Enthusiast's Guide to Travelling the Railways of Europe

GERMANY (Deutschland)

Lines with obscure or sparse passenger services

Last update for this page: 01 June 2009.

This list is based on the timetable valid from 14 December 2008, 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, all of which only convey passengers with cars.  These trains are coded ‘AZ’ and are listed separately in the tables below. 

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) DE09/001

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

Niebüll – Niebüll neg [136] (9B3, 1D3) DE09/002

DB and neg Niebüll GmbH have separate stations in Niebüll.  The only passenger service over the section of the branch to Dagebüll between the neg station and the junction with the main line is provided by a few through workings which do not operate during the winter.  Through trains are indicated in Kursbuch table 136 by the note ‘Gattungs- und Zugnummernwechsel’.

Flintbek (Meimersdorf) – Suchsdorf (Kiel-Hassee) (Kiel avoiding line) [131, 146] (10B2, 118B2) DE09/003

This north to south curve is used by trains between Neumünster and Eckernförde, if not booked via Kiel.  It is not normally used by passenger trains, but the following is diverted this way on Sunday mornings from 5 July to 13 September 2009.

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Land Hamburg

Pinneberg (Hamburg-Eidelstedt Gbf) – Hamburg-Harburg (Abzw Oberhafen) (via Hamburg-Lokstedt and Hamburg-Horn) (22A2, 120C2-119C4) DE09/051

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:

Hamburg-Altona avoiding line: Pinneberg (Hamburg-Langenfelde Bbf) – Hamburg Dammtor (Abzw Rainweg) [130, 131] (22A2, 119A3) DE09/052

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 trains between Hamburg Hbf and Kiel Hbf or Flensburg use this route.  Westerland trains, other than IC ones, mostly start and terminate at Hamburg-Altona.

Hamburg Hbf – Hamburg-Bergedorf (Rothenburgsort Rop) (via Abzw Ericus) [100, 204.1] (22B2, 119C4-119D4) DE09/053

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-Harburg (Abzw Oberhafen/Abzw Norderelbbrücke) (via goods line) [110, 120, 121] (22B2, 119C4-120D4) DE09/054

Major construction work results in there being only one main line route between Hamburg-Harburg and Hamburg Hbf at present.  The old high level main line has been demolished, so all trains use the low level line via Abzw Ericus.

Hamburg Hbf (Abzw Wilhelmsburg) – Hamburg-Harburg (via harbour line) [121] (22B2, 120D3-120D4) DE09/055

South of Abzw Wilhelmsburg an additional pair of tracks, designated Hafen-Gl (harbour line), run broadly parallel to the main line on the approach to Hamburg-Harburg.  They are normally 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, 119C4-119D4) DE09/056

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

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Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Waren (Müritz) (Lalendorf Ost) – Plaaz [19.1, 205] (12B1 and 19B3, 15B3-15C3) DE09/101

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) DE09/102

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.

¶ These trains are advertised in promotional material on page 42 of the Kursbuch Nord as running between Berlin and Ostseebad Binz via Stralsund Rügendamm.  However, they are shown in the timetables, and in the DB database, as to and from Stralsund.

Lietzow (Abzw Borchtitz) – Sassnitz Fahrhafen [N32] (13B3, 7C2) DE09/103

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) DE09/151

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, sometimes 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) DE09/152

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 passenger use of the connections between Bremen-Hemelingen and Bremen Hbf via Abzw Vahr known to the compilers.

Bremen avoiding line: Sagehorn – Dreye (Gabelung) [10] (16B1, 9D1-9C3) DE09/153

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

D1: 9 January to 10 May 2009.

Munster (Örtze) – Munster (Örtze) Kaserne Emminger Weg [17.2] (17B1 not shown, 21D4) DE09/154

This is a branch line which serves an army camp south-west of Munster (Örtze).  There is a passenger halt 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.  The following trains start and terminate there for the benefit of Bundeswehr personnel.      

Lüneburg Westseite (West station) [110] (18A2, not shown, 22C3) DE09/155

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) DE09/156

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

Osnabrück Schinkel and Stahlwerks Curves: Osnabrück ob Bf – Osnabrück unt Bf [410] (25A2, 40C3) DE09/157

These curves enable trains to run between the high level and low level stations at Osnabrück.  The following trains are diverted via this route from 26 October until 22 November 2009, as a result of engineering work between Münster (Westf) and Rheine. 

Aligse (Lehrte Nordgruppe, former Stw Lnf) – Ahlten [363.3] (26B2, 122D4-122C4) DE09/158

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 S-Bahn service between Hannover and Celle via this curve.

Lehrte – Hannover Messe/Laatzen (via Misburg and Abzw Waldheim) [22, 349] (26B2, 122D4-122D3) DE09/159

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) DE09/160

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) DE09/161

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.

Edesheim (Leine) Schnellfahrstrecke connection: [351] (40B3 not shown, 43A4) DE09/162

The connections between the Schnellfahrstrecke and the old main line at Edesheim (Leine) (north of Northeim) are not normally used by passenger trains.  That allowing trains to run between the old main line to the south and the Schnellfahrstrecke to the north is used by the following trains between 25 April and 19 May 2009, plus other days as noted.

