Germany (Hessen) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services: Difference between revisions

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==Obscure services==
==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.
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.
'''Note''' During the complete closure of the ''Riedbahn'' (Frankfurt – Mannheim via Biblis) between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024, local and long-distance services in the entire area between Frankfurt, Mainz, Darmstadt and Mannheim are severely affected. This site will attempt to incorporate these alterations into the appropriate entries as much as possible.


===Eichenberg avoiding line: Friedland (Han) (Abzw Eichenberg Nordkopf) – Arenshausen (Abzw Eichenberg Ostkopf)===
===Eichenberg avoiding line: Friedland (Han) (Abzw Eichenberg Nordkopf) – Arenshausen (Abzw Eichenberg Ostkopf)===
[540.1] (ERA-E 48B1; ERA-R 100A1; S+W ''55B3'') DE23/501
[540.1] (ERA-E 48B1; ERA-R 100A1; S+W ''55B3'') DE24/501


This north to east curve links the Göttingen and Nordhausen lines and is used by through trains between Göttingen, Leinefelde and Glauchau (Sachs), generally every two hours. Note that between Göttingen and Leinefelde, these trains stop only at Heilbad Heiligenstadt.
This north to east curve links the Göttingen and Nordhausen lines and is used by through trains between Göttingen, Leinefelde and Glauchau (Sachs), generally every two hours. Note that between Göttingen and Leinefelde, these trains stop only at Heilbad Heiligenstadt.


===Bad Sooden-Allendorf (Abzw Eschwege-Wehre) – Wehretal-Reichensachsen (Abzw Eschwege-Stegmühle) ===
===Bad Sooden-Allendorf (Abzw Eschwege-Wehre) – Wehretal-Reichensachsen (Abzw Eschwege-Stegmühle) ===
(ERA-E 48B1; ERA-R 107A5; S+W ''55B4'') DE23/502
(ERA-E 48B1; ERA-R 107A5; S+W ''55B4'') DE24/502


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 normally use the ''Schnellfahrstrecke'', so the only passenger trains to use the main line, bypassing Eschwege, regularly are overnight ones. However between April and December 2023, the two-hourly daytime Hamburg – München ''ICE''s, plus some additional services, run this way.
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 normally use the ''Schnellfahrstrecke'', so the only passenger trains to use the main line, bypassing Eschwege, regularly are overnight ones.  


{| class="ostable"
{| class="ostable"
| D1
| D1
|   
|   
| NJ471/473
| NJ471
| Hannover Hbf – 00:06 Göttingen - Zürich HB
| Hamburg-Altona – 00:03/01:32 Göttingen - Zürich HB  
|-  
|-  
|
| ICE1689
| Hamburg-Altona – 01:13 Göttingen – München Hbf
|-
| D2
| D2
|   
|   
| NJ471
| NJ473
| Hamburg-Altona 01:32 Göttingen Zürich HB
| Hannover Hbf 00:05 Göttingen - Zürich HB  
|-  
|-  
|  
|  
| MO
| ICE1271
| Hamburg-Altona – 03:07 Göttingen – Chur
|-
| D3
|   
|   
| ICE783
| ICE1081
| Hamburg-Altona – 08:04 Göttingen – München Hbf
| Hamburg-Altona – 01:13 Göttingen – München Hbf  
 
|-  
|-  
| D3
| D3
|
| SuO
| ICE785
| ICE1271
| Hamburg-Altona – 10:04 Göttingen – Leipzig Hbf / München Hbf
| Hamburg-Altona – 02:18 (MO) Göttingen – Chur
|-
|
|
| NJ491
| Hamburg-Altona – 22:59 Göttingen – Wien Hbf
|-  
|-  
| D3
| D4
| ICE787
| Hamburg-Altona – 12:04 Göttingen – München Hbf
|-
| D3
| ICE789
| Hamburg-Altona – 14:04 Göttingen – München Hbf
|-
| D3
| ICE881
| Hamburg-Altona – 16:04 Göttingen – München Hbf
|-
| D3
| SuO
| SuO
| ICE1595
| ICE1970
| Berlin Ostbahnhof 17:40 Göttingen Stuttgart Hbf
| Rastatt 00:57 (MO) Fulda Hamburg-Altona
|-  
|-  
| D3
| D5
| FO
| SuO/MSuO
| ICE1585
| ICE4
| Lüneburg 17:46 Göttingen München Hbf
| Zürich HB 00:57 (MO) Fulda Hamburg-Altona
|-  
|-  
| D3
|  
|
|
| ICE883
| ICE1080
| Hamburg-Altona – 18:04 Göttingen – München Hbf
| München Hbf – 01:19 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona  
|-  
|-  
| D3
| D6
|   
|   
| ICE885
| Kiel Hbf – 20:04 Göttingen – München Hbf
|-
|
| NJ491
| Hamburg-Altona / Hannover Hbf – 22:59 Göttingen – Wien Hbf
|-
|
| SuO
| ICE990
| ICE990
| München Hbf – 01:47 MO Bad Hersfeld – Hamburg-Altona
| München Hbf – 01:45/01:48/02:28 Bad Hersfeld – Hamburg-Altona  
|-
| D4
|
| ICE1688
| München Hbf – 01:20 Würzburg Hbf / 01:43 Erfurt Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
|-
|
|
| NJ470
| Zürich HB – 02:31 Hanau Hbf Hannover Hbf / Hamburg-Altona
|-
|-
|  
|  
|   
|   
| NJ490
| NJ490
| Wien Hbf – 01:22/01:42 Nürnberg Hbf (– 02:35 Würzburg Hbf, certain days) Hannover Hbf / Hamburg-Altona
| Wien Hbf – 02:36 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
|-
|-
| D3
| D7
| IC886
| München Hbf – 08:23 Eisenach – Kiel Hbf
|-
| D3
| IC882
| München Hbf – 10:23 Eisenach – Kiel Hbf
|-
| D5
|  
|  
| IC880
| NJ470
| München Hbf 12:24 Eisenach – Hamburg-Altona
| Zürich HB 02:43 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
|-
|-
| D3
| D8
| IC788
| München Hbf – 14:23 Eisenach – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D3
|  
|  
| IC2082/2084
| NJ470
| Berchtesgaden Hbf / Oberstdorf 15:27 Fulda Hamburg Hbf
| Zürich HB 02:31 Hanau Hbf Hannover Hbf / Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D3
|
| IC786
| München Hbf / Leipzig Hbf – 16:23 Eisenach – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D3
| IC784
| München Hbf – 18:23 Eisenach – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D3
| IC782
| München Hbf – 20:23 Eisenach – Hamburg-Altona
|}
|}


