Germany (Hessen) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services
Introduction
This list is based on the timetable dated from 15 December 2019 to 12 December 2020, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained in General Information. Map references relate to the 2017 issue of the Schweers+Wall Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland.
Obscure services
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.
Eichenberg avoiding line: Friedland (Han) (Abzw Eichenberg Nordkopf) – Arenshausen (Abzw Eichenberg Ostkopf)
[540.1] (55B3) DE20/501
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).
Bad Sooden-Allendorf (Abzw Eschwege-Wehre) – Wehretal-Reichensachsen (Abzw Eschwege-Stegmühle)
(55B4) DE20/502
Since the reopening of Eschwege Stadtbahnhof in 2009, all local trains between Eichenberg and Bebra reverse there, leaving and returning to the main line at a triangular junction at Eschwege West. Daytime expresses use the Schnellfahrstrecke, so the only passenger trains to use the main line, bypassing Eschwege, are overnight ones.
NJ471 | Berlin Ostbahnhof/Hamburg-Altona - 01:26 Göttingen - Zürich HB | ||
MO | ICE1271 | Hamburg-Altona - 03:07 Göttingen - Chur | |
NJ491 | Hamburg-Altona - 22:59 Göttingen - Wien Hbf/Innsbruck Hbf | ||
NJ470 | Zürich HB - 01:48 Fulda - Berlin Ostbahnhof/Hamburg-Altona | ||
SuO | ICE990 | München Hbf - 02:25 MO Bad Hersfeld - Hamburg-Altona | |
NJ490 | Wien Hbf/Innsbruck Hbf – 03:00 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona |
Urlaubs Express trains to and from Hamburg are likely to use this route; see Other Services Page.
Bebra avoiding line: Ludwigsau-Friedlos (Abzw Blankenheim) – Ronshausen (Abzw Faßdorf)
[605, 610] (66 insert) DE20/503
This south to east curve enables trains between Fulda and Eisenach to avoid reversal at Bebra. It is used by trains (an ICE/IC service at least hourly) running non-stop between Fulda or Bad Hersfeld and Eisenach.
Gießen avoiding line: Dutenhofen – Großen Linden (Gießen Bergwald Stw Gs)
[445] (65A4) DE20/504
This west to south curve enables trains to run between Wetzlar and Friedberg (Hess) without reversing at Gießen.
SSuX | RE24931 | Siegen – 05:47 Wetzlar – Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
SSuX | RE24930 | Frankfurt am Main Hbf – 17:58 Bad Nauheim – Siegen |
Neuhof (Kr Fulda) (Fulda-Bronnzell) – Fulda via Flyover
[615] (78C1) DE20/505
The flyover south of the station allows trains to run from the northbound line from Hanau into the low-numbered platforms at Fulda, without crossing the Schnellfahrstrecke on the level. It is used by most RE trains via Flieden terminating at Fulda.
Flieden – Sterbfritz (Elm Bbf)
(78C1-78C2) DE20/506
This is part of the former main line between München and Hamburg. Daytime expresses now 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.
NJ491 | Hamburg-Altona - 22:59 Göttingen - Wien Hbf/Innsbruck Hbf | ||
NJ490 | Wien Hbf/Innsbruck Hbf – 03:00 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona |
Urlaubs Express trains to and from Hamburg are likely to use this route; see Other Services Page.
DB plans to close the Fulda - Würzburg Schnellfahrstrecke for major engineering work in 2022. During that period daytime trains are expected to be diverted via this route.
Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Nordseite)
[640] (153D2) DE20/507
This route is used by trains between the Maintal and Fulda lines. There are two spurs linking 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. Most local trains via Maintal Ost terminating or starting at Hanau Hbf normally use the reversible connection and platform 5.
Most IC and ICE trains run via Offenbach (Main), but some are routed via Maintal. The following are scheduled to run via Maintal Ost and Hanau Hbf Nordseite.
