For general information and definition of terms, refer to the main Border Crossings document.
For a full alphabetical list of countries go to here.
Go direct to border crossing information between Germany and Austria - Belgium - Czech Republic - Denmark - France - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Netherlands - Poland - Sweden - Switzerland.
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Last update: 1 August 2009.
(Bregenz -) Lochau-Hörbranz ÖBB - Lindau-Reutin DB (- Lindau): [E] ÖBB and SBB work to Lindau using electric locomotives. No DB electric stock is seen at Lindau because only the line to Bregenz is electrified. A small pool of SBB locomotives, specially-fitted with an ÖBB pantograph as well as the smaller Swiss one, are used on passenger trains between Zürich and Lindau.
(Reutte in Tirol -) Schönbichl ÖBB - Pfronten-Steinach DB: [D] DB operates the service between Pfronten-Steinach and Reutte in Tirol using diesel units.
(Reutte in Tirol -) Ehrwald-Zugspitzbahn ÖBB - Griesen (Oberbay) DB (- Garmisch-Partenkirchen): [E] DB operates the service between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Reutte in Tirol using electric units.
(Innsbruck -) Scharnitz ÖBB - Mittenwald DB (- Garmisch-Partenkirchen): [E] DB works to Innsbruck and ÖBB to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Wachtl MEGW - Gießenbachklamm MEGW (- Kiefersfelden): [E] This (former?) cement works line is 900 mm gauge and is electrified at 1200 V dc. Tourist trains operate during the summer - see timetable.
Kufstein ÖBB - Kiefersfelden DB (- Rosenheim): [E] Corridor Trains are worked by ÖBB. ÖBB works some trains to München using its own electric locomotives. DB works many local and other trains to Salzburg, but DB electric locomotives are used on freight to Brenner/Brennero and possibly also Villach or beyond.
Salzburg ÖBB - Freilassing DB (- Rosenheim): [E] Corridor Trains are worked by ÖBB, which also works some trains to München using its own electric locomotives. DB works many local and other trains to Salzburg, but DB electric locomotives are used on freight to Brenner/Brennero and possibly also Villach or beyond.
Braunau am Inn ÖBB - Simbach (Inn) DB: [D] ÖBB works to Simbach with diesel railbuses.
(Schärding -) Wernstein ÖBB - Passau DB: [E] DB electric locomotives work to Wien, including passenger trains to Wien Westbf and freight trains to Kledering yard.
Last update: 22 June 2009.
Montzen SNCB - Aachen West DB: [E*] Freight only. Most of the line is electrified at 15 kV 16.7 Hz, with right-hand running throughout. Most trains are worked by dual system SNCB locomotives.
(Liège -) Hergenrath SNCB - Aachen Hbf DB: [E*] Two routes exist between Chênée (4 km east of Liège-Guillemins) and the Hammer viaduct (south of Hergenrath) - the classic main line via Verviers and the new 42 km high-speed line electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz. The line between Liège-Guillemins and Aachen Hbf via Verviers is electrified at the SNCB standard of 3 kV dc, Aachen Hbf having four switchable tracks. SNCB units operate local services between Liège and Aachen but many cross-border passenger services are provided by multi-system high-speed trains (Thalys or ICE3). ICE services operate via the high speed line; Thalys services will start using it from December 2009.
(Eupen -) Raeren SNCB - Walheim DB (- Stolberg): [D] Freight only.
Raeren SNCB - Lammersdorf (- Monschau) (Vennbahn): [D] {see next item}
(Weywertz -) Sourbrodt - Monschau (- Lammersdorf) (Vennbahn): [D] Agreements made pursuant to the Treaty of Versailles designated as Belgian national territory the two sections of the Vennbahn that run through Germany. The line was operated until recently as a tourist railway, but this has now ceased.
(Weywertz -) Losheimergraben SNCB - Losheim (Eifel) DB (- Junkerath): [D] Closed, and dismantled on the German side.
Last update: 6 January 2009.