D1: 11 December 2022 - 3 March 2023; 19 March - 14 July, 28 July - 9 December 2023. Dates from Göttingen are one day later.
D1: Dep. Göttingen 01:32 10 December 2023 - 9 March 2024, 29 March - 8 August; 30 August - 14 December 2024; dep. Göttingen 00:03 9 - 29 August 2024
 
D2: 10 - 28 March 2024
 
D3: 21 July - 8 December 2024
 
D4: 18, 25 August 2024


D2: 4-18 March. 15-27 July 2023. Dates from Göttingen are one day later.
D5: MSuO 1 - 21 January, SuO 1 September - 8 December 2024 (one day later from Fulda)


D3: 1 April - 9 December 2023
D6: SuO 10 - 26 December 2023, 28 January - 25 February, 2 March - 12 June 2024 (dep Bad Hersfeld 01:45 following day); daily 14 June- 14 July (dep Bad Hersfeld 01:48 following day); SuO 21 - 8 December 2024 (dep Bad Hersfeld 02:28 following day)


D4: Runs via Erfurt Hbf 26 May - 11 September 2023
D7: 9 - 29 August 2024


D5: 27 May - 11 September 2023
D8: 11 December 2023 - 27 March 2024, 1 April - 16 May, 30 August - 14 December 2024


[https://urlaubs-express.de/ ''Urlaubs Express''] trains to and from Hamburg are likely to use this route.
[https://urlaubs-express.de/ ''Urlaubs Express''] trains to and from Hamburg are likely to use this route.


===Bebra avoiding line: Ludwigsau-Friedlos (Abzw Blankenheim) – Ronshausen (Abzw Faßdorf)===
===Bebra avoiding line: Ludwigsau-Friedlos (Abzw Blankenheim) – Ronshausen (Abzw Faßdorf)===
[615.1] (ERA-E 54B5; ERA-R 107A4; S+W ''66 inset'' [2020 edition: ''67 inset'']) DE23/503
[no table] (ERA-E 54B5; ERA-R 107A4; S+W ''67 inset'') DE24/503


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.
This south to east curve enables trains between Fulda and Eisenach to avoid reversal at Bebra. It is used at least hourly by ''ICE'' services between Frankfurt am Main and Leipzig, which run non-stop between Fulda or Bad Hersfeld and Eisenach.


===Gießen avoiding line: Dutenhofen – Großen Linden (Gießen Bergwald Stw Gs)===
===Gießen avoiding line: Dutenhofen – Großen Linden (Gießen Bergwald Stw Gs)===
[445] (ERA-E 53C4; ERA-R 106A3; S+W ''65A4'') DE23/504
[445] (ERA-E 53C4; ERA-R 106A3; S+W ''65A4'') DE24/504


This west to south curve enables trains to run between Wetzlar and Friedberg (Hess) without reversing at Gießen. It is used by ''IC'' trains every two hours between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and destinations via Siegen and also by:
This west to south curve enables trains to run between Wetzlar and Friedberg (Hess) without reversing at Gießen. It is used by ''IC'' trains every two hours between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and destinations via Siegen and also by:
Line 182: Line 121:


===Fulda area===
===Fulda area===
[615] (ERA-E 54B4 not shown; ERA-R 107A3; S+W ''78C1'') DE23/505
[615] (ERA-E 54B4 not shown; ERA-R 107A3; S+W ''78C1'') DE24/505


====Neuhof (Kr Fulda) (Fulda-Bronnzell) – Fulda via flyover====
====Neuhof (Kr Fulda) (Fulda-Bronnzell) – Fulda via flyover====


The flyover south of Fulda 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 ''RE50'' trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf '''terminating''' at Fulda. These run hourly.
The flyover south of Fulda station allows trains northbound from Flieden access to the low-numbered platforms at Fulda without crossing the ''Schnellfahrstrecke'' on the level.  It is used by most ''RE50'' trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf '''terminating''' at Fulda which run hourly.  
 
Southbound ''RE50'' services to Frankfurt am Main Hbf starting from Fulda platform 1 use the same track as inbound terminating services via the flyover and rise as if heading that way, but then drop down to run underneath the flyover parallel with the southbound main line. Some travellers may also consider this to be a separate route.


====Neuhof (Kr Fulda) via southbound platform loop====
====Neuhof (Kr Fulda) via southbound platform loop====
Line 193: Line 134:


===Flieden – Sterbfritz (Elm Bbf)===  
===Flieden – Sterbfritz (Elm Bbf)===  
(ERA-E 54A4-54B4; ERA-R 107A2; S+W ''78C1-78C2'') DE23/506
(ERA-E 54A4-54B4; ERA-R 107A2; S+W ''78C1-78C2'') DE24/506


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 regular passenger trains only during the night, plus occasional diversions.
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 regular passenger trains only during the night, plus occasional diversions.


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
|   
|   
Line 203: Line 144:
| Hamburg-Altona / Hannover Hbf – 22:59 Göttingen – Wien Hbf
| Hamburg-Altona / Hannover Hbf – 22:59 Göttingen – Wien Hbf
|-  
|-  
| D6
|  
|   
|   
| IC634
| IC634
| Nürnberg Hbf – 05:44 Würzburg Hbf – Bremen Hbf
| Nürnberg Hbf – 05:44 Würzburg Hbf – Bremen Hbf
|-
|-
| D7
|  
|  
|  
| ICE1689
| ICE1689
| Hamburg-Altona - 01:13 Göttingen - München Hbf
| Hamburg-Altona - 01:13 Göttingen - München Hbf
|-
|-
| D7
|  
|  
|  
| ICE1688
| ICE1688
Line 221: Line 162:
|   
|   
| NJ490
| NJ490
| Wien Hbf – 01:22/01:42 Nürnberg Hbf (– 02:35 Würzburg Hbf, certain days) – Hannover Hbf / Hamburg-Altona
| Wien Hbf – 02:35 Würzburg Hbf – Hannover Hbf / Hamburg-Altona
|}
|}--->
 
D6: 9 October - 9 December 2023
 
D7: 11 December 2022 - 25 May 2023; 12 September- 9 December 2023


===Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Nordseite)===
===Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Nordseite)===
[640] (ERA-E 54A3 not shown; ERA-R 122B4 not shown; S+W ''153D2'') DE23/507
[640] (ERA-E 54A3 not shown; ERA-R 122B4 not shown; S+W ''153D2'') DE24/507


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.
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. Trains from beyond Hanau that use platform 6 may use this connection if they call at Maintal Ost or run non-stop to Frankfurt am Main Süd.


