For general information and definition of terms, refer to the main Border Crossings document.
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Last update: 18 December 2009.
(Arlon -) Athus SNCB - Mont St. Martin yard (- Longwy) SNCF: see next item.
(Dinant - Halanzy -) Y Aubange SNCB - Mont St. Martin (- Longwy) SNCF: [E] The Athus - Mont St. Martin route closed and was lifted, but in 2002 it was restored, with a lead from Y Aubange instead of Athus: in other words, the initial route which gave through running from the Arlon direction to Mont St. Martin was (after an interval of some years with no direct access from SNCB to Mont St.Martin) replaced by one giving through running from the Dinant direction instead.
Dinant SNCB - Givet SNCF: [D] No traffic. Track impassable due to lack of maintenance.
(Mariembourg -) Treignes SNCB - Vireux-Molhain SNCF (- Charleville-Mézières): [D] No traffic.
(Mariembourg -) Momignies SNCB - Anor SNCF: [D] There is traffic between a quarry at Momignies and Anor, operated privately by the quarry itself. The line within Belgium between Mariembourg, Chimay and Momignies - which saw local freight and use by the CF3V tourist operation until about 1997 - is out of use.
(Charleroi -) Erquelinnes SNCB - Jeumont SNCF (- Aulnoye): [E*] 3kV dc extends to Jeumont, where there are switchable tracks in the station and freight sidings. Apart from 3 SNCB EMUs on weekdays, no regular passenger trains use this border crossing, but a gradually increasing number of freight trains are being hauled by dual- or multi-system locos (SNCB type 12, SNCF type 436).
(Mons -) Quévy SNCB - Feignies SNCF (- Aulnoye): [E*] 25kV 50Hz extends to Quévy where there are switchable tracks in the passenger station and freight sidings. From 14 December 2008 the regional passenger train service over this route between Quévy and Maubeuge/Aulnoye was withdrawn and the night train Paris - Berlin/Hamburg was diverted to run via Forbach, so there are no passenger trains over this border crossing.
(St.Ghislain -) Quiévrain SNCB - Blanc-Misseron SNCF (- Valenciennes): [D] This line is closed.
(Bruxelles -) Antoing SNCB - Frétin SNCF (- Lille/Paris) {high-speed line}: [E] Electrification at 25 kV 50Hz is to SNCF standards as far as the end of the high speed line at Lembeek (15 km from Bruxelles), with neutral sections there and at the intermediate access points near Antoing and near Ath. Only trains equipped with TVM430 cab signalling can use this line.
(Tournai -) Froyennes SNCB - Baisieux SNCF (- Lille): [E*] A neutral section just west of Froyennes separates SNCB and SNCF electrification and only dual-system electric motive power can use the line. Initially, most local passenger trains continued to be worked by SNCF diesel units, but now SNCB dual-system EMUs run hourly between Lille and Liège.
(Kortrijk -) Mouscron/Moeskroen NMBS - Tourcoing SNCF (- Lille): [E*] The neutral section between the SNCB 3kV and the SNCF 25kV 50Hz is a few kilometers south of Mouscron. Passenger services between Lille and Brugge and between Lille and Antwerpen via Gent are worked by SNCB dual-system EMUs. SNCB dual-system electric locomotives work freight trains through to Lille.
De Panne NMBS - Bray Dunes SNCF (- Dunkerque): [D] No traffic. The section of line between Bray Dunes and Dunkerque is partly dismantled.
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: 18 February 2008.
Modane SNCF - Bardonecchia FS (- Torino): [E*] FS works to Modane, with locomotives operating at reduced power under SNCF 1500V catenary. There are plans for FS locomotives to work freight to and from St Jean de Maurienne, and both SNCF and FS have acquired dual-voltage or multi-system locomotives for use on freight between Lyon and Torino. Multi-system TGVs operate between Paris and Milano.
(Nice -) Vievola SNCF - Limone FS (- Cuneo): [D] FS works to Tende, with most trains continuing to Nice or Ventimiglia. FS diesel railcars ALn663.1195-1204 are fitted with SNCF VACMA signalling equipment for operation to Nice. Although the line is in France, there are few SNCF workings between Breil-sur-Roya and Tende, and none north thereof.
Breil-sur-Roya SNCF - Olivetta S Michele FS (- Ventimiglia): [D] FS works to Breil-sur-Roya.
(Nice -) Menton-Garavan SNCF - Ventimiglia FS: [E*] SNCF works to Ventimiglia. The line from Marseille is electrified at 25kV 50Hz, but Ventimiglia station itself is 1500V dc. This system can be used by both the SNCF dual-system locomotives that operate in the area and FS 3kV dc stock.
Last update: 18 December 2009.
Longwy SNCF - Rodange CFL (- Luxembourg): [E] CFL generally operates the passenger train service to Longwy, though the Thionville - Belval-Université - Longwy service LU10/3 is worked by SNCF EMUs.
Saulnes MD - Lasauvage Carreau MD (- Doihl - Fond de Gras): [D] This 700mm gauge railway is a preserved mining line, the full length of which is from Fond de Gras (Luxembourg) to Saulnes (France). Minièresbunn Doihl asbl minieresbunn.kohle-und-eisen.de operates trains in the afternoon on Sundays and holidays from May to September. Note that the cross-border service has been suspended since 2007 (see France entry FR202).
Audun-le-Tiche SNCF - Esch-sur-Alzette CFL (- Luxembourg): [E] CFL operates a passenger service to Audun-le-Tiche. The SNCF line towards Fontoy is closed.
Volmerange-les-Mines CFL - Dudelange CFL (- Bettembourg): [E] CFL operates a passenger service to Volmerange-les-Mines. The extension across the border from Dudelange opened to public traffic on 15 December 2003.
(Thionville -) Hettange-Grande SNCF - Bettembourg (- Luxembourg) / Noertzange (- Esch-sur-Alzette) CFL: [E] International trains to and from Luxembourg are formed of SNCF electric locos hauling either SBB or SNCF stock. Local trains between Metz, Thionville and Luxembourg are worked by both SNCF and CFL. The Thionville - Belval-Université - Longwy service LU10/3 is worked by SNCF EMUs.
Last update: 3 April 2005.
Note: although lines of both gauges (1435mm and 1668mm) cross the borders at Cerbère/Port-Bou and Hendaye/Irun, passenger carrying trains normally run only from France to Irun and Port-Bou, while those from Spain normally run only to Hendaye and Cerbère, i.e. trains run empty in the contrary directions. There are some through trains on each route which undergo change of carriage bogies (or have their wheel spacing adjusted) at the frontier. RENFE 3000V dc trains operate at reduced power under 1500V dc catenary in the border areas.
Cerbère SNCF - Port-Bou RENFE: [E*] {see note above}
La Tour de Carol-Enveitg SNCF - Puigcerda RENFE: [E*] lines of both RENFE and SNCF gauges cross the border but only the RENFE line carries passenger trains.
(Oloron -) Forges-d'Abel SNCF - Canfranc RENFE: [E*] Line closed.
Hendaia ET/FV- Irun Paseo de Colon ET/FV: [E] Metre-gauge railway operated by Eusko Trenbideak/Ferrocarriles Vascos.
Hendaye SNCF - Irun RENFE: [E*] {see note above}
Last update: 16 January 2010.
Notes:
(Mulhouse -) St Louis (Haut Rhin) SNCF - Basel St. Johann SBB (- Basel SBB): [E*] Bay platforms at the west end of Basel SBB are used by SNCF trains terminating or starting at Basel. These bays are electrified at 25 kV; the west end of the adjacent through platform is switchable, with a light display indicating '15' or '25' as appropriate. The SNCF platforms are accessed via buildings where frontier checks are undertaken. Dual-frequency multiple-units work local trains running through between Mulhouse and Pratteln and beyond. Long distance through trains between France and Switzerland are shunted between the two parts of the station by SBB dual-frequency shunting locomotives, except for the through Paris - Zürich TGVs which use only the Basel SBB platforms. Freight trains between France and goods yards in Basel are hauled by SNCF dual-frequency locomotives.
(Basel -) Flüh BLT - Leymen (France) - Rodersdorf BLT: [E] Metre gauge. The Baselland Transport tram route to Rodersdorf passes through France, where there is one stop at Leymen. Trams run on reserved track at this point, the line originally having been a railway, the Birsigtalbahn. This is officially a corridor service: there is a standard notice at Leymen station warning that "green channel" rules apply if you get on and off the tram.
(Belfort -) Delle SNCF - Boncourt CFF (- Delémont): [DE] Having closed on 1 June 1996, the line as far as Delle re-opened to CFF passenger services on 10 December 2006. There is no SNCF service between Delle and Belfort.
(Besançon -) Morteau SNCF - Le Locle Col des Roches CFF (- La Chaux de Fonds): [DE] SNCF works to Le Locle and provides the only train service at Le Locle Col-des-Roches, despite this being a CFF station.
(Pontarlier -) La Cluse et Mijoux SNCF - Les Verrières CFF (- Neuchâtel): [E*] The only cross-border passenger trains are multi-system TGVs running between Paris and cities in Switzerland. All of these run non-stop between Pontarlier and Neuchâtel. Any other trains are worked by CFF or BLS to and from Pontarlier.
(Frasne -) Les Tavins SNCF - Vallorbe CFF (- Lausanne): [E*] All daytime cross-border passenger trains are multi-system TGVs running between Paris and Lausanne. Overnight and freight trains are worked by SNCF to Vallorbe where tracks can be fed at 25kV 50Hz or 15kV 16.7Hz. The summit of the Simplon route from Paris to Milano is at Les Longevilles-Rochejan (897m above sea level) at the French end of the Mont d’Or tunnel, which crosses the border.
(Bellegarde -) Pougny-Chancy SNCF - La Plaine CFF (- Genève): [E*] SNCF works to Genève and the line is electrified at 1500 V dc and signalled to SNCF standards from the border to both the passenger station and La Praille goods depot. CFF operates a local service between Genève and La Plaine, using specially-built 1500 V dc rolling stock. Separate tracks, parallel with the 1500 V dc tracks, are used by CFF trains to and from Genève Aéroport. SNCF trains use their own platform at Genève, and passengers pass through frontier controls to access these. Most passenger trains from France terminate at Genève, though there a small number of through night trains. At Genève Cornavin station the electrification arrangements appear to be as follows. Platform 6 - at least - is switchable, and has been observed in use in quick succession by trains using SNCF and CFF voltages. Platforms 7 and 8 (the French side) are probably solely SNCF voltage - and also bay platform 5, used by CFF's La Plaine [- Bellegarde] shuttle. Platforms 1 to 3 will presumably be solely CFF voltage.
(Annemasse -) Ambilly SNCF - Genève Eaux Vives SNCF: [E] This is part of the SNCF system and operated by SNCF throughout using dual-frequency rolling stock, though the branch itself is electrified at 25kV 50Hz. There is no freight traffic. Frontier checks are normally carried out on the train.
(Evian-les-Bains -) St Gingolph SNCF - St Gingolph (Suisse) CFF (- Bouveret): [DE] This line was used by freight and by a summer-only tourist service; however no traffic has run since 1999 due to the poor condition of the track. CFF runs a limited passenger train service to St Gingolph (Suisse).
(Chamonix -) Vallorcine SNCF - Le Chatelard Frontière SNCF/MC (- Martigny MC): [E*] This is a metre-gauge line, electrified at 750V dc third rail on the SNCF line from St Gervais-les-Bains to Le Chatelard Frontiere and at 750V dc, mixed overhead and third-rail, on the Martigny-Chatelard line from Le Chatelard Frontier to Martigny. Until conversion of the MC to overhead was completed in 1997, this was the only international railway to be electrified with conductor rails both sides of the border. Both MC and SNCF have recently acquired new trains capable of running through between the two systems. Previously the two railways’ motor coaches were incompatible and through working was possible only by trailer vehicles.
Last update: 18 December 2009.
(Lille -) Calais-Fréthun SNCF - Channel Tunnel - Cheriton/Ashford International/Sandling NR: [E*] The Channel Tunnel is electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; all trains (other than Eurotunnel works trains) using it must be equipped with TVM430 cab signalling.
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