened in the last couple of decades. However in the eastern ''Länder'' many lines have been closed as a result of depopulation and increasing car ownership since reunification, and lack of funds to support such a dense network of local services.  


The German railways were never entirely nationalised, with various independent lines surviving, particularly in Baden-Württemberg. ''Länder'' are responsible for tendering the operation of local passenger services, and many independent operators have won tenders in competition with DB.  In some cases these are long-established, local railway companies, expanding out of their own network.  Some operators are entirely new and others are subsidiaries of foreign companies or the state railways of other European countries.
The rate of closures has slowed considerably in recent years, and the federal government is making funds available to the ''Länder'' for re-opening schemes. While there have been numerous lengthy lists published of closed lines which are possible candidates for re-opening, only those proposals which are likely to be progressed with are mentioned below.


Open access long-distance passenger and freight operation is possible in Germany.  Increasing numbers of open access freight operators are running trains, but there has been limited success with passenger services, despite DB Netz having been ordered to charge the same prices for track access to DB and non-DB operators alike.  [http://www.snalltaget.se/en Snälltåget] (a subsidiary of Transdev) operate overnight trains between Berlin, Malmö and Stockholm for a limited summer season each year. Transdev also operate the [https://www.hex-online.de/ Harz-Berlin Express] between Goslar/Thale and Berlin.
===Recent Changes===
====Openings====
=====2024=====


The only other non-DB long-distance services (apart from cross-border trains such as Thalys) are operated by [https://www.flixtrain.com/ Flixtrain], a subsidiary of German long-distance coach operator Flixbus. Flixtrain services run on the following routes:
The following line opened on 7 January 2024
* Kiel - Hamburg - Berlin - Leipzig (- Jena - München (overnight))
* Köln - Hamburg
* Aachen - Köln - Dortmund - Berlin
* Berlin - Frankfurt (Main) - Stuttgart
* München - Frankfurt (Main)


There are generally one or two trains each way on certain days only on each route.
{| class="osstable3"
| 428
| Recklinghausen Süd – Herne-Rottbruch [– Bochum-Riemke]
| New ''RE41'' service direct from Recklinghausen Hbf to Bochum Hbf
|}


Flixtrain also run a Hamburg-Lörrach overnight car-carrying service in the summer months (the former Bahn Touristik Express service).
=====2023=====
 
The following line opened on 4 September 2023
 
{| class="osstable3"
| RB TES
| Erkner – Fangschleuse Tesla Süd
| Shuttle service on Mondays to Fridays to serve Tesla electric car factory
|}
 
The following line opened on 11 June 2023
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 236
| Varnsdorf Pivovar Kocour (CZ) – Seifhennersdorf
| Rail service reinstated after 8-year 'temporary closure'
|}
 
'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector''':
 
The ''Wiehltalbahn'' from Gummersbach-Dieringhausen to Waldbröl reopened as far as Wiehl on 26 March 2023. It had been closed since summer 2020 because of fire damage to a bridge over the Wiehl river at Bielstein. It is unclear when or if a further reopening can be expected.


===Openings===
====Actual Openings====
=====2022=====
=====2022=====
The following lines opened on 11 December 2022
{| class="osstable3"
| 209
| Genshagener Heide Ost – Abzw Birkengrund Süd 
| Used by extended ''FEX/RB32'' services to Ludwigsfelde
|-
| 209.32 Nord
| Grünauer Kreuz West – Grünauer Kreuz Süd
| Used by ''RB24'' and new ''RB32'' to BER T5 (note ''RB32'' operates in two separate sections)
|-
| 209.33
| Lienewitz Lia – Beelitz Bea
| Reinstated bridge over the Berlin – Bad Belzig line
|-
| 690
| Koblenz-Mosel Gbf – Koblenz Lützel (Koblenz avoiding curve)
| Used by one ''RB12'' Trier – Köln train pair daily, only until the direct line via Gerolstein reopens (probably late 2024 at the earliest)
|-
| 750.1
| Ulm Hbf – Wendlingen Rübholz – Wendlingen Abzw W64 (''NBS'')
| New high-speed line, initially with connecting curve to Wendlingen (Neckar)
|}
The following line opened on 1 November 2022
{| class="osstable3"
| 351
| Einbeck Mitte – Einbeck BBS/PS-Speicher
| Sparse weekday-only service over this section, experimental for three years
|}
The following line opened on 24 June 2022
{| class="osstable3"
{| class="osstable3"
| 393  
| 393  
| Sande – Abzw Weißer Floh [– Schortens-Heidmühle] (new alignment well to the east of previous one)
| Sande – Abzw Weißer Floh [– Schortens-Heidmühle]  
| 24 June
| Brand new alignment well to the east of previous one
|-
|}
 
The following line opened on 12 June 2022
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 333 (PKP)
| 333 (PKP)
| Guben – Guben Grenze [– Gubin (PL)] (initially weekend-only service)
| Guben – Guben Grenze [– Gubin (PL)]  
| 12 June
| Initially weekend-only service; daily from December 2022
|-
|}
 
The following line opened on 21 May 2022
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 190
| 190
| [Lietzow (Rügen) –] Sassnitz-Mukran Abzw Borchtitz – Sassnitz-Mukran Fährhafen (limited summer service to connect with ferries to/from Ystad and Bornholm)
| Sassnitz-Mukran Abzw Borchtitz – Sassnitz-Mukran Fährhafen
| 21 May
| Limited summer service to connect with Ystad and Bornholm ferries
|-
|}
 
The following line opened on 30 January 2022
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 524
| 524
| Chemnitz Technopark – Chemnitz-Reichenhain (Abzw Chemnitz Süd Strab) (new tram-train connection onto reconstructed Chemnitz – Aue line)
| Chemnitz Technopark – Chemnitz-Reichenhain (Abzw Chemnitz Süd Strab)
| 30 January
| New tram-train connection onto reconstructed Chemnitz – Aue line
|}
|}
'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector''':
The ''Museums-Eisenbahn Minden'' resumed operation over the long-closed section between Preußisch Oldendorf and Bad Holzhausen on their line to Böhmte on 26 May 2022.


=====2021=====
=====2021=====
The following lines opened on 20 December 2021
{| class="osstable3"
{| class="osstable3"
| 440
| 440
| [Hohenlimburg –] Hagen-Kabel – Hagen-Vorhalle (curve between Siegen and Witten lines used by new ''IC34'' services to/from Dortmund)
| Hagen-Kabel – Hagen-Vorhalle
| 20 December
| Curve between Siegen and Witten lines used by new ''IC34'' services to/from Dortmund
|-  
|-  
| 440
| 440
| [Hohenlimburg –] Hagen-Kabel – Westhofen (Westf) [– Schwerte (Ruhr)] (curve between Siegen and Unna lines used by new ''IC34'' services to/from Hamm)
| Hagen-Kabel – Westhofen (Westf)
| 20 December
| Curve between Siegen and Unna lines used by new ''IC34'' services to/from Hamm
|-  
|}
 
The following lines opened on 12 December 2021
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 209.35
| Bad Saarow Klinikum – Bad Saarow-Pieskow
|
|-
| Augsburg Tramway
| Augsburg Tramway
| Line 3; southern extension -  Haunstetten West to Königsbrunn Zentrum [4.6 km]
| Haunstetten West Königsbrunn Zentrum
| 12 December
| Line 3, southern extension
|-  
|-  
| Stuttgart LRT
| Stuttgart LRT
| Line U6; south eastern extension -  Fasanenhof Schelmenwasen to Flughafen/ Messe Ost [3.2 km]
| Fasanenhof Schelmenwasen Flughafen/Messe Ost
| 12 December
| Line U6, south-eastern extension
|-
|}
 
The following line opened on 11 December 2021
 
{| class="osstable3"
| Karlsruhe LRT
| Karlsruhe LRT
| Kombilösung cross-city tram tunnels inaugurated [3.4 km]
| Kombilösung cross-city tram tunnels
| Lines 1, 2 and S2 diverted into the tunnel on 11 December followed by AVG lines S1/11, S4, S5/51, S7 and S8 on 12 December
| Lines 1, 2 and S2 diverted into the tunnel on 11 December followed by AVG lines S1/11, S4, S5/51, S7 and S8 on 12 December
|-
|}
| 209.35
 
| Bad Saarow Klinikum – Bad Saarow-Pieskow
The following line opened on 29 November 2021
| 12 December
 
|-
{| class="osstable3"
| 627, 646
| 627, 646
| Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Abzw Mainzer Landstraße (new exit line to the north of Frankfurt Außenbahnhof)
| Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Abzw Mainzer Landstraße
| 29 November
| New exit line to the north of Frankfurt Außenbahnhof
|-
|}
 
The following line opened on 8 August 2021
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 732
| Sauldorf – Stockach
| Summer Sundays only. Reopening delayed by flood damage
|}
 
The following line opened on 18 July 2021
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 732
| 732
| Mengen - Stockach (summer Sunday services)
| Mengen – Sauldorf
| 18 July Mengen to Sauldorf; 8 August to Stockach (delayed by flood damage)
| Summer Sundays only
|}
|}


=====2020=====
=====2020=====
The following lines opened on 13 December 2020
{| class="osstable3"  
{| class="osstable3"  
| 424
| [Moers –] Rheinkamp – Kamp-Lintfort Süd (temporary weekend-only service until 4 October for NRW Garden Festival)
| 16 May
|-
| former 172; 174
| Parchim - Karow (Meckl.) - Plau am See ''and'' Inselstadt Malchow - Karow (scheduled summer weekend services)
| 21 May
|-
| 450.9
| Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord – Recklinghausen Hbf (without intermediate stations which are not due to open until 2024)
| 11 September
|-
| 200.9
| Flughafen BER Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) - Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 (''S-Bahn'')
| 26 October
|-
| 207, 209.9/14/22
| Abzw Glasower Damm Ost - line 6151 - Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 - Abzw Bohnsdorf Nord
| 31 October
|-
| 207
| Abzw Selchow - Abzw Selchow Süd
| 31 October, but in regular use from 13 December
|-
| 209.22
| Abzw Bohnsdorf West - Abzw Bohnsdorf Süd
| 31 October
|-
| 203.Sued
| 203.Sued
| Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord - Abzw Hennersdorf West
| Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord - Abzw Hennersdorf West
| 13 December
| Used by new peak-hour trains between Berlin and Finsterwalde
|-
|-
| 450.28
| 450.28
| Mettmann Stadtwald - Abzw Wuppertal-Dornap [- Wuppertal-Vohwinkel]
| Mettmann Stadtwald - Abzw Wuppertal-Dornap
| 13 December
| Partly new-build line connecting with the Velbert – Wuppertal line
|-
|-
| 970
| 970
| Lindau-Aeschach - Lindau-Reutin (Lindau avoiding line)
| Lindau-Aeschach - Lindau-Reutin (Lindau avoiding line)
| 13 December
| Served by new electric München – Zürich services
|}
|}


=====2019=====
The following lines opened on 31 October 2020
 
{| class="osstable3"  
{| class="osstable3"  
| 376
| 207
| Bad Bentheim – Neuenhaus
| Abzw Selchow - Abzw Selchow Süd
| 6 July but 7 July for revenue earning services
| In connection with the opening of Flughafen BER T1-2. In regular use from 13 December
|-
|-
| -
| 209.22
| Flensburg Weiche Süd - Flensburg Friedensweg (diversion of Hamburg - København services away fron Puttgarden - Rødby)
| Abzw Bohnsdorf West - Abzw Bohnsdorf Süd
| 15 December
| In connection with the opening of Flughafen BER T1-2
|-
|-
| 209.24
| 207, 209.9/14/22
| Berlin Bornholmer Straße - Schönhauser Allee (diversion of ''RB24'' until 9 July 2021).
| Abzw Glasower Damm Ost - line 6151 - Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 - Abzw Bohnsdorf Nord
| 15 December
|
|-
|}
| 209.24
 
| Berlin Frankfurter Allee - Ostkreuz (oben) (initially by diverted ''RB24'' but now used permanently by ''FEX'' airport trains)
The following line opened on 26 October 2020
| 15 December
 
|-
{| class="osstable3"
| former 12474
| 200.9
| Düren - Euskirchen (regular service instead of weekend-only service)
| Flughafen BER Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) - Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 (''S-Bahn'')
| 15 December
|  
|-
|}
| 645.8/9
 
| Frankfurt (Main) Stadion - Gateway Gardens - Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof
The following line opened on 11 September 2020
| 15 December
 
{| class="osstable3"
| 450.9
| Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord – Recklinghausen Hbf
| Without intermediate stations which are not due to open until 2024
|}
 
The following lines opened on 21 May 2020
 
{| class="osstable3"
| former 172; 174
| Parchim - Karow (Meckl.) - Plau am See ''and'' Inselstadt Malchow - Karow
| Scheduled summer weekend services
|}
|}


=====2018=====
The following line opened on 16 May 2020
{| class="osstable3"  
 
| 209.63
{| class="osstable3"
| Templin Stadt - Joachimsthal (experimental service now until Dec 2022)
| 424
| 9 December
| [Moers –] Rheinkamp Kamp-Lintfort Süd
|-
| Temporary weekend-only service until 4 October for NRW Garden Festival
| 227
| Hoyerswerda Horka (Abzw. Muckenhain) [- Görlitz] (after long-term closure for rebuilding)
| 9 December
|-
| 351
| Einbeck Salzderhelden Einbeck Mitte
| 9 December
|-
| 471
| Mainz Hbf (Abzw Kaiserbrücke Ost) - Hochheim (Main) (Abzw Kostheim) (used by new service ''RE4'' between Frankfurt and Mainz)
| 9 December
|-
| 930
| Neufahrn avoiding curve
| 9 December
|-
|}
|}


'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector:
====Permanent Closures====
 
Note that in most cases the lines remain available for empty stock, freight, diversionary or charter services.
 
=====2024=====
 
'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector''':


The ''Bremen-Thedinghauser Eisenbahn'' (''"Pingelheini"'') service resumed from Leeste (b. Bremen) as far as Stuhr, 4.5 km from Kirchhuchting, on 22 August 2021. The line had been closed west of Leeste since the end of the 2015 season to allow construction of an extension of Bremen tram route no. 8. A resumption of the ''Pingelheini'' service as far as Bremen-Kirchhuchting is expected at some point. Once the tram service starts it is expected that trams and ''Pingelheini'' trains will share the tracks.
Scheduled services on the ''Wisentatalbahn'' museum line between Schönberg (Vogtl) and Schleiz West ceased after farewell trips on 9 and 10 March 2024, and after a very last farewell excursion on 13 March from Zittau, the line was closed to all traffic. This is because the line's leaseholders Deutsche Regionaleisenbahn GmbH (DRE) wish to terminate the lease and no other undertaking has offered to take it on.
 