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.
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. (List to follow)


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
| SSuX
| SSuX
Line 340: Line 277:
| ICE1690
| ICE1690
| Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – 20:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd – Berlin Ostbahnhof
| Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – 20:20 Frankfurt am Main Süd – Berlin Ostbahnhof
|}
|}--->
 
D8: 11 December 2022 - 31 March 2023
 
D9: 17 August - 27 September 2023
 
D10: 2 April - 8 December 2023


===Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Südseite)===
===Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Südseite)===
[640] (ERA-E 54A3; ERA-R 122B4 not shown; S+W ''153D2'') DE23/508
[640] (ERA-E 54A3; ERA-R 122B4 not shown; S+W ''153D2'') DE24/508


This route is used by ''RB'' trains between Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt am Main via the Maintal line.
This route is used by ''RB'' trains between Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt am Main via the Maintal line.


===Offenbach (Main) Hbf - Offenbach (Main) Ost===
===Offenbach (Main) Hbf - Offenbach (Main) Ost===
[645.8-9] (ERA-E 57C2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W ''153B2'') DE23/509
[645.8-9] (ERA-E 57C2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W ''153B2'') DE24/509


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 am Main Hbf and Offenbach Ost run to and from Frankfurt am Main Hbf (high level) via Frankfurt am Main Süd and this line.  
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 am Main Hbf and Offenbach Ost run to and from Frankfurt am Main Hbf (high level) via Frankfurt am Main Süd and this line.  


From Offenbach (Main) Hbf: 00:40 MO, 01:12 MO and 01:39 MO (Not 3 April to 1 May 2023)
From Offenbach (Main) Hbf: 00:39, 01:12 and 01:39, all MO  
 
From Offenbach (Main) Ost: 23:58 SuO; 00:28 and 01:01, both MO


From Offenbach (Main) Ost: 23:58 SuO, 00:28 MO and 00:58 MO (Not 2/3 April to 30 April/1 May 2023)
Note that these trains do not run between 16 June and 15 July 2024.


===Frankfurt am Main Hbf===
===Frankfurt am Main Hbf===
Line 372: Line 305:
[615, 615.1, 640] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151C3-151D3'') DE23/511
[615, 615.1, 640] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151C3-151D3'') DE23/511


Most trains run via Main-Neckar-Brücke. The following trains are scheduled via Niederräder Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus:
Most trains run via Main-Neckar-Brücke. The following trains are scheduled via Niederräder Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus: List to follow


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
| FO
| FO
Line 410: Line 343:
| 17:01 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hannover Hbf / Oldenburg (Oldb) Hbf
| 17:01 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Hannover Hbf / Oldenburg (Oldb) Hbf
|-
|-
|}
|}--->
 
D8: 11 December 2022 - 31 March 2023
 
D9: 27 May - 9 September 2023
 
D10: 2 April - 8 December 2023


Local trains taking longer than ten minutes between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Süd can be expected to run via Frankfurt Niederrad.
Local trains taking longer than ten minutes between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Süd can be expected to run via Frankfurt Niederrad.
Line 423: Line 350:
[650, 650.2] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151C3-151C4'') DE23/512
[650, 650.2] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151C3-151C4'') DE23/512


Most trains to and from Neu Isenburg, other than ''S-Bahn'', run via Main-Neckar-Brücke, but the following are scheduled via Niederräder Brücke:
Most trains to and from Neu Isenburg, other than ''S-Bahn'', run via Main-Neckar-Brücke, but the following are scheduled via Niederräder Brücke: (List to follow)


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
| D
| D
| MO / FSSuX
| MO / FSSuX
Line 442: Line 369:
|}
|}


D9: 27 May - 9 September 2023
''IC1995'' and ''IC2286'' run in connection with trade fairs.--->
 
''IC1995'' and ''IC2286'' run in connection with trade fairs.


====Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Stadion====  
====Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Stadion====  
[471, 472, 655, 655.1] (ERA-E 57C2-57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B3-122B2; S+W ''151C3-151B4'') DE23/513
[471, 472, 655, 655.1] (ERA-E 57C2-57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B3-122B2; S+W ''151C3-151B4'') DE24/513


Most trains (and particularly ''RE'' and ''RB'' ones) run via Niederräder 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.
Most trains (and particularly ''RE'' and ''RB'' ones) run via Niederräder 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:
The following trains are scheduled via Main-Neckar Brücke: (List to follow)


*''ICE'' trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Mannheim Hbf hourly 05:50 to 21:50
<!---*''ICE'' trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Mannheim Hbf hourly 05:50 to 21:50
*''ICE'' trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof hourly 07:10 to 22:10
*''ICE'' trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof hourly 07:10 to 22:10
*''ICE'' trains from Mannheim Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Hbf hourly 06:32 to 22:32, every two hours 06:41 to 20:41 and every two hours 07:16 to 19:16, but not when the 19:16 terminates at Frankfurt am Main Hbf  
*''ICE'' trains from Mannheim Hbf to Frankfurt am Main Hbf hourly 06:32 to 22:32, every two hours 06:41 to 20:41 and every two hours 07:16 to 19:16, but not when the 19:16 terminates at Frankfurt am Main Hbf  
Line 476: Line 401:
| Karlsruhe Hbf – 05:28 Mannheim Hbf – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen / Hamburg-Altona
| Karlsruhe Hbf – 05:28 Mannheim Hbf – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen / Hamburg-Altona
|-
|-
| D11
|  
|  
|  
| ICE27
| ICE27
Line 486: Line 411:
| Zürich HB – 23:42 Mannheim Hbf – Praha hl.n
| Zürich HB – 23:42 Mannheim Hbf – Praha hl.n
|-  
|-  
| D8
|  
|  
|  
| ICE887/1087
| ICE887/1087
Line 506: Line 431:
| 05:40 Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Essen Hbf
| 05:40 Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Essen Hbf
|-
|-
| D8
|  
| SSuX
| SSuX
| ICE1097
| ICE1097
Line 515: Line 440:
| ICE1554
| ICE1554
| Dresden Hbf – 20:56 Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Wiesbaden Hbf / Saarbrücken Hbf
| Dresden Hbf – 20:56 Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Wiesbaden Hbf / Saarbrücken Hbf
|}
|}--->
 
D8: 11 December 2022 - 31 March 2023
 
D11: 11 December 2022 - 26 May 2023; 12 September - 9 September 2023


====Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Höchst====
====Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Höchst====
[466, 627, 646] (ERA-E 57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B3-122B2 not shown; S+W ''151C3-151B3'' partly shown) DE23/514
[466, 627, 646] (ERA-E 57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B3-122B2 not shown; S+W ''151C3-151B3'' partly shown) DE24/514


Most trains, other than ''S-Bahn'', between Frankfurt-Höchst and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße.  
Most trains, other than ''S-Bahn'', between Frankfurt-Höchst and Frankfurt am Main Hbf run via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße.  
Line 533: Line 454:


====Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Rödelheim (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße)====
====Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Rödelheim (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße)====
[637] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''151C3-152D2'') DE23/515
[637] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''151C3-152D2'') DE24/515


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. A new westbound alignment to the north of the carriage sidings at Frankfurt (Main) Außenbahnhof, including a flyover over the western exit lines from the Außenbahnhof, came into use on 29 November 2021. The previously bidirectional single line is now used only for trains heading towards Frankfurt am Main Hbf.
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. A new westbound alignment to the north of the carriage sidings at Frankfurt (Main) Außenbahnhof, including a flyover over the western exit lines from the Außenbahnhof, came into use on 29 November 2021. The previously bidirectional single line is now used only for trains heading towards Frankfurt am Main Hbf.


