Enthusiast's Guide to Travelling the Railways of Europe

GERMANY (Deutschland)

Lines with obscure or sparse passenger services

Last update for this page: 20 April 2008.

This list is based on the timetable valid from 9 December 2007, unless otherwise shown.

Standard abbreviations used are explained in the General Information document. In the heading to each entry the map reference for the line in the Schweers+Wall Eisenbahn Atlas (2007/2008 edition) is shown, in italic, in addition to the reference to M.G. Ball's European Railway Atlas.

Due to the size and complexity of the German railway system, the Obscure Services  listing is subdivided by Länder (Provinces). Berlin and Bremen are separate Länder, but it is convenient to include them with Brandenburg and Niedersachsen respectively. Details of Other Sparse Services and Deletions since previous edition can be found at the end of this document.

DB operates a significant number of AutoZüge, many of which are combined with City Night Line services.  AutoZüge which only convey passengers with cars are coded ‘AZ’.  These trains are listed separately in the tables below.  Note that reservations are required on City Night Line trains (CNL), but not on most of those classified as Euro Nacht (EN).

A brief Guide to German railway terminology is available.

Obscure Services

Land Schleswig-Holstein

Padborg (Flensburg Friedensweg) – Flensburg-Weiche (Flensburg avoiding line) [131] (10A3, 3C2) DE08/01

This north to south curve is used by trains between Padborg and Schleswig, if not booked via Flensburg.

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Land Hamburg

Pinneberg (Hamburg-Eidelstedt Gbf) – Hamburg-Harburg (Abzw Oberhafen) (via Hamburg-Lokstedt and Hamburg-Horn) (22A2, 120C2-119C4) DE08/51

This ring line around the north and east of Hamburg is used principally by freight trains, but the following are also scheduled to run this way:

IC and ICE trains to and from Kiel and Westerland were diverted via this route between the evening of 24 December 2007 and 1 January 2008.

Hamburg-Altona avoiding line: Pinneberg (Hamburg-Langenfelde Bbf) – Hamburg Dammtor (Abzw Rainweg) [130, 131] (22A2, 119A3) DE08/52

This north to east curve is used by trains between Elmshorn (or north thereof) and Hamburg Dammtor which are not booked to call at Hamburg-Altona.  Most RE services between Hamburg Hbf and Kiel Hbf or Flensburg use this route, as do a number of ICE trains.  Westerland trains mostly start and terminate at Hamburg-Altona.

Hamburg Hbf – Hamburg-Bergedorf (Rothenburgsort Rop) (via Abzw Ericus) [100, 204.1] (22B2, 119C4-119D4) DE08/53

This is an alternative route between Hamburg Hbf and the Büchen line, and is the only one available for trains using platforms on the west side of Hamburg Hbf (numbered 11 and higher).

Hamburg Hbf – Hamburg-Wandsbek (via Rothenburgsort Bez Rw and Horn) [104] (22B2, 119C4-119D3) DE08/54

This is an alternative route between Hamburg Hbf and the Lübeck line, and is the only one available for trains using platforms on the west side of Hamburg Hbf (numbered 11 and higher). There are no booked passenger trains via this line at present. The IC trains between Puttgarden and Frankfurt am Main reverse in platform 8 at Hamburg Hbf, this being the only one accessible from both the Lübeck and Harburg lines.

Hamburg Hbf – Hamburg-Harburg (Abzw Oberhafen/Abzw Norderelbbrücke) (via goods line) [110, 120, 121] (22B2, 119C4-120D4) DE08/55

Between Hamburg Hbf and Hamburg-Harburg there are, in addition to the S-Bahn tracks, two pairs of tracks – one designated Pz-Gl (passenger line) and the other Gz-Gl (goods line), the latter being located between the S-Bahn tracks and the Pz-Gl.

All four tracks are used for passenger trains as operating convenience requires. They share common alignment south of Abzw Oberhafen (where the goods line from Rothenburgsort joins), but north-west of there, the Pz-Gl are on a viaduct, whereas the Gz-Gl follow a slightly different alignment at ground level via Abzw Ericus. A single-track connection from Abzw Ericus passes under the Pz-Gl viaduct and joins the southbound Pz-Gl at Abzw Norderelbbrücke.

The Gz-Gl are used, as required, by passenger trains to avoid conflicting moves at Hamburg Hbf. The connection to Abzw Norderelbbrücke, in particular, enables trains from platforms 8, 11 & 12 at Hamburg Hbf to reach the southbound Pz-Gl without crossing the northbound track on the level.

Route indicators associated with signals at the south end of Hamburg Hbf show the line to be used by departing trains. 'P' indicates use of the Pz-Gl and 'H' the Gz-Gl.

Hamburg Hbf (Abzw Wilhelmsburg) – Hamburg-Harburg (via harbour line) [121] (22B2, 120D3-120D4) DE08/56

South of Abzw Wilhelmsburg an additional pair of tracks, designated Hafen-Gl (harbour line), run broadly parallel to the Pz-Gl and Gz-Gl (on their west side) to the approach to Hamburg-Harburg, where they give easier access to the west side platforms. Therefore, they are generally used by those Cuxhaven line trains running through to or from Hamburg Hbf.

Hamburg-Harburg (Abzw Oberhafen) – Hamburg-Bergedorf (Rothenburgsort Rop) [100, 120, F42] (22B2, 115D) DE08/57

This line is used by trains between the Hamburg-Harburg and Büchen lines, if not calling at Hamburg Hbf.

From the evening of 24 December 2007 until 1 January 2008 this route was used by some ICE trains between Hamburg Hbf and Hamburg-Harburg, reversing at Billwerder.

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Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Waren (Müritz) (Lalendorf Ost) – Plaaz [19.1, 205] (12B1 and 19B3, 15B3-15C3) DE08/101

This route is normally used by trains between Berlin and Rostock not booked to call at Güstrow.