(Plzeň -) Železná Ruda město ČD - Bayerisch Eisenstein DB: [D] Bayerisch Eisenstein station is on the border. There had been no through services since this crossing reopened in 1991, with ČD and DB trains connecting at different ends of the same platform. Since 28 May 2006 some services by the German operator Waldbahn have been extended to Špicák.
(Plzeň -) Česká Kubice ČD - Furth im Wald DB: [D] ČD works to Furth im Wald.
Cheb ČD - Schirnding DB (- Marktredwitz): [D] DB works to Cheb. German operator Vogtlandbahn works through trains between Cheb and Marktredwitz.
(Cheb -) Aš ČD - Selb-Plössberg DB: Line closed.
Raun ČD - Bad Brambach DB: [D] carries German trains through the Czech Republic for a short distance with no intermediate stations. See next item.
Vojtanov ČD - Bad Brambach DB: [D] this line actually crosses into the Czech Republic twice, with a station at Plesná in the Czech Republic before crossing back into Germany for a short distance north of Vojtanov - see ČD Corridor Trains. German operator Vogtlandbahn works through trains between Plauen, Cheb and Marktredwitz.
(Sokolov -) Kraslice ČD - Klingenthal DB: [D] Re-opened in May 2000, with Vogtlandbahn working all cross-border services. In the 2008/2009 timetable, all but two train pairs work through to or from Sokolov.
(Karlovy Vary -) Potůčky ČD - Johanngeorgenstadt DB: [D] ČD works to Johanngeorgenstadt.
(Chomutov -) Vejprty ČD - Bärenstein DB (- Cranzahl): [D] This route re-opened for a second time in December 2003. DB Erzgebirgsbahn works a regular service to Vejprty but onward travel to Chomutov is possible only at weekends with just two train pairs, one of which runs from/to Leipzig.
(Děčín -) Dolní Žleb ČD - Schöna DB (- Bad Schandau): [E*] There is a fixed voltage change near the border and through trains are mostly worked by dual-system electric locomotives, although a few local passenger trains between Decín and Bad Schandau have been known to be operated by ČD diesel railbuses. ČD locomotives work to Dresden and beyond, DB locomotives work to Praha.
Dolni Poustevna ČD - Sebnitz DB (- Bad Schandau): Line closed. There are plans for re-opening but any funding to support the train services has yet to be agreed.
(Rumburk -) Jiříkov-Filipov ČD - Ebersbach (Sachs) DB: [D] ČD works to Ebersbach.
(Dresden -) Taubenheim (Spree) DB - Neusalza-Spremberg DB (- Zittau): [D] carries DB trains on the Bischofswerda - Zittau line through the Czech Republic with no intermediate stations.
Varnsdorf ČD - Seifhennersdorf DB (- Eibau): [D] DB Corridor Trains on the secondary route between Eibau and Zittau ceased at the end of the Winter 2000/2001 timetable. Services restarted between Liberec/Zittau and Seifhennersdorf in June 2006, calling at Varnsdorf and operated by Sächsisch-Böhmische Eisenbahngesellschaft.
Varnsdorf ČD - Großschönau (Sachs) DB (- Zittau): [D] carries ČD Corridor Trains between Varnsdorf and Liberec.
(Liberec -) Hrádek nad Nisou ČD - Zittau DB: [D] carrying ČD Corridor Trains between Liberec and Zittau, this line actually passes through a short stretch of Poland (without stations) before reaching Germany.
Last update: 2 February 2007.
(Nykøbing -) Rødby Færge DSB - Puttgarden DB (- Lübeck): {train ferry} The EuroCity trains via this route are worked by DSB diesel units which are equipped with DB Indusi signalling equipment. Since opening of the fixed line between Nyborg and Korsør, most trains between Germany and Denmark run via Padborg.
(Tinglev -) Padborg DSB - Flensburg DB: [E*] DB works the through international services as far as Padborg, which is a better location, due to its simple layout, for the change in electrification system. DSB operates some diesel services as far as Flensburg.
Tønder DSB - Süderlügum (- Niebüll DB): [D] Passenger traffic beween Niebüll and Tønder is operated by Nord-Ostsee-Bahn GmbH (NOB). Freight traffic is operated by Dansk Jernbane AS (DJ). The infrastructure between Niebüll and the border with Denmark is owned by Norddeutsche Eisenbahngesellschaft Niebüll mbH.