NJ471 | Berlin Ostbf - 02:56 Fulda - Zürich HB | ||
SSuX | ICE1646 | Erfurt Hbf - 06:44 Fulda - Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf | |
D2 | SuX | ICE791 | Berlin Ostbf - 10:47 Fulda - Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf |
D1 | IC1191 | Berlin Ostbf - 12:47 Fulda - Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf | |
FO | ICE1683 | Hamburg-Altona - 15:15 Hanau Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
SuO | ICE1685 | Hamburg-Altona - 15:15 Hanau Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D1 | ICE795 | Berlin Ostbf - 14:47 Fulda - Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf | |
D1 | SSuX | ICE797 | Berlin Ostbf - 16:15 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe - Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf |
SuO | ICE1597 | Hamburg Hbf - 16:41 Fulda - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D1 | SSuO | IC1197 | Berlin Ostbf - 16:47 Fulda - Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf |
SuO | IC1956 | Leipzig Hbf - 17:00 Fulda - Karlsruhe Hbf | |
D | SuO | IC1985 | Hamburg-Altona - 19:25 Hanau Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf |
D | FO | ICE1673 | Hamburg-Altona - 19:26 Hanau Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf |
D1 | ICE1590 | Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - 08:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Berlin Ostbf | |
D1 | ICE1592 | Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - 10:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Berlin Ostbf | |
D4 | SO | IC1986 | Stuttgart Hbf - 10:18 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hamburg-Altona |
D1 | ICE798 | Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - 12:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Berlin Ostbf | |
FO | IC1972 | 12:16 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hamburg-Altona | |
D4 | SuO | IC1174 | Basel SBB - 14:18 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Berlin Ostbf |
D1 | IC1196 | Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - 14:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Berlin Ostbf | |
D1 | ICE794 | Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - 16:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Berlin Ostbf | |
D | FSSuX | EC218 | Graz Hbf - 16:14 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Erfurt Hbf |
D | FSSuX | IC1951 | 16:14 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Erfurt Hbf |
D | FSuO | ICE1594 | 16:14 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hamburg-Altona |
D3 | SX | ICE792 | Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - 18:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Berlin-Gesundbrunnen |
D1: 15 December 2019 to 4 October 2020
D2: 15 December 2019 to 5 April 2020 and SuX 6 April to 4 October 2020
D3: 15 December 2019 to 5 April 2020 and SX 6 April to 4 October 2020
D4: 10 October to 12 December 2020
Offenbach (Main) Hbf - Offenbach (Main) Ost
[645.8] (153B2) DE20/508
This 1.7km connecting line links the main Frankfurt - Hanau line at Offenbach Hbf with the S-Bahn line at Offenbach Ost. Early on Monday mornings certain S8 trains between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Offenbach Ost are diverted to run to and from Frankfurt am Main Hbf via Frankfurt am Main Süd and this line.
From Offenbach (Main) Hbf: 00:38, 01:12 and 01:38 (all MO)
From Offenbach (Main) Ost: 23:58 SuO, 00:27 MO and 00:58 MO
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, about 2 km further upstream. The line over the Niederrader Brücke gives access to platforms 1a through 8 on the south side (via Abzw Gutleuthof), platforms 15 through 24 on the north side of the Hauptbahnhof and the S-Bahn underground station. The Main-Neckar-Brücke gives access to platforms 4 through 13, but following construction of a new spur it may be possible for trains to run to platforms 1 to 3 as well. Platforms 4 through 8 are accessible from both bridges.
Trains via Frankfurt am Main Süd and Neu Isenburg mainly use the Main-Neckar-Brücke and those via Frankfurt am Main Stadion mainly the Niederrader Brücke. There is little difference in journey time between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and the Hauptbahnhof via either bridge. 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.
Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Süd
[615, 615.1, 640] (151C3-151D3) DE20/511
Most trains run via Main-Neckar-Brücke. The following trains are scheduled via Niederrader Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus:
FO | ICE1683 | Hamburg-Altona - 15:15 Hanau Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D5 | FO | ICE1673 | Hamburg-Altona - 19:26 Hanau Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf |
FO | IC2224 | München Hbf - 20:04 Aschaffenburg Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D6 | ICE522 | München Hbf - Würzburg Hbf - Dortmund Hbf | |
FO | IC2372 | Karlsruhe Hbf - 08:08 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Kassel-Wilhelnshöhe/Hannover Hbf | |
FO | IC1972 | 12:16 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hannover Hbf/Hamburg-Altona | |
D | FSSuX | EC218 | Graz Hbf - 16:14 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Erfurt Hbf |
D | FSSuX | IC1951 | 16:14 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Erfurt Hbf |
FSuO | ICE1594 | 16:14 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hannover Hbf/Hamburg-Altona | |
SX | ICE776 | 17:16 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Oldenburg (Oldb) Hbf |
D5: 9 October to 11 December 2020
D6: 20 April to 2 July 2020, except 1 June
Trains normally run direct between Abzw Forsthaus and Frankfurt am Main Süd, but IC2372 is scheduled to run via Frankfurt-Louisa.
Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus)
[650, 650.2] (151C3-151C4) DE20/512
Most trains to and from Neu Isenburg, other than S-Bahn, run via Main-Neckar-Brücke, but the following are scheduled via Niederrader Brücke:
D7 | IC1994/1996 | Stuttgart Hbf - 08:47 Darmstadt Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
SO | IC1986 | Stuttgart Hbf - 09:25 Darmstadt Hbf - Hannover Hbf/Hamburg-Altona | |
D8 | FSSuX | EC218 | Graz Hbf - 15:24 Darmstadt Hbf - Erfurt Hbf |
D7 | IC1995 | 16:50 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf | |
D9 | FO | ICE1673 | Hamburg-Altona - 20:15 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf |
D7: Train IC1996 runs MO. Trains IC1994 and IC1995 run in connection with trade fairs. Train IC1995 runs on 7 to 9 January, 27 to 30 January, 5, 6, 10 and 11 February, 9 to 12 March and 30 March to 2 April 2020. Train IC1994 runs a day later in all cases.
D8: Via Niederrader Brücke when terminating at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.
D9: 9 October to 11 December 2020.
Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Stadion
[471, 472, 655, 655.1] (151C3-151B4) DE20/513
Most trains (and particularly RE and RB ones) run via Niederrader Brücke. Most RE and RB trains use platforms 15–24 on the north side of the Hauptbahnhof. Most S-Bahn S7 services and many IC and ICE trains run via Abzw Gutleuthof and use platforms 1–8 on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof.
The following trains are scheduled via Main-Neckar Brücke:
- ICE trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Mannheim Hbf hourly 05:50 to 20:50
- ICE trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Flughafen hourly 07:10 to 22:10, but not 09:10, 12:10 and 16:10
- ICE trains from Mannheim Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Hbf hourly 06:32 to 21:32 and every two hours 09:16 to 19:16
- ICE and IC trains from Frankfurt am Main Fernbahnhof to Frankfurt am Main Hbf every two hours 04:42 to 20:42
The following trains are also scheduled to use this route:
D10 | IC2221 | Lübeck Hbf - 00:02 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D11 | IC2321 | Hamburg-Altona - 00:02 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
NJ470 | Zürich HB - 23:42 Mannheim Hbf - Berlin Ostbf | ||
FSO | RJ66 | Budapest Keleti - 00:30 SSuO Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
FSX | IC990 | München Hbf - 00:30 SSuX Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf/Hamburg-Altona | |
D12 | ICE209 | Kiel Hbf - 02:15 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Basel SBB | |
ICE698 | München Hbf - 02:30 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Berlin-Gesundbrunnen | ||
D14 | ICE208 | Basel SBB - 02:16 Mannheim Hbf - Kiel Hbf | |
ICE827 | Köln Hbf - 04:36 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf/München Hbf | ||
ICE418/618 | München Hbf - 05:18 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Essen Hbf/Düsseldorf Hbf | ||
ICE672 | Wiesbaden Hbf - 05:34 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen - Hamburg-Altona | ||
MO | ICE696 | Karlsruhe Hbf - 05:31 Mannheim Hbf - Kiel Hbf | |
SuX | ICE674 | Karlsruhe Hbf - 07:17 Mannheim Hbf - Kiel Hbf | |
D | ICE1557 | Wiesbaden Hbf - 09:01 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Dresden Hbf | |
ICE27 | Dortmund Hbf - 12:02 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Wien Hbf | ||
ICE1653 | Wiesbaden Hbf - 15:01 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Dresden Hbf | ||
ICE1655 | Wiesbaden Hbf - 17:01 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Dresden Hbf | ||
D14 | ICE1659 | Wiesbaden Hbf - 21:01 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Erfurt Hbf/Leipzig Hbf | |
D14 | ICE19 | Bruxelles Midi - 21:18 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D15 | ICE221 | Amsterdam Centraal - 22:18 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D14 | ICE9557/TGV9559 | Paris Est - 22:19 Mannheim Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D14 | IC2315 | Westerland (Sylt) - 23:01 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
ICE4 | Zürich HB - 22:33 Mannheim Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | ||
ICE887/1087 | Hamburg-Altona - 00:13 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Wiesbaden Hbf | ||
SuO | ICE879 | Berlin Ostbf - 00:50 MO Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Karlsruhe Hbf | |
ICE699 | Hamburg-Altona - 02:25 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - München Hbf | ||
D12 | ICE209 | Kiel Hbf - 02:48 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Basel SBB | |
D14 | ICE208 | Basel SBB - 03:08 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Kiel Hbf | |
MO | IC2097 | 03:51/04:02 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - München Hbf | |
IC2220/2320 | 05:42 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hamburg-Altona/Lübeck Hbf | ||
IC1911 | 06:55 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf | ||
D13 | ICE1554 | Dresden Hbf - 20:42 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Wiesbaden Hbf | |
ICE695 | Berlin-Gesundbrunnen - 21:51 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf | ||
D16 | ICE877 | Berlin Ostbf - 23:00 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Karlsruhe Hbf |
Note that ICE208 and ICE209 use this route both arriving at and departing from Frankfurt.