Stralsund Rügendamm – Wüstenfelde (Abzw Srg) [N32] (13A2, 6A1) DE08/102

This east to south curve is used by trains between the Island of Rügen and the Pasewalk or Neubrandenburg lines, if not booked to call at Stralsund Hbf.

Lietzow (Abzw Borchtitz) – Sassnitz Fahrhafen [N32] (13B3, 7C2) DE08/103

This branch off the Stralsund – Sassnitz line accesses the train ferry to Trelleborg, Sweden. Sassnitz Fahrhafen is at Mukran and replaced Sassnitz Hafen, at Sassnitz itself.

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Länder Niedersachsen and Bremen

Saline – Westen [10007] (16A3, 9B3) DE08/151

This is a branch off the line from Westanleger to Wangerooge. Passenger trains run to/from Westen when required by pre-booked parties staying at the Youth Hostel or other accommodation there. Occasional passenger trains, locally advertised, may run in connection with special events at the west end of the island.

Bremen-Sebaldsbrück – Bremen Hbf (via Abzw Vahr) [380] (16B1, not shown, 9C2-9B2) DE08/152

Trains from the Hannover line to platforms 1, 2 or 3 at Bremen Hbf may use this spur, which passes under both the main Hannover line and the Osnabrück line. They may, alternatively, use crossovers at the approach to Bremen Hbf. The route via Abzw Vahr has been used by RE trains from Hannover to Bremen and also by IC trains from Hannover to Oldenburg. The RE trains have been retimed between Achim and Bremen, so may now use the main line; reports will be welcomed. Trains in the opposite direction normally use the flat junction at Hastedt, but if the departure signal at Bremen Hbf platforms 1, 2 or 3 shows speed restriction 4 (= 40 km/h) that may indicate use of this route. There is no booked use of the connections between Bremen-Hemelingen and Bremen Hbf via Abzw Vahr.

Bremen avoiding line: Sagehorn – Dreye (Gabelung) [10] (16B1, 9D1-9C3) DE08/153

Most trains between Hamburg and Osnabrück call at Bremen Hbf, but this route enables those that do not to avoid a lengthy detour.

Munster (Örtze) – Munster (Örtze) Kaserne Emminger Weg [17.2, 116] (17B1 not shown, 21D4) DE08/154

This is a branch line which serves an army camp south-west of Munster (Örtze).  The timetable states that the trains are for Bundeswehr (German army) leave travel.  The trains run to and from a platform by a level crossing in Emminger Weg, in part of the military area that is open to the public, about 2.5km from Munster (Örtze) station. 

Lüneburg Westseite (West station) [110] (18A2, not shown, 22C3) DE08/155

This is a separate station, west of the main line, which is used by Hamburg local trains starting or terminating at Lüneburg between 08:00 and 23:00 daily. It is also used by all trains to and from Dannenberg Ost.

Osnabrück Schinkel and Löhner Curves: Osnabrück ob Bf – Wissingen (Bbf Lüstringen) [31, 375, 385] (25A2, 40C3) DE08/156

This is a curve from the high level station at Osnabrück to the Hannover line.

Aligse (Lehrte Nordgruppe, former Stw Lnf) – Ahlten [363.3] (26B2, 122D4-122C4) DE08/157

This line is used by trains between Burgdorf and Hannover which are not booked to call at any intermediate station between Aligse and Hannover Karl-Wiechert-Allee. There is an hourly RE service between Hannover and Celle via this curve.

Lehrte – Hannover Messe/Laatzen (via Misburg and Abzw Waldheim) [22, 349] (26B2, 122D4-122D3) DE08/158

This line forms part of a ring line round the south side of Hannover. In addition to the following trains, it is occasionally used by additional services between Berlin or Leipzig and Hannover Messe/Laatzen during certain Trade Fairs.

Lehrte – Sehnde [323] (26B2, 122D4) DE08/159

At the flying junction with the Gifhorn and Braunschweig lines, east of Lehrte, trains from Hildesheim to beyond Lehrte use the longer north chord; all other trains to or from the Hildesheim line use the shorter south chord from Lehrte Ost.

Wunstorf – Hannover Messe/Laatzen or Hannover Hbf (via Seelze Rbf, Ahlem and Hannover-Linden (Abzw Waldhausen)) [370] (26B2, 40B & 118A to 118C) DE08/160

This route enables trains to/from the Minden and Bremen lines to depart/arrive at the east end of Hannover Hbf, or to reach Hannover Messe/Laatzen during certain Trade Fairs. Any to and from Bremen also use the goods line flyover between Wunstorf and Abzw Gummerwald.  The number of special trains has been greatly reduced in recent years.

Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe (Abzw Siekweg) – Göttingen east side platforms [351] (40B3 not shown, 55A2-55B2) DE08/161

This 2km link line leaves the Kassel Schnellfahrstrecke south of Göttingen then crosses the Eichenberg line before joining the eastern platforms at Göttingen. It is normally used northbound trains stopping at platform 4 at Göttingen.  These are IC services from Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe at 06:23, every two hours 08:28 to 18:28 and 20:30, plus:

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Land Sachsen-Anhalt

Magdeburg-Buckau – Magdeburg Sudenburg [43, 310, 340] (28A2, 123C3) DE08/201

This south to west curve connects the Halle and Helmstedt lines, avoiding reversal at Magdeburg.  The only passenger trains normally to use this line are: 

From 25 May to 13 December 2008 this route will be used by most trains to and from Braunschweig, which will call at Magdeburg-Buckau instead of Magdeburg Hbf.  The only exceptions are a few late evening and early morning services.  This is because of construction work at Magdeburg Hbf.  

Lutherstadt Wittenberg [205, 216, 250] (29A1, 46C3) DE08/202

The Berlin – Bitterfeld and Falkenberg – Roßlau lines run parallel through Lutherstadt Wittenberg. The following uses the connection between the two north of the station:

Großkugel (Gröbers Süd) - Halle (Saale) Hbf (Gröbers Fernbahn) [504] (42B3 not shown, 130D2) DE08/203

Connections at Gröbers between the S-Bahn line from Leipzig and the main line towards Halle (Saale) are used by:

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Länder Berlin and Brandenburg

Routes are listed generally in the following order: (i) Berlin central area; (ii) the Berlin Outer Ring (Außenring) and connections to or from it, in clockwise order starting from Abzw Hennigsdorf; (iii) all others fully outside the Außenring.