=====2023=====
The following line closed on 7 August 2023
{| class="osstable3"
| Ruhrbahn Tram route 104 (part)
| Mülheim (Ruhr) Wertgasse – Oppspring
| Also depot journeys from Berliner Platz to Wertgasse
|}
 
The following line closed on 15 April 2023
{| class="osstable3"
| 415.2
| Dortmund Signal Iduna-Park (Westfalenhalle) – Dortmund-Lütgendortmund Flm – Bochum-Langendreer
| ''RE11'' services reverted to running via Dortmund Hbf and Hamm
|}


====Forthcoming Openings====
=====2022=====
=====2022=====
The following lines closed on 11 December 2022
{| class="osstable3"
| 209.23
| Abzw Lienewitz Lia – Seddin Bla
| Replaced by new ''RB33'' Potsdam – Jüterbog service
|-
| 209.63
| Joachimsthal – Templin Stadt
| Experimental service reinstatement ended
|}


The recently-reopened branch line to Einbeck Mitte is to be extended on 11 December 2022 by a further 1.1 km to BBS Einbeck/PS Speicher for, initially, a three-year trial period. The station will serve an apprentice training school (BBS = ''Berufsbildende Schule'') and a motor museum (PS = ''Pferdestärke'' or horsepower).
The following line closed on 31 August 2022
{| class="osstable3"
| 140
| Neustadt (Holst.) Gbf – Puttgarden <br> (including the curves to Fehmarn-Burg)
| Closed for complete reconstruction, mainly on a new alignment, in connection with the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel project
|}


An extension of the Stolberg (Rheinland) to Stolberg Altstadt passenger service to Breinig was due to open, belatedly, in December 2021, but has been further delayed until an unknown date in 2022. Reopening was initially delayed by the need to lower the trackbed under a road bridge at Stolberg Altstadt to provide the required safe clearance for the overhead wires and has been further delayed by serious damage sustained to the existing line in the July 2021 floods. A further extension to Walheim, on the Belgian border, was scheduled for December 2022 but this may also be delayed as a consequence of the flood damage.
The following line closed on 27 March 2022
{| class="osstable3"
| 393
| Sande - Abzw Weißer Floh [- Schortens-Heidmühle]
| Replaced by new double-track alignment to the east
|}


The new high-speed line (''NBS'') between Ulm Hbf and Stuttgart Hbf, which is being constructed as part of the "Stuttgart 21" programme, is due to open on 11 December 2022. Test running started on 31 January 2022.
=====2020=====


The bridge over the Belzig - Berlin line between Beelitz Stadt and Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Beelitz Bea - Abzw Lienewitz Lia) was reinstated in April 2021 and is to be used by a new ''RB33'' Jüterbog to Potsdam service commencing in December 2022. The existing ''RB23'' service will no longer run via Ferch-Lienewitz which will mean an end to services over the curve between there and Seddin.
The following lines closed to regular services on 31 October 2020
{| class="osstable3"
| 207, 209.14
| Berlin Grünauer Kreuz Nord - Grünauer Kreuz Süd
| Almost all services diverted via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. A residual late-night service of a few ''RE7'' trains continued until 12 December 2020.
|-
| 209.22
| Berlin-Grünau - Abzw Selchow
| Almost all services diverted via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. A residual late-night service of a few ''RB22'' trains continues to run on Monday nights only.
|}


The Kiel to Schönberger Strand branch, which is currently only a tourist line beyond Kiel-Oppendorf, is now due to reopen in December 2022.
The following line closed on 13 June 2020
{| class="osstable3"
| 415.1
| Düsseldorf Flughafen - Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal
| The one very early morning train diverted to run direct to Düsseldorf Hbf
|}


=====2023=====
The following line closed in March 2020
{| class="osstable3"
| 305
| Uelzen W750 – Uelzen W23 (Veerßer Kurve)
| Berlin – Hamburg ''IRE'' services 'temporarily' withdrawn as a Covid-related service reduction but withdrawal made permanent in October 2021.
|}


The first stage of the Berlin ''S-Bahn'' line ''S21'', linking the ''Innenring'' with Berlin Hbf (Invalidenstraße) by an east to south curve from Wedding is due to open, belatedly, in June 2023. A west to south curve from Westhafen to Invalidenstraße is expected to open later, and plans are to extend the line to Potsdamer Platz in Stage 2 and Yorckstraße in Stage 3, thus creating a second north-south ''S-Bahn'' line through central Berlin. Opening of the entire line is not expected until 2037.
===Future Changes===


Calw - Weil der Stadt is now due to reopen in December 2023. The project has been considerably delayed by legal action, which has been dismissed, and the decision to build a new section of line in tunnel to shorten the route between Ostelsheim and Weil der Stadt. The line will be known as the ''Hermann-Hesse-Bahn'' and run through to Renningen, sharing tracks with the ''S6'' from Weil der Stadt.
====Forthcoming Openings====


=====2024=====
=====2024=====


The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn is rebuilding the line from Berlin-Wilhelmsruh to Wilhelmsruher Damm, therefore reopening the ''Heidekrautbahn'' between Bornholmer Straße and Schönwalde (Barnim) to passenger service for trains from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen to Basdorf and beyond. This is now planned for December 2024. A 30-minute frequency south of Basdorf was planned but as some redoubling of the existing lines from Schönholz to Wilhelmsruh and north of Schildow is required, this has been deferred until around 2030 with the initial frequency from 2024 being hourly. The existing line via Berlin-Karow will be retained with trains planned to terminate at a new Karower Kreuz interchange station. Reopening of the line from Wensickendorf to Liebenwalde has been proposed.
The Gunzenhausen to Nördlingen ''Hesselbergbahn'' is to be reopened between Gunzenhausen and Wassertrüdingen in December 2024.


The reopening to passengers of the first part of the ''Weststrecke'' in Trier between Ehrang and Trier West, across the Mosel from the existing passenger line via Trier Hbf, has been delayed until the end of 2024.
The first stage of the Berlin ''S-Bahn'' line linking the ''Innenring'' with Berlin Hbf (Invalidenstraße) by an east to south curve from Wedding has been severely delayed and is not now due to open until December 15 2024. It will initially run between Hauptbahnhof and Gesundbrunnen only, under the designation ''S15''. The intermediate station at Perleberger Brücke is not due to open until 2029. A west to south curve from Westhafen to Invalidenstraße is expected to open later, and plans are to extend the line to Potsdamer Platz in Stage 2 and Yorckstraße in Stage 3, thus creating a second north-south ''S-Bahn'' line (to be known as ''S21'') through central Berlin. Opening of the entire line is not expected until 2037.
 
0.000 WESTHAFEN <br>
0.857 PERLEBERGER BRÜCKE <br>
1.600 Junction at bottom of triangle<br>
1.821 Tunnel Portal<br>
2.357 HAUPTBAHNHOF  (middle of platform)<br> <br>
   
0.000 WEDDING<br>
0.800 PERLEBERGER BRÜCKE<br>
1.700 Junction at bottom of triangle 1.700 = 1.600<br>
1.600 Junction at bottom of triangle<br>
1.821 Tunnel Portal<br>
2.357 HAUPTBAHNHOF  (middle of platform; 2.457 from Wedding)<br>
 
An extension of the Stolberg (Rheinland) Hbf to Stolberg Altstadt passenger service to Breinig is not now due to open until December 2024. Progress was delayed by the need to lower the trackbed under a bridge at Stolberg Altstadt to provide safe clearance for the overhead wires, and by serious damage sustained to the existing line in the July 2021 floods. A further extension to Walheim, on the Belgian border, is planned to be opened 'by 2032'.


=====2025=====
=====2025=====


The ''Bentheimer Eisenbahn'' from Bad Bentheim to Coevorden (NL), which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus, is to be reopened through to Coevorden by 2025.
The reopening of Calw - Weil der Stadt has been put back by at least one year every year since 2018. It is now due to open in June 2025, some six-and-a-half years after originally planned. Reasons for the delays include legal action, which has been dismissed, and the decision to build a new section of line in tunnel to shorten the route between Ostelsheim and Weil der Stadt. The line will be known as the ''Hermann-Hesse-Bahn'' and run through to Renningen, sharing tracks with the ''S6'' from Weil der Stadt.
 
The new high-speed line (''NBS'') between Ulm and Stuttgart opened on 11 December 2022 between Ulm and Wendlingen. The remaining section between Wendlingen and Stuttgart Hbf is not due to open until 2025, when the new low-level Stuttgart Hbf opens.
 
The ''Weststrecke'' in Trier between Ehrang and Igel via Trier West is now scheduled to open to passengers in full in December 2025.


Reinstatement of main line tracks (closed 1952) alongside the S-Bahn on the ''Dresdner Bahn'' from Berlin Südkreuz to Blankenfelde (Kr. Teltow-Fläming) is underway. Services on the line are due to commence in December 2025. This will speed up trains between Berlin and Dresden and also allow a fast service to Berlin-Brandenburg airport via a new north-to-east curve at Glasower Damm. This is expected to mean the end of regular passenger services over the curves from Genshagener Heide Mitte to Großbeeren Süd.
Reinstatement of main line tracks (closed 1952) alongside the S-Bahn on the ''Dresdner Bahn'' from Berlin Südkreuz to Blankenfelde (Kr. Teltow-Fläming) is underway. Services on the line are due to commence in December 2025. This will speed up trains between Berlin and Dresden and also allow a fast service to Berlin-Brandenburg airport via a new curve between Glasower Damm Nord and Glasower Damm Süd which will be an extension of exisiting line 6151 from the airport to Glasower Damm Süd This is expected to mean the end of regular passenger services over the curves from Genshagener Heide Mitte to Großbeeren Süd. This work will include a reinstatement of a closed section of S-Bahn: When the S-Bahn reopened to Blankenfelde on 04.10.1992 it was given its own platform 172m north of the actual station (until closure on 11.09.1961 the S-Bahn ran through Blankenfelde to Rangsdorf) As part of the Dresdener Bahn rebuilding the S-Bahn will be extended into the station proper and this is expected to open in December 2025


Reopening to passengers of the WLE Münster (Westf) Hbf to Neubeckum line as far as Sendenhorst is planned for December 2025, delayed by two years because of platform works needed at Münster (Westf) Hbf.
Work started in January 2024 on the reactivation of the ''Horlofftalbahn'' between Wölfersheim-Södel and Hungen, with scheduled services planned to commence in December 2025.
 
The ''Land'' of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has published an invitation to tender which includes reinstatement of passenger services between Hagenow Stadt and Zarrentin (23.9 km) from December 2025. This line lost its passenger trains in May 2000.
 
The reopening to regular services of the Kiel to Schönberger Strand branch, which is currently only a tourist line beyond Kiel-Oppendorf, has been heavily delayed and is not now due to happen until December 2025 at the earliest.


=====2026=====
=====2026=====
The ''Bentheimer Eisenbahn'' from Bad Bentheim to Coevorden (NL), which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus, is to be reopened through to Coevorden (NL). An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.
Reopening to passengers of the WLE Münster (Westf) Hbf to Neubeckum line as far as Sendenhorst is now planned for December 2026.


A temporary weekend- and holiday-only passenger service ran in summer 2020 from Duisburg and Moers to Kamp-Lintfort Süd in connection with a garden festival, thus reintroducing trains to the former colliery branch from Rheinkamp. Full passenger services are planned for 2026, via a new south to west curve at Rheinkamp. The branch will be extended to a new Kamp-Lintfort station, beyond the former mine area.
A temporary weekend- and holiday-only passenger service ran in summer 2020 from Duisburg and Moers to Kamp-Lintfort Süd in connection with a garden festival, thus reintroducing trains to the former colliery branch from Rheinkamp. Full passenger services are planned for 2026, via a new south to west curve at Rheinkamp. The branch will be extended to a new Kamp-Lintfort station, beyond the former mine area.
=====2027=====
Stuttgart ''S-Bahn'' line ''S2'' is to be extended by 4 km by reopening the route between Filderstadt and Neuhausen auf den Fildern, which was closed to passengers in 1955, and completely in 1983. Financing was approved in late 2022 with construction to start in mid-2023 and opening targeted for May 2027.
''Land'' Brandenburg plans to reopen the Priort - Wustermark Rbf Wot south to east curve to be used by a new Potsdam to Berlin service, by 2027.
The TWE (Teutoburger Wald-Eisenbahn) is to be reopened in December 2027 between Harsewinkel, Gütersloh and Verl (Bz Detmold).


=====2028=====
=====2028=====


The Barth - Zingst - Prerow <i>Darßbahn</i> is to be reopened. Tripartite funding, split between the federal government, <i>Land</i> Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Usedomer Bäderbahn has been agreed for the reconstruction of the ''Meiningenbrücke'' road/rail bridge just north of Bresewitz, which will allow reopening of the entire line to Prerow by 2028.
The Barth - Zingst - Prerow <i>Darßbahn</i> is to be reopened. Tripartite funding, split between the federal government, <i>Land</i> Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Usedomer Bäderbahn has been agreed for the reconstruction of the ''Meiningenbrücke'' road/rail bridge just north of Bresewitz, which will allow reopening of the entire line to Prerow by 2028.
The reopening of Homburg (Saar) to Zweibrücken was planned for 2026, but cost pressures have forced a deferral until 2028.
An extension of Kassel ''RegioTram'' route ''RT5'' from Melsungen to Melsungen Süd is now planned to come into service in 2028, some five years later than originally planned. The station at Melsungen Süd will be on a short spur just off the main line.


=====2029=====
=====2029=====


Preliminary work has started on the reconstruction of the 4.5 km Berlin ''S-Bahn'' branch from Jungfernheide to Gartenfeld. Known as the ''Siemensbahn'', as it served the large factory of that firm, it closed in 1980. With the closure of the factory in 2018, a research campus and large residential development is being built on the site. Reopening of the line is planned for Autumn 2029. A study is underway for a possible new-build extension to Hakenfelde.
The ''Vögelfluglinie'' railway between [Lübeck -] Bad Schwartau and the island of Fehmarn is being completely rebuilt. It will be a double-track electrified railway, mostly on a new alignment which will in part run alongside the A1 ''Autobahn''. The existing line from Lübeck to Puttgarden closed north of Neustadt (Holst.) Gbf on 31 August 2022. On reopening in 2029 it will form part of a new high-speed line to København via the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, which will include the world's longest immersed tube tunnel. Neustadt (Holst.) will be served by a link from Haffkrug on the new line to the existing line via Sierksdorf, which will become a branch line. The old route from Ratekau to Haffkrug through Timmendorfer Strand will be abandoned, as will the sections north of Neustadt, through Lensahn and Oldenburg (Holst.) and from Fehmarn-Burg to the previous terminus at Puttgarden. Most stations on the old route will have replacements on the new route, but they will be at some distance from the towns they are intended to serve, especially at Timmendorfer Strand. The railway on the Danish side is also being reconstructed.
 
Preliminary work has started on the reconstruction of the closed 4.46 km Berlin ''S-Bahn'' branch from Jungfernheide to Gartenfeld. Known as the ''Siemensbahn'', as it served the large factory of that firm. The last train ran on September 17 1980. With the closure of the factory in 2018, a research campus and large residential development is being built on the site. Reopening of the line is planned for Autumn 2029. A study is underway for a possible new-build extension to Hakenfelde.


====Projected Developments====
====Projected Developments====


It is planned to reopen the first 2.9 km of the Wrist - Itzehoe line as far as Kellinghusen. Financing was apparently agreed in December 2019 after years of prevarication, but a firm date for reopening has not yet been announced.
The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn is rebuilding the line from Berlin-Wilhelmsruh to Wilhelmsruher Damm, therefore reopening the ''Heidekrautbahn'' between Bornholmer Straße and Schönwalde (Barnim) to passenger service for trains from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen to Basdorf and beyond. This was planned for December 2024 but a current date is unknown. The existing line via Berlin-Karow will be retained. A possible reopening between Wensickendorf and Zehlendorf is being considered.
 