D10: 20 April to 13 June and 15 to 17 September 2020 (next day from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen)
D11: 14 June to 2 July and 6 July to 14 September 2020 (next day from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen)
D12: 6 July to 16 September 2020
D13: Not via this route when the train is to or from Saarbrücken Hbf
D14: 6 July to 17 September 2020
D15: 6 July to 9 August and 20 August to 17 September 2020, except 18 and 19 July
D16: 20 April to 2 July 2020
Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Höchst (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße)
[466, 627, 646] (50A3, 151C3-151B3) DE20/514
All trains, other than S-Bahn, between Frankfurt-Höchst and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße. Most of those to and from Koblenz and Wiesbaden use the connection between Abzw Mainzer Landstraße and platforms 15–24 on the north side of Frankfurt am Main Hbf. Most of those to and from Limburg (Lahn) run via Abzw Gutleuthof to use platforms 1–8 on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof.
Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Rödelheim (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße)
[637] (50A3, 151C3-152D2) DE20/515
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. These run on Mondays to Fridays, peak hours only. S-Bahn trains between Frankfurt-Rödelheim and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Frankfurt West.
Frankfurt am Main Süd (Abst Anlage) – Frankfurt-Louisa
[650, 650.2] (151D3-151C4) DE20/521
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 to this route.
TWX | FLX76303 | Berlin Hbf - 11:34 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Stuttgart Hbf | |
FO | ICE1079 | Hamburg-Altona - 17:55 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Heidelberg Hbf | |
SuO | IC1956 | Leipzig Hbf - 18:02 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Karlsruhe Hbf | |
FLX76307 | Berlin Hbf - 19:37 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Stuttgart Hbf | ||
SuO | IC1985 | Hamburg-Altona - 19:45 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Karlsruhe Hbf | |
D | FO | IC2372 | Karlsruhe Hbf - 08:08 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hannover Hbf |
FLX76302 | Stuttgart Hbf - 08:53 Darmstadt Hbf - Berlin Hbf | ||
D17 | FO | IC1970 | Stuttgart Hbf - 13:46 Darmstadt Hbf – Berlin Ostbf |
TWX | FLX76306 | Stuttgart Hbf - 15:53 Darmstadt Hbf - Berlin Hbf |
D17: 20 December 2019 to 9 April 2020 and 6 November to 11 December 2020
Train IC2372 is scheduled to run from Frankfurt am Main Hbf via Niederrader Brücke, Abzw Forsthaus and Frankfurt-Louisa.
Days and dates of operation of Flixtrain services may vary. To confirm timings and to make bookings, see the Flixtrain website.
Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus)
[471, 650] (151B4-151C4) DE20/522
This route is used by trains between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and Neu Isenburg if not booked to call at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.
D18 | FO | ICE1673 | Hamburg-Altona - 20:15 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Stuttgart Hbf |
SSuX | ICE1223 | 06:48 Darmstadt Hbf - Dortmund Hbf (train continues to München via Kassel) |
D18: 9 October to 11 December 2020
Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Frankfurt am Main Süd (via Abzw Forsthaus)
[640] (151B4-151D3) DE20/523
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.
There are RB trains at least hourly Mondays to Saturdays between Frankfurt am Main Süd and one or other of the stations at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen. These are mostly to and from the Aschaffenburg line.
ICE and IC trains between Frankfurt am Main Flughafen and Erfurt or Berlin:
- From Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf every two hours 08:09 to 18:09
- From Frankfurt am Main Süd every two hours 07:41 to 17:41 (or 17:39)
NJ421 | Düsseldorf Hbf - 23:54 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf - Innsbruck Hbf | ||
NJ471 | Berlin Ostbf - 04:02 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Zürich HB | ||
NJ420 | Innsbruck Hbf - 05:26 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Düsseldorf Hbf |
Limburg Süd (Abzw Breckenheim) - Wiesbaden Hbf (Wiesbaden-Wäschbach)
[472] (151B1 - 151D1) DE20/524
This branch off the Köln - Frankfurt Schnellfahrstrecke is used by ICE trains between Köln and Wiesbaden Hbf.
SSuX | ICE711 | Köln Hbf - 06:57 Limburg Süd - Mannheim Hbf/Stuttgart Hbf | |
SSuX | ICE1228 | Würzburg Hbf (via Dortmund) - 18:20 Limburg Süd - Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
SSuX | ICE712 | Mainz Hbf - 06:23 Wiesbaden Hbf - Köln Hbf | |
SSuX | ICE710 | Stuttgart Hbf/Mannheim Hbf - 16:45 Wiesbaden Hbf - Köln Hbf |
Mainz-Bischofsheim (Abzw Kostheim Ost) – Mainz-Kastel (Abzw Kostheim)
[645.8-9, 651] (151D2-151C2) DE20/525
This connection across the Main splits in two parts at Abzw Kostheim Ost just north of the river. The two main tracks fly over the Höchst line and turn west to touch it briefly (Abzw Kostheim) before turning north to become route DE20/526 to the Kaiserbrücke over the Rhein. There is also a single-track south-to-west curve (line 3531) that avoids the flyover and diverges from the Höchst line to the south at Abzw Kostheim. This is used by used by trains from Mainz-Kastel to Bischofsheim, but all trains from Bischofsheim use the main track until Abzw Kostheim. The eastbound main track from Abzw Kostheim to Abzw Kostheim Ost is only used by trains coming from the Mainz Kaiserbrücke via route DE20/526.
Hochheim (Main) (Abzw Kostheim) – Mainz Hbf (Abzw Kaiserbrücke Ost)
[471] (151C2) DE20/526
This route allows trains from the north bank of the River Main to access the Kaiserbrücke over the River Rhein to Mainz, so trains can run between Mainz Hbf and the Frankfurt area via Frankfurt-Höchst. This line can also be used to allow trains to run between Mainz-Bischofsheim and Mainz-Mombach without passing through Mainz Hbf.
The line has been used since 9 December 2018 by an hourly RE service between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Mainz Hbf via Hochheim (Main).
Kelsterbach – Frankfurt am Main Stadion (Abzw Frankfurt Schwanheim)
[471] (152C3-152D3) DE20/527
This is part of the original main line and is used by trains between Mainz Hbf and the Frankfurt area via Kelsterbach, which stop at neither of the stations at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen.
SSuX | RE29243 | Kirchheimboladen – 06:56 Rüsselsheim – Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
SSuX | RE29205 | Alzey – 07:41 Rüsselsheim – Frankfurt am Main Hbf | |
D19 | FO | IC2017 | Berlin Ostbf - 19:17 Mainz Hbf - Frankfurt am Main Hbf |
D19: 17 April to 30 October 2020, also 30 April, 20 May, 10 June, not 1 May, 22 May and 12 June
Raunheim (Abzw Mönchwald) – Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf (Abzw Mönchhof)
[471] (152B4) DE20/528
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 service for most of the day.
Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – Zeppelinheim
[655.1] (152D3) DE20/529
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).
Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Stockschneise) – Darmstadt Nord – Darmstadt-Kranichstein
(154C2) DE20/530
This west to east route connects the Mainz and Aschaffenburg lines north of Darmstadt Hbf. Between Darmstadt Nord and Darmstadt-Kranichstein it has its own alignment, different from the one used by local passenger trains. The Darmstadt-Kranichstein railway museum sometimes runs a shuttle service between Groß-Gerau and Kranichstein during its annual Bahnwelttage event in May.
The following trains are diverted this way between 11 April and 31 October 2020
D | EC115 | Münster (Westf) - 10:15 Mainz Hbf - Klagenfurt Hbf | |
D | EC114 | Klagenfurt Hbf - 16:03 Würzburg Hbf - Dortmund Hbf |
Arheilgen – Darmstadt-Nord
[641] (49B1, 154C2) DE20/531
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 (Abzw Darmstadt Bergschneise and Abzw Weiterstadt Stockschneise)
[651] (154C3-154C2) DE20/532
Darmstadt Hbf is connected to the line towards Mainz by three geographically separate tracks, of which two technically constitute a widely separated double track flying junction and the third is reversible.