===Frankfurt am Main Süd (Abstellbahnhof) – Frankfurt-Louisa===
===Frankfurt am Main Süd (Abstellbahnhof) – Frankfurt-Louisa===
[650, 650.2] (ERA-E 57C2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W ''151D3-151C4'') DE23/521
[650, 650.2] (ERA-E 57C2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W ''151D3-151C4'') DE24/521
 
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.


{| class="ostable"
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. List to follow.
<!---{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
|  
|  
Line 577: Line 497:
| IC1174
| IC1174
| Basel SBB – 13:46 Darmstadt Hbf – Berlin-Südkreuz / Berlin-Gesundbrunnen
| Basel SBB – 13:46 Darmstadt Hbf – Berlin-Südkreuz / Berlin-Gesundbrunnen
|}
|}--->


D8: 11 December 2022 - 31 March 2023


===Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus)===
===Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus)===
[471, 650] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151B4-151C4'') DE23/522
[471, 650] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151B4-151C4'') DE23/522


This route is used by trains between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and Neu Isenburg if not booked to call at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  
This route is used by trains between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and Neu Isenburg if not booked to call at Frankfurt am Main Hbf. List to follow:


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
| SSuX
| SSuX
| ICE1223
| ICE1223
| 06:47 Darmstadt Hbf - Düsseldorf Hbf (continues to München via Kassel)
| 06:47 Darmstadt Hbf - Düsseldorf Hbf (continues to München via Kassel)
|}
|}--->


===Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Frankfurt am Main Süd (via Abzw Forsthaus)===
===Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Frankfurt am Main Süd (via Abzw Forsthaus)===
[640] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151B4-151D3'') DE23/523
[640] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W ''151B4-151D3'') DE24/523


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 ''ICE'' and local trains that do so throughout the day.
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. It is used by the hourly ''RB58'' services between Rüsselsheim Opelwerk and Laufach and on Mondays to Fridays by the two-hourly ''RB59'' services between Frankfurt am Main Flughafen and Hanau Hbf. <!---CHECK FOR ANY USE BY ICEs--->


See route DE23/521 (above) for details of trains that run via Frankfurt-Louisa, instead of the direct route via line 3650.
See route DE24/521 (above) for details of trains that run via Frankfurt-Louisa, instead of the direct route via line 3650.


===Limburg Süd (Abzw Breckenheim) - Wiesbaden Hbf (Wiesbaden-Wäschbach)===
===Limburg Süd (Abzw Breckenheim) - Wiesbaden Hbf (Wiesbaden-Wäschbach)===
[472] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122B1; S+W ''151B1 - 151D1'') DE23/524
[472] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122B1; S+W ''151B1 - 151D1'') DE23/524


This branch off the Köln - Frankfurt ''Schnellfahrstrecke'' is used by ''ICE'' trains between Köln and Wiesbaden Hbf.
This branch off the Köln - Frankfurt ''Schnellfahrstrecke'' is used by ''ICE'' trains between Köln and Wiesbaden Hbf. Owing to the closure of the ''Riedbahn'' (Frankfurt – Biblis – Mannheim) during the second half of the year, many more trains than usual are using this connection. List to follow:


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
| SSuX
| SSuX
Line 625: Line 544:
| ICE710
| ICE710
| Stuttgart Hbf - 16:45 Wiesbaden Hbf - Köln Hbf / Köln Messe/Deutz
| Stuttgart Hbf - 16:45 Wiesbaden Hbf - Köln Hbf / Köln Messe/Deutz
|}
|}--->


===Wiesbaden avoiding line: Wiesbaden-Biebrich - Wiesbaden Ost===  
===Wiesbaden avoiding line: Wiesbaden-Biebrich - Wiesbaden Ost===  
[466] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122B1; S+W ''151C3-151B3'') DE23/525
[466] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122B1; S+W ''151C3-151B3'') DE24/525
 
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 Monday to Friday ''RE'' peak trains between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Eltville or Rudesheim which do not call at Wiesbaden Hbf. The north and southbound routes differ significantly south of Wiesbaden Ost.


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 Monday to Friday ''RE'' peak trains between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Eltville or Rudesheim which do not call at Wiesbaden Hbf.
From Mainz-Kastel: 08:35, 16:35, 18:35 all SSuX


From Mainz-Kastel: 07:36, 08:34, 15:34, 16:34, 17:34, 18:34 all SSuX
From Wiesbaden-Biebrich: 07:15, 09:15, 17:15 all SSuX


From Wiesbaden-Biebrich: 06:15, 07:15, 08:15, 09:15, 16:15, 17:15 all SSuX
Note that Table 466 shows an hourly service towards Eltville in the morning and evening peaks, but the journey planner only shows three trains in either direction.


===Mainz-Bischofsheim (Abzw Kostheim Ost) – Mainz-Kastel (Abzw Kostheim)===
===Mainz-Bischofsheim (Abzw Kostheim Ost) – Mainz-Kastel (Abzw Kostheim)===


[645.8-9, 651] (ERA-E 57A1-57A2; ERA-R 122C1; S+W ''151D2-151C2'') DE23/526
[645.8-9, 651] (ERA-E 57A1-57A2; ERA-R 122C1; S+W ''151D2-151C2'') DE24/526


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 DE23/527 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 DE23/527.
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 DE24/527 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 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 DE24/527.


===Hochheim (Main) (Abzw Kostheim) – Mainz Hbf (Abzw Kaiserbrücke Ost)===
===Hochheim (Main) (Abzw Kostheim) – Mainz Hbf (Abzw Kaiserbrücke Ost)===
[471] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122C1; S+W ''151C2'') DE23/527
[471] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122C1; S+W ''151C2'') DE24/527  


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.  
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 is used by ''RE4'' services, generally every two hours with peak extras, between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Mainz Hbf via Hochheim (Main).
The line is used by ''RE4'' services, generally every two hours with peak extras, between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Mainz Hbf via Hochheim (Main).  