Last update: 27 March 2009.
(Thionville -) Apach (Moselle) SNCF - Perl DB (- Trier): [E*] DB operates freight to Apach using dual-frequency electric locomotives. Regular passenger services terminate short of the border, SNCF at Apach and DB at Perl. A limited cross-border passenger service has operated at weekends since 10 June 2007, comprising two round trips from Metz to Trier, presumably operated by SNCF. From 15 June 2009 for up to a year, engineering work in the Nitteler Tunnel means that there will be no DB rail services to Perl, so these cross-border services will be amended.
(Bouzonville -) Guerstling SNCF - Niedaltdorf DB (- Dillingen (Saar)): [D] Freight only, but occasional special passenger trains operate: refer to FR110 and DE09/452. DB operates a passenger service between Dillingen (Saar) and Niedaltdorf.
(Bouzonville -) Hargarten-Falck SNCF - Überherrn DB (- Völklingen): Line closed.
Reumaux HBL - Merlebach Nord HBL: [D] This line is part of the Houillères du Bassin de Lorraine system, a network serving the remaining mining industry in the area. The unadvertised passenger service over this line has ceased.
(Forbach -) Stiring-Wendel SNCF - Saarbrücken DB: [E*] DB ICE trains run between Frankfurt and Paris via this route, also night trains CNL450/451. SNCF diesel multiple-units are used on local trains. Most freight trains use DB dual-frequency electric locomotives.
Sarreguemines SNCF - Hanweiler-Bad Rilchingen DB (- Saarbrücken): [E] Stadtbahn Saar GmbH works a light rapid transit system between Sarreguemines and Saarbrücken, using DB and SNCF tracks south from Brebach. The through workings between Strasbourg and Saarbrücken are operated by SNCF diesel multiple-units. The line between Sarreguemines and Saarbrücken is electrified at the German standard 15kV 16.7Hz.
Wissembourg SNCF - Schweighofen DB (- Winden (Pfalz)): [D] DB works to Wissembourg.
Lauterbourg SNCF - Berg DB (- Wörth (Rhein)): [D] DB works to Lauterbourg.
Roeschwoog SNCF - Wintersdorf DB (- Rastatt): Line Closed.
Strasbourg SNCF - Kehl DB: [E*] DB works long-distance passenger trains and some local services to Strasbourg using dual-frequency locomotives. From 10 June 2007 daytime trains between Paris and München were replaced by SNCF TGVs between Paris and Stuttgart/München. Local trains between Strasbourg and Offenburg comprise diesel rail cars. Most are operated by Ortenau S-Bahn GmbH, but a few are worked by SNCF.
(Mulhouse -) Bantzenheim SNCF - Neuenburg (Baden) DB (- Müllheim (Baden)): [E*] Normally freight only. SNCF works to Neuenburg (Baden) using dual-frequency electric locomotives. On certain Sundays in summer and shortly before Christmas a special train service operates approximately every 2 hours between Mulhouse Ville and Müllheim (Baden). A full service is targeted for introduction in 2013. See FR118.
Last update: 22 July 2009.
Sassnitz Fährhafen DB - Klaipėda LG: Although there is no land border between Germany and Lithuania the two countries are connected by a 1520mm-gauge train ferry. This was established by the USSR so that military traffic could be operated to and from the former DDR without needing to pass through Poland (though much was routed that way). The ferry has been retained in order to avoid border delays and paperwork caused by transit through Poland. Bogies are changed at Sassnitz, where a small number of 1520mm-gauge locomotives are retained for shunting wagons on and off the ferries. The ferry "MS Vilnius" provides a weekly Sassnitz - Klaipėda service for foot passengers, taking 16 hours. The ship is equipped with a total of 1362 metres of 1520 mm gauge track.
Last update: 1 August 2009.