Reopening of the line from Wittgensdorf to Limbach-Oberfrohna is planned as Stage 4 of the ''Chemnitzer Modell'' tram-train system.
 
The Langenlonsheim – Büchenbeuren ''Hunsrückquerbahn'', which has been without regular traffic for over 20 years, is in the process of being reactivated for freight traffic, which is expected to start running some time in 2025. It is intended at some point to start running passenger trains over the route as well.


Reopening of approximately 3 km of the Rendsburg - Husum line as far as a new station at Rendsburg-Seemühlen is planned, with two new intermediate halts. Hybrid battery/electric Stadler Flirt units are planned to be used.
It is planned to reopen the first 2.9 km of the Wrist - Itzehoe line as far as Kellinghusen. Financing was supposedly agreed in December 2019 after years of procrastination, but opening has been deferred until 2027 at the earliest, mainly, it is reported, because of flood protection issues in Kellinghusen.


''Land'' Brandenburg planned to reopen the Priort - Wustermark Rbf Wot south to east curve in December 2022 to be used by a new Potsdam to Berlin service, but it appears that this service will reverse at Wustermark instead, thus using the existing south to west curve.
Reopening of approximately 3 km of the Rendsburg - Husum line as far as a new station at Rendsburg-Seemühlen is planned, with two new intermediate halts. Hybrid battery/electric Stadler Flirt units are intended to be used.  


Dombühl - Dinkelsbühl was planned for reopening to passengers in December 2019, but this has been deferred until possibly 2024.  
Dombühl - Dinkelsbühl was planned for reopening to passengers in December 2019, but this has been deferred and possibly shelved altogether.


Reopening of the northern section of the Gessertshausen - Markt Wald ''Staudenbahn'' as far as Langenneufnach has been agreed, but this is not now due to happen until the end of 2024.
Reopening of the northern section of the Gessertshausen - Markt Wald ''Staudenbahn'' as far as Langenneufnach is planned, but a date for this is not known. In September 2023, the ''Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm'' took over the line. This may reinvigorate the reopening process, which had slowed down virtually to a standstill in recent years.


The reopening of Homburg (Saar) to Zweibrücken is planned for 2025.
In Hessen, early planning for the ''Lumdatalbahn'' (Lollar – Mainzlar – Londorf) has been completed and the line is registered for inclusion in a federal package which supports such projects by financing up to 90% of the necessary work. Planning work is also underway for a 3 km line from Neu-Isenburg Bf – Neu-Isenburg Stadtzentrum (town centre). Studies are underway for other lines in Hessen which are considered to have potential for reopening, including:
 
* Kirchhain - Nieder-Gemünden (''mittelhessische Ohmtalbahn'')
* Darmstadt - Groß-Zimmern
* Wiesbaden - Diez (in Rheinland-Pfalz) (''Aartalbahn'')


The District (''Landkreis'') of Tübingen is planning to convert some lines in their area to a tram-train system known as ''Regional-Stadtbahn Neckar-Alb''. This involves construction of a new line known as the ''Gomaringer Spange'' between Nehren, on the Tübingen - Balingen line, and Reutlingen. This will partially re-use the formation of the Reutlingen West to Gomaringen branch. Other plans include the reopening of the Albstadt-Ebingen to Albstadt-Onstmettingen and Engstingen to Reutlingen lines, and the introduction of a regular passenger service between Hechingen and Burladingen on the line to Gammertingen. Tramway-style lines into Tübingen town centre and through Reutlingen are also planned.
The District (''Landkreis'') of Tübingen is planning to convert some lines in their area to a tram-train system known as ''Regional-Stadtbahn Neckar-Alb''. This involves construction of a new line known as the ''Gomaringer Spange'' between Nehren, on the Tübingen - Balingen line, and Reutlingen. This will partially re-use the formation of the Reutlingen West to Gomaringen branch. Other plans include the reopening of the Albstadt-Ebingen to Albstadt-Onstmettingen and Engstingen to Reutlingen lines, and the introduction of a regular passenger service between Hechingen and Burladingen on the line to Gammertingen. Tramway-style lines into Tübingen town centre and through Reutlingen are also planned.
Line 506: Line 675:
A new ''S-Bahn'' line between Fürth Hbf and Eltersdorf via Fürth-Steinach is planned but construction has been delayed by legal challenges. The new ''S-Bahn'' lines will be brought into use where they run parallel to the main lines, but the original line between Fürth-Stadeln and Königsmühle will remain a two-track bottleneck until the ''S-Bahn'' deviation to the east via Steinach is eventually opened.
A new ''S-Bahn'' line between Fürth Hbf and Eltersdorf via Fürth-Steinach is planned but construction has been delayed by legal challenges. The new ''S-Bahn'' lines will be brought into use where they run parallel to the main lines, but the original line between Fürth-Stadeln and Königsmühle will remain a two-track bottleneck until the ''S-Bahn'' deviation to the east via Steinach is eventually opened.


The [https://www.warnetalbahn-gmbh.de/ Warnetalbahn GmbH], which operates the museum line between Salzgitter-Bad and Börßum, took a lease in December 2019 of the section of KBS592 between Rottleberode and Stolberg (Harz), with the intention to run freight (timber) trains and occasional tourist passenger services. The branch from Berga-Kelbra, which latterly only had weekend services, closed to passengers in December 2011 and has been completely out of service north of the gypsum works at Rottleberode since then. Unfortunately because of the condition of a bridge over the river Thyra at Rottleberode, the reintroduction of services to Stolberg has been postponed indefinitely.
The [https://www.warnetalbahn-gmbh.de/ Warnetalbahn GmbH], which operates the museum line between Salzgitter-Bad and Börßum, took a lease in December 2019 of the section of KBS 592 between Rottleberode and Stolberg (Harz), with the intention to run freight (timber) trains and occasional tourist passenger services. The branch from Berga-Kelbra, which latterly only had weekend services, closed to passengers in December 2011 and has been completely out of service north of the gypsum works at Rottleberode since then. Unfortunately because of the condition of a bridge over the river Thyra at Rottleberode, the reintroduction of regular services to Stolberg has been postponed indefinitely, although occasional excursion trains have run to Stolberg since December 2022.
 
DB InfraGO (the former DB Netz) is planning to upgrade the Landshut (Bay) – Plattling line with four new passing loops and two extended ones. A short section of the line will be doubled and line-speed improvements are planned. These improvements will allow a half-hourly service on the ''RE3'' "Donau-Isar Express" service between Passau and München. Also planned is a single-track curve to the west of Plattling, linking the Landshut and Regensburg lines, but this may only be intended for use by freight, primarily traffic to and from the large BMW factory at Dingolfing.


A west-to-south curve is planned to link the Lübeck - Bad Kleinen line with the main line to Schwerin, avoiding Bad Kleinen. This would allow direct trains to run between Lübeck and Schwerin. This is currently in the planning/financing phase and no start or end date has yet been announced.
A west-to-south curve is planned to link the Lübeck - Bad Kleinen line with the main line to Schwerin, avoiding Bad Kleinen. This would allow direct trains to run between Lübeck and Schwerin. This is currently in the planning/financing phase and no start or end date has yet been announced.


Plans to re-open the line between Salzgitter-Lebenstedt and Salzgitter-Fredenberg appeared to have been abandoned, but in March 2021 it was announced by the local traffic authority (''Regionalverband'' Braunschweig) that further consideration is being given to this proposal.
Plans to re-open the line between Salzgitter-Lebenstedt and Salzgitter-Fredenberg appeared to have been abandoned, but in March 2021 it was announced by the local traffic authority (''Regionalverband'' Braunschweig) that further consideration is being given to this proposal.
In early 2023, the new public transport authority for the Köln/Aachen areas, known as go.Rheinland, announced its [https://gremien.go-rheinland.de/sdnetrim/UGhVM0hpd2NXNFdFcExjZddwJOQxPXtwIit_aPKvntXYgxObOLrtiODPqq0fjojy/Anlage_1_zur_Ds.-Nr._go.Rheinland-28-2023_-_Zielnetze.pdf plans] for the networks of 2032 and 2040. By 2032 the following lines are planned to be reopened to passengers:
* Alsdorf-Kellersberg – Aldenhoven-Siersdorf
* Linnich – Hückelhoven-Baal
* Erkelenz – Baal – Ratheim
* Stolberg-Breinig – Walheim – Eupen (BE).
By 2040 further reopenings are planned:
* Ratheim – Wassenberg
* Dalheim – Roermond (NL)
* Köln-Mülheim – Opladen via Morsbroich
* Köln Frankfurter Straße – Köln Süd via the Südbrücke
* Gummersbach-Dieringhausen – Waldbröl (although a study in 2023 rejected potential reopening of this line as too costly given the likely demand and poor journey time to Köln).


DB announced in 2021 that it intends to reopen 20 lines to passenger traffic. These are at various stages of the planning/implementation process and some may not be proceeded with. Those not mentioned individually above are:
DB announced in 2021 that it intends to reopen 20 lines to passenger traffic. These are at various stages of the planning/implementation process and some may not be proceeded with. Those not mentioned individually above are:
Line 523: Line 709:
* Breisach - Colmar (F)
* Breisach - Colmar (F)
* München northern ring line (''Münchener Güternordring'').
* München northern ring line (''Münchener Güternordring'').
In August 2023, the ''Länder'' of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg launched their [https://www.regierung-mv.de/Aktuell/?id=194115&processor=processor.sa.pressemitteilung review] into the development and potential reopening of all or part of the so-called ''Karower Kreuz'' network radiating from Karow (Meckl). This covers the north-south Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg – Karow – Güstrow route which has sparse services south of Meyenburg and is closed north of there apart from summer weekend services between Karow and Plau am See, and the east-west ''Mecklenburger Südbahn'' (Parchim – Waren (Müritz)) which only has summer weekend services between Parchim and Inselstadt Malchow.


The Prime Minister and Transport Minister of <i>Land</i> Mecklenburg-Vorpommern restated in early 2020 their commitment to the rebuilding of Ducherow – Świnoujście/Swinemünde (Poland) but as this project would involve complete reconstruction of the bridge at Karnin between the mainland and the island of Usedom, this would appear to be a long-term aspiration.
The Prime Minister and Transport Minister of <i>Land</i> Mecklenburg-Vorpommern restated in early 2020 their commitment to the rebuilding of Ducherow – Świnoujście/Swinemünde (Poland) but as this project would involve complete reconstruction of the bridge at Karnin between the mainland and the island of Usedom, this would appear to be a long-term aspiration.
Line 538: Line 726:
Reinstatement of regional tracks between Schönholz and Hennigsdorf to give a more direct route to the Wittstock line was considered but has been discounted on cost grounds. However capacity improvements between Velten (Mark) and Neuruppin are still going ahead.
Reinstatement of regional tracks between Schönholz and Hennigsdorf to give a more direct route to the Wittstock line was considered but has been discounted on cost grounds. However capacity improvements between Velten (Mark) and Neuruppin are still going ahead.


===Closures===
Planning work has started to reopen the Berlin S-Bahn line from Spandau to Falkensee in the early 2030s.This section opened on August 14 1951 and closed when the Berlin wall was built. Spandau to Albrechtshof which crossed the border closed on August 12 1961. A shuttle was maintained from Albrechtshof to Falkensee but this last ran on October 9 1961.  
====Permanent closures====
 
Note that in most cases the lines remain available for freight, diversionary or charter services.
 
=====2022=====
The following line closed to passengers on 27 March 2022.  
{| class="osstable3"
| 393
| Sande - Abzw Weißer Floh [- Schortens-Heidmühle]
| To be replaced by new alignment to the east. It was definitively closed to all traffic on 18 April 2022 and track-lifting commenced shortly afterwards.
|}
 
=====2020=====


The following lines closed to regular services on 31 October 2020:
* 12.428 Spandau
{| class="osstable3"
* 17.422 Albrechtshof
| 207, 209.14
* 18.320 Seegefeld
| Berlin Grünauer Kreuz Nord - Grünauer Kreuz Süd
* 20.373 Falkensee
| Almost all services diverted via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. A residual late-night service of a few ''RE7'' trains continued until 12 December 2020.
|-
| 209.22
| Berlin-Grünau - Abzw Selchow
| Almost all services diverted via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. A residual late-night service of a few ''RB22'' trains continues to run on Monday nights only.
|}
 
The following line closed on 13 June 2020:
{| class="osstable3"
| 415.1
| Düsseldorf Flughafen - Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal
| The one very early morning train diverted to run direct to Düsseldorf Hbf
|}
 
The following line closed in March 2020:
{| class="osstable3"
| 305
| Uelzen W750 – Uelzen W23 (Veerßer Kurve)
| Berlin – Hamburg ''IRE'' services 'temporarily' withdrawn as a Covid-related service reduction but withdrawal made permanent in October 2021.
|}
 
=====2019=====
 
The following line closed on 14 December 2019:
{| class="osstable3"
| 140
| Fehmarn-Burg avoiding line
| Hamburg - København ''IC'' services ceased running via Puttgarden - Rødby; the remaining ''RB'' services to Puttgarden all reverse at Fehmarn-Burg.
|}
 
The following line closed in September 2019:
{| class="osstable3"
| 190
| Sassnitz-Mukran Abzw Borchtitz - Sassnitz-Mukran Fährhafen
| Berlin - Malmö overnight services ceased to operate via the Sassnitz - Trelleborg train ferry after the end of the 2019 season.
|}
 
The following line closed on 18 March 2019:
{| class="osstable3"
| 447
| Duisburg Hbf - Duisburg Entenfang
| The final day of service was 30 November 2019, when three farewell round trips operated. The service otherwise was by replacement bus from 18 March until 14 December 2019, the official closure date.
|}
 
=====2018=====
 
The following line closed on 15 September 2018:
{| class="osstable3"
| 524
| [Chemnitz Hbf –] Chemnitz Süd – Chemnitz-Reichenhain (Abzw Chemnitz Süd Strab)
| Line closed for conversion to tram-train route but this connection closed to passengers completely.
|}
 
'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector:'''
 
In July 2019 the Ruhrtalbahn announced an end to their operations on the Hagen - Hattingen route as a result of severe mechanical problems with their <i>Schienenbus</i>. Operations resumed in 2021 under the auspices of the ''Eisenbahnmuseum Bochum'', but only as far as Wengern-Ost, leaving the section between there and Hagen-Vorhalle without regular services.
 
The ''Niederlausitzer Museumseisenbahn'' closed their line from Finsterwalde to Crinitz after a final day of service on 30th December 2018. This is because there is substantial work required on the line, which the society were not in a position to fund. It looks increasingly unlikely that this line will reopen.


====Planned permanent closures (without replacement)====
====Planned permanent closures (without replacement)====


''Land'' Brandenburg has announced that the experimental service reinstatement between Joachimsthal and Templin Stadt (KBS 209.60) will cease on 12 December 2022. There is also some doubt about the future of services after this date on the sparsely-served section north of Kyritz Am Burgerpark of the Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk line (KBS 209.73) and on the Pritzwalk West – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg line (KBS 209.74).
There was some doubt about the future of services after December 2022 on the sparsely-served section north of Kyritz Am Bürgerpark of the Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk line (KBS 209.73) and on the Pritzwalk West – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg line (KBS 209.74). However, in late September 2022 it was announced that these two lines will continue until at least 2025 while the ''Länder'' of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern jointly conduct an investigation into the entire (Berlin –) Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg – Karow (Meckl.) – Güstrow route.  