Nörten-Hardenberg Schnellfahrstrecke connection: [351] (40B3 not shown, 55B2) DE09/163

The connections between the Schnellfahrstrecke and the old main line at Nörten-Hardenberg (north of Göttingen) are not normally used by passenger trains.  That allowing trains to run between the old main line to the south and the Schnellfahrstrecke to the north is scheduled to be used by the following trains between 6 and 22 June 2009.  It is possible that trains will use the Schnellfahrstrecke to and from Göttingen, if not needing to be overtaken by an ICE service.

D14: Not 16 June 2009.

Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe (Abzw Siekweg) – Göttingen east side platforms [351] (40B3 not shown, 55A2-55B2) DE09/164

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

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Land Sachsen-Anhalt

Magdeburg-Buckau – Magdeburg Sudenburg [43, 310, 340] (28A2, 123C3) DE09/201

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

Lutherstadt Wittenberg [205, 216, 250] (29A1, 46C3) DE09/202

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

Halle (Saale) Hbf (Gröbers Fernbahn) – Großkugel (Gröbers Süd) [504] (42B3 not shown, 130D2) DE09/203

The connection at Gröbers from the main line from Halle (Saale) onto to the S-Bahn line to Leipzig is 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, 200.47] (31B2, 128B3) DE09/251

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, S47 19:24, S47 19:44, S47 20:04
• 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 [43.3, 209.54, N10] (32A2-32A3 not shown, 129C3-128D1) DE09/252

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

Berlin-Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Berlin-Wedding) – Berlin-Jungfernheide (Berlin-Moabit) [43, 203] (32A2, 128D1-128C2) DE09/253

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

Berlin-Spandau (Berlin Wiesendamm) – Berlin-Wannsee (Grunewald Gds) (31B2 not shown in full, 128A2-128A3) DE09/254

This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleis, and connections off it, link the routes from Berlin to Potsdam and to Hamburg.  The following Autozüge run via Berlin-Wannsee:

Berlin-Spandau – Berlin-Staaken [202] (31B2, 124D4-124C4) DE09/255

There are two routes between Berlin-Spandau and Staaken. The more northerly route makes a junction with the line from Falkensee about 1 km to the west of Berlin-Spandau.  The southern route, mostly following the alignment of the Lehrter Bahn, converges with the main line at the west end of Berlin-Spandau station. Trains using the southern route can call only at platform 6, or use a non-platform track outside the station roof.  IC, ICE and EC trains use the northern route.  Eastbound RE and RB trains using platform 6 at Berlin-Spandau 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) DE09/256

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) DE09/257

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) DE09/258

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 DE09/259 and service RB60 hourly between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Eberswalde.

Berlin Ostbahnhof (Abzw Rummelsburg Rgbv) – Berlin-Hohenschönhausen (Abzw Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord) [203] (32A2, 129C3-129D2) DE09/259

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) DE09/260

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) [43.3, 209.35] (32B2, 129C2-36C3) DE09/261

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] (32A2, 125B-125D) DE09/262

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) DE09/263

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) DE09/264

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) DE09/265

This east to south curve links the Außenring to the Berlin – Leipzig main line.  The following trains make use of this curve until 12 June 2009, while diverted away from the Dresden main line. 

Ludwigsfelde – Saarmund (Genshagener Heide West) (32A1, 127A3) DE09/266

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

Beelitz-Heilstatten – Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Lia) [N25] (31A1, 126A4) DE09/267

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) DE09/268

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

Berlin-Schöneweide (Abzw Grünau) – Berlin ILA-Bahnhof (Schönefeld Flughafen Süd) (32B1 not shown, 127D2) DE09/269

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, www.messe-berlin.de. The next ILA will be from 8 to 13 June 2010.

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) DE09/270

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) DE09/271

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 05:02 to 19:02 and by:

Cottbus (Südseite Stw W20) – Leuthen (b Cottbus) (Cottbus Südwest Stw B2) [208] (30B1 not shown, 49B4) DE09/272

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) DE09/273

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) DE09/274

This south to west curve connects the line from Elsterwerda-Biehla with the high level platform 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.

Falkenberg (Elster) – Glaubitz (b Riesa) (Abzw Zeithain Bogendreieck) [240] (43B3, 59C1-59C3) DE09/275

This part of the original rail route from Berlin to Dresden links Falkenberg with the Leipzig – Dresden main line near Riesa.  It no longer has a regular passenger service, but the following are diverted from the Dresden main line until 12 June 2009. 

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Land Sachsen

Kyhna (Delitzsch Gbf) – Delitzsch unt Bf [219] (42B3, 58B2) DE09/301

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) DE09/302

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) DE09/303

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.

Schkeuditz (Abzw Leipzig-Wahren West) – Leipzig Hbf (Leipzig-Mockau) (via Wiederitzsch) [504] (42B3 not shown, 130D2) DE09/304

This is an alternative, longer route between the S-Bahn line from Halle (Salle) and Leipzig Hbf.  Until the line via Leipzig/Halle Flughafen opened it was part of the main line between Leipzig and Halle.