(Trier -) Igel DB - Wasserbillig CFL (- Luxembourg): [E*] InterCity trains are worked to and from Luxembourg by DB dual-frequency electric locomotives. Local trains between Trier and Luxembourg are operated by CFL class 4000 locos and DB class 628 diesel units, two of which have been transferred from DB to CFL ownership, though still maintained at Trier.
Last update: 2 February 2007.
Vetschau DB - Simpelveld NS (- Schin op Geul): [D] This is part of the line used by passenger trains between Aachen and Maastricht until they were diverted to run to Heerlen via Herzogenrath. The junction at Aachen West has been removed. Zuid Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij now runs tourist steam trains between Schin op Geul and Kerkrade via Simpelveld, in addition to a branch service from Simpelveld over the border to Vetschau.
(Aachen -) Herzogenrath DB - Landgraaf NS (- Heerlen): [ED] Until summer 2001 NS worked to Aachen Hbf; since then, the German company Dürener Kreisbahn has operated the Aachen - Heerlen service. This crossing replaced Aachen West - Simpelveld [Maastricht] on 31 May 1992 - see previous item.
(Mönchengladbach -) Dalheim DB - Roermond NS: [D] This line, the so-called "Iron Rhine Route", is proposed for reopening for freight trains between Belgium and Germany.
(Mönchengladbach -) Kaldenkirchen DB - Venlo NS: [E*] DB works passenger services to Venlo; there are very few through services. Voltage switching is provided in Venlo station area.
(Kleve -) Kranenburg DB - Nijmegen NS: Line closed.
Emmerich DB - Zevenaar NS (- Arnhem): [E*] NS works to Emmerich, where various tracks have switchable catenary. The only daytime passenger trains across the border are ICE services, worked by dual-system units, which run non-stop between Arnhem and Oberhausen.
Borken DB - Winterswijk NS: Line closed.
Gronau (Westf) DB - Enschede NS (- Hengelo): [DE] This railway re-opened for advertised passenger traffic on 18 November 2001 (formal opening was on 16 November). There is no through running connection between this line and the NS network at Enschede, so there is no freight traffic; all trains are operated by DB.
Bad Bentheim DB - Oldenzaal NS (- Hengelo): [E*] NS works passenger services to Bad Bentheim, where various tracks have switchable catenary.
(Bad Bentheim -) Laarwald BE - Coevorden BE: [D] The Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG owns and operates this freight line.
(Leer -) Weener DB - Nieuweschans NS (- Groningen): [D] This line has a DB service of from 5 to 7 train pairs per day between Leer (Ostfriesland) and Nieuweschans, from where regular Noordned connections operate to and from Groningen. This line was rebuilt in 2001; previously, this line was temporarily closed whenever a particularly large new vessel was being delivered from the Meyer Werft shipyard www.meyerwerft.com at Papenburg, because this required the main span of the railway bridge over the River Ems at Weener to be removed.
Last update: 19 October 2008.
(Heringsdorf) - Ahlbeck Grenze - Świnoujście Centrum: [D] (Re) opened in September 2008, this route is operated by Usedomer Bäderbahn.
(Pasewalk -) Grambow DB - Szczecin PKP: [D] DB works to Szczecin Głowny.
(Angermünde -) Tantow DB - Szczecin PKP: [D] DB works to Szczecin Głowny.
(Wriezen -) Neurüdnitz DB - Siekierki PKP (- Godków): Line closed.
Küstrin-Kietz DB - Kostrzyń PKP: [D] DB works to Kostrzyń. Operation of the Berlin - Kostrzyn passenger service was contracted to NEB from the 2006/2007 timetable.
(Frankfurt (Oder) -) Frankfurt Oderbrücke DB - Kunowice PKP (- Rzepin): [E*] DB has the responsibility for the cross-border EuroCity services, and they are currently hauled to Rzepin by either DB or hired ČD dual-system electric locomotives or DB Diesel locomotives. Local passenger trains from Poland are hauled by diesel locomotives as PKP do not have any dual voltage electric locomotives. Other passenger trains are hauled by PKP diesel locomotives between Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin. PKP works freight to and from Frankfurt Oderbrücke where DB and PKP different voltage electric locomotives are changed.