===Kelsterbach – Frankfurt am Main Stadion===
===Kelsterbach – Frankfurt am Main Stadion===
[471] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''152C3-152D3'') DE23/528
[471] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''152C3-152D3'') DE24/528


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.  
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.  
Line 667: Line 588:


===Frankfurt am Main Gateway Gardens - Frankfurt am Main Stadion===
===Frankfurt am Main Gateway Gardens - Frankfurt am Main Stadion===
[471] (ERA-E 57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B2 not shown; S+W ''152D3'') DE23/529
[471] (ERA-E 57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B2 not shown; S+W ''152D3'') DE24/529
 
Where the new line from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Regionalbahnhof converges with the old main line via Kelsterbach west of Frankfurt am Main Stadion, two routes are possible.  Trains to and from the ''S-Bahn'' tunnel route under the city centre cross the Kelsterbach line on a flyover. There is also a single track connection directly to the line from Kelsterbach which is used by certain ''RE'' trains '''to''' the Hauptbahnhof high-level station.
 
The single-track connection also is used on Mondays to Fridays by the two-hourly ''RE59'' services between Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbf and Hanau Hbf via Frankfurt am Main Süd. These trains run via platforms 4 and 5 at Frankfurt am Main Stadion, avoiding Frankfurt am Main Hbf.


Where the new line from Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbf converges with the old main line via Kelsterbach west of Frankfurt am Main Stadion two routes are possible.  Trains to the ''S-Bahn'' tunnel route under the city centre cross the Kelsterbach line on a flyover.  Some ''RE'' trains '''to''' the Hauptbahnhof high-level station use a single track connection directly to the line from Kelsterbach.
Note that the hourly ''RB58'' services between Rüsselsheim Opelwerk and Laufach via Frankfurt am Main Süd and Hanau call at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof and so do not use this connection.


===Raunheim (Abzw Mönchwald) – Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf (Abzw Mönchhof)===
===Raunheim (Abzw Mönchwald) – Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf (Abzw Mönchhof)===
[471] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122C2; S+W ''152B4'') DE23/530
[471] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122C2; S+W ''152B4'') DE24/530 <!---CHECK FOR RIEDBAHN ALTERATIONS--->
 
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 a generally hourly ''ICE'' service for most of the day. Services will be altered during the closure of the ''Riedbahn'' via Biblis between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024; details to follow.


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 a two-hourly ''ICE'' service for most of the day.


===Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – Zeppelinheim===
===Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – Zeppelinheim===
[655.1] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''152D3'') DE23/531
[655.1] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''152D3'') DE24/531 <!---CHECK FOR RIEDBAHN ALTERATIONS--->


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 ''ICE'' services at least hourly.
This grade-separated 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 ''ICE'' services at least hourly. Services will be altered during the closure of the ''Riedbahn'' via Biblis between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024; details to follow.


===Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Stockschneise) – Darmstadt Nord – Darmstadt-Kranichstein===
===Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Stockschneise) – Darmstadt Nord – Darmstadt-Kranichstein===
(ERA-E 57B1; ERA-R 122C2-122C3; S+W 154C2) DE23/532
(ERA-E 57B1; ERA-R 122C2-122C3; S+W 154C2) DE24/532


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 [https://bahnwelt.de/ Darmstadt-Kranichstein railway museum] sometimes runs a shuttle service between Groß-Gerau and Kranichstein during its annual ''Bahnwelttage'' event in May.
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 [https://bahnwelt.de/ Darmstadt-Kranichstein railway museum] sometimes runs a shuttle service between Groß-Gerau and Kranichstein during its annual ''Bahnwelttage'' event in May.


The route is also occasionally used for diversion of trains between Mainz and Aschaffenburg.
The route is also occasionally used for diversion of ''RB75'' trains between Mainz and Aschaffenburg.


===Arheilgen – Darmstadt-Nord===
===Arheilgen – Darmstadt-Nord===
[641] (ERA-E 57B1; ERA-R 122C2-122C3; S+W ''154C2'') DE23/533
[641] (ERA-E 57B1; ERA-R 122C2-122C3; S+W ''154C2'') DE24/533


This north to east curve connects the Frankfurt am Main and Aschaffenburg lines north of Darmstadt Hbf. It is used by through trains between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Groß-Umstadt Wiebelsbach via Darmstadt Nord, generally hourly. Note that some of the services '''from''' Frankfurt (Main) '''to''' Groß-Umstadt Wiebelsbach are omitted from Table 641 but they are shown in the [https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en DB journey planner] and on the [https://www.vias-online.de/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/Fahrplan_Odenwaldbahn_gueltig-ab-11-12-2022.pdf Vias website].
This north to east curve connects the Frankfurt am Main and Aschaffenburg lines north of Darmstadt Hbf. It is used by through trains between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Groß-Umstadt Wiebelsbach via Darmstadt Nord, generally hourly.  


===Darmstadt Hbf – Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Bergschneise ''and'' Abzw Weiterstadt Stockschneise)===
===Darmstadt Hbf – Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Bergschneise ''and'' Abzw Weiterstadt Stockschneise)===
[651] (ERA-E 57B1 partly shown; S+W ''154C3-154C2'') DE23/534
[651] (ERA-E 57B1 partly shown; S+W ''154C3-154C2'') DE24/534


Darmstadt Hbf is connected to the line towards Mainz by three geographically separate tracks, of which two constitute a widely separated double track flying junction and the third is reversible.
Darmstadt Hbf is connected to the line towards Mainz by three geographically separate tracks, of which two constitute a widely separated double track flying junction and the third is reversible.
Line 704: Line 630:
Trains from Mainz use the short curve of line 3530. Trains towards Mainz from platforms 8 and 9 (which are most of them) can only use the reversible Bergschneise route as line 3605 and therefore the Stockschneise route cannot be reached from these platforms.  
Trains from Mainz use the short curve of line 3530. Trains towards Mainz from platforms 8 and 9 (which are most of them) can only use the reversible Bergschneise route as line 3605 and therefore the Stockschneise route cannot be reached from these platforms.  


Only two services at 06:12 and 08:12 (both SSuX) depart from platform 7 and so can use either route. The Stockschneise route is longer but allows higher speeds. A report in November 2021 confirmed that the 08:12 service took the Stockschneise route and therefore the 'long curve'. 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 further reports of which route is taken by these two trains.'''
Only two services at 06:12 and 08:12 (both SSuX) depart from platform 7 and so can use either route. The Stockschneise route is longer but allows higher speeds. Reports in the last couple of years have confirmed that both trains took the Stockschneise route and therefore the 'long curve'. 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.


==Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions==
==Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions==


===Hanau avoiding line: Großkrotzenburg - Hanau Nord (Rauschwald)===  
===Hanau avoiding line: Großkrotzenburg - Hanau Nord (Rauschwald)===  
(ERA-E 54A3; ERA-R 122B4; S+W ''151D2'') DE23/541
(ERA-E 54A3; ERA-R 122B4; S+W ''151D2'') DE24/541 <!---APPARENTLY IN PASSENGER USE IN 2024; CHECK FOR TRAINS--->


This line is used occasionally, particularly by overnight trains, to allow trains to run between the Aschaffenburg and Fulda or Friedberg lines without reversal at Hanau Hbf.
This line is used occasionally, particularly by overnight trains, to allow trains to run between the Aschaffenburg and Fulda or Friedberg lines without reversal at Hanau Hbf. List to follow.


===Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt am Main West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Louisa (Main-Neckar Brücke)===  
===Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt am Main West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Louisa (Main-Neckar Brücke)===  
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W ''151C3'') DE23/542
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W ''151C3'') DE24/542
 
This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south, but particularly via Darmstadt, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. Use of this route is indicated by trains calling at Frankfurt am Main West instead of the Hauptbahnhof.


This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south, but particularly via Darmstadt, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. 
===Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Niederrad / Frankfurt Griesheim===
Use of this route is indicated by trains calling at Frankfurt am Main West instead of the Hauptbahnhof.
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''151C3-151B3'') DE24/543


===Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Niederrad===
This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south via Niederräder Brücke or to the west via Griesheim, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. 
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''151C3-151B3'') DE23/543


This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south via Niederräder Brücke, 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 DE23/542 is more likely.
This route is sometimes also 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 DE24/542 is more likely.


===Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt-Niederrad – Frankfurt-Höchst===  
===Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt-Niederrad – Frankfurt-Höchst===  
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''151C4-152C2'') DE23/543A
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W ''151C4-152C2'') DE24/544 <---CHECK FOR ANY FV USE IN 2024--->


There are two possible routes between Niederräder Brücke and Frankfurt-Höchst – a south to east curve to the ''S-Bahn'' line via Frankfurt-Griesheim and a south to north link to the main line at Abzw. Mainzer Landstraße.
There are two possible routes between Niederräder Brücke and Frankfurt-Höchst – a south to east curve to the ''S-Bahn'' line via Frankfurt-Griesheim and a south to north link to the main line at Abzw. Mainzer Landstraße.
Line 731: Line 658:
On various dates the following overnight services are booked to run via Niederräder Brücke and Höchst; however it is unclear which of the two routes they will take in between these points. Whether trains will run via one or other of these routes can be confirmed by their omitting calls at both Mainz Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf.
On various dates the following overnight services are booked to run via Niederräder Brücke and Höchst; however it is unclear which of the two routes they will take in between these points. Whether trains will run via one or other of these routes can be confirmed by their omitting calls at both Mainz Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf.


{| class="ostable"
<!---{| class="ostable"
| D12
| D12
| Daily / MWFX
| Daily / MWFX
Line 741: Line 668:
| NJ421
| NJ421
| Amsterdam Centraal – 23:46 Koblenz Hbf – Innsbruck Hbf
| Amsterdam Centraal – 23:46 Koblenz Hbf – Innsbruck Hbf
|}
|}--->


D12: Daily 31 March - 25 May and 21 August - 27 September 2023; MWFX 28 September - 10 December 2023 (one day later from Frankfurt Süd and Koblenz Hbf)


===Limburg Süd (Caltex) - Kelsterbach (Brunnenschneise)===  
===Limburg Süd (Caltex) - Kelsterbach (Brunnenschneise)===  
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122C2-122B2; S+W ''152B3'') DE23/544
(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122C2-122B2; S+W ''152B3'') DE24/544


This north to east curve allows trains to run between the Köln - Frankfurt ''Schnellfahrstrecke'' and the old main line between Mainz and Frankfurt.  Use by passenger trains is extremely rare and further diversions are unlikely soon, but are indicated by a stop at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf being omitted.
This north to east curve allows trains to run between the Köln - Frankfurt ''Schnellfahrstrecke'' and the old main line between Mainz and Frankfurt.  Use by passenger trains is extremely rare and further diversions are unlikely soon, but are indicated by a stop at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf being omitted.


===Groß Gerau – Groß Gerau-Dornberg===
===Groß Gerau – Groß Gerau-Dornberg===
[660] (ERA-E 47B1; ERA-R 122C2; S+W ''154A2'') DE23/545
[660] (ERA-E 47B1; ERA-R 122C2; S+W ''154A2'') DE24/545 <!---APPARENTLY IN USE IN EARLY 2024 WHEN RIEDBAHN IS OPEN - CHECK FOR TRAINS--->
 
This west to south curve links the Mainz to Darmstadt line with the Frankfurt am Main to Mannheim ''Riedbahn''.
 
''IC'' and ''EC'' trains between Mainz and Mannheim not calling at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen normally run via Worms, but are sometimes diverted via this curve.  Relief ''IC'' trains may also run this way, and it has been used at short notice when there is an operating or infrastructure problem on the Worms route. If local trains via Worms are replaced by buses, it is likely that ''IC'' and ''EC'' trains will use this route.
 
Between 11 and 24 March 2024, ''IC/EC/ICE'' trains between Mainz Hbf and Mannheim Hbf are diverted this way, not calling at Worms Hbf.


''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, and it has been used at short notice when there is an operating or infrastructure problem on the Worms route.  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.
<!---TRAINS RUNNING THIS WAY DURING RIEDBAHN CLOSURE??--->


===Groß Gerau-Dornberg – Klein Gerau (Abzw Klein Gerau Eichmühle)===
===Groß Gerau-Dornberg – Klein Gerau (Abzw Klein Gerau Eichmühle)===
[655] (ERA-E 47B1; ERA-R 122C2; S+W ''154A2'') DE23/546
[655] (ERA-E 47B1; ERA-R 122C2; S+W ''154A2'') DE24/546


This is the east to south curve at Groß Gerau. Occasionally, ''RE70'' services between Mannheim Hbf and Frankfurt are diverted to/from Frankfurt am Main Süd via this curve, reversing at Darmstadt Hbf, with a public call there.
This is the east to south curve at Groß Gerau. Occasionally, ''RE70'' services between Mannheim Hbf and Frankfurt are diverted to/from Frankfurt am Main Süd via this curve, reversing at Darmstadt Hbf, with a public call there.
Note that during the total closure of the ''Riedbahn'' between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024, it will not be possible to divert any trains via this route.


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 11:08, 24 March 2024

Introduction

This list is based on the timetable dated from 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained here.