The Darmstadt to Mainz track (line 3537) diverges from the main track towards Frankfurt (line 3605) north of Darmstadt Hbf, at about the the place where it passes over the Aschaffenburg – Mainz line. It then makes a 135° curve to the left and joins the Aschaffenburg – Mainz line from the north at Abzw Stockschneise. The Mainz to Darmstadt track (line 3530) diverges to the south at Abzw Stockschneise directly to the Hauptbahnhof, where it eventually becomes platform 9.
Between these two tracks, there is a reversible track which splits from the Mainz - Aschaffenburg line on the flat at Abzw Bergschneise, 1 km east of Abzw Stockschneise. At Darmstadt Hbf it arrives between the tracks from/to Darmstadt Nord, which eventually become platforms 7 and 8.
Trains from Mainz use line 3530. Trains towards Mainz from platforms 6 and 7 can use either the reversible track to Abzw Bergschneise or line 3537. The latter route is longer but allows higher speeds; nevertheless the shorter Bergschneise route is usually used because it does not conflict with use of line 3605 to Frankfurt. Which route is used can be seen from the position of the scissors crossover points just north of the platforms – left for the Bergschneise route, right for the Stockschneise route. The compilers would welcome any confirmation of use of the latter route.
Darmstadt Hbf – Darmstadt-Kranichstein
(154C3-154C2) DE20/533
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. The shuttles use platform 1, on the east side of the Hauptbahnhof, and the goods line via Darmstadt Nord (including part of DE20/531). For details of future events, see the museum website.
Wiesbaden avoiding line: Wiesbaden-Biebrich - Wiesbaden Ost
(151C3-151B3) DE20/534
This line allows trains to run between Frankfurt am Main and the Rechte Rheinstrecke (via Rüdesheim) without reversal at Wiesbaden Hbf. It is used by RE trains between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Eltville or Rüdesheim which do not call at Wiesbaden Hbf:
From Mainz-Kastel: 07:33, 08:35, 15:31, 16:35, 17:32, 18:35, 19:35 all SSuX
From Wiesbaden-Biebrich: 06:14, 07:14, 08:14, 09:14, 16:15, 17:15, 18:14 all SSuX
Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions
Hanau avoiding line: Großkrotzenburg - Hanau Nord (Rauschwald)
(151D2) DE20/541
This line is used occasionally to allow trains to run between the Aschaffenburg and Fulda or Friedberg lines without reversal at Hanau Hbf. Overnight trains between Hamburg and Wien were diverted this way during summer and autumn 2019.
Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Niederrad
(151C3-151B3) DE20/542
This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. It is sometimes used by IC trains when there is engineering working in the Hauptbahnhof area. However, as most IC trains via Frankfurt West also run via Darmstadt, use of route DE20/543 is more likely.
D20 | FO | IC1982 | Karlsruhe Hbf - 07:49 Frankfurt-Niederrad - Hannover Hbf |
D20: 9 October to 11 December 2020
Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Louisa (Main-Neckar Brücke)
(151C3) DE20/543
This line provides an alternative link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south, but particularly via Darmstadt, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. There were numerous diversions of IC trains between Gießen and Darmstadt via this route during autumn 2018.
Use of this route is indicated by trains calling at Frankfurt am Main West instead of the Hauptbahnhof.
Limburg Süd (Caltex) - Kelsterbach (Brunnenschneise)
(152B3) DE20/544
This north to east curve allows trains to run between the Köln - Frankfurt Schnellfahrstrecke and the old main line between Mainz and Frankfurt. Some trains were, quite exceptionally, diverted this way during autumn 2019. Further diversions are unlikely soon, but are indicated by a stop at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf being omitted.
Groß Gerau – Groß Gerau-Dornberg
[660] (154A2) DE20/545
IC and EC trains between Mainz and Mannheim (not calling at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen) normally run via Worms, but are sometimes diverted via Groß Gerau and Groß Gerau-Dornberg. Relief IC trains may also use this west to south curve. Following signalling alterations at Mannheim Hbf, it is no longer possible to determine there whether a train to Mainz is to run via Groß Gerau. If local trains via Worms are replaced by buses, it is likely that IC and EC trains will use this route.