Berlin-Charlottenburg – Berlin-Halensee (Halensee Kurve) [200.41, 200.42, 200.46] (31B2, 128B3) DE08/251

The limited scheduled service over this south to east S-Bahn curve, withdrawn in June 2002, was reinstated from 29 May 2006.  Departures Mondays to Fridays are:

• From Halensee: S46 04:34, S41 08:47, S41 08:57, S41 09:07
• From Berlin-Charlottenburg: S42 13:46, S42 14:06, S42 14:26

The Halensee curve is also used on the Panorama S-Bahn unit Berlin sightseeing tours where the route is described as Stadtbahn or Stadtring. Details can be found at www.s-bahn-berlin.de/sonderzuege/panorama-sbahn/fahrplan_tabelle.php.

Berlin-Lichtenberg (B1) – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen [43.1, 43.3, 209.54, N11] (32A2-32A3 not shown, 129C3-128D1) DE08/252

This is the north-eastern quadrant of the Ringbahn Ferngleis.

¶ EN346 uses this route in the early hours of 16, 20-22 February and 1 March (departing Warszawa the previous day).  EN347 uses this route early in the mornings of 16 February and 1 March (departing Amsterdam the previous day).  

The following trains use this line on 12 & 13 January, 23 & 24 February and from 18 October to 30 November 2008:  

Berlin-Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Berlin-Wedding) – Berlin-Jungfernheide (Berlin-Moabit) [43, 203] (32A2, 128D1-128C2) DE08/253

This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleis connects the routes from Berlin Hbf to Stralsund and to Hamburg:

¶ EN346 uses this route in the early hours of 16, 20-22 February and 1 March (departing Warszawa the previous day).  EN347 uses this route early in the mornings of 16 February and 1 March (departing Amsterdam the previous day).  

Berlin-Spandau (Berlin Wiesendamm) – Berlin-Wannsee (Grunewald Gds) [N44] (31B2 not shown in full, 128A2-128A3) DE08/254

This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleis, and connections off it, link the routes from Berlin to Potsdam and to Hamburg:

Berlin-Spandau – Berlin-Staaken [202] (31B2, 124D4-124C4) DE08/255

There are two routes between Berlin-Spandau and Staaken. The more northerly route makes a junction with the line from Falkensee to the west of Berlin-Spandau.  The southern route, mostly following the alignment of the Lehrter Bahn, converges with the main line at the west end of Berlin-Spandau station. Trains using this route can call only at platform 6, or use a non-platform track outside the station roof.  IC, ICE and EC trains use the northern route.  Most eastbound RE and RB trains calling at Berlin-Spandau use platform 6, so may use either route.  If a train is to use the northern route, signal 8942 at Staaken (just east of the station) displays speed restriction ‘6’ (= 60 km/hr) above the main aspect.  Westbound trains from Berlin-Spandau platform 6 can only use the southern route. 

Hohen Neuendorf West – Birkenwerder [209.20] (31B3, 125A1) DE08/256

There are two routes between Hohen Neuendorf West and Birkenwerder.  The Lange Kurve branches south from and then passes below the Außenring having described three-quarters of a circle.  It no longer sees regular use.  Local trains between Oranienburg and Hennigsdorf use connections to and from the northbound S-Bahn track at Birkenwerder in order to call at the station, so always use the direct Kleine Kurve.

Birkenwerder – Berlin-Hohenschönhausen (Abzw Schönfließ West) [209.12] (31B1, 125A1) DE08/257

There are two routes between Birkenwerder and the east side of the Außenring. The Lange Kurve runs parallel with the S-Bahn via Hohen Neuendorf, passing below the Außenring.  The Kleine Kurve is a direct east to north connection from the Außenring to Birkenwerder.  Both routes are reversible single tracks.  The Kleine Kurve is used by all northbound trains and, when possible, by southbound ones.  However, subject to punctual running, southbound RE5 and RB12 trains usually run via the Lange Kurve in order to avoid conflict with northbound services.

Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow [209.60] (32A3, 125C2) DE08/258

This east to north curve links the east side of the Außenring with the line to Bernau and Angermünde.  It is used by the trains listed under route DE08/259 and service RB60 hourly between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Eberswalde.

Berlin Ostbahnhof (Abzw Rummelsburg Rgbv) – Berlin-Hohenschönhausen (Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord) [203] (32A2, 129C3-129D2) DE08/259

This route links Berlin Ostbahnhof with the north side of the Außenring.

Berlin Ostbahnhof (Abzw Rummelsburg Rgbv) – Berlin-Lichtenberg (Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz West) (via Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West) [N1, N25] (32A2, 129C3-129C2) DE08/260

Overnight trains running between Berlin Ostbahnhof and Berlin-Lichtenberg have to do so via the Außenring. Only the S-Bahn runs direct.

Berlin-Lichtenberg (Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz West) – Berlin-Köpenick (Abzw Stadtforst) (via Wuhlheide Rbf) [209.35, N11] (32B2, 129C2-36C3) DE08/261

This route connects Berlin-Lichtenberg with the line to Frankfurt (Oder) via the Außenring.  Most overnight trains that previously used this curve now run to and from Berlin Zoologischer Garten.

Berlin-Lichtenberg (Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz West) – Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen or Berlin-Grünau (Eichgestell Stw Egb) [209.14, 209.36, 240, N5] (32A2, 125B-125D) DE08/262

This is the route for trains between Berlin-Grünau or Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen and Berlin-Lichtenberg via the Außenring.