Guben DB - Gubin PKP (- Zielona Góra): [ED] Passenger services were withdrawn on 6 October 2002. Freight traffic remains.
Guben DB - Gubinek PKP: Line closed.
Forst (Lausitz) DB - Zasieki PKP (- Tuplice): [D] PKP works all services to Forst. From an unknown date in 2005, the "Wavel" pair of IC passenger services are worked onwards to/from Cottbus by PKP SU46 diesel locomotives of which two have been fitted with the required DB equipment.
(Weisswasser -) Bad Muskau DB - Leknica PKP (- Tuplice): Line closed.
Horka DB - Wegliniec PKP: [D] Freight only at present, but it is believed that when the proposed electrification works are completed, a passenger service could be introduced.
Görlitz DB - Zgorzelec PKP (- Wrocław): [D] Through trains to and from Wrocław are worked by PKP to Görlitz; supplemented from 2005 by DB diesel multiple units working a very limited service to Zgorzelec.
(Görlitz -) Hagenwerder DB - Krzewina Zgorzelecka PKP (- Zittau): [D] carries DB Corridor Trains.
(Zittau -) Hirschfelde DB - Krzewina Zgorzelecka PKP (- Görlitz): [D] carries DB Corridor Trains.
Last update: 22 July 2005.
Travemünde DB – Malmö BV: {train ferry} Freight only.
Rostock Seehafen DB – Trelleborg BV: {train ferry} Freight only.
Sassnitz Fährhafen DB - Trelleborg BV: {train ferry} Carries the night express service between Berlin and Malmö.
Last update: 2 February 2007.
Notes:
Konstanz DB - Kreuzlingen SBB / Kreuzlingen Hafen SBB: [E] Mittel Thurgau Bahn operates through trains between Engen and Weinfelden, Rorschach and Romanshorn via Konstanz and Kreuzlingen. Passengers may be required to alight from the train at Konstanz and pass through a border control building on the station while the train runs empty from one end of the platform to the other. The east-facing curve towards Kreuzlingen Hafen has no passenger service.
(Singen -) Rielasingen DB - Ramsen SBB (- Etzwilen): [D] Line closed, but there is a project to re-open it as a heritage railway. See www.etzwilen-singen.ch.
(Singen -) Bietingen DB - Thayngen SBB (- Schaffhausen): [E] SBB works to and from Singen with trains via Zürich. DB works diesel Corridor Trains between Singen and Basel via Schaffhausen and Waldshut. Passengers joining or leaving trains at intermediate stations in Switzerland may be subject to checks. Trains between the Zürich line and Singen change from left-hand to right-hand running at Schaffhausen.
(Waldshut -) Erzingen (Baden) DB - Trasadingen DB (- Schaffhausen SBB): [D] DB works diesel Corridor Trains between Singen and Basel via Schaffhausen and Waldshut. Passengers joining or leaving trains at intermediate stations in Switzerland may be subject to checks.
(Eglisau -) Altenburg Rheinau SBB - Neuhausen SBB (- Schaffhausen): [E] SBB works all trains between Schaffhausen and Zürich. Passengers joining or leaving trains at intermediate stations in Germany may be subject to checks. It is not possible to travel between German stations on this line and other parts of Germany without undergoing border controls at Schaffhausen.
(Schaffhausen -) Lottstetten SBB - Rafz SBB (- Eglisau): see item above.
Waldshut DB - Koblenz SBB: [E] SBB electric trains work to Waldshut. All DB services from Waldshut are diesel-operated.
(Waldshut -) Grenzach DB - Basel Badischer Bf DB: [DE] see Germany - Switzerland headnotes regarding Basel Badischer Bf.
(Lörrach -) Lörrach-Stetten DB - Riehen (b Basel) DB (- Basel Badischer Bf DB): [E] see Germany - Switzerland headnotes regarding Basel Badischer Bf. Riehen (b Basel) is an unmanned station, but for customs purposes it is in Germany.
(Freiburg -) Weil (Rhein) DB - Basel Badischer Bf DB: [E] see Germany - Switzerland headnotes regarding Basel Badischer Bf.
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