Leipzig-Leutzsch – Leipzig Hbf (Leipzig-Mockau) (via Wiederitzsch) [550, 580] (46A3-46B3, 131C3-131B3) DE09/305

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 17:11 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) DE09/306

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) (43A2, 59B3) DE09/307

The Döllnitzbahn operates a limited service over this 750mm gauge line, which is not shown in the kursbuch.  Steam trains operate to Glossen occasionally, but the only regular trains over the full length of the line are:

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) DE09/308

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

Großenhain Berl Bf – Radebeul-Naundorf (via Neucoswig) [240] (44B3 to 45A1, 59D3-59D4) DE09/309

There is a connection off the fast line from Großenhain to the Cossebaude route into Dresden.  The EC trains listed below are diverted via this route from 2 March until 13 June 2009.

Dresden Hbf (south side high level) – Dresden-Plauen (Dresden-Altstadt) (via goods spur) [510, 510.3] (45B1, 73A3) DE09/310

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.

Dresden-Plauen (Abzw Freital Ost) - Tharandt [510] (44A2 not shown, 72D4) DE09/311

A single-track goods line runs to the north of the main line, and at lower level, between Freital Ost and Tharandt.  At Freital-Hainsberg it is on the far side of the narrow-gauge station and yard from the main line.  The following passenger trains are scheduled to use this route:

Some of these trains run on days of the week additional to those shown, but via the main line through Freital-Hainsberg.

Freiberg (Sachs) – Muldenhütten (Freiberg Stw 1) [510] (43B1, 71C2) DE09/312

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 early in the morning and during the afternoon.

Werdau (Werdau Bogendreieck, Werdauer Spitz) – Neumark (Sachsen) (Werdau Bogendreieck, Neumarker Spitz) [530] (42B1, 132A4) DE09/313

This north to south side of the Werdau triangle is part of the main line from Leipzig to München via Hof, but most trains now run to and from Zwickau.  This side of the triangle is used by trains non-stop between Werdau and Reichenbach (Vogtl) every two hours 08:31 to 22:31 (but not 18:31) from Werdau and at 14 or 15 minutes past alternate hours 09:15 to 19:15 from Reichenbach (Vogtl); also by:

Herlasgrün East Curve [530.59] (53B3, 70A4) DE09/314

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) DE09/351

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) DE09/352

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) DE09/353

This east to south curve is used by trains running non-stop between Dortmund Hbf and Witten Hbf or Hagen Hbf. There are hourly services of ICE/IC trains to Hagen and RE trains to Witten.

Dortmund Aplerbeck Süd (Abzw Schwerte Heide) – Fröndenberg (Schwerte Ost) [438] (35A1, 139C3) DE09/354

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).

Hagen-Vorhalle – Schwerte (Ruhr) (Abzw Hohensyburg) (35A1, 139A4-139B4) DE09/355

This route allows trains to run between the Witten and Schwerte lines without reversing at Hagen Hbf. It is not normally used by passenger trains, but a special Ruhrtalbahn Zechenexpress service runs this way on the fourth Saturday of the month from March to October.  See www.ruhrtalbahn.de.

Düsseldorf-Rath – Oberhausen-Sterkrade (Oberhausen Hbf Obn) (via Duisburg-Wedau and Abzw Mathilde) (33B1-33B3, 141A2- 137A2) DE09/356

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

Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal – Kalkum [450.1] (33A1, 140D2) DE09/357

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

Düsseldorf Hbf (Abzw Düsseldorf-Berg) – Düsseldorf-Eller (Abzw Düsseldorf-Sturm) (33B1 not shown, 141A4) DE09/358

The S-Bahn line between Düsseldorf Hbf and Düsseldorf-Eller crosses over the main line so that trains can access platforms on the west side of the Hauptbahnhof.  This connection is off the east side of the main line, south of Düsseldorf Hbf.  It is used by the trains via Hilden and Opladen listed under route DE09/359 below.

Hilden – Köln-Mülheim (via Opladen and Leverkusen-Morsbroich) (33B1-36A3, 141B4-147C4) DE09/359

This is a freight route between Düsseldorf and Köln, which is also used by the following passenger trains:

Neuss avoiding line: Neuss am Kaiser (Abzw Erftkanal) – Meerbusch-Osterath (Abzw Weißenberg) [495] (33A1, 141C3) DE09/360

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.

Neuss Pbf - Neuss am Kaiser (Abzw Erftkanal) [415, 450.8, 481, 485] (33A1, 141C3) DE09/360A

Neuss station is in two parts, east and west, with separate approach tracks to each from the Düsseldorf, Grevenbroich and Köln lines. All S-Bahn trains, plus services RE4 (Aachen – Dortmund) and RE13 (Venlo – Hamm), use the west side. Other trains, including all of those to and from Krefeld, use the east side. Therefore, most trains between Düsseldorf and Neuss use the west side, the exceptions using the east side being RE38 trains to and from Grevenbroich, plus long-distance trains routed via Köln and Neuss:

Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Porz (Rhein) (via Köln-Kalk Nord) (36A3, 146C2-148D2) DE09/361

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) (36A3, 146C2-146A4) DE09/362

This route around the east and south sides of Köln is used by the following trains between Köln and Düsseldorf or Solingen.  Those between Warszawa and Amsterdam run between Solingen and Düsseldorf via Köln and use this route in order to avoid reversal at Köln Hbf.  Both of these trains cross the Südbrücke after stopping at Köln Hbf, EN446 to set down only.  

Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Köln-Eifeltor (via Köln-Kalk Nord and Abzw Südbrücke) (36A3, 146C2-146A4) DE09/363

This is the route via the Südbrücke, with the south-facing curve onto the Rhein west bank main line.  

Köln Süd – Troisdorf (via Abzw Südbrücke and Gremberg Rbf) [465] (36A3, 146A4-148D2) DE09/364

This route over the Südbrücke 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) DE09/365

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) DE09/366

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) DE09/367

Trains operated by Rhein-Sieg-Eisenbahn usually 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) DE09/401

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

Mainz avoiding line: Mainz-Mombach – Wiesbaden Ost/Mainz-Bischofsheim (Abzw Kaiserbrücke) [471] (50B1, 151B2-151C2) DE09/402

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 from 14 March to 23 August 2009, unless shown otherwise:

D1: 13 July to 21 August

Ludwigshafen (Rhein) Hbf – Ludwigshafen BASF Nord [660, 665, 670] (55A1, not shown correctly, 159A2-159A1) DE09/403

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, http://www.bahn.de/.

Ludwigshafen west curve: Ludwigshafen-Oggersheim – Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim [660,665] (55A1, 159A2) DE09/404

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.

Schifferstadt avoiding line: Limburgerhof – Böhl-Iggelheim [670] (55A1 not shown, 150D) DE09/405

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

Frankenstein (Pfalz) (Hochspeyer Ost) – Enkenbach (Hochspeyer Nord) [670, 672] (56B3, 155D4) DE09/406

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) DE09/407

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) DE09/451

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 28 March and 5 April 2009.

Niedaltdorf – Bouzonville (France) (55B3 not shown, 82C-82D) DE09/452

This entry duplicates FR110. This line has no regular service but special shuttle services operate from Dillingen in conjunction with the Good Friday market at Bouzonville.  Services will run on 10 April 2009 as follows: Dillingen (Saar) dep 09:00, 11:14, 14:06, 16:18; Bouzonville dep 10:02, 11:56, 15:06, 18:05.  Journey time is approximately 30 minutes. 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 am Main 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.  The 2009 event is at Langenselbold.

Vellmar-Obervellmar – Kassel Hbf [430, 612] (40A2, 150A2-150A3) DE09/501

Light rail services between Vellmar-Obervellmar and Kassel city centre via the low level station at Kassel Hbf all run via Kassel-Harleshausen.  Heavy rail trains between Kassel Hbf and Vellmar-Obervellmar run via Abzw Kassel Nordwest, except for the following via Kassel-Harleshausen.  

Eichenberg avoiding line: Friedland (Han) (Eichenberg Nordkopf) – Arenshausen (Eichenberg Ostkopf) [540.1, 600] (40B2 not shown, 55B3) DE09/502

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] (40B1, 67A2) DE09/503

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.

Herzhausen – Frankenberg (Eder) – Battenberg-Auhammer [622.1] (39B2, 65A1-65B1) DE09/504

In recent years a limited Sunday service has been provided over this line from May to October.  This may be repeated in 2009, with details available at www.bahn.de/kurhessenbahn.

Gießen avoiding line: Dutenhofen – Großen Linden (Gießen Bergwald Stw Gs) [445] (49B3, 65A4) DE09/505

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

Flieden – Sterbfritz (Elm Bbf) (51A3, 78C1-78C2) DE09/506

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 apart from a few southbound AutoZüge during the summer.

 Großkrotzenburg – Hanau Nord (via Abzw Rauschwald) [633, 640] (49B2, 153D2) DE09/507

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

Wolfgang (Kr Hanau) – Hanau Hbf (via Abzw Rauschwald) [615] (49B2, 153D2) DE09/508

This route enables trains to and from the Fulda line to use the south side platforms at Hanau Hbf.

Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Nordseite) [640] (49B2, 153D2) DE09/509

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 ICE trains every two hours from Fulda 06:44 to 18:44 (not all daily) plus:

D1: Until 30 June 2009.  Thereafter ICE579 runs via Offenbach (Main).

The connection to platform 7 or the reversible spur are used by ICE trains every two hours from Frankfurt am Main Süd 08:22 to 20:22 (not all daily), plus:

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. The Main Neckar Brücke gives access to the middle platforms.  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) DE09/510

Most trains run via Main Neckar Brücke. The following trains run via Niederrader Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus.

Although trains from Groß-Umstadt Wiebelsbach 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) DE09/511

Most trains run via Main Neckar Brücke, but the following are scheduled 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) DE09/512

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) DE09/513

All trains, other than S-Bahn, between Frankfurt-Höchst and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße. Those to and from Koblenz and Wiesbaden use the connection between Abzw Mainzer Landstraße and the platforms on the north side of Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  Most of those to and from Limburg (Lahn) run via Abzw Gutleuthof to use platforms on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof.  Limburg trains to and from the north side of the Hauptbahnhof are arrivals at 05:28 SuX, 05:58 SSuX & 16:31 SSuX and departures at 06:00 SSuX, 06:13 SSuX, 06:30 SSuO, 15:43 SSuX & 16:43 SSuX.

Frankfurt-Rödelheim – Frankfurt am Main Hbf (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße) [637] (50A3, 151C3-152D2) DE09/514

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 [650] (50B3, 151D3-151C4) DE09/515

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) DE09/516

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:

From 14 June 2009: ICE services to and from Leipzig Hbf or Dresden Hbf two-hourly at 08:11 to 20:11 from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf and at 09:38 to 19:38 from Frankfurt am Main Süd.

Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus) (50B3, 151B4-151C4) DE09/517

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) DE09/518

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-Niederrad (50A3, 151C3-151B4) DE09/519

This line provides a north-south link from Frankfurt West via Frankfurt-Niederrad, 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) DE09/520

This line provides a north-south link from Frankfurt West via the Main Neckar Brücke, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof.

Train AZ13310 runs from Frankfurt Süd to Neu Isenburg via reversal at Frankfurt West

Wiesbaden avoiding line: Wiesbaden-Biebrich – Wiesbaden Ost [466] (50B1, 151C1) DE09/521

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 (Abzw Kostheim) (50B1, 151C1-151D2) DE09/522

This south to east curve at the north end of the Mainzer Kaiserbrücke forms part of a route avoiding Mainz Hbf.  It is used by the trains listed under route DE09/402.

Kelsterbach – Frankfurt am Main Stadion (Abzw Frankfurt Schwanheim) [471, 645.8] (50B2, 152C3-152D3) DE09/523

This is part of the original main line and is used by trains between Mainz Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Hbf, Frankfurt am Main Süd or Neu Isenburg which stop at neither of the stations at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen.

Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Regionalbahnhof – Frankfurt am Main Stadion (Abzw Frankfurt Schwanheim) [471] (50B2, 151A4-151A3) DE09/524

Most trains between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Regionalbahnhof use the flyover over the main line from Kelsterbach. Trains, other than S-Bahn, from the airport to the main station at Frankfurt am Main Hbf or via Abzw Forsthaus are likely to use this connection directly onto the main line. These include all RE trains from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Regionalbahnhof to Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

Raunheim (Abzw Mönchwald) – Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf (Abzw Mönchhof) [471] (50B2, 152B4) DE09/525

This spur connects the old main line from Mainz Hbf to the Schnellfahrstrecke from Köln. It is used by trains calling at both Mainz Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf.  There is an hourly IC/ICE service.

Limburg Süd (Raunheim Caltex) – Kelsterbach (Raunheim Brunnenschneise) (50B2, 152B3) DE09/526

This north to east curve connects the Schnellfahrstrecke from Köln to the old main line via Kelsterbach.  No passenger trains are currently scheduled to use it.  

Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – Zeppelinheim [655] (50B2, 152D3) DE09/527

This south to west curve is from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf to the line to Mannheim via Biblis. It is used by trains running direct between Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf and Mannheim. These are principally hourly ICE trains between Köln and Basel or München and two-hourly ICE trains between Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart (which reverse at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf). The Fernbahnhof (and associated AlRail Terminal) are closed from 00:30 to 05:00, during which period all trains use the Regionalbahnhof.

Groß Gerau – Groß Gerau-Dornberg [660] (49B1, 154A2) DE09/528

IC and EC trains between Mainz and Mannheim (not calling at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen) normally run via Worms, but diversions via Groß Gerau and Groß Gerau-Dornberg do occur. Relief IC trains may also use this west to south curve. It is possible to tell from the route indicator on the departure signal at Mannheim Hbf if a fast train to Mainz is to be diverted via Groß Gerau: 'W' indicates that the train will run via Mannheim-Waldhof and must, therefore, use the Groß Gerau curve to reach Mainz.  IC/EC trains normally via Worms are diverted via Groß Gerau from 14 March until 23 August 2009. 

Other trains normally via this route are:

Weiterstadt (Darmstadt Bergschneise) – Darmstadt Nord (49B1, 154C2) DE09/529

This west to east route connects the Mainz and Aschaffenburg lines north of Darmstadt Hbf.

Arheilgen – Darmstadt-Nord [641] (49B1, 154C2) DE09/530

This north to east curve connects the Frankfurt am Main and Aschaffenburg lines north of Darmstadt Hbf. It is used by through trains between Groß-Umstadt Wiebelsbach and Frankfurt am Main Hbf via Darmstadt Nord, generally every two hours.

Darmstadt Hbf – Weiterstadt (Weiterstadt Stockschneise) [651] (49B1, 154C2) DE09/531

There are two routes from Darmstadt Hbf to the line to Mainz via Weiterstadt. Most trains use the shorter route, joining the line from Darmstadt Nord at Darmstadt Bergschneise. The alternative, via a flyover crossing the Darmstadt Nord line and joining it at Weiterstadt Stockschneise, may be used by trains from Darmstadt Hbf allowed 8 minutes, instead of 7, to Weiterstadt. These depart Darmstadt Hbf at 07:06, 08:06, 16:06 and hourly until 19:06, all Mondays to Fridays. Confirmation of the route taken by these trains will be welcome.

Darmstadt Hbf – Darmstadt-Kranichstein (49B1, 154C2) DE09/532

A shuttle service may operate between Darmstadt Hbf and Darmstadt-Kranichstein in connection with special events at the Darmstadt-Kranichstein railway museum. These trains normally use a completely different route from normal passenger services, which operate to and from platforms on the west side of Darmstadt Hbf. Shuttles use platform 1, on the east side of the Hauptbahnhof, and the goods line via Darmstadt Nord. For details of future events, see www.museumsbahn.de.

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Land Thüringen

Grimmenthal – Ritschenhausen [570, 815] (52A3, 79C1) DE09/551

This line is used by trains between Erfurt Hbf and Schweinfurt Hbf, to avoid reversal at Meiningen. These run every two hours.

Grimmenthal: connections at west and east ends of station [570] (52A3, 79D1) DE09/552

Just west of Grimmenthal station, the Meiningen – Themar line crosses over the Schweinfurt – Suhl line, each route having its own platforms at Grimmenthal. To enable through running between Meiningen and Suhl, there are connecting spurs at both west and east ends of the station. In general, the western spur is used by trains from Meiningen to Zella-Mehlis or Erfurt and those from Erfurt or Zella-Mehlis to Meiningen use the eastern spur.

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Land Baden-Württemberg

Mannheim-Waldhof – Mannheim Hbf (via Mannheim-Käfertal) [655] (55A1, 159A2-159A1) DE09/601

Most trains between Mannheim-Waldhof and Mannheim Hbf run via Mannheim-Luzenberg. Only one train is now scheduled to call at Mannheim-Käfertal and, therefore, obliged to use the alternative route.  TGVs between Paris and Frankfurt am Main reverse at Mannheim Hbf and run via Mannheim-Luzenberg.

Mannheim-Friedrichsfeld – Schwetzingen (55B1, 159C3-159B4) DE09/602

This section of the main line between Frankfurt am Main and Karlsruhe avoids both Mannheim Hbf and Heidelberg Hbf.

Appenweier – Legelshurst (Appenweier Kurve) [72, 719] (57A1, 102C1) DE09/603

This north to west curve forms part of the triangular junction between the Karlsruhe – Basel main line and the line to Kehl and Strasbourg. Local trains between Kehl and Offenburg stopping at Appenweier, use platform 9 on the south curve. The north curve is used by through trains between Karlsruhe and Strasbourg, principally the TGVs between Paris and Stuttgart.  AutoZüge between Germany and France also use this route.

Ubstadt-Weiher (Abzw Ubstadt) – Vaihingen (Enz.) (Abzw Rollenberg) [770] (57B2 not shown, 161B1) DE09/604

This north to east curve connects the Heidelberg to Karlsruhe main line with the Mannheim to Stuttgart Schnellfahrstrecke. It is used by frequent EC/IC/ICE trains non-stop between Heidelberg Hbf and Vaihingen (Enz) or Stuttgart Hbf.

Bruchsal (Abzw Bruchsal Nord) – Vaihingen (Enz.) (Abzw Rollenberg) [72, 770] (57B2 not shown, 161B1) DE09/605

This south to east curve connects the Heidelberg to Karlsruhe main line with the Mannheim to Stuttgart Schnellfahrstrecke. It is used by EC/IC/ICE/TGV trains non-stop between Karlsruhe Hbf or Bruchsal and Vaihingen (Enz) or Stuttgart Hbf.

Enzberg – Ötisheim (Mühlacker Kurve) [772] (57B2, 94A2) DE09/606

This west to north curve links the Pforzheim and Bretten lines, avoiding Mühlacker, and is used on summer Sundays by trains between Pforzheim Hbf and Maulbronn Stadt.  Trains run in 2009 from 3 May until 18 October.

• From Pforzheim Hbf: 10:11, 12:15, 14:15 & 16:11
• From Maulbronn Stadt: 11:25, 13:21, 15:21 & 17:25

Ludwigsburg (Abzw Karlshöhe) to Stuttgart-Zazenhausen (former Abzw Leichenberg) (via Kornwestheim Rbf) [61] (58A1, 168B1-168B2) DE09/607

This line is used by most trains from Ludwigsburg to Ulm if not calling at Stuttgart Hbf. Trains from Ulm to Ludwigsburg not via Stuttgart Hbf run via Kornwestheim passenger station, using the same line as the local passenger service between Kornwestheim and Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (Kursbuch table 790.11). Some southbound trains run via Kornwestheim passenger station. Trains via Kornwestheim Rbf are:

Forschungszentrum – Leopoldshafen (Albtalbahn) [710.1] (57A2 not shown, 152B) DE09/608

This branch off the Hochstetten line is used by services for workers at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (a nuclear research establishment). Although these trains are shown without restriction in the KVV timetable, only Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe employees, holding an official identification card, are permitted to enter the plant using these services.

¶ These run as portions of services to and from Hochstetten.

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Land Bayern

Burgsinn Bbf Schnellfahrstrecke connection [351, 800.1, F11] (51B2, 78C3) DE09/651

There are north- and south-facing connections from the Schnellfahrstrecke to the old main line at Burgsinn Bbf. The southern connection is used by day trains running non-stop between Fulda and Gemünden (Main), but calling at the latter.

Gemünden (Main) (Wernfeld) – Waigolshausen [800, 810] (51B1-51B2, 78A4-79B4) DE09/652

This line, which is about 35 km long, provides a more direct route between Gemünden (Main) and Schweinfurt than the main line via Würzburg or the branch lines via Bad Kissingen. It is likely to be used by excursions, particularly steam trains, between the Frankfurt area and Meiningen or Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg, because it is a suitable place for photographic stops and run-pasts.

Fürth (Bay) Hbf – Nürnberg-Eibach (Abzw Muster) [N25] (65B3, 162B3-162B4) DE09/653

This is part of the Nürnberg ring line, which is used by passenger trains between Fürth and Treuchtlingen if not calling (and reversing) at Nürnberg Hbf.  Trains are diverted via Fulda and Erfurt and do not use this route from 1 August until 14 September 2009.  This is because the line between Forchheim and Bamberg is closed for engineering work. 

Nürnberg-Dutzendteich – Nürnberg-Eibach (Abzw Muster) (via Nürnberg Rbf) [900] (65B3, 162B3-162B4) DE09/654

This is the eastern part of the Nürnberg ring line, which is used by the following trains to avoid reversal at Nürnberg Hbf:

Hersbruck (rechts Pegnitz) – Pommelsbrunn [890.1] (60A3, 90A3) DE09/655

This spur links the lines leading east from Nürnberg on each bank of the Pegnitz. It is used by trains between Nürnberg Hbf and Neukirchen (b Sulzbach-Rosenberg) that call at Hersbruck (rechts Pegnitz) or are non-stop. Principal use is by the hourly RE service between Nürnberg, Schwandorf and Neustadt (Waldnaab).

Trebgast (Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg Süd) – Marktschorgast (Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg Ost) (Schlömener Kurve) [860] (53A2 not shown, 81B3) DE09/656

This south to north curve, opened in 2001, connects the Bayreuth and Hof lines, avoiding Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg.  It is used by IRE trains between Nürnberg and Chemnitz or Dresden via Bayreuth.  These mostly run every two hours (four hours at weekends).

Dombühl - Feuchtwangen [- Dinkelsbühl - Nördlingen] (59A2, 96B1-2) DE09/657

This is the northern end of the line used in summer by Bayerisches Eisenbahn Museum (BEM) tourist steam trains between Nördlingen and Feuchtwangen. In conjunction with the Dinkelsbühler Weihnachtsmarkt a service of shuttle trains between Dombühl and Dinkelsbühl operated on the Saturdays and Sundays of four weekends immediately prior to Christmas 2008. It is not known whether this will become an annual feature so readers should consult the BEM website next autumn.

Ingolstadt Hbf – Weichering and Schrobenhausen (Seehof Bbf) [983,993] (60A1 not shown, 97D4) DE09/658

The lines to Ingolstadt from Augsburg and from Donauwörth join at Seehof Bbf and then split into two independent single tracks forming a flying junction with the main line from München. Crossovers south of Ingolstadt Hbf mean that all platforms are accessible from both routes, but the branch trains do not normally cross the main line on the flat. Trains to platforms 5, 6 and 7, on the east side of Ingolstadt Hbf use the flyover, but those to platforms 1, 2 and 2a on the west side do not. The hourly trains to and from Augsburg mostly use platforms 1, 2 and 2a, and the direct spur from Seehof Bbf. Most trains to and from Donauwörth use the flyover and platforms 5, 6 and 7.  Exceptions are:

• Augsburg line arrivals: 06:19 SSuX, 07:54 SSuX, 14:48 SSuX, 16:48 SSuX & 18:48 SSuX
• Augsburg line departures: 05:29 SSuX, 06:30 SSuX, 08:14, 15:11 SSuX, 17:11 SSuX & 19:11 SSuX
• Donauwörth line arrivals: 05:50 SSuX, 07:55 SSuO & 14:37 SSuX
• Donauwörth line departures: 06:04 SSuX, 06:23 SSuX, 07:02 SSuX, 13:25 SSuX & 21:07 SSuX

Augsburg-Oberhausen – Neusäß (Augsburg-Hirblinger Straße) [980] (70B3, 163C3) DE09/659

There are two routes, that from the east side of (and flying over) the Donauwörth line being used by most trains. The other, from the west side of the Donauwörth line, is used by trains between the Ulm line and platforms 7, 8, 9 and 801 at Augsburg Hbf.  These are all local trains, timed at Augsburg Hbf thus:

• Arrivals: 04:58 SSuX, 05:31, 06:16 SSuX, 06:28, 07:00 SSuX, 07:17 SSuX, 07:52 SSuX, 08:02 SSuX, 08:15 SSuX, 08:50 SSuX, 10:33, 11:02 SSuX, 11:33, 12:02 SSuX, 13:33, 16:50 SSuX, 17:33, 17:52 SSuX, 18:50 SSuX, 19:33, 20:02 SSuX, 20:33, 21:33, 22:33 & 23:33
• Departures:05:25, 05:44 SSuX, 07:25, 08:25, 10:52 SSuX, 11:25, 11:52 SSuX, 12:25, 13:05 SSuX, 13:52 SSuX, 16:05 SSuX, 16:39 SSuX, 17:05 SSuX, 17:39 SSuX, 18:05 SSuX, 18:39 SSuX, 19:52 SSuX, 20:25, 20:52 SSuX, 21:25, 21:52, 22:52 & 23:53

Leienfelsstrasse (Abzw. Pasing West) – München Hbf (Abzw München Kanal) (via Pasing and Abzw Pasing Nord) [970] (66A2, 164B3-164D3) DE09/660

The normal route for trains between Buchloe and München Hbf is by a flyover over the Gauting (S6) S-Bahn tracks west of Pasing, through platforms 1 to 3 there and thence to the northern side platforms at Hauptbahnhof by the Fernbahn line (from Starnberg). EC trains between München and Zürich via Lindau normally use an alternative route.  From Abzw Pasing West this dives under S-Bahn tracks from Nannhofen (S8) and the Augsburg main line, passes north of Pasing station and joins the Ingolstadt main line at Abzw Kanal. Trains from München Hbf may, instead, follow the Augsburg main line to München-Pasing and join the dive-under route to Abzw Pasing West there.

München-Pasing (Abzw Landsberger Straße) – München Ost (München Süd) (via Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke) [980] (66A2, 164B3-165A4) DE09/661

Most trains from the Augsburg direction not calling at the Hauptbahnhof follow the main line from München-Pasing as it dives below the S-Bahn and Starnberg tracks. They branch south on to the avoiding line at Abzw Landsberger Straße and continue via Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke to join the main line from München Hbf to München Ost at München Süd.

München-Pasing – München-Ost (München Süd) (via Laim Rbf and Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke) [980] (66A2, 164B3-165A4) DE09/662

As an alternative to DE09/661, trains from Augsburg may branch north at München-Pasing, cross over the Ingolstadt and Landshut lines, pass München-Laim Rbf and (east of Laim S-Bahn station) cross under the lines serving München Hbf to join route DE08/660 at Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke.

München-Pasing (Abzw Landsberger Straße) – München-Mittersendling (via Laim Rbf and Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke) (66A2, 164B3-166D4) DE09/663

This route is the same as DE09/662 between München-Pasing and Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke, and then includes the curve to München-Mittersendling, which is also used by S-Bahn service S20.  The following trains run to and from Rosenheim via Holzkirchen.

München-Obermenzing – München Ost (München Süd) (via Laim Rbf and Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke) (66A2, 164C3-165A4) DE09/664

Trains can also run between the Ingolstadt line and München Ost, avoiding the Hauptbahnhof. These use a new line from München-Obermenzing to Laim Rbf, whence the route is common with DE09/661 via Abzw Friedenheimer Brücke to München Süd. Reconstruction of the railway between München and Petershausen included removal of the former connection between München-Allach and Laim Rbf.

München-Moosach (Abzw München-Neulustheim) – München Laim Rbf (66A2-66B3, 166B2-167B3) DE09/665

This is the connection from the Landshut line to Laim Rbf.  The one passenger train routed this way reverses at Laim Rbf and continues to München-Pasing via part of route DE09/661. 

München Nordring

This line runs round the north and east sides of München from Olching (on the Augsburg line) via Rbf München Nord to Abzw München-Waldtrudering (east of Trudering on the Rosenheim line). There are connections to the Ingolstadt and Landshut lines, and to the main station at München Ost. The section between München-Johanneskirchen and München-Daglfing is used by S-Bahn trains on route S8, but otherwise very little use is made of this line by passenger services. 

Olching – Grafing (Abzw München-Waldtrudering) (via München Nord Rbf) (66A2-66B3, 166B2-167B3) DE09/666

This comprises the Nordring route between the Augsburg and Rosenheim lines.

München-Karlsfeld – Grafing (Abzw München-Waldtrudering) (via München Nord Rbf) (66A2-66B3, 166B2-167B3) DE09/667

This comprises the Nordring route between the Ingolstadt and Rosenheim lines.

München-Moosach – Grafing (Abzw München-Waldtrudering) (via München Nord Rbf) (66A2-66B3, 166B2-167B3) DE09/668

The following train is routed via the München Nordring and the connection to the Landshut line towards München Hbf. 

Rosenheim avoiding line: Bad Endorf (Abzw Rosenheim Ost) – Pfraundorf (Inn) (Abzw Rosenheim Süd) [ÖBB 300] (71A2, 112A) DE09/669

This east to south curve linking the Salzburg and Wörgl lines provides a through route between Salzburg and Kufstein for Austrian Korridorzüge, which run non-stop through Germany. They are not included in the DB Kursbuch, but are those shown in the ÖBB Fahrpläne (table 300) calling at both Kufstein and Salzburg Hbf.

Prien Bahnhof – Stock Hafen (Chiemsee-Schifffahrt Ludwig Feßler) (72A2, 116D1) DE09/670

Trains operate over this line during the summer in connection with cruises on the Chiemsee.  There is a weekend service in May and daily thereafter.  For further information see www.chiemsee-schifffahrt.de.

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Other sparse services

The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country), with fewer than 6 trains each way on at least 3 days a week – or do not run each weekday. Lines listed here exclude those appearing in Kursbuch tables 12000 to 12999, which themselves are only a selection of the services shown in the Kursbuch der deutschen Museums-Eisenbahnen (published annually by Verlag Uhle & Kleimann).

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Deletions since last edition:

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Last complete update: 1 February 2009. Subsequent amendments: DE09/003: train renumbered, "Other Sparse Service" reference to Niebüll removed, "Deletions" DE08/406 amended, plus other minor amendments (3 February 2009); DE09/452 details amended for 2009 (25 March 2009); DE09/056 train 1804 time amended (14 April 2009); DE09/360A, DE09/531 & DE09/532 added, DE09/529 amended (1 June 2009).

Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved. Copies of this document, whether made electronically or otherwise, must be for personal use only and shall not be used for commercial purposes. The information supplied in this document is for general reference only and should not be relied upon without further specific enquiry. You may alter the formatting and content of this document only to suit your own computer or printer.