At present the alternative route via Berlin-Schöneweide is not available, because the Ferngleis (main line) between Baumschulenweg and Ostkreuz is closed.  All trains run via Biesdorfer Kreuz, where there are two routes between Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd and Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz West. There is a direct south to west curve, but the Lange Kurve from Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd joins the Ostbahn (from Kostrzyn) at Abzw Bkl east of the Außenring. Both lines are reversible, but trains to Berlin-Lichtenberg normally use the Lange Kurve and those in the opposite direction the direct route.

Königs Wusterhausen (Abzw Grünau) – Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen (Abzw Grünauer Kreuz Süd) [209.14] (32B2, 127D2) DE08/263

This east to south curve links the Außenring and the Königs Wusterhausen line, and is used by RB14 trains (hourly) between Nauen and Senftenberg via Berlin Ostbahnhof, reversing at Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen.

Großbeeren – Genshagener Heide Ost (via Großbeeren West and Genshagener Heide Nord) and Glasower Damm West – Blankenfelde (Kr Teltow-Flaming) (Glasower Damm Süd) [203, 240] (31B1 not shown & 32A1, 127A3 & 127C3) DE08/264

These are, respectively, a north to east connection between the Berlin – Leipzig main line and the Außenring, and a west to south curve between the Außenring and the Dresden main line. They are used by EC/IC trains between Berlin Hbf (low level) and Dresden and RE trains to Wünsdorf-Waldstadt and Elsterwerda.  The curve from Großbeeren to Großbeeren West was brought into use in May 2006.

Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen (Genshagener Heide Ost) – Ludwigsfelde (Birkengrund Süd) [250] (32A1, 127A3) DE08/265

This east to south curve links the Außenring to the Berlin – Leipzig main line.

Beelitz-Heilstatten – Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Lia) [N25] (31A1, 126A4) DE08/266

This north to west curve connects the Berlin – Belzig and Potsdam – Beelitz Stadt lines.

Berlin-Staaken – Stendal – Wolfsburg [31, 43, 202, 301] (27B3 to 29B3, 124C4 to 32D4) DE08/267

On this route the double track Schnellfahrstrecke (SFS) runs parallel most of the way with separate tracks. Between Berlin-Staaken and Elstal local passenger trains use a double line immediately south of the SFS. There is a single-track local line between Elstal and Wustermark. All passenger trains use the SFS between Wustermark and Rathenow. There is no passenger use of the non-electrified parallel track from Wustermark to Abzw Ribbeck (east of Buschow) or from Abzw Bamme (west of Nennhausen) to Rathenow. RB trains between Rathenow and Stendal use the parallel single line. All others use the SFS. Between Hämerton (Abzw Staffelde) and Vinzelberg (Abzw Nahrstedt) the SFS follows a separate route to the south of Stendal, which is used by all trains not calling there. All RB trains west of Stendal use the single, non-electrified line. The two routes diverge slightly at a number of places, particularly at Oebisfelde.

Berlin-Schöneweide (Abzw Grünau) – Berlin ILA-Bahnhof (Schönefeld Flughafen Süd) (32B1 not shown, 127D2) DE08/268

This branch has no regular passenger service but a special shuttle service from central Berlin runs in conjunction with the ILA (Internationale Luft- und Raumfahrtausstellung), held in May or June of even-numbered years. Details from: Messe Berlin GmbH, Messedamm 22, D-14055 Berlin, fax +49 30 30382059, www.messe-berlin.de. The next ILA will be from 27 May to 1 June 2008. For 2008 train times see www.ila-berlin.de/ila2008/besucher/anreise2_e.cfm#a5.

Cottbus

The three lines into Cottbus from the west all split into separate routes to the south side platforms, 1 to 4, and to the higher-numbered middle and north side platforms. 

Cottbus (Stw W10) – Kolkwitz (Cottbus Abzw Cbn) [202] (30B1, 49B4) DE08/269

Most trains on the Berlin line use the southern platforms at Cottbus but this spur links into the north side platforms. It is used by:

Cottbus (Stw W9) – Kolkwitz Süd (Cottbus Abzw Cfw) [209.43, 215] (30B1, 49B4) DE08/270

The main line from Leipzig leads to the middle and north platforms at Cottbus but this spur gives access to south side platforms. It is used by trains from Cottbus to Leipzig every two hours 04:58 to 18:58 and by:

Cottbus (Südseite Stw W20) – Leuthen (b Cottbus) (Cottbus Südwest Stw B2) [208] (30B1 not shown, 49B4) DE08/271

The main line from Dresden leads to the middle and north platforms at Cottbus but a spur gives access to south side platforms. Trains are split approximately equally between use of the north and south sides of Cottbus station.  The following use the spur to the southern platforms:

¶ These trains run to the northern platforms Mondays to Fridays.

Uebigau (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw B3) – Falkenberg (Elster) unt Bf (Stw W17) [209.43, 215] (43B3, not shown, 57A) DE08/272

This combination of curves provides an east to north route, on the south side of the Cottbus – Leipzig line, connecting that line with the low level station at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by all trains to and from Cottbus via Finsterwalde starting or terminating at Falkenberg (Elster).

Bad Liebenwerda (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw W15) – Falkenberg (Elster) ob Bf (Stw W2) [228] (43B3, not shown, 57A) DE08/273

This south to west curve connects the line from Elsterwerda-Biehla with the high level station at Falkenberg (Elster), and is used by through trains between Leipzig and Hoyerswerda.  All other trains between Elsterwerda-Biehla and Falkenberg (Elster) use the low level station.

Doberlug-Kirchhain East Curve: Walddrehna (Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord) – Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz) (Abzw Hennersdorf West) (44A3, not shown, 57B) DE08/274

This north to east curve connects the Berlin – Dresden and Leipzig – Cottbus lines. The following trains are diverted this way between 15 June and 13 December 2008.

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Land Sachsen

Kyhna (Delitzsch Gbf) – Delitzsch unt Bf [219] (42B3, 58B2) DE08/301

This west to north curve connects the Halle (Saale) – Eilenburg and Leipzig – Bitterfeld lines. It is used by IC and other long distance trains when the line between Halle and Bitterfeld is blocked by engineering work, but RB services are normally replaced by buses.