Some ''Länder'' were previously reviewing their funding of relatively lightly-used lines:
Some ''Länder'' were previously reviewing their funding of relatively lightly-used lines:


''Land'' Bayern was reportedly examining withdrawing funding from lines that have fewer than 1,000 passengers per day but no action to close any line has been taken so it would appear that this review is dormant.   
''Land'' Bayern was reportedly examining withdrawing funding from lines that have fewer than 1,000 passengers per day but no action to close any line has been taken so it would appear that this review is dormant.   
<!--On the basis of data from 2016 these are:


{| class="osstable3"
''Land'' Thüringen was reviewing services on lines which have fewer than 500 passengers per weekday but again no closure action has been taken on any line.
| 781
 
| Miltenberg - Wertheim
'''In the "tourist/museum" line sector:'''
|-
| 806
| Neustadt (Aisch) Bf - Steinach (b Rothenburg)
|-
| 815 (part)
| Gemünden (Main) - Bad Kissingen
|-
| 821
| Forchheim - Ebermannstadt
|-
| 826
| Breitengüßbach - Ebern
|-
| 831
| Coburg - Bad Rodach
|-
| 853
| Münchberg - Helmbrechts
|-
| 857
| Hof Hbf - Bad Steben
|-
| 858
| Oberkotzau - Selb Stadt
|-
| 860
| Marktredwitz - Cheb (CZ)
|-
| 862
| Bayreuth Hbf - Weidenberg
|-
| 867 (part)
| Kirchenlaibach - Weiden (Oberpf)
|-
| 870 (part)
| Altenstadt (Waldnaab) - Neustadt (Waldnaab)
|-
| 876
| Cham (Oberpf) - Waldmünchen
|-
| 877
| Cham (Oberpf) - Lam
|-
| 891.9 (part)
| Langenzenn - Markt Wald
|-
| 905 (part)
| Zwiesel (Bay) - Bayerisch Eisenstein
|-
| 906
| Zwiesel (Bay) - Grafenau
|-
| 907
| Zwiesel (Bay) - Bodenmais
|-
| 911
| Roth - Hilpoltstein
|-
| 912
| Pleinfeld - Gunzenhausen
|-
| 922
| Wicklesgreuth - Windsbach
|-
| 932
| Straubing - Bogen
|-
| 944 (part)
| Waldkraiburg - Wasserburg
|-
| 945 (part)
| Garching - Freilassing
|-
| 946 (part)
| Passau Hbf - Pfarrkirchen
|-
| 947 (part)
| Traunstein - Garching
|-
| 948
| Ebersberg (Oberbay) - Wasserburg (Inn) Bf
|-
| 949
| Hörpolding - Traunreut
|-
| 952
| Prien a Chiemsee - Aschau (Chiemgau)
|-
| 955 (part)
| Fischhausen-Neuhaus - Bayrischzell
|-
| 959
| Traunstein - Waging
|-
| 963
| Murnau - Oberammergau
|-
| 965
| Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Ehrwald (AT)
| Would need to remain open unless the ÖBB line to Reutte in Tirol also closed
|-
| 973
| Kempten (Allgäu) - Pfronten-Steinach
| This line is currently being electrified so seems extremely unlikely to close
|-
| 978
| Günzburg - Mindelheim
|}-->


''Land'' Thüringen was reviewing services on lines which have fewer than 500 passengers per weekday but again no closure action has been taken on any line.
The line between Rinteln and Stadthagen is facing closure as a result of lack of funds to maintain the infrastructure. It appears that the operating day on 21 April 2024 may be the last and after that, the line looks likely close to all traffic.
<!--{| class="osstable3"
| 326
| Nordhausen - Ifeld
|-
| 546 (part)
| Weida - Zeulenroda unt. Bf
|-
| 555 (part)
| Saalfeld (Saale) - Poßneck ob. Bf
|-
| 557
| Hockeroda - Blankenstein (Saale)
|-
| 559
| Orlamünde - Poßneck unt. Bf
|-
| 562
| Rottenbach - Katzhütte
|-
| 564
| Sonneberg (Thür) - Neuhaus am Rennweg
|-
| 569
| Grimmenthal - Eisfeld - Sonneberg (Thür)
|-
| 573
| Wernshausen - Zella-Mehlis
|-
| 579
| Weimar - Kranichfeld
|-
| 594
| Sömmerda - Großheringen
| [Buttstädt to Großheringen closed in December 2017]
|-
| 606
| Fröttstädt - Friedrichroda
| (section Waltershausen to Friedrichroda only)
|}-->


====Planned permanent closures (with replacement)====
====Planned permanent closures (with replacement)====


The existing line from Lübeck to Puttgarden will be closed from 1 September 2022 for rebuilding as a double-track electrified line, mostly on a new alignment which will in part run alongside the A1 ''Autobahn''. The new line is due to open in 2026. From 2028 it will form part of a new high-speed line to København via the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, which will include the world's longest immersed tube tunnel. Neustadt (Holst.) will be served by a link from Haffkrug on the new line to the existing line via Sierksdorf, which will become a branch line. The old route from Ratekau to Haffkrug through Timmendorfer Strand will be abandoned, as will the sections north of Neustadt, through Lensahn and Oldenburg (Holst.) and from Fehmarn-Burg to the terminus at Puttgarden. Most stations on the old route will have replacements on the new route, but they will be at some distance from the towns they are intended to serve, especially at Timmendorfer Strand. The railway on the Danish side closed for reconstruction in April 2021.  
The main-line terminus station at Hamburg-Altona is due to close with a replacement through station being built roughly on the site of the current Diebsteich ''S-Bahn'' station. The low-level ''S-Bahn'' station at Altona will remain, although with a change of name to "Mitte Altona". ''S-Bahn'' services are not serving Diebsteich until August 2024. According to the [https://bahnprojekt-hamburg-altona.de/ project website] the planned opening date of the new Altona main-line station is 2027.
 
There have been numerous deviations of railways to allow open-cast mining. There will be a significant re-routing of the Görlitz to Cottbus line, with the the closure of around 10 km of the existing line between Weißwasser and Rietschen, to be replaced by a 13 km-long deviation to the east. Work is due to start in March 2024 with the line opening in June 2027. See [http://tinyurl.com/murj3vbw this DB pdf] about the project.
 
====Temporary closures====


The main-line terminus station at Hamburg-Altona is due to close with a replacement through station being built roughly on the site of the current Diebsteich ''S-Bahn'' station. The low-level ''S-Bahn'' station at Altona will remain. ''S-Bahn'' services will not serve Diebsteich for one year from October 2022. According to the [https://bahnprojekt-hamburg-altona.de/ project website] the planned opening date of the new Altona main-line station is 2027.
The line between Frankfurt an Main-Höchst and Bad Soden (Taunus) will be closed from 29 March 2024 until further notice and the ''RB11'' service replaced by buses. This is in connection with construction of the new ''Regionaltangente West'' line.


There have been numerous deviations of railways to allow open-cast mining. There has been a proposal for significant re-routing of the Görlitz to Cottbus line, which would involve the closure of around 10km of the existing line between Weißwasser and Rietschen, to be replaced by a 13km-long deviation to the east. This may not happen owing to environmental concerns.
In the evening of 25 February 2024, a 110 metre-long cargo ship collided with the ''Huntebrücke'' near Elsfleth, on the Hude – Nordenham line. The bridge sustained "significant damage"; accordingly the line will be closed for an unknown period of at least several weeks and more likely longer than that. A temporary fixed bridge is to be installed as soon as possible; this will remain in service until the original movable bridge is either repaired or replaced. The NordWestBahn ''RS4'' service between Bremen and Nordenham is currently operating in two sections: Bremen – Hude and Brake (Unterweser) – Nordenham, with replacement buses operating between the two sections. As this line has connections to the rail-served ports of Brake and Nordenham, freight traffic is also severely affected.


====Temporary closures====
The section of the Eisenach – Wernshausen – Meiningen line (KBS 575) between Eisenach and Förtha (Kr Eisenach) will be closed between 25 March and 11 October 2024.


Following the serious floods of mid-July 2021 in western Germany, many stretches of line in Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rheinland-Pfalz sustained considerable damage and needed major repairs. The following lines reopened on the dates shown:
Following the serious floods of mid-July 2021 in western Germany, many stretches of line in Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rheinland-Pfalz sustained considerable damage and needed major repairs. All sections of line have now reopened apart from the following. Projected reopening dates are shown where known.


{| class="osstable3"
{| class="osstable3"
| 475 ''Voreifelbahn''
| 482 (part)
| Bonn Hbf – Euskirchen
| Stolberg (Rheinl) Hbf – Eschweiler Talbahnhof
| 30 August 2021 (to Rheinbach); 1 May 2022 (to Euskirchen)
| 15 December 2024
|-
|-
| 474 ''Eifelstrecke'' (northern end)
| 475 ''Erfttalbahn''
| [Köln ] Erftstadt – Kall
| Euskirchen Bad Münstereifel
| 7 September 2021 (to Euskirchen); 23 April 2022 (to Mechernich); 12 June 2022 (to Kall)
| August 2024
|-
|-
| 477 ''Ahrtalbahn'' (eastern end)
| 482 (part)
| Remagen Walporzheim
| Stolberg Rathaus – Stolberg Altstadt [– Breinig]
| 8 November 2021 (to Ahrweiler); 12 December 2021 (to Walporzheim) (as a single line only)
| Existing line together with extension to Breinig due to open on 15 December 2024
|-
| 459 ''Oberbergische Bahn'' (part)
| Gummersbach Marienheide
| 8 April 2024
|-
|-
| 485
| 434 ''Volmetalbahn'' (part)
| [Aachen ] Herzogenrath Geilenkirchen [– Mönchengladbach]
| Rummenohl Lüdenscheid-Brügge Lüdenscheid
| 9 November 2021
| 17 April 2024
|-
|-
| 434 ''Volmetalbahn'' (northern end)
| 459 ''Volmetalbahn'' (part)
| Hagen Rummenohl
| Marienheide Lüdenscheid-Brügge
| 12 December 2021
| 15 December 2024
|-
|-
| 482 (eastern end)
| Langerwehe – Eschweiler Talbahnhof
| 12 December 2021 (to Eschweiler-Weisweiler); 7 February 2022 (to Eschweiler Talbahnhof)
|-
| 440 ''Ruhr-Sieg-Strecke''
| Hagen – Werdohl [– Siegen]
| 20 December 2021
|-
| 450.9 ''S9''
| Wuppertal-Vohwinkel – Essen-Steele
| 27 December 2021
|-
| 474 ''Eifelstrecke'' (southern end)
| [Trier –] Ehrang – Kyllburg
| 5 February 2022 (to Auw an der Kyll); 28 May 2022 (to Bitburg-Erdorf); 21 June 2022 (to Kyllburg)
|-
| 666 (part)
| Bad Dürkheim – Freinsheim
| 23 May 2022
|}
The following stretches of line need extensive repairs and in some cases complete rebuilding, and remain closed. A projected date for reopening is shown where known:
{| class="osstable3"
| 474 ''Eifelstrecke'' (central section)
| 474 ''Eifelstrecke'' (central section)
| Kyllburg – Kall
| Gerolstein – Kall
| 'late summer' 2022: Kyllburg – Gerolstein; <br> 11 December 2022: Gerolstein – Nettersheim <br> 'Summer 2023': Kall - Nettersheim
| End of 2024(?)
|-
| 434 ''Volmetalbahn'' (part)
| Rummenohl – Lüdenscheid
| 10 December 2022
|-
| 482 (remainder)
| Stolberg Altstadt – Stolberg (Rheinl) Hbf – Eschweiler Talbahnhof
| October 2022: Stolberg Rathaus – Stolberg (Rheinl) Hbf; <br> June 2023: Stolberg (Rheinl) Hbf – Eschweiler Talbahnhof; <br> October 2023: [Breinig (?) –] Stolberg Altstadt – Stolberg Rathaus
|-
| 475 ''Erfttalbahn''
| Euskirchen – Bad Münstereifel
| 10 December 2023. Electrification planned for 2026
|-
|-
| 477 ''Ahrtalbahn'' (western end)
| 477 ''Ahrtalbahn'' (western end)
| Walporzheim – Ahrbrück
| Walporzheim – Ahrbrück
| Eight bridges over the river Ahr and most of the track have to be replaced. This is expected to take until the end of 2025.
| Eight bridges over the river Ahr and most of the track are being replaced. This is expected to take until December 2025 [and the line is also being electrified].
|}
|}


The cross-border line between Küstrin-Kietz and Kostrzyn (PL) closed on 13 December 2020 for two years while the bridge over the river Oder/Odra is replaced by a new structure.
The ''Zellertalbahn'' between Monsheim, Langmeil (Pfalz) and Münchweiler (Alsenz) (KBS 662.1) has been closed since 2018 because of the condition of the track. Services were due to resume on 1 April 2024, but this has been further deferred to an unknown date. Previously, trains ran on summer Sundays only; however a more frequent service of Saturdays, Sundays and summer Wednesdays is planned.


As a result of work on the reinstatement of the main line tracks on the ''Dresdner Bahn'' in southern Berlin, Berlin ''S-Bahn'' line ''S2'' is closed between Lichtenrade and Blankenfelde (Kr. Teltow-Fläming) between 9 May and 10 December 2022, and between Mahlow and Blankenfelde until 16 May 2023.  
The cross-border line between Küstrin-Kietz and Kostrzyn (PL) closed on 12 December 2020, originally for two years while the bridge over the river Oder/Odra is replaced by a new structure. It is not now due to reopen until September 2024.


The ''Zellertalbahn'' between Monsheim, Langmeil (Pfalz) and Münchweiler (Alsenz) (KBS 662.1) has been closed since 2018 because of the condition of the track. Services usually operate on summer Sundays only. Reopening is expected in December 2023, with passenger services resuming in summer 2024.
A replacement for the ''Lindaunisbrücke'' combined road-rail bascule bridge over the Schlei sea inlet between Rieseby and Süderbrarup on the Kiel – Flensburg line is being built. The new 126 metre-long bascule bridge will be some 13 metres to the east of the old bridge, which has been closed since 11 December 2023. From then the line has terminated at temporary platforms either side of the inlet, known as Rieseby Schleibrücke Süd and Boren-Lindaunis Schleibrücke Nord, with passengers having to walk over a newly-built footbridge between them, a distance of 264 metres. The new bridge and alignment are expected to come into service in late 2025.


The line between Ihrhove and Nieuweschans closed after a ship hit and destroyed the main span of the bridge over the River Ems on 3 December 2015. DB is reconstructing the bridge, but the line is not expected to re-open until 2024. The train service on the German section west of the bridge, between Nieuweschans and Weener, resumed on 30 October 2016. Once the bridge has reopened a direct Bremen – Groningen service is planned, to be known as the "Wunderline". Initially a journey time of 2h30 is foreseen, reducing to 2h15 with line improvements. These include double-tracking the sections between the Dutch border and Ihrhove and between Stickhausen-Velde and Augustfehn.
The section of KBS 437 between Unna and Fröndenberg is closed while the embankment is repaired after at least 140 badger tunnels were found to have undermined the whole line. In November 2023 it was announced that it would take until 'the end of the decade' to reinstate the line. ''RB54'' services are replaced by buses until then.  


The service on the cross-border section of KBS 236 between Varnsdorf Pivovar Kocour (CZ) and Seifhennersdorf (2.1 km) was withdrawn at short notice and replaced by a minibus shuttle on 13th March 2015, because of problems with the German infrastructure owner DRE not being able to meet the operational requirements for cross-border services. A solution to the bureaucratic issues was apparently reached in 2020 but reports suggest that reopening will not be until December 2022.
The line between Ihrhove and Nieuweschans closed after a ship hit and destroyed the main span of the bridge over the River Ems on 3 December 2015. DB has reconstructed the bridge, and the line is expected to reopen fully on 15 December 2024. The train service on the German section west of the bridge, between Nieuweschans and Weener, resumed on 30 October 2016. Once the bridge has reopened a direct Bremen – Groningen service is planned, to be known as the "Wunderline". Initially a journey time of 2h30 is foreseen, reducing to 2h15 with line improvements. These include double-tracking the sections between the Dutch border and Ihrhove and between Stickhausen-Velde and Augustfehn.


The Eberswalde – Frankfurt (Oder) line is closed from 15 April until 22 August 2022 between Letschin (Abzw Werbig oben) and Frankfurt (O) while the bridge over tbe ''Ostbahn'' at Werbig is renewed. Trains are terminating at a temporary platform on the normally freight-only curve at Werbig (see entry DE22/296).
The two-platform terminus station at Söllingen (b. Karlsruhe) AVG closed in September 2022 for complete rebuilding and modernisation. The AVG line from Karlsruhe (line 9496) now terminates at the previous station, Söllingen Reetzstraße. The replacement station and line is expected to open at some time in 2024. The station on the main Karlsruhe - Pforzheim line (4200) is unaffected, apart from the Karlsruhe-bound platform having been replaced by a temporary structure.


'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector:'''
'''In the "tourist/museum line" sector:'''


Three lines where the infrastructure is owned by RSE (Rhein-Sieg Eisenbahn GmbH) are closed until further notice owing to infrastructure damage:
The ''Bremen-Thedinghauser Eisenbahn'' (''"Pingelheini"'') service is to close once again between Stuhr and Leeste (b. Bremen) after service on 16 June 2024, so that work can actually commence on the long-awaited extension of Bremen tram route no. 8. This section originally closed at the end of the 2015 season to allow work on the tram extension but reopened on 22 August 2021 with no progress on the tramway having been made. It is believed that eventually the ''Pingelheini'' trains will resume as far as Bremen-Kirchhuchting, sharing the track with the trams as far as a junction just short of there.


* the ''Oleftalbahn'' between Kall and Hellenthal sustained severe damage in the July 2021 floods;
The line between Rahden and Uchte was due to reopen on 13 August 2023 after having closed at short notice in June 2021 because of urgently needed track repair, but the reopening was delayed because of the amount of vegetation clearance and subsequent checking of track that has been required. The new date scheduled for reopening is 9 May 2024.


* the line between Rahden and Uchte was closed at short notice in June 2021 because of urgently needed track repairs;
The ''Oleftalbahn'' between Kall and Hellenthal sustained severe damage in the July 2021 floods and a date for its reopening is not known.


* the ''Wiehltalbahn'' from Gummersbach-Dieringhausen to Waldbröl has been closed since summer 2020 because of fire damage to a bridge over the Wiehl river at Bielstein.
The [https://museumsbahn-losheim.de/ ''Museums-Eisenbahn-Club Losheim''] was closed suddenly in April 2017 by the authorities because of the condition of the track. Following this closure, trains only ran between "Großer Wald" (west of Losheim) and Dellborner Mühle but as at summer 2023, no trains are running at all until further notice.
 
The ''Museums-Eisenbahn-Club Losheim'' was closed suddenly in April 2017 by the authorities because of the condition of the track. At present trains are only running between "Großer Wald" (west of Losheim) and Dellborner Mühle whilst relaying is in progress.


===Older Changes===
===Older Changes===
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Train services in Germany are divided into a number of distinct categories:
Train services in Germany are divided into a number of distinct categories:
* ''S'' (''S-Bahn''): Regular interval local trains in urban areas, generally using segregated tracks.
* ''S'' (''S-Bahn''): Regular interval local trains in urban and suburban areas, often using segregated tracks, particularly in city centres.
* ''RB'' (''Regionalbahn''): Basic local services.  
* ''RB'' (''Regionalbahn''): Basic local services, usually calling at all stations except where a parallel ''S-Bahn'' route exists.  
* ''RE'' (''RegionalExpress''): Regular interval local or semi-fast trains calling at fewer stations than ''RB'' services.  
* ''RE'' (''RegionalExpress''): Regular interval local or semi-fast trains calling at fewer stations than ''RB'' services.  
* ''IRE'' (''Inter-RegionalExpress''): Long-distance semi-fast trains. This designation is quite rarely used; it currently appears only in Baden-Württemberg.
* ''IRE'' (''Inter-Regional Express''): Long-distance semi-fast trains. This designation is quite rarely used; it currently appears only in Baden-Württemberg.
* ''IC'' (''InterCity''): Long-distance expresses, making limited stops.  
* ''IC'' (''InterCity''): Long-distance expresses, making limited stops. 'Traditional' loco-hauled ''IC'' trains are now fairly rare with many former ''IC'' services having been converted to ''ICE'' operation and many of those that remain being operated with double-deck ''IC2'' rolling stock.
* ''EC'' (''EuroCity''): Similar to ''IC'', but for international journeys.  
* ''EC'' (''EuroCity''): Similar to ''IC'', but for international journeys, often using non-German rolling stock.  
* ''RJ'' / ''RJX'' (''Railjet'' / ''Railjet Xpress''): High-speed Austrian Railways (ÖBB) trains to and from München via Salzburg.
* ''RJ'' / ''RJX'' (''Railjet'' / ''Railjet Xpress''): High-speed Austrian Railways (ÖBB) trains to and from München via Salzburg.
* ''ICE'' (''InterCity Express'') & ''ICE Sprinter'': High-speed, long-distance electric trains worked with dedicated ''ICE'' trainsets. These are the only trains to operate on certain stretches of high-speed line (''Schnellfahrstrecken'') such as between Frankfurt (Main) and Köln and between Hannover and Würzburg.
* ''ICE'' (''InterCity Express'') & ''ICE Sprinter'': High-speed, long-distance electric trains worked with dedicated ''ICE'' trainsets. These are the only trains to operate on certain stretches of high-speed line (''Schnellfahrstrecken'') such as between Frankfurt (Main) and Köln and between Hannover and Würzburg.
* ''ECE'' (''EuroCity Express''): Trains between München and Zürich are designated ''ECE'' and are operated by Swiss Railways (SBB) high-speed trainsets.
* ''ECE'' (''EuroCity Express''): Trains between München and Zürich are designated ''ECE'' and are operated by Swiss Railways (SBB) high-speed trainsets.
* ''THA'' (''Thalys''): High-speed trains on the Köln - Brussels - Paris route, managed by the French and Belgian railways.  
* ''EST'' (''Eurostar''): High-speed trains on the Köln Brussels Paris route, managed by the French and Belgian railways, rebranded from ''Thalys'' in October 2023. Not to be confused with the Paris/Brussels – London services through the Channel Tunnel, although they have been part of the same group since 2021.
* ''NJ'' (''Nightjet''): Almost all of the remaining sleeper trains to and from Germany are operated by ÖBB (Austrian Railways) and branded as "Nightjet", the exceptions being the services to and from Moskva which retain the designation ''EN'' (''EuroNight'').
* ''NJ'' (''Nightjet''): Almost all of the remaining sleeper trains to and from Germany are operated by ÖBB (Austrian Railways) and branded as "Nightjet", the exceptions being non-ÖBB operated services such as those to Stockholm (operated by SJ) or Zagreb (operated by HZ) which retain the designation ''EN'' (''EuroNight'').
* ''D-Zug'': This designation is derived from ''Durchgang'', the German for corridor. Its use for regular passenger trains is now very rare — the only remaining instances are on the "Sylt Shuttle Plus" services between Westerland (Sylt), Niebüll and Bredstedt, and the seasonal Berlin – Malmö – Stockholm overnight services. It may still be used within Germany for an excursion or other special passenger train.
* ''D-Zug'': This designation is derived from ''Durchgang'', the German for corridor. Its use for regular passenger trains is now very rare — the only remaining instances in Germany are on the "Sylt Shuttle Plus" services between Westerland (Sylt), Niebüll and Bredstedt, and the Snälltåget-operated Berlin – Malmö – Stockholm overnight services. It may still be used for an excursion or other special passenger train.


A few services operate only during school term time, or are extensively altered during school holidays. The dates of holidays vary from ''Land'' to ''Land''.
A few services operate only during school term time, or are extensively altered during school holidays. The dates of holidays vary from ''Land'' to ''Land''.
Train running can be observed on [http://www.zugfinder.de/ Zugfinder] which displays the position of trains along each line.


A brief Guide to [[Germany - Railway Terminology|German railway terminology]] is available.
A brief Guide to [[Germany - Railway Terminology|German railway terminology]] is available.
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==See also==
==See also==
{{Navbox Germany}}
{{Navbox Germany}}
[[Category:General Information]]

Latest revision as of 14:14, 27 March 2024

Country Name

Germany (Deutschland)

National Railway System

Deutsche Bahn AG (DB).

National Railway Operator

Deutsche Bahn AG (DBAG) is a company wholly owned by the German government. It functions through a large number of subsidiary companies. The principal ones responsible for railway operations in Germany are:

  • DB Fernverkehr AG: Long-distance (IC/ICE) passenger services, also operation of EC and most other international services within Germany.
  • DB Regio AG: Local and regional passenger services. DB Regio is split into regional divisions and also owns various subsidiary rail passenger companies, almost all of which bear DB branding.
  • DB Vertrieb GmbH: Retail sales and systems
  • DB Cargo Deutschland AG: Freight services
  • DB InfraGO AG: Infrastructure (since 27 December 2023 when it was formed by a merger or the former DB Netz and DB Station&Service entities)
  • DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH: Maintenance

DBAG has many interests in other countries. Passenger rail and bus services in 14 European countries outside Germany are operated by its Arriva subsidiary, with headquarters in Sunderland, UK.

Subsidiaries of DB Cargo AG in Germany include RBH Logistics GmbH and an 80% holding in Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn (MEG). Outside Germany it has 100%-owned subsidiaries in several European countries under the DB Cargo name, and part-ownership of several railfreight firms such as Transfesa.

Other Operators

Long-distance services

There has been only limited success with open-access long-distance passenger services in competition with DB. The following operators run trains within Germany or to neighbouring countries:

  • Flixtrain, a subsidiary of German long-distance coach operator Flixbus, runs various long-distance trains within Germany. PDF timetables and a route map are available here. Note that both flixtrain.com and flixtrain.de redirect to the Flixbus site so this link must be used. There are generally one or two trains each way on certain days only on each route. Timetables change frequently. Other than the core Stuttgart to Berlin and Hamburg to Köln services, routes and stations served are also subject to frequent changes, additions and withdrawals.
  • Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland runs the Harz-Berlin Express on summer weekends only between Berlin and Goslar/Thale Hbf, having taken over from Transdev in 2018.
  • Snälltåget (a subsidiary of Transdev) operates overnight trains between Berlin, Malmö and Stockholm for most of the year.
  • RDC Deutschland subsidiary BahnTouristikExpress operates a Hamburg-Lörrach overnight car-carrying service in the summer months, marketed as BTE AutoReiseZug, and the seasonal weekend-only Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress overnight service between Salzburg and Westerland (Sylt). RDC subsidiary RDC Autozug Sylt GmbH operates a car-carrying service between Niebüll and Westerland (Sylt) in competition with DB.
  • Urlaubs-Express operates Motorail services in the winter from various cities in northern Germany to München and ski resorts in Austria, and in the summer to München, Lörrach, Innsbruck and Verona. Passengers without cars are also carried.
  • Thalys operates high-speed services between Paris, Brussel/Bruxelles and Köln, with occasional services extended to the Ruhr. They are now part of Eurostar Group which is mainly owned by the French and Belgian national railways SNCF and SNCB/NMBS. In 2024 Thalys services are expected to be rebranded as "Eurostar".

Local services

Local and regional services are tendered by regions (Länder) in lots comprising a particular area or network, usually for a period of between two and twelve years. As a result, over the years an increasing number of services have become operated by companies other than DB Regio, to the extent that DB Regio-operated trains are a rarity in quite a few areas.

These non-DB companies are often owned by the Land concerned (for example HLB in Hessen and SWEG in Baden-Württemberg), or by the state railways of other countries (for example various companies are owned by Netinera, part of FS, the Italian state railway company), or they can be completely private companies, often foreign (for example National Express (UK), Go-Ahead (UK) or Transdev (France)).

Language

German.

Upper and Lower Sorbian are Slavic languages spoken in the areas around Bautzen and Cottbus respectively. They appear alongside German on station nameboards in these areas.

North Frisian is a minority language spoken in the north-west of Schleswig-Holstein. Station nameboards in this area are also bilingual.

Currency

Euro

UIC codes

  • Deutsche Bahn AG: numeric 80, alpha DB.

Other companies operating on DB InfraGO AG (formerly DB Netz) tracks in Germany also use numeric code 80 but each has its own individual alpha code.

The former Deutsche Reichsbahn code was 50, but this will now be seen only on withdrawn or museum vehicles.

Timetable

Journey Planner

Actual Train Times

  • Zugverfolgung.com Note that this site seems to offer tracking for Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland as well.
  • BahnExpert This site provides a real time view of departure information for the selected station
  • DBF an unofficial site providing a real time view of departure information for trains within Germany

Downloadable Timetable

http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe

If the table number is known, it can simply be inserted in the Kursbuchstreckennummer search box at top left.

Otherwise, use one of the buttons in the left-hand column:

  • "Kursbuchtabellensuche". This button gives options to search by:
    • Bahnhof/Halt (Station/Halt)
    • Liniennummer (Line Number. Note this is not the table number, but the S-Bahn or RB/RE line number. These are duplicated across Germany, so a search for (e.g.) S2 or RB40 will produce results from many different areas, from which one can pick the desired route)
    • Kursbuchstreckennummer (Table number)
    • Zugnummer (Train number e.g. IC1234)
  • "Interaktive Streckenkarte". This button produces a passenger network map. Scroll to the desired area, click on the table number next to a line and that line's timetable will be displayed.
  • "Tabellenübersichten". This button produces further options, including:
    • Regionaltabellen (In spite of its name, an almost-complete table list - but see note on omitted tables below)
    • Museums- und Nostalgiebahnen (Preserved railways - only a very few shown)

The Schifffahrtstabellen (shipping services) and Bergbahnen (mountain railways) buttons do not link to any tables.

Unfortunately, some services provided by operators other than DB are not included in the electronic Kursbuch. These are listed in the 'Lines with Obscure or Sparse Passenger Services' section under 'Regular Services Not in the Kursbuch '.

While IC/EC and ICE services appear in many tables alongside regional services, there are many routes where IC/EC and ICE services operate but only the regional services are shown in the tables. For full timetables of long-distance services, the European Rail Timetable is recommended.

Printed Timetable

DB has not provided a hard-copy national timetable since 2007-08. A local book for the 2023 timetable in Nordrhein-Westfalen is available to order from the VRS website. It is believed that Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein also still publish timetable books for services in their areas.