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series: Book 2) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland by Schweers + Wall.

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.

Note During the complete closure of the Riedbahn (Frankfurt – Mannheim via Biblis) between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024, local and long-distance services in the entire area between Frankfurt, Mainz, Darmstadt and Mannheim are severely affected. This site will attempt to incorporate these alterations into the appropriate entries as much as possible.

Eichenberg avoiding line: Friedland (Han) (Abzw Eichenberg Nordkopf) – Arenshausen (Abzw Eichenberg Ostkopf)

[540.1] (ERA-E 48B1; ERA-R 100A1; S+W 55B3) DE24/501

This north to east curve links the Göttingen and Nordhausen lines and is used by through trains between Göttingen, Leinefelde and Glauchau (Sachs), generally every two hours. Note that between Göttingen and Leinefelde, these trains stop only at Heilbad Heiligenstadt.

Bad Sooden-Allendorf (Abzw Eschwege-Wehre) – Wehretal-Reichensachsen (Abzw Eschwege-Stegmühle)

(ERA-E 48B1; ERA-R 107A5; S+W 55B4) DE24/502

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 normally use the Schnellfahrstrecke, so the only passenger trains to use the main line, bypassing Eschwege, regularly are overnight ones.

D1 NJ471 Hamburg-Altona – 00:03/01:32 Göttingen - Zürich HB
D2 NJ473 Hannover Hbf – 00:05 Göttingen - Zürich HB
ICE1081 Hamburg-Altona – 01:13 Göttingen – München Hbf
D3 SuO ICE1271 Hamburg-Altona – 02:18 (MO) Göttingen – Chur
NJ491 Hamburg-Altona – 22:59 Göttingen – Wien Hbf
D4 SuO ICE1970 Rastatt – 00:57 (MO) Fulda – Hamburg-Altona
D5 SuO/MSuO ICE4 Zürich HB – 00:57 (MO) Fulda – Hamburg-Altona
ICE1080 München Hbf – 01:19 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
D6 ICE990 München Hbf – 01:45/01:48/02:28 Bad Hersfeld – Hamburg-Altona
NJ490 Wien Hbf – 02:36 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
D7 NJ470 Zürich HB – 02:43 Würzburg Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
D8 NJ470 Zürich HB – 02:31 Hanau Hbf – Hannover Hbf / Hamburg-Altona

D1: Dep. Göttingen 01:32 10 December 2023 - 9 March 2024, 29 March - 8 August; 30 August - 14 December 2024; dep. Göttingen 00:03 9 - 29 August 2024

D2: 10 - 28 March 2024

D3: 21 July - 8 December 2024

D4: 18, 25 August 2024

D5: MSuO 1 - 21 January, SuO 1 September - 8 December 2024 (one day later from Fulda)

D6: SuO 10 - 26 December 2023, 28 January - 25 February, 2 March - 12 June 2024 (dep Bad Hersfeld 01:45 following day); daily 14 June- 14 July (dep Bad Hersfeld 01:48 following day); SuO 21 - 8 December 2024 (dep Bad Hersfeld 02:28 following day)

D7: 9 - 29 August 2024

D8: 11 December 2023 - 27 March 2024, 1 April - 16 May, 30 August - 14 December 2024

Urlaubs Express trains to and from Hamburg are likely to use this route.

Bebra avoiding line: Ludwigsau-Friedlos (Abzw Blankenheim) – Ronshausen (Abzw Faßdorf)

[no table] (ERA-E 54B5; ERA-R 107A4; S+W 67 inset) DE24/503

This south to east curve enables trains between Fulda and Eisenach to avoid reversal at Bebra. It is used at least hourly by ICE services between Frankfurt am Main and Leipzig, which run non-stop between Fulda or Bad Hersfeld and Eisenach.

Gießen avoiding line: Dutenhofen – Großen Linden (Gießen Bergwald Stw Gs)

[445] (ERA-E 53C4; ERA-R 106A3; S+W 65A4) DE24/504

This west to south curve enables trains to run between Wetzlar and Friedberg (Hess) without reversing at Gießen. It is used by IC trains every two hours between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and destinations via Siegen and also by:

SSuX HLB RE24531 Siegen – 05:47 Wetzlar – Frankfurt am Main Hbf
SSuX HLB RE24530 Frankfurt am Main Hbf – 18:00 Bad Nauheim – Siegen

Fulda area

[615] (ERA-E 54B4 not shown; ERA-R 107A3; S+W 78C1) DE24/505

Neuhof (Kr Fulda) (Fulda-Bronnzell) – Fulda via flyover

The flyover south of Fulda station allows trains northbound from Flieden access to the low-numbered platforms at Fulda without crossing the Schnellfahrstrecke on the level. It is used by most RE50 trains from Frankfurt am Main Hbf terminating at Fulda which run hourly.

Southbound RE50 services to Frankfurt am Main Hbf starting from Fulda platform 1 use the same track as inbound terminating services via the flyover and rise as if heading that way, but then drop down to run underneath the flyover parallel with the southbound main line. Some travellers may also consider this to be a separate route.

Neuhof (Kr Fulda) via southbound platform loop

Local hourly stopping services from Fulda towards Frankfurt am Main Hbf must use the loop of the main line to call at Platform 3 as there is no platform on the southbound main line. This loop line is on a separate alignment well to the west of the main line.

Flieden – Sterbfritz (Elm Bbf)

(ERA-E 54A4-54B4; ERA-R 107A2; S+W 78C1-78C2) DE24/506

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 regular passenger trains only during the night, plus occasional diversions.


Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Nordseite)

[640] (ERA-E 54A3 not shown; ERA-R 122B4 not shown; S+W 153D2) DE24/507

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. Trains from beyond Hanau that use platform 6 may use this connection if they call at Maintal Ost or run non-stop to Frankfurt am Main Süd.

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. (List to follow)


Hanau West (Weiche 403/404) – Hanau Hbf (Südseite)

[640] (ERA-E 54A3; ERA-R 122B4 not shown; S+W 153D2) DE24/508

This route is used by RB trains between Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt am Main via the Maintal line.

Offenbach (Main) Hbf - Offenbach (Main) Ost

[645.8-9] (ERA-E 57C2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W 153B2) DE24/509

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 am Main Hbf and Offenbach Ost run to and from Frankfurt am Main Hbf (high level) via Frankfurt am Main Süd and this line.

From Offenbach (Main) Hbf: 00:39, 01:12 and 01:39, all MO

From Offenbach (Main) Ost: 23:58 SuO; 00:28 and 01:01, both MO

Note that these trains do not run between 16 June and 15 July 2024.