Kyhna (Delitzsch Gbf) – Zschortau (Delitzsch Abzw Ah) [504] (42B3, 58B2) DE08/302

This west to south curve connects the Halle (Saale) – Eilenburg and Leipzig – Bitterfeld lines. It is used by the following trains in order to avoid reversal at Halle (Saale) Hbf.

Leipzig Hbf (Leipzig-Mockau) – Rackwitz (b Leipzig) (Leipzig Messe Nord) [250, 251] (46B3 not shown, 131C3-131C2) DE08/303

Lines westwards from Leipzig-Mockau to Wiederitzsch and to Leipzig/Halle Flughafen cross over the main line to Bitterfeld on flyovers.  This line towards Bitterfeld runs to the east of the flyovers and not below them.  It has previously been used by RE trains from Delitzsch unt Bf at 06:41, 07:41 and every two hours until 19:41.  This may continue, but RE trains non-stop from Leipzig Hbf to Delitzsch unt Bf have been accelerated by three minutes so probably now run via the main line.

Leipzig-Leutzsch – Leipzig Hbf (Leipzig-Mockau) (via Wiederitzsch) [550, 580] (46A3-46B3, 131C3-131B3) DE08/304

This is an alternative, longer route between Leipzig-Leutzsch and Leipzig Hbf. It is used by trains between Leipzig and Gera, from Leipzig Hbf every two hours 07:11 until 21:11 and from Leipzig-Plagwitz at 05:57 SuX and every two hours 08:17 until 20:17. The following trains also use this route:

Leipzig-Paunsdorf (Abzw Püchauer Straße) Leipzig Ost (Abzw Torgauer Straße) [500] (46B3, 131C3) DE08/305

Trains from Riesa to the lines to the west, which need to access the middle platforms (11, 14 and 15) at Leipzig Hbf to reverse, use this link between the Riesa and Altenburg lines to avoid conflicting movements.  All trains from Dresden to Erfurt or Magdeburg use this route. These are principally ICE trains hourly from Dresden.

Oschatz – Glossen (b Oschatz) (Döllnitzbahn GmbH) [502] (43A2, 59B3) DE08/306

The Döllnitzbahn operates a limited service which is not shown in the Kursbuch.  Trains over the full length of this 750mm gauge line in 2007 were:

• From Oschatz: 10:45 SO, 12:45 D SSuO, 13:11 SSuX
• From Glossen (b Oschatz): 11:00 D SSuO, 14:05 D SuO, 14:16 SSuX, 15:35 D SO

There is currently no service to Kemmlitz (b Oschatz).   For further information see www.doellnitzbahn.de.

Großenhain Berl Bf – Radebeul West (via Neucoswig) [240] (44B3 to 45A1, 59D3-59D4) DE08/307

This line is used by trains non-stop between Berlin or Elsterwerda and Dresden-Neustadt. There are EC/IC services every two hours.

Dresden-Pieschen – Dresden-Neustadt Gbf – Dresden Mitte [225, 241, 245, 500] (45B1, 73A3) DE08/308

This line is being used by some passenger trains, because of remodelling work at Dresden-Neustadt.  Trains concerned are shown in Kursbuch as calling at Dresden-Neustadt Gl 10.  These comprise:

• RE trains between Dresden and Cottbus every two hours.
• RE trains from Leipzig to Dresden hourly.

Dresden Hbf (south side high level) – Dresden-Plauen (Dresden-Altstadt) (via goods spur) [510, 510.3] (45B1, 73A3) DE08/309

Trains for the Chemnitz line normally use the middle (low level) or north side (high level) platforms at Dresden Hbf. This spur provides access to the south side (high level) platforms 1 to 5.  There has been no scheduled use of this route since 9 December 2007. 

Dresden-Friedrichstadt – Dresden Mitte [225, 245] (45B1, 73A3) DE06/310

This west to north curve allows trains to run direct between the Cossebaude line and Dresden-Neustadt.

Freiberg (Sachs) – Muldenhütten (Freiberg Stw 1) [510] (43B1, 71C2) DE08/311

The main passenger lines and the local lines follow separate alignments east of Freiberg station. Trains via platforms 1 and 2 at Freiberg use the main line; those to and from Dresden using platforms 3 or 4 run via the local lines.  S-Bahn trains to and from Dresden Hbf, starting and terminating at Freiberg (Sachs) use the local lines and platform 4.  These only run Mondays to Fridays and not throughout the day.

Herlasgrün East Curve [530.59] (53B3, 70A4) DE08/312

Herlasgrün station is located in a triangle of tracks, where the line to Falkenstein branches off the main line between Reichenbach and Plauen. Most trains between Falkenstein and Herlasgrün run to and from Plauen (Vogtl) ob Bf or Hof Hbf via the south curve. The east curve is used by:

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Land Nordrhein-Westfalen

Minden (Westf) – Hamm (via Goods Line) [370,400] (25A1, 41C1-52B1) DE08/351

Hamm to Minden is the longest quadruple line in Germany. Between Bielefeld and Gütersloh the goods lines fly over the passenger lines, and between Heessen and Ahlen they dive under. The goods lines are sometimes used by relief trains between Hannover and the Ruhr in order to overtake stopping services. They are also used when engineering work is taking place on the main line, which may be indicated by stopping trains being advertised not to call at certain stations.

Münster (Westf) avoiding line: Westbevern (Sudmühle) – Appelhülsen (Mecklenbeck) (24B1, 134C1-134B2) DE08/352

This line enables trains to run between the Osnabrück and Recklinghausen lines without passing through Münster (Westf) Hbf. There is also a curve to the Hamm line, but that is not used by any passenger trains.

Dortmund Hbf (Abzw Lütgendortmund) – Witten Hbf (Abzw Stockumer Straße) [427,455] (34B3, 138D3) DE08/353

This east to south curve is used by trains running non-stop between Dortmund Hbf and Hagen Hbf. There is an hourly service of ICE/IC trains.

Dortmund Aplerbeck Süd (Abzw Schwerte Heide) – Fröndenberg (Schwerte Ost) [438] (35A1, 139C3) DE08/354

This north to east curve connects the Dortmund and Brilon Wald lines east of Schwerte (Ruhr). It is used by through trains between Dortmund Hbf and Bestwig, Brilon Wald or Winterberg (Westf), approximately hourly, except RB29535 23:23 from Dortmund Hbf, which reverses at Schwerte (Ruhr).

Krefeld-Linn – Meerbusch-Osterrath (Krefeld-Lohbruch) [425, 495] (33A2, 140B1) DE08/355

This north to south curve connects the Duisburg and Neuss lines, avoiding reversal at Krefeld.

Düsseldorf-Rath – Oberhausen-Sterkrade (Oberhausen Hbf Obn) (via Duisburg-Wedau and Abzw Mathilde) (33B1-33B3, 141A2- 137A2) DE08/356

This freight route avoids Duisburg Hbf and Oberhausen Hbf.  It is used by:

Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal – Kalkum [450.1] (33A1, 140D2) DE08/357

The original Düsseldorf Flughafen station, now known as Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal, is at the end of a short branch off the main line from Düsseldorf to Duisburg. Since the new Düsseldorf Flughafen station opened on the main line on 28 May 2000, there has been no direct S-Bahn service between the old station and Duisburg.  The only train now to use the west to north curve off the branch to Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal is

Neuss avoiding line: Neuss am Kaiser (Abzw Erftkanal) – Meerbusch-Osterath (Abzw Weißenberg) [495] (33A1, 141C3) DE08/358

This east to north curve is used by trains between Düsseldorf Hbf and Krefeld not calling at Neuss Hbf. These comprise the half-hourly (hourly at weekends) service between Düsseldorf Hbf and Kleve.

Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Porz (Rhein) (via Köln-Kalk Nord) (36A3, 146C2-148D2) DE08/359

This route enables trains to run between Solingen or Düsseldorf and Bonn-Beuel without passing through Köln Messe/Deutz or Köln Hbf.

Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Köln Süd (via Köln-Kalk Nord and Abzw Südbrücke) [N1] (36A3, 146C2-146A4) DE08/360

This route around the east and south sides of Köln is used by the following trains between Köln and Düsseldorf or Solingen.  The trains between Warszawa and Amsterdam run between Solingen and Düsseldorf via Köln and use this route in order to avoid reversal at Köln Hbf. 

¶ ICE846 runs via Köln-Kalk Nord and Köln Messe/Deutz, not via the Südbrücke.

Köln Süd – Troisdorf (via Abzw Südbrücke and Gremberg Rbf) [465] (36A3, 146A4-148D2) DE08/361

This line enables trains via Bonn-Beuel or the Frankfurt Schnellfahrstrecke to arrive and depart at the west end of Köln Hbf:

Köln-Ehrenfeld – Köln West (36A3, 146A3) DE08/362

This west to south curve links the Aachen and Koblenz lines west of Köln Hbf.

Horrem avoiding line: Quadrath-Ichendorf – Frechen-Königsdorf [481] (37B1, 63A2) DE08/363

This north to east curve is used by all through trains between Bedburg (Erft) and Köln Hbf. There is an hourly service Mondays to Saturdays.

Bonn-Beuel – Hangelar (36B1, 149A4-149B4) DE08/364

Trains operated by Rhein-Sieg-Eisenbahn operate over this line in connection with the annual Pützchens Markt www.puetzchens-markt.de early in September.

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Land Rheinland-Pfalz

Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein (Abzw Koblenz-Pfaffendorf) – Niederlahnstein [465, 466] (48B3, 150D2-150D3) DE08/401

This line is used by trains along the east bank of the Rhein (Rechte Rheinstrecke) which are not booked to call at Koblenz.

Koblenz avoiding line: Koblenz-Lützel – Koblenz Moselweiß (Mosel Gbf) [690] (48B3, 150C2) DE08/402

This north to west curve is used by trains between Köln and the Mosel valley line, if not booked to call at Koblenz Hbf.

Mainz avoiding line: Mainz-Mombach – Wiesbaden Ost/Mainz-Bischofsheim (Abzw Kaiserbrücke) [471] (50B1, 151B2-151C2) DE08/403

This west to north curve provides a connection between the main line from Koblenz via Bingen and the Mainzer Kaiserbrücke over the Rhein between Mainz and Wiesbaden. It is used by some overnight trains, also via Abzw Kostheim and Mainz-Bischofsheim, to avoid Mainz Hbf.  

The following trains are diverted via this route on the dates shown:

D1: 18 May to 12 October

D2: 23 June to 1 August

D3: 23 June to 1 August; SO 17 May to 21 June and 2 August to 11 October  

D4: 23 June to 1 August; SuO 18 May to 22 June and 3 August to 12 October

Ludwigshafen (Rhein) Hbf – Ludwigshafen BASF Nord [660, 665, 670] (55A1, not shown correctly, 159A2-159A1) DE08/404

Various trains to/from Ludwigshafen operate to/from the BASF chemical works. There are three halts, Süd, Mitte and Nord, within the BASF works. Use of the trains is officially restricted to those with works passes. Smoking and photography are strictly forbidden within the works.

Journey time between Ludwigshafen (Rhein) Hbf and Ludwigshafen BASF Nord is 11 or 12 minutes.

Although the service is not advertised to the general public, most trains to and from BASF can be identified in the Kursbuch by 'Lu’hafen BASF' being shown as the destination or origin of trains at the bottom or top of the timing column. Full timings are available from the DB website, www.bahn.de.

Ludwigshafen west curve: Ludwigshafen-Oggersheim – Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim [660,665] (55A1, 159A2) DE08/405

This curve, via the low level west side platforms 6 to 9 at Ludwigshafen (Rhein) Hbf, is used by through trains between the Frankenthal and Schifferstadt lines. There is a service between Mainz and Karlsruhe via Germersheim every two hours, less frequently at weekends.

Ludwigshafen-Rohrlachstraße – Ludwigshafen-Danziger Platz (Rhein Haardtbahn RHB) [668] (55A1 not shown, 159A2 not shown) DE08/406

East of Ludwigshafen-Oggersheim, RHB operates over Verkehrsbetriebe Ludwigshafen am Rhein (VBL) and Mannheimer Verkehrs AG (MVG) tram tracks to Mannheim. The following are the only workings over this VBL curve avoiding Hbf Ludwigshafen, which links the normal RHB route to Mannheim with route 12 to reach the BASF Works. These working are not restricted to BASF staff and are accessible from normal tram stops.

Schifferstadt avoiding line: Limburgerhof – Böhl-Iggelheim [670] (55A1 not shown, 150D) DE08/407

This recently-opened line is used by trains, mostly at two-hourly intervals, between Ludwigshafen and Neustadt (Weinstraße) not calling at Schifferstadt.

Frankenstein (Pfalz) (Hochspeyer Ost) – Enkenbach (Hochspeyer Nord) [670, 672] (56B3, 155D4) DE08/408

This east to north curve links the Neustadt (Weinstraße) and Bingen (Rhein) lines east of Hochspeyer.

Enkenbach – Kaiserslautern Hbf (via Eselsfürth) [672] (56B3, 155C4-155D4) DE08/409

This line is used by those trains between Enkenbach and Kaiserslautern Hbf which are not booked to call at Hochspeyer.

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Land Saarland

Ludwigstraße – Saarbrücken Messe (56A3, 81C) DE08/451

A halt on the freight line to Fürstenhausen adjoins the site of Saarbrücken Messe. Saarbahn trams run to and from this, in connection with certain trade fairs, using a connection from the street-running line at Ludwigstraße to DB in the vicinity of Abzw Saardamm.  In previous years a half-hourly service has operated from the city centre and Hauptbahnhof in connection with the International Saarmesse, which next takes place between 12 and 20 April 2008.

Niedaltdorf – Bouzonville (France) (55B3 not shown, 82C-82D) DE08/453

This entry duplicates FR110. This line has no regular service but special shuttle services have operated from Dillingen in conjunction with the Good Friday market at Bouzonville.  Services ran on 6 April 2007 as follows: Dillingen (Saar) dep 08:40, 11:14, 14:06, 16:18; Bouzonville dep 10:02, 11:56, 15:06, 18:05.  Journey time is approximately 30 minutes (50 minutes for the 08:40). For future years, enquire at DB, Dillingen, or check the DB online timetables.

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Land Hessen

Routes are ordered geographically.  In the Frankfurt area, routes in and out of the Hauptbahnhof are considered first and then the various avoiding lines.  In both cases, routes are ordered clockwise round the city, from Frankfurt am Main Süd to Frankfurt West.

In May or June each year a town in Hessen hosts the Hessentag festival, which lasts about a week.  Special trains are often run to the Hessentag site, which is different each year. In 1997 and 2001 this resulted in temporary passenger services being provided over freight lines.

Obervellmar – Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe (Abzw Kassel Nord West) [430, 612] (40A2, 150A2-150A3) DE08/501

Most Warburg and Volkmarsen trains run to/from Kassel Hbf via Kassel-Harleshausen. IC and ICE trains between Warburg and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and RE trains non-stop between Weimar (Kr Kassel) or Vellmar-Obervellmar and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe run direct via Abzw Kassel Nord West.

Wolfhagen Pommernkaserne – Wolfhagen [Bundeswehr line] [612] (40A2 not shown, 54A3) DE08/502

This 4.4km Bundeswehr (German army) line was formerly used by weekend leave trains, outward Friday morning and return Sunday evening.  These ceased operating in December 2007 or earlier.

Eichenberg avoiding line: Friedland (Han) (Eichenberg Nordkopf) – Arenshausen (Eichenberg Ostkopf) [600] (40B2 not shown, 55B3) DE08/503

This north to east curve links the Göttingen and Nordhausen lines, and is used by through trains between Göttingen and Leinefelde (generally, every two hours).

Bebra avoiding line: Bad Hersfeld (Blankenheim) – Ronshausen (Abzw Faßdorf) [21, 605, 610] (40B1, 67A2) DE08/504

This south to east curve enables trains between Fulda and Eisenach to avoid reversal at Bebra. It is used by trains running non-stop between Fulda or Bad Hersfeld and Eisenach. There is an ICE/IC service at least hourly.

Gießen avoiding line: Dutenhofen – Großen Linden (Gießen Bergwald Stw Gs) [445, 630] (49B3, 65A4) DE08/505

This west to south curve enables trains to run between Wetzlar and Friedberg (Hess) without reversing at Gießen.

Flieden – Sterbfritz (Elm Bbf) (51A3, 76B) DE08/506

This is part of the former main line between München and Hamburg, but daytime expresses all use the Schnellfahrstrecke and diversion of Gemünden local trains to Schlüchtern, instead of Fulda, has left the route with passenger trains only during the night.

Wolfgang (Kr Hanau) – Großkrotzenburg (via Abzw Rauschwald) [615, 640] (49B2, 153D2) DE08/507

This route allows trains to run between the Fulda and Aschaffenburg lines without reversing at Hanau Hbf.

Wolfgang (Kr Hanau) – Hanau Hbf (Abzw Rauschwald) [615] (49B2, 153D2) DE08/508

The following train from the Fulda line is booked to use the south side of Hanau Hbf (platforms 101 to 106) and the curve off the Friedberg line to Wolfgang (Kr Hanau). Other trains use the north side of Hanau Hbf and the bridge under the Friedberg line.

Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Nordseite) [640] (49B2, 153D2) DE08/509

Of the two spurs which link the Maintal line to Hanau Hbf Nordseite (Fulda line), the southerly one is for eastbound trains via platform 7 only. The other is reversible and links with platforms 2 to 7 and is used by:

The following use the connection to platform 7 or the reversible spur:

Frankfurt am Main Hbf

Trains between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Stadion, Neu Isenburg or Frankfurt am Main Süd may use two routes over the River Main, crossing the Niederrader Brücke or the Main Neckar Brücke. The line over the Main Neckar Brücke gives access to platforms in the centre of the Hauptbahnhof. The line over the Niederrader Brücke gives access to the low-numbered platforms on the south side (via Abzw Gutleuthof), the high-numbered ones on the north side of the Hauptbahnhof and the S-Bahn underground station. Several platforms are accessible from both bridges.

Trains via Frankfurt am Main Süd and Neu Isenburg mainly use Main Neckar Brücke and those via Frankfurt am Main Stadion mainly use Niederrader Brücke. Journey time between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and the Hauptbahnhof is only slightly longer via Main Neckar Brücke than via Niederrader Brücke. However, there is a significant difference between Frankfurt am Main Süd and the Hauptbahnhof, with trains via Niederrader Brücke being scheduled at least 10 minutes, rather than 6 or 7 minutes for the Main Neckar Brücke route.

Many long-distance trains reverse at Frankfurt and, in the lists below, trains using a route inward are shown before those using it outward.

Following resignalling at Frankfurt am Main Hbf, the compilers would welcome details as to exactly which platforms are accessible from each bridge.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Süd [351, 615, 640, 641] (50A3, 151C3-151D3) DE08/510

Most trains run via Main Neckar Brücke. The following trains run via Niederrader Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus to and from the south side platforms, via Abzw Gutleuthof, except those marked ¶ which use the north platforms at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

Although trains from Wiebelsbach-Heubach to Frankfurt am Main Hbf, departing Frankfurt am Main Süd at 5 minutes past the hour, are allowed 15 minutes to the Hauptbahnhof, they run via Main Neckar Brücke, but with a pathing stop en route.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Neu Isenburg [650] (50B3, 151C3-151C4) DE08/511

Most trains run via Main Neckar Brücke, but the following use the northern platforms at Frankfurt am Main Hbf and run via Niederrader Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus:

The route from Niederrader Brücke to Neu Isenburg is also used by:

Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Stadion [471, 472, 655] (50B3, 151C3-151B4) DE08/512

Most trains (and particularly RE and RB ones) run via Niederrader Brücke. Most RE and RB trains use platforms on the north side of the Hauptbahnhof.  Most S-Bahn S7 services and most IC and ICE trains run via Abzw Gutleuthof and use platforms on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof.

The following trains run via Main Neckar Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus:

• ICE trains at 16 and 31 minutes past the hour from Mannheim Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Hbf;
• ICE trains at 42 minutes past even hours from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf to Frankfurt am Main Hbf;
• ICE trains at 50 minutes past the hour from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Mannheim Hbf;
• ICE trains at 10 minutes past the hour from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf

The route from Frankfurt am Main Stadion to Main Neckar Brücke is also used by:

Frankfurt-Höchst – Frankfurt am Main Hbf (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße) [627] (50A3, 151C3-152C2) DE08/513

All trains, other than S-Bahn, between Frankfurt-Höchst and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße. Most use the spur from Abzw Mainzer Landstraße to access platforms on the north side of Frankfurt am Main Hbf. Those to and from Limburg (Lahn) run via Abzw Gutleuthof to use platforms on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof, except arrivals at 05:28 & 05:58 and departures at 06:00, 06:13, 06:30, 15:43, 16:13 & 16:43, all SSuX.  The route via Abzw Gutleuthof is also used by:

 Frankfurt-Rödelheim – Frankfurt am Main Hbf (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße) [637] (50A3, 151C3-152D2) DE08/514

This route is used by the through trains between Brandoberndorf, Grävenwiesbach and Frankfurt am Main Hbf, all of which arrive and depart at the north side platforms. S-Bahn trains between Frankfurt-Rödelheim and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Frankfurt West.

Frankfurt am Main Süd (Abst Anlage) – Frankfurt-Louisa (50B3, 151D3-151C4) DE08/515

This east to south curve provides a link between Frankfurt am Main Süd and the Darmstadt line. There is a frequent S-Bahn service over tracks parallel with this route. The main line curve is used by:

Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Frankfurt am Main Süd (via Abzw Forsthaus) [13.2, 21, 22, 645.8] (50B3, 151B4-151D3) DE08/516

This route is used by trains between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and Frankfurt am Main Süd if not booked to call at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  These are ICE services to and from Dresden Hbf two-hourly at 08:11 to 18:11 from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf and at 09:38 to 17:38 from Frankfurt am Main Süd, and:

Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus) (50B3, 151B4-151C4) DE08/517

This route is used by trains between the Mainz and Darmstadt lines if via Rüsselsheim but not Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt-Höchst (Abzw Mainzer Landstrasse) – Frankfurt-Niederrad (50A3 not shown, 151B3-151B4) DE08/518

This line provides a west-south link from Frankfurt-Höchst via the Niederrader Brücke, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt am Main Süd or Louisa (Abzw Main-Neckar Brücke) (50A3, 151C3-151C4) DE08/519

This line provides a north-south link from Frankfurt West via the Main Neckar Brücke, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. Trains via Frankfurt am Main Stadion could also use this route, running via Abzw Forsthaus, but there is an alternative connection from Frankfurt West to the Niederrader Brücke. The following all run via Frankfurt-Louisa.

Wiesbaden avoiding line: Wiesbaden-Biebrich – Wiesbaden Ost [466] (50B1, 151C1) DE08/520

This route is used by trains running between Frankfurt or Mainz and the east bank of the Rhein (Rechte Rheinstrecke) without calling at Wiesbaden Hbf.

Mainz-Mombach (Abzw Kaiserbrücke Ost) – Mainz-Bischofsheim (