Engineering Information

Engineering work information in German only.

A DB engineering works app is available in both Android and iPhone versions but only in German.

The APKPure DB Bauarbeiten app gives a number of options.

Bus Information

The Journey Planner (above) selects bus services if they provide the best journey.

Maps

Printed Maps

Web-based Maps

  • Sporenplan has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left-hand side, then on Germany on the map, then "Actuele tekeningen - simpel" for a map showing coverage of the current network. This is limited to most of the former West Germany with no coverage in the eastern Länder.
  • Thorsten Büker's Map of Germany updated December 2022 Also enlargements for Berlin Hamburg the Ruhr area Frankfurt to Stuttgart
  • Maps and Plans - Germany
  • The DB InfraGO Infrastructure Register has an interactive map available.
  • DB Netze had a catalogue of railway maps available to order. It is not clear if this still exists on the new DB InfraGO website.
  • The DB website has downloadable schematic maps of local services for all Länder. It also has very general maps showing the ICE and IC/EC networks.

Ticketing

Deutschland-Ticket

This is a season ticket for almost all urban, local and regional transport across Germany, priced at only €49 per calendar month. It is sold on a subscription basis and in digital format only.

Tickets are not valid as a rule on long-distance services (IC/EC or ICE), but there are certain exceptions as shown in the validity conditions. They are valid on most of the narrow-gauge steam railways in eastern Germany that operate regular scheduled services, usually on payment of a supplement.

A summary of the validity conditions is on the DB site in English here. Full validity details are on a pdf which is linked to from the DB German-language site here under Wo, in welchen Zügen, gilt das Deutschland-Ticket in Deutschland? then under Geltungsbereich Deutschland-Ticket.

Normally a German, or Eurozone-based bank account is required to set up a direct debit for the subscription; however a few possibilities for international purchasers are known with the Hamburg transport authority's "HVV Switch" app where UK customers can use PayPal, or "MoPla Solutions" which allows payment by UK credit card.

For occasional visits to Germany, the following offers may be more suitable.

Rover tickets

There are two main versions, the Quer-durchs-Land Ticket which covers the whole of Germany, and Länder-Tickets which cover each individual region (Land) of the country.

All these tickets are valid from 09:00 on Mondays to Fridays, and from midnight at weekends and on public holidays, until 03:00 on the morning following the day of validity and are only valid on local train services (IRE, RE, RB and S-Bahn, not IC/EC or ICE).

The main difference between the two types of ticket, apart from the areas of validity, is that the Quer-durchs-Land Ticket is not valid on local urban transport (buses, trams and U-Bahn services) whereas Länder-Tickets generally (but not always) are.

The Quer-durchs-Land Ticket and most Länder-Tickets are valid for between one and five people, with a base fare being charged for the first person and a small additional amount added for each additional traveller. The number of passengers must be specified at the time of purchase and all their names written on the ticket. A few Lander-Tickets are sold either at a flat fare for up to five people or with only a single or multiple travellers option.

Some Länder-Tickets are valid in more than one Land; in particular Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt and Thüringen count as the one area, and a ticket for any one of these Länder is valid in all three. Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland also count as the one area, and the Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket is valid in Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

There are numerous options only available in certain Länder including all-day, evening-only, youth and First Class versions. Some Länder-Tickets and the Quer-Durchs-Land Ticket are valid on Intercity services in a few areas.

Rover tickets are also available which include areas of other countries, including Groningen (NL), Alsace and Lorraine (FR) and Bohemia (Böhmen) (CZ).

Validity details for each of these tickets can be checked on the DB website's regional offers page.

There are also tariff association (Verkehrsverbund) tickets available in most regions of Germany. These can cover just the area round a town, or an entire region such as Berlin and Brandenburg. These normally offer day tickets for various zonal combinations which may be better value than a Länder-Ticket, or have no weekday start time restriction.

Point-to-point tickets

As with most European railways, dearer flexible and cheaper train-specific tickets are available.

Flexible tickets are known as Flexpreis on long-distance (ICE or IC/EC) trains and as Normalpreis on local trains when priced by DB. They can be used on any train of the specified type on any permitted route between origin and destination. Break of journey is allowed. Tickets for ICE trains are dearer than those for IC/EC or purely local services. A Flexpreis ticket for a dearer train type can be used on cheaper train types if desired.

Notes:

1. Flexpreis tickets are no longer available from on-board staff. If you board an ICE or IC/EC train without a ticket, you must buy a ticket on the DB website or app within 10 minutes of departing from your boarding station or be liable for a considerable surcharge.
2. Normalpreis tickets cannot be upgraded to be used on long-distance services except where there is disruption, when they may exceptionally be allowed to be used without extra payment.

Local tickets entirely within city or Land tariff areas have different pricing structures and conditions. Often these tickets are zonal and time-limited, and valid on other local transport, but they may well be non-refundable and have no break of journey facility.

Advance tickets, known as Sparpreis and Super Sparpreis, are available on any journey with at least one leg on a long-distance service. They are only valid on the booked long-distance train. Cheaper tickets are available to under-27s and over-65s.

Full details of all DB tickets are on the DB website ticketing page.

BahnCards

BahnCards are annual discount railcards, sold on a subscription basis, which give either a 25% or 50% discount and in either First or Second Class versions. Cheaper Youth and Senior Cards are available, as are trial and occasional promotional versions. There is also a BahnCard100 which gives one year's unlimited travel on almost all public transport throughout Germany.

Full details are available on the DB website.

Flixtrain tickets

Flixtrain tickets must be booked from the Flixbus website or a Flixbus office, which can be found at major bus stations. DB tickets and Interrail/Eurail passes are not valid on Flixtrain services.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Authority

DB InfraGO AG, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, is responsible for track and infrastructure. It replaced DB Netz AG on 27 December 2023, when it was created by a merger of the DB Netz AG and DB Station&Service organisations.

The Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA) is a government agency tasked with regulatory oversight of safety and some other matters, independent of DB.

Network Statement

DB InfraGO AG > Network Statement 2024

Gauge

Standard.

There are various narrow-gauge private lines, including former DB/DR operated ones in the Harz (1000 mm gauge), Bad Doberan ("Molli") (900 mm) and, all 750 mm, on the island of Rügen ("Rasender Roland"), at Oschatz (Döllnitzbahn), Radebeul (Lößnitzgrundbahn), Freital (Weißeritztalbahn), Cranzahl (Fichtelbergbahn), and Zittau.

DB operates a metre gauge line on the island of Wangerooge. A number of tramway systems are metre gauge.

The train ferry terminal at Sassnitz Fährhafen (Mukran) has 1524 mm gauge tracks to receive and despatch wagons from and to Klaipeda, in addition to the standard gauge tracks.

The funicular section Obstfelderschmiede - Lichtenhain is 1800 mm gauge.

Electrification

15 kV 16.7 Hz ac.

The Berlin S-Bahn is 800V dc third rail, and the Hamburg S-Bahn is 1200V dc third rail. Obstfelderschmiede to Cursdorf is 500V dc overhead and Blankenburg (Harz) to Elbingerode and Kalkwerk Homberg, which has been freight-only since 2005, is 25kV 50Hz ac. (The line between Kalkwerk Homberg and Königshütte closed to all traffic in 2000 and is now lifted).

The following cross-border lines have sections within Germany that use the other country's electrification system. Distances shown are the sections within Germany between the frontier and the electrification changeover point:

Hengelo (NL) - Bad Bentheim: 8.1 km at 1500 V dc
Arnhem/Betuweroute (NL) - Emmerich: 5.6 km at 25 kV ac (see Note below)
Welkenraedt/LGV (BE) - Aachen Hbf: 7.4 km at 3 kV dc
Węgliniec (PL) - Horka: 1.5 km at 3 kV dc
Rzepin (PL) - Frankfurt (Oder): 1.7 km at 3 kV dc.
It is planned to electrify the few hundred metres from the Polish border viaduct at Zgorzelec into Görlitz Hbf at 3 kV dc.

Note: The line between Emmerich and the Netherlands border was 1500 V dc but has been converted to 25 kV ac for easier operation of Betuweroute freight traffic. This means that trains between Emmerich and Arnhem must be able to operate under three different electrification systems.

Rule of the road

Right.

A few sections of line have left-hand running, as follows:

  • a short piece of the Aachen – Liège main line between the east end of the Busch Tunnel (Üst Aachen Süd) and the Belgian border;
  • between Nürnberg-Reichelsdorf and Nürnberg Hbf, on the non-S-Bahn lines only, to facilitate reversal by trains running between the Treuchtlingen and Würzburg lines;
  • on the Hamburg S-Bahn between Altona and Holstenstraße, to assist reversal.

Distances

The Schweers + Wall Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland (11th Edn. ISBN 978-3-89494-149-9) is the best source of distance information.

Other Railways

See separate document.

Tourist lines

Very few tourist lines run frequently - once or twice a month during the summer is quite common, although some operate only two or three times a year. In many cases these are weekend operations over private freight lines. Whilst many tourist trains are steam-worked, numerous preserved railbuses and diesel locomotives are also used. A German language site Eisenbahn Vereinskarte Deutschland comprises an interactive map of Germany showing most preserved railways. An English language site gives an overview map split by Länder, with a list of many lines in alphabetical order in each Land section. Both give direct links to the various railways' homepages/timetables. The DB Kursbuch site gives timetables for a very small number of preserved lines in its Museums- und Nostalgiebahnen section.

Timetables and other information about tourist lines are published annually in Kursbuch der deutschen Museums-Eisenbahnen (published by Eisenbahn Kurier, EK-Verlag GmbH, Lörracher Str. 16, 79115 Freiburg, tel +49 761 703100). Owing to the very large number of tourist lines in Germany, no one source appears to give a comprehensive list of every operation, so it is suggested that each of the above sources is consulted.

A special category are Parkeisenbahnen, which are complex miniature railways where operations closely follow the prototype. A comprehensive list of these is given in Wikipedia.

Rail cycling (Draisinenfahrten) is possible on a number of lines; see the IG Draisinenfahrten website for details of a few of them.

Metro

Berlin, Hamburg, München, Nürnberg. A number of other cities have partially underground or interurban tram networks, known as U-Bahn or Stadtbahn, including Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Gelsenkirchen, Hannover, Köln, Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Mülheim (Ruhr) and Stuttgart. Some cities have "Tram-Train" networks with vehicles that run on both the urban tram network and the suburban rail network, including Chemnitz, Heilbronn, Karlsruhe and Kassel.

Track plans for all metro and tram systems in Germany are available on the Gleisplanweb site.

Trams/LRT-Systems

Augsburg, Bad Schandau, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Brandenburg, Braunschweig, Bremen, Chemnitz, Cottbus, Darmstadt, Dessau, Dortmund, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt an der Oder, Freiburg (Breisgau), Gelsenkirchen, Gera, Görlitz, Gotha, Halberstadt, Halle (Saale), Hannover, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Jena, Karlsruhe, Kassel, Köln, Krefeld, Leipzig, Ludwigshafen, Magdeburg, Mainz, Mannheim, Mülheim (Ruhr), München, Naumburg (Saale), Nordhausen, Nürnberg, Oberhausen, Plauen, Potsdam, Rostock, Rüdersdorf, Saarbrücken, Schwerin, Strausberg, Stuttgart, Ulm, Woltersdorf, Würzburg, Zwickau. Many neighbouring systems are interlinked. It is possible to travel entirely by tram, changing cars and gauge several times, all the way from Benrath (south of Düsseldorf) to Witten (east of Bochum). This is reputed to be the longest possible journey by tram anywhere in the world.

Track plans for all tram systems in Germany are available on the Gleisplanweb site or on the UrbanRail site.

See also Germany - Tram services over obscure routes

Recent and Future Changes

General

The funding of local public transport, including railways, is controlled by the Länder (regions) and in some areas responsibility has been devolved to the Kreise (districts). Western Länder are generally supportive of rail and many lines have been re-opened in the last couple of decades. However in the eastern Länder many lines have been closed as a result of depopulation and increasing car ownership since reunification, and lack of funds to support such a dense network of local services.

The rate of closures has slowed considerably in recent years, and the federal government is making funds available to the Länder for re-opening schemes. While there have been numerous lengthy lists published of closed lines which are possible candidates for re-opening, only those proposals which are likely to be progressed with are mentioned below.

Recent Changes

Openings

2024

The following line opened on 7 January 2024

428 Recklinghausen Süd – Herne-Rottbruch [– Bochum-Riemke] New RE41 service direct from Recklinghausen Hbf to Bochum Hbf
2023

The following line opened on 4 September 2023

RB TES Erkner – Fangschleuse Tesla Süd Shuttle service on Mondays to Fridays to serve Tesla electric car factory

The following line opened on 11 June 2023

236 Varnsdorf Pivovar Kocour (CZ) – Seifhennersdorf Rail service reinstated after 8-year 'temporary closure'

In the "tourist/museum line" sector:

The Wiehltalbahn from Gummersbach-Dieringhausen to Waldbröl reopened as far as Wiehl on 26 March 2023. It had been closed since summer 2020 because of fire damage to a bridge over the Wiehl river at Bielstein. It is unclear when or if a further reopening can be expected.

2022

The following lines opened on 11 December 2022

209 Genshagener Heide Ost – Abzw Birkengrund Süd Used by extended FEX/RB32 services to Ludwigsfelde
209.32 Nord Grünauer Kreuz West – Grünauer Kreuz Süd Used by RB24 and new RB32 to BER T5 (note RB32 operates in two separate sections)
209.33 Lienewitz Lia – Beelitz Bea Reinstated bridge over the Berlin – Bad Belzig line
690 Koblenz-Mosel Gbf – Koblenz Lützel (Koblenz avoiding curve) Used by one RB12 Trier – Köln train pair daily, only until the direct line via Gerolstein reopens (probably late 2024 at the earliest)
750.1 Ulm Hbf – Wendlingen Rübholz – Wendlingen Abzw W64 (NBS) New high-speed line, initially with connecting curve to Wendlingen (Neckar)

The following line opened on 1 November 2022

351 Einbeck Mitte – Einbeck BBS/PS-Speicher Sparse weekday-only service over this section, experimental for three years

The following line opened on 24 June 2022

393 Sande – Abzw Weißer Floh [– Schortens-Heidmühle] Brand new alignment well to the east of previous one

The following line opened on 12 June 2022

333 (PKP) Guben – Guben Grenze [– Gubin (PL)] Initially weekend-only service; daily from December 2022

The following line opened on 21 May 2022

190 Sassnitz-Mukran Abzw Borchtitz – Sassnitz-Mukran Fährhafen Limited summer service to connect with Ystad and Bornholm ferries

The following line opened on 30 January 2022

524 Chemnitz Technopark – Chemnitz-Reichenhain (Abzw Chemnitz Süd Strab) New tram-train connection onto reconstructed Chemnitz – Aue line

In the "tourist/museum line" sector:

The Museums-Eisenbahn Minden resumed operation over the long-closed section between Preußisch Oldendorf and Bad Holzhausen on their line to Böhmte on 26 May 2022.

2021

The following lines opened on 20 December 2021

440 Hagen-Kabel – Hagen-Vorhalle Curve between Siegen and Witten lines used by new IC34 services to/from Dortmund
440 Hagen-Kabel – Westhofen (Westf) Curve between Siegen and Unna lines used by new IC34 services to/from Hamm

The following lines opened on 12 December 2021

209.35 Bad Saarow Klinikum – Bad Saarow-Pieskow
Augsburg Tramway Haunstetten West – Königsbrunn Zentrum Line 3, southern extension
Stuttgart LRT Fasanenhof Schelmenwasen – Flughafen/Messe Ost Line U6, south-eastern extension

The following line opened on 11 December 2021

Karlsruhe LRT Kombilösung cross-city tram tunnels Lines 1, 2 and S2 diverted into the tunnel on 11 December followed by AVG lines S1/11, S4, S5/51, S7 and S8 on 12 December

The following line opened on 29 November 2021

627, 646 Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Abzw Mainzer Landstraße New exit line to the north of Frankfurt Außenbahnhof

The following line opened on 8 August 2021

732 Sauldorf – Stockach Summer Sundays only. Reopening delayed by flood damage

The following line opened on 18 July 2021

732 Mengen – Sauldorf Summer Sundays only
2020

The following lines opened on 13 December 2020

203.Sued Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord - Abzw Hennersdorf West Used by new peak-hour trains between Berlin and Finsterwalde
450.28 Mettmann Stadtwald - Abzw Wuppertal-Dornap Partly new-build line connecting with the Velbert – Wuppertal line
970 Lindau-Aeschach - Lindau-Reutin (Lindau avoiding line) Served by new electric München – Zürich services

The following lines opened on 31 October 2020

207 Abzw Selchow - Abzw Selchow Süd In connection with the opening of Flughafen BER T1-2. In regular use from 13 December
209.22 Abzw Bohnsdorf West - Abzw Bohnsdorf Süd In connection with the opening of Flughafen BER T1-2
207, 209.9/14/22 Abzw Glasower Damm Ost - line 6151 - Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 - Abzw Bohnsdorf Nord

The following line opened on 26 October 2020

200.9 Flughafen BER Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) - Flughafen BER Terminal 1-2 (S-Bahn)

The following line opened on 11 September 2020

450.9 Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord – Recklinghausen Hbf Without intermediate stations which are not due to open until 2024

The following lines opened on 21 May 2020

former 172; 174 Parchim - Karow (Meckl.) - Plau am See and Inselstadt Malchow - Karow Scheduled summer weekend services

The following line opened on 16 May 2020

424 [Moers –] Rheinkamp – Kamp-Lintfort Süd Temporary weekend-only service until 4 October for NRW Garden Festival

Permanent Closures

Note that in most cases the lines remain available for empty stock, freight, diversionary or charter services.

2024

In the "tourist/museum line" sector:

Scheduled services on the Wisentatalbahn museum line between Schönberg (Vogtl) and Schleiz West ceased after farewell trips on 9 and 10 March 2024, and after a very last farewell excursion on 13 March from Zittau, the line was closed to all traffic. This is because the line's leaseholders Deutsche Regionaleisenbahn GmbH (DRE) wish to terminate the lease and no other undertaking has offered to take it on.

2023

The following line closed on 7 August 2023

Ruhrbahn Tram route 104 (part) Mülheim (Ruhr) Wertgasse – Oppspring Also depot journeys from Berliner Platz to Wertgasse

The following line closed on 15 April 2023

415.2 Dortmund Signal Iduna-Park (Westfalenhalle) – Dortmund-Lütgendortmund Flm – Bochum-Langendreer RE11 services reverted to running via Dortmund Hbf and Hamm
2022

The following lines closed on 11 December 2022

209.23 Abzw Lienewitz Lia – Seddin Bla Replaced by new RB33 Potsdam – Jüterbog service
209.63 Joachimsthal – Templin Stadt Experimental service reinstatement ended

The following line closed on 31 August 2022

140 Neustadt (Holst.) Gbf – Puttgarden
(including the curves to Fehmarn-Burg)
Closed for complete reconstruction, mainly on a new alignment, in connection with the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel project

The following line closed on 27 March 2022

393 Sande - Abzw Weißer Floh [- Schortens-Heidmühle] Replaced by new double-track alignment to the east
2020

The following lines closed to regular services on 31 October 2020

207, 209.14 Berlin Grünauer Kreuz Nord - Grünauer Kreuz Süd Almost all services diverted via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. A residual late-night service of a few RE7 trains continued until 12 December 2020.
209.22 Berlin-Grünau - Abzw Selchow Almost all services diverted via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. A residual late-night service of a few RB22 trains continues to run on Monday nights only.

The following line closed on 13 June 2020

415.1 Düsseldorf Flughafen - Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal The one very early morning train diverted to run direct to Düsseldorf Hbf

The following line closed in March 2020

305 Uelzen W750 – Uelzen W23 (Veerßer Kurve) Berlin – Hamburg IRE services 'temporarily' withdrawn as a Covid-related service reduction but withdrawal made permanent in October 2021.

Future Changes

Forthcoming Openings

2024

The Gunzenhausen to Nördlingen Hesselbergbahn is to be reopened between Gunzenhausen and Wassertrüdingen in December 2024.

The first stage of the Berlin S-Bahn line linking the Innenring with Berlin Hbf (Invalidenstraße) by an east to south curve from Wedding has been severely delayed and is not now due to open until December 15 2024. It will initially run between Hauptbahnhof and Gesundbrunnen only, under the designation S15. The intermediate station at Perleberger Brücke is not due to open until 2029. A west to south curve from Westhafen to Invalidenstraße is expected to open later, and plans are to extend the line to Potsdamer Platz in Stage 2 and Yorckstraße in Stage 3, thus creating a second north-south S-Bahn line (to be known as S21) through central Berlin. Opening of the entire line is not expected until 2037.

0.000 WESTHAFEN
0.857 PERLEBERGER BRÜCKE
1.600 Junction at bottom of triangle
1.821 Tunnel Portal
2.357 HAUPTBAHNHOF (middle of platform)

0.000 WEDDING
0.800 PERLEBERGER BRÜCKE
1.700 Junction at bottom of triangle 1.700 = 1.600
1.600 Junction at bottom of triangle
1.821 Tunnel Portal
2.357 HAUPTBAHNHOF (middle of platform; 2.457 from Wedding)

An extension of the Stolberg (Rheinland) Hbf to Stolberg Altstadt passenger service to Breinig is not now due to open until December 2024. Progress was delayed by the need to lower the trackbed under a bridge at Stolberg Altstadt to provide safe clearance for the overhead wires, and by serious damage sustained to the existing line in the July 2021 floods. A further extension to Walheim, on the Belgian border, is planned to be opened 'by 2032'.

2025

The reopening of Calw - Weil der Stadt has been put back by at least one year every year since 2018. It is now due to open in June 2025, some six-and-a-half years after originally planned. Reasons for the delays include legal action, which has been dismissed, and the decision to build a new section of line in tunnel to shorten the route between Ostelsheim and Weil der Stadt. The line will be known as the Hermann-Hesse-Bahn and run through to Renningen, sharing tracks with the S6 from Weil der Stadt.

The new high-speed line (NBS) between Ulm and Stuttgart opened on 11 December 2022 between Ulm and Wendlingen. The remaining section between Wendlingen and Stuttgart Hbf is not due to open until 2025, when the new low-level Stuttgart Hbf opens.

The Weststrecke in Trier between Ehrang and Igel via Trier West is now scheduled to open to passengers in full in December 2025.

Reinstatement of main line tracks (closed 1952) alongside the S-Bahn on the Dresdner Bahn from Berlin Südkreuz to Blankenfelde (Kr. Teltow-Fläming) is underway. Services on the line are due to commence in December 2025. This will speed up trains between Berlin and Dresden and also allow a fast service to Berlin-Brandenburg airport via a new curve between Glasower Damm Nord and Glasower Damm Süd which will be an extension of exisiting line 6151 from the airport to Glasower Damm Süd This is expected to mean the end of regular passenger services over the curves from Genshagener Heide Mitte to Großbeeren Süd. This work will include a reinstatement of a closed section of S-Bahn: When the S-Bahn reopened to Blankenfelde on 04.10.1992 it was given its own platform 172m north of the actual station (until closure on 11.09.1961 the S-Bahn ran through Blankenfelde to Rangsdorf) As part of the Dresdener Bahn rebuilding the S-Bahn will be extended into the station proper and this is expected to open in December 2025

Work started in January 2024 on the reactivation of the Horlofftalbahn between Wölfersheim-Södel and Hungen, with scheduled services planned to commence in December 2025.

The Land of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has published an invitation to tender which includes reinstatement of passenger services between Hagenow Stadt and Zarrentin (23.9 km) from December 2025. This line lost its passenger trains in May 2000.

The reopening to regular services of the Kiel to Schönberger Strand branch, which is currently only a tourist line beyond Kiel-Oppendorf, has been heavily delayed and is not now due to happen until December 2025 at the earliest.

2026

The Bentheimer Eisenbahn from Bad Bentheim to Coevorden (NL), which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus, is to be reopened through to Coevorden (NL). An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.

Reopening to passengers of the WLE Münster (Westf) Hbf to Neubeckum line as far as Sendenhorst is now planned for December 2026.

A temporary weekend- and holiday-only passenger service ran in summer 2020 from Duisburg and Moers to Kamp-Lintfort Süd in connection with a garden festival, thus reintroducing trains to the former colliery branch from Rheinkamp. Full passenger services are planned for 2026, via a new south to west curve at Rheinkamp. The branch will be extended to a new Kamp-Lintfort station, beyond the former mine area.

2027

Stuttgart S-Bahn line S2 is to be extended by 4 km by reopening the route between Filderstadt and Neuhausen auf den Fildern, which was closed to passengers in 1955, and completely in 1983. Financing was approved in late 2022 with construction to start in mid-2023 and opening targeted for May 2027.

Land Brandenburg plans to reopen the Priort - Wustermark Rbf Wot south to east curve to be used by a new Potsdam to Berlin service, by 2027.

The TWE (Teutoburger Wald-Eisenbahn) is to be reopened in December 2027 between Harsewinkel, Gütersloh and Verl (Bz Detmold).

2028

The Barth - Zingst - Prerow Darßbahn is to be reopened. Tripartite funding, split between the federal government, Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Usedomer Bäderbahn has been agreed for the reconstruction of the Meiningenbrücke road/rail bridge just north of Bresewitz, which will allow reopening of the entire line to Prerow by 2028.

The reopening of Homburg (Saar) to Zweibrücken was planned for 2026, but cost pressures have forced a deferral until 2028.

An extension of Kassel RegioTram route RT5 from Melsungen to Melsungen Süd is now planned to come into service in 2028, some five years later than originally planned. The station at Melsungen Süd will be on a short spur just off the main line.

2029

The Vögelfluglinie railway between [Lübeck -] Bad Schwartau and the island of Fehmarn is being completely rebuilt. It will be a double-track electrified railway, mostly on a new alignment which will in part run alongside the A1 Autobahn. The existing line from Lübeck to Puttgarden closed north of Neustadt (Holst.) Gbf on 31 August 2022. On reopening in 2029 it will form part of a new high-speed line to København via the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, which will include the world's longest immersed tube tunnel. Neustadt (Holst.) will be served by a link from Haffkrug on the new line to the existing line via Sierksdorf, which will become a branch line. The old route from Ratekau to Haffkrug through Timmendorfer Strand will be abandoned, as will the sections north of Neustadt, through Lensahn and Oldenburg (Holst.) and from Fehmarn-Burg to the previous terminus at Puttgarden. Most stations on the old route will have replacements on the new route, but they will be at some distance from the towns they are intended to serve, especially at Timmendorfer Strand. The railway on the Danish side is also being reconstructed.

Preliminary work has started on the reconstruction of the closed 4.46 km Berlin S-Bahn branch from Jungfernheide to Gartenfeld. Known as the Siemensbahn, as it served the large factory of that firm. The last train ran on September 17 1980. With the closure of the factory in 2018, a research campus and large residential development is being built on the site. Reopening of the line is planned for Autumn 2029. A study is underway for a possible new-build extension to Hakenfelde.

Projected Developments

The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn is rebuilding the line from Berlin-Wilhelmsruh to Wilhelmsruher Damm, therefore reopening the Heidekrautbahn between Bornholmer Straße and Schönwalde (Barnim) to passenger service for trains from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen to Basdorf and beyond. This was planned for December 2024 but a current date is unknown. The existing line via Berlin-Karow will be retained. A possible reopening between Wensickendorf and Zehlendorf is being considered.

Reopening of the line from Wittgensdorf to Limbach-Oberfrohna is planned as Stage 4 of the Chemnitzer Modell tram-train system.

The Langenlonsheim – Büchenbeuren Hunsrückquerbahn, which has been without regular traffic for over 20 years, is in the process of being reactivated for freight traffic, which is expected to start running some time in 2025. It is intended at some point to start running passenger trains over the route as well.

It is planned to reopen the first 2.9 km of the Wrist - Itzehoe line as far as Kellinghusen. Financing was supposedly agreed in December 2019 after years of procrastination, but opening has been deferred until 2027 at the earliest, mainly, it is reported, because of flood protection issues in Kellinghusen.

Reopening of approximately 3 km of the Rendsburg - Husum line as far as a new station at Rendsburg-Seemühlen is planned, with two new intermediate halts. Hybrid battery/electric Stadler Flirt units are intended to be used.

Dombühl - Dinkelsbühl was planned for reopening to passengers in December 2019, but this has been deferred and possibly shelved altogether.

Reopening of the northern section of the Gessertshausen - Markt Wald Staudenbahn as far as Langenneufnach is planned, but a date for this is not known. In September 2023, the Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm took over the line. This may reinvigorate the reopening process, which had slowed down virtually to a standstill in recent years.

In Hessen, early planning for the Lumdatalbahn (Lollar – Mainzlar – Londorf) has been completed and the line is registered for inclusion in a federal package which supports such projects by financing up to 90% of the necessary work. Planning work is also underway for a 3 km line from Neu-Isenburg Bf – Neu-Isenburg Stadtzentrum (town centre). Studies are underway for other lines in Hessen which are considered to have potential for reopening, including:

  • Kirchhain - Nieder-Gemünden (mittelhessische Ohmtalbahn)
  • Darmstadt - Groß-Zimmern
  • Wiesbaden - Diez (in Rheinland-Pfalz) (Aartalbahn)

The District (Landkreis) of Tübingen is planning to convert some lines in their area to a tram-train system known as Regional-Stadtbahn Neckar-Alb. This involves construction of a new line known as the Gomaringer Spange between Nehren, on the Tübingen - Balingen line, and Reutlingen. This will partially re-use the formation of the Reutlingen West to Gomaringen branch. Other plans include the reopening of the Albstadt-Ebingen to Albstadt-Onstmettingen and Engstingen to Reutlingen lines, and the introduction of a regular passenger service between Hechingen and Burladingen on the line to Gammertingen. Tramway-style lines into Tübingen town centre and through Reutlingen are also planned.

A new S-Bahn line between Fürth Hbf and Eltersdorf via Fürth-Steinach is planned but construction has been delayed by legal challenges. The new S-Bahn lines will be brought into use where they run parallel to the main lines, but the original line between Fürth-Stadeln and Königsmühle will remain a two-track bottleneck until the S-Bahn deviation to the east via Steinach is eventually opened.

The Warnetalbahn GmbH, which operates the museum line between Salzgitter-Bad and Börßum, took a lease in December 2019 of the section of KBS 592 between Rottleberode and Stolberg (Harz), with the intention to run freight (timber) trains and occasional tourist passenger services. The branch from Berga-Kelbra, which latterly only had weekend services, closed to passengers in December 2011 and has been completely out of service north of the gypsum works at Rottleberode since then. Unfortunately because of the condition of a bridge over the river Thyra at Rottleberode, the reintroduction of regular services to Stolberg has been postponed indefinitely, although occasional excursion trains have run to Stolberg since December 2022.

DB InfraGO (the former DB Netz) is planning to upgrade the Landshut (Bay) – Plattling line with four new passing loops and two extended ones. A short section of the line will be doubled and line-speed improvements are planned. These improvements will allow a half-hourly service on the RE3 "Donau-Isar Express" service between Passau and München. Also planned is a single-track curve to the west of Plattling, linking the Landshut and Regensburg lines, but this may only be intended for use by freight, primarily traffic to and from the large BMW factory at Dingolfing.

A west-to-south curve is planned to link the Lübeck - Bad Kleinen line with the main line to Schwerin, avoiding Bad Kleinen. This would allow direct trains to run between Lübeck and Schwerin. This is currently in the planning/financing phase and no start or end date has yet been announced.

Plans to re-open the line between Salzgitter-Lebenstedt and Salzgitter-Fredenberg appeared to have been abandoned, but in March 2021 it was announced by the local traffic authority (Regionalverband Braunschweig) that further consideration is being given to this proposal.

In early 2023, the new public transport authority for the Köln/Aachen areas, known as go.Rheinland, announced its plans for the networks of 2032 and 2040. By 2032 the following lines are planned to be reopened to passengers:

  • Alsdorf-Kellersberg – Aldenhoven-Siersdorf
  • Linnich – Hückelhoven-Baal
  • Erkelenz – Baal – Ratheim
  • Stolberg-Breinig – Walheim – Eupen (BE).

By 2040 further reopenings are planned:

  • Ratheim – Wassenberg
  • Dalheim – Roermond (NL)
  • Köln-Mülheim – Opladen via Morsbroich
  • Köln Frankfurter Straße – Köln Süd via the Südbrücke
  • Gummersbach-Dieringhausen – Waldbröl (although a study in 2023 rejected potential reopening of this line as too costly given the likely demand and poor journey time to Köln).

DB announced in 2021 that it intends to reopen 20 lines to passenger traffic. These are at various stages of the planning/implementation process and some may not be proceeded with. Those not mentioned individually above are:

  • Buchholz (Nordheide) - Hamburg-Harburg via Jesteburg
  • Gnadau - Barby - Güterglück over the Elbbrücke (part of the Kanonenbahn)
  • Oberhausen - Spellen (Walsumbahn)
  • Duisburg Hbf - Düsseldorf-Rath (Ratinger Weststrecke)
  • Blankenstein - Marxgrün (Höllentalbahn)
  • Eisfeld - Coburg (Werratalbahn)
  • Ludwigsburg - Markgröningen
  • Breisach - Colmar (F)
  • München northern ring line (Münchener Güternordring).

In August 2023, the Länder of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg launched their review into the development and potential reopening of all or part of the so-called Karower Kreuz network radiating from Karow (Meckl). This covers the north-south Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg – Karow – Güstrow route which has sparse services south of Meyenburg and is closed north of there apart from summer weekend services between Karow and Plau am See, and the east-west Mecklenburger Südbahn (Parchim – Waren (Müritz)) which only has summer weekend services between Parchim and Inselstadt Malchow.

The Prime Minister and Transport Minister of Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern restated in early 2020 their commitment to the rebuilding of Ducherow – Świnoujście/Swinemünde (Poland) but as this project would involve complete reconstruction of the bridge at Karnin between the mainland and the island of Usedom, this would appear to be a long-term aspiration.

The Potsdamer Stammbahn (Zehlendorf to Griebnitzsee) is projected to reopen, to give a more direct route between Berlin and Potsdam for regional trains. The main line tracks from Schöneberg to Zehlendorf through Rathaus Steglitz will also be reinstated, along with a possible curve to the Innenring at Schöneberg. This may not occur until the early 2030s.

Other projects in the i2030 scheme for rail development in Berlin and Brandenburg include:

  • Extension of the S2 from Blankenfelde to Rangsdorf along the Dresdner Bahn, in conjunction with the rebuilding of the long-distance lines north of Blankenfelde
  • Extension of the S21 from Teltow Stadt over a new-build line to Stahnsdorf
  • Extension of the S5 from Spandau to Nauen, parallel to the existing line, with a possible branch over part of the Johannesstift freight line to Falkenseer Chaussee
  • Extension of the S75 along the Außenring to Karow
  • Extension of the S25 between Hennigsdorf and Velten (Mark).

Reinstatement of regional tracks between Schönholz and Hennigsdorf to give a more direct route to the Wittstock line was considered but has been discounted on cost grounds. However capacity improvements between Velten (Mark) and Neuruppin are still going ahead.

Planning work has started to reopen the Berlin S-Bahn line from Spandau to Falkensee in the early 2030s.This section opened on August 14 1951 and closed when the Berlin wall was built. Spandau to Albrechtshof which crossed the border closed on August 12 1961. A shuttle was maintained from Albrechtshof to Falkensee but this last ran on October 9 1961.

  • 12.428 Spandau
  • 17.422 Albrechtshof
  • 18.320 Seegefeld
  • 20.373 Falkensee

Planned permanent closures (without replacement)

There was some doubt about the future of services after December 2022 on the sparsely-served section north of Kyritz Am Bürgerpark of the Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk line (KBS 209.73) and on the Pritzwalk West – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg line (KBS 209.74). However, in late September 2022 it was announced that these two lines will continue until at least 2025 while the Länder of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern jointly conduct an investigation into the entire (Berlin –) Neustadt (Dosse) – Pritzwalk – Meyenburg – Karow (Meckl.) – Güstrow route.

Some Länder were previously reviewing their funding of relatively lightly-used lines:

Land Bayern was reportedly examining withdrawing funding from lines that have fewer than 1,000 passengers per day but no action to close any line has been taken so it would appear that this review is dormant.

Land Thüringen was reviewing services on lines which have fewer than 500 passengers per weekday but again no closure action has been taken on any line.

In the "tourist/museum" line sector:

The line between Rinteln and Stadthagen is facing closure as a result of lack of funds to maintain the infrastructure. It appears that the operating day on 21 April 2024 may be the last and after that, the line looks likely close to all traffic.

Planned permanent closures (with replacement)

The main-line terminus station at Hamburg-Altona is due to close with a replacement through station being built roughly on the site of the current Diebsteich S-Bahn station. The low-level S-Bahn station at Altona will remain, although with a change of name to "Mitte Altona". S-Bahn services are not serving Diebsteich until August 2024. According to the project website the planned opening date of the new Altona main-line station is 2027.

There have been numerous deviations of railways to allow open-cast mining. There will be a significant re-routing of the Görlitz to Cottbus line, with the the closure of around 10 km of the existing line between Weißwasser and Rietschen, to be replaced by a 13 km-long deviation to the east. Work is due to start in March 2024 with the line opening in June 2027. See this DB pdf about the project.

Temporary closures

The line between Frankfurt an Main-Höchst and Bad Soden (Taunus) will be closed from 29 March 2024 until further notice and the RB11 service replaced by buses. This is in connection with construction of the new Regionaltangente West line.

In the evening of 25 February 2024, a 110 metre-long cargo ship collided with the Huntebrücke near Elsfleth, on the Hude – Nordenham line. The bridge sustained "significant damage"; accordingly the line will be closed for an unknown period of at least several weeks and more likely longer than that. A temporary fixed bridge is to be installed as soon as possible; this will remain in service until the original movable bridge is either repaired or replaced. The NordWestBahn RS4 service between Bremen and Nordenham is currently operating in two sections: Bremen – Hude and Brake (Unterweser) – Nordenham, with replacement buses operating between the two sections. As this line has connections to the rail-served ports of Brake and Nordenham, freight traffic is also severely affected.

The section of the Eisenach – Wernshausen – Meiningen line (KBS 575) between Eisenach and Förtha (Kr Eisenach) will be closed between 25 March and 11 October 2024.

Following the serious floods of mid-July 2021 in western Germany, many stretches of line in Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rheinland-Pfalz sustained considerable damage and needed major repairs. All sections of line have now reopened apart from the following. Projected reopening dates are shown where known.

482 (part) Stolberg (Rheinl) Hbf – Eschweiler Talbahnhof 15 December 2024
475 Erfttalbahn Euskirchen – Bad Münstereifel August 2024
482 (part) Stolberg Rathaus – Stolberg Altstadt [– Breinig] Existing line together with extension to Breinig due to open on 15 December 2024
459 Oberbergische Bahn (part) Gummersbach – Marienheide 8 April 2024
434 Volmetalbahn (part) Rummenohl – Lüdenscheid-Brügge – Lüdenscheid 17 April 2024
459 Volmetalbahn (part) Marienheide – Lüdenscheid-Brügge 15 December 2024
474 Eifelstrecke (central section) Gerolstein – Kall End of 2024(?)
477 Ahrtalbahn (western end) Walporzheim – Ahrbrück Eight bridges over the river Ahr and most of the track are being replaced. This is expected to take until December 2025 [and the line is also being electrified].

The Zellertalbahn between Monsheim, Langmeil (Pfalz) and Münchweiler (Alsenz) (KBS 662.1) has been closed since 2018 because of the condition of the track. Services were due to resume on 1 April 2024, but this has been further deferred to an unknown date. Previously, trains ran on summer Sundays only; however a more frequent service of Saturdays, Sundays and summer Wednesdays is planned.

The cross-border line between Küstrin-Kietz and Kostrzyn (PL) closed on 12 December 2020, originally for two years while the bridge over the river Oder/Odra is replaced by a new structure. It is not now due to reopen until September 2024.

A replacement for the Lindaunisbrücke combined road-rail bascule bridge over the Schlei sea inlet between Rieseby and Süderbrarup on the Kiel – Flensburg line is being built. The new 126 metre-long bascule bridge will be some 13 metres to the east of the old bridge, which has been closed since 11 December 2023. From then the line has terminated at temporary platforms either side of the inlet, known as Rieseby Schleibrücke Süd and Boren-Lindaunis Schleibrücke Nord, with passengers having to walk over a newly-built footbridge between them, a distance of 264 metres. The new bridge and alignment are expected to come into service in late 2025.

The section of KBS 437 between Unna and Fröndenberg is closed while the embankment is repaired after at least 140 badger tunnels were found to have undermined the whole line. In November 2023 it was announced that it would take until 'the end of the decade' to reinstate the line. RB54 services are replaced by buses until then.

The line between Ihrhove and Nieuweschans closed after a ship hit and destroyed the main span of the bridge over the River Ems on 3 December 2015. DB has reconstructed the bridge, and the line is expected to reopen fully on 15 December 2024. The train service on the German section west of the bridge, between Nieuweschans and Weener, resumed on 30 October 2016. Once the bridge has reopened a direct Bremen – Groningen service is planned, to be known as the "Wunderline". Initially a journey time of 2h30 is foreseen, reducing to 2h15 with line improvements. These include double-tracking the sections between the Dutch border and Ihrhove and between Stickhausen-Velde and Augustfehn.

The two-platform terminus station at Söllingen (b. Karlsruhe) AVG closed in September 2022 for complete rebuilding and modernisation. The AVG line from Karlsruhe (line 9496) now terminates at the previous station, Söllingen Reetzstraße. The replacement station and line is expected to open at some time in 2024. The station on the main Karlsruhe - Pforzheim line (4200) is unaffected, apart from the Karlsruhe-bound platform having been replaced by a temporary structure.

In the "tourist/museum line" sector:

The Bremen-Thedinghauser Eisenbahn ("Pingelheini") service is to close once again between Stuhr and Leeste (b. Bremen) after service on 16 June 2024, so that work can actually commence on the long-awaited extension of Bremen tram route no. 8. This section originally closed at the end of the 2015 season to allow work on the tram extension but reopened on 22 August 2021 with no progress on the tramway having been made. It is believed that eventually the Pingelheini trains will resume as far as Bremen-Kirchhuchting, sharing the track with the trams as far as a junction just short of there.

The line between Rahden and Uchte was due to reopen on 13 August 2023 after having closed at short notice in June 2021 because of urgently needed track repair, but the reopening was delayed because of the amount of vegetation clearance and subsequent checking of track that has been required. The new date scheduled for reopening is 9 May 2024.

The Oleftalbahn between Kall and Hellenthal sustained severe damage in the July 2021 floods and a date for its reopening is not known.

The Museums-Eisenbahn-Club Losheim was closed suddenly in April 2017 by the authorities because of the condition of the track. Following this closure, trains only ran between "Großer Wald" (west of Losheim) and Dellborner Mühle but as at summer 2023, no trains are running at all until further notice.

Older Changes

For details of older changes see Germany - Older General Information.

Special notes

Train services in Germany are divided into a number of distinct categories:

  • S (S-Bahn): Regular interval local trains in urban and suburban areas, often using segregated tracks, particularly in city centres.
  • RB (Regionalbahn): Basic local services, usually calling at all stations except where a parallel S-Bahn route exists.
  • RE (RegionalExpress): Regular interval local or semi-fast trains calling at fewer stations than RB services.
  • IRE (Inter-Regional Express): Long-distance semi-fast trains. This designation is quite rarely used; it currently appears only in Baden-Württemberg.
  • IC (InterCity): Long-distance expresses, making limited stops. 'Traditional' loco-hauled IC trains are now fairly rare with many former IC services having been converted to ICE operation and many of those that remain being operated with double-deck IC2 rolling stock.
  • EC (EuroCity): Similar to IC, but for international journeys, often using non-German rolling stock.
  • RJ / RJX (Railjet / Railjet Xpress): High-speed Austrian Railways (ÖBB) trains to and from München via Salzburg.
  • ICE (InterCity Express) & ICE Sprinter: High-speed, long-distance electric trains worked with dedicated ICE trainsets. These are the only trains to operate on certain stretches of high-speed line (Schnellfahrstrecken) such as between Frankfurt (Main) and Köln and between Hannover and Würzburg.
  • ECE (EuroCity Express): Trains between München and Zürich are designated ECE and are operated by Swiss Railways (SBB) high-speed trainsets.
  • EST (Eurostar): High-speed trains on the Köln – Brussels – Paris route, managed by the French and Belgian railways, rebranded from Thalys in October 2023. Not to be confused with the Paris/Brussels – London services through the Channel Tunnel, although they have been part of the same group since 2021.
  • NJ (Nightjet): Almost all of the remaining sleeper trains to and from Germany are operated by ÖBB (Austrian Railways) and branded as "Nightjet", the exceptions being non-ÖBB operated services such as those to Stockholm (operated by SJ) or Zagreb (operated by HZ) which retain the designation EN (EuroNight).
  • D-Zug: This designation is derived from Durchgang, the German for corridor. Its use for regular passenger trains is now very rare — the only remaining instances in Germany are on the "Sylt Shuttle Plus" services between Westerland (Sylt), Niebüll and Bredstedt, and the Snälltåget-operated Berlin – Malmö – Stockholm overnight services. It may still be used for an excursion or other special passenger train.

A few services operate only during school term time, or are extensively altered during school holidays. The dates of holidays vary from Land to Land.

A brief Guide to German railway terminology is available.

See also