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 Niederräder Brücke or the Main-Neckar-Brücke, about 2 km further upstream. The line over the Niederräder 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 Niederräder 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 Niederräder 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] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W 151C3-151D3) DE23/511

Most trains run via Main-Neckar-Brücke. The following trains are scheduled via Niederräder Brücke and Abzw Forsthaus: List to follow


Local trains taking longer than ten minutes between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Süd can be expected to run via Frankfurt Niederrad.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus)

[650, 650.2] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W 151C3-151C4) DE23/512

Most trains to and from Neu Isenburg, other than S-Bahn, run via Main-Neckar-Brücke, but the following are scheduled via Niederräder Brücke: (List to follow)


Frankfurt am Main Hbf – Frankfurt am Main Stadion

[471, 472, 655, 655.1] (ERA-E 57C2-57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B3-122B2; S+W 151C3-151B4) DE24/513

Most trains (and particularly RE and RB ones) run via Niederräder 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: (List to follow)


Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Höchst

[466, 627, 646] (ERA-E 57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B3-122B2 not shown; S+W 151C3-151B3 partly shown) DE24/514

Most 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. A new westbound alignment to the north of the carriage sidings at Frankfurt Außenbahnhof, including a flyover over the western exit lines from the Außenbahnhof, came into use on 29 November 2021. The previously bidirectional single line is now used only for trains heading towards Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

Most trains to and from Limburg (Lahn) run via Abzw Gutleuthof to use platforms 1–8 on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof.

Generally only S-Bahn services to and from the low-level station at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf use the route via Frankfurt-Griesheim.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Frankfurt-Rödelheim (via Abzw Mainzer Landstraße)

[637] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W 151C3-152D2) DE24/515

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. A new westbound alignment to the north of the carriage sidings at Frankfurt (Main) Außenbahnhof, including a flyover over the western exit lines from the Außenbahnhof, came into use on 29 November 2021. The previously bidirectional single line is now used only for trains heading towards Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

Frankfurt am Main Süd (Abstellbahnhof) – Frankfurt-Louisa

[650, 650.2] (ERA-E 57C2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W 151D3-151C4) DE24/521

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. List to follow.


Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Neu Isenburg (via Abzw Forsthaus)

[471, 650] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W 151B4-151C4) DE23/522

This route is used by trains between Frankfurt am Main Stadion and Neu Isenburg if not booked to call at Frankfurt am Main Hbf. List to follow:


Frankfurt am Main Stadion – Frankfurt am Main Süd (via Abzw Forsthaus)

[640] (ERA-E 57B2-57C2; ERA-R 122B2-122B3; S+W 151B4-151D3) DE24/523

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. It is used by the hourly RB58 services between Rüsselsheim Opelwerk and Laufach and on Mondays to Fridays by the two-hourly RB59 services between Frankfurt am Main Flughafen and Hanau Hbf.

See route DE24/521 (above) for details of trains that run via Frankfurt-Louisa, instead of the direct route via line 3650.

Limburg Süd (Abzw Breckenheim) - Wiesbaden Hbf (Wiesbaden-Wäschbach)

[472] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122B1; S+W 151B1 - 151D1) DE23/524

This branch off the Köln - Frankfurt Schnellfahrstrecke is used by ICE trains between Köln and Wiesbaden Hbf. Owing to the closure of the Riedbahn (Frankfurt – Biblis – Mannheim) during the second half of the year, many more trains than usual are using this connection. List to follow:


Wiesbaden avoiding line: Wiesbaden-Biebrich - Wiesbaden Ost

[466] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122B1; S+W 151C3-151B3) DE24/525

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 Monday to Friday RE peak trains between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Eltville or Rudesheim which do not call at Wiesbaden Hbf. The north and southbound routes differ significantly south of Wiesbaden Ost.

From Mainz-Kastel: 08:35, 16:35, 18:35 all SSuX

From Wiesbaden-Biebrich: 07:15, 09:15, 17:15 all SSuX

Note that Table 466 shows an hourly service towards Eltville in the morning and evening peaks, but the journey planner only shows three trains in either direction.

Mainz-Bischofsheim (Abzw Kostheim Ost) – Mainz-Kastel (Abzw Kostheim)

[645.8-9, 651] (ERA-E 57A1-57A2; ERA-R 122C1; S+W 151D2-151C2) DE24/526

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 DE24/527 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 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 DE24/527.

Hochheim (Main) (Abzw Kostheim) – Mainz Hbf (Abzw Kaiserbrücke Ost)

[471] (ERA-E 57A2; ERA-R 122C1; S+W 151C2) DE24/527

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 is used by RE4 services, generally every two hours with peak extras, between Frankfurt am Main Hbf and Mainz Hbf via Hochheim (Main).

Kelsterbach – Frankfurt am Main Stadion

[471] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W 152C3-152D3) DE24/528

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 Kirchheimbolanden – 06:56 Rüsselsheim – Frankfurt am Main Hbf
SSuX RE29205 Alzey – 07:41 Rüsselsheim – Frankfurt am Main Hbf

Frankfurt am Main Gateway Gardens - Frankfurt am Main Stadion

[471] (ERA-E 57B2 not shown; ERA-R 122B2 not shown; S+W 152D3) DE24/529

Where the new line from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Regionalbahnhof converges with the old main line via Kelsterbach west of Frankfurt am Main Stadion, two routes are possible. Trains to and from the S-Bahn tunnel route under the city centre cross the Kelsterbach line on a flyover. There is also a single track connection directly to the line from Kelsterbach which is used by certain RE trains to the Hauptbahnhof high-level station.

The single-track connection also is used on Mondays to Fridays by the two-hourly RE59 services between Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbf and Hanau Hbf via Frankfurt am Main Süd. These trains run via platforms 4 and 5 at Frankfurt am Main Stadion, avoiding Frankfurt am Main Hbf.

Note that the hourly RB58 services between Rüsselsheim Opelwerk and Laufach via Frankfurt am Main Süd and Hanau call at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof and so do not use this connection.

Raunheim (Abzw Mönchwald) – Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf (Abzw Mönchhof)

[471] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122C2; S+W 152B4) DE24/530

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 a generally hourly ICE service for most of the day. Services will be altered during the closure of the Riedbahn via Biblis between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024; details to follow.


Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf – Zeppelinheim

[655.1] (ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W 152D3) DE24/531

This grade-separated 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 ICE services at least hourly. Services will be altered during the closure of the Riedbahn via Biblis between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024; details to follow.

Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Stockschneise) – Darmstadt Nord – Darmstadt-Kranichstein

(ERA-E 57B1; ERA-R 122C2-122C3; S+W 154C2) DE24/532

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 route is also occasionally used for diversion of RB75 trains between Mainz and Aschaffenburg.

Arheilgen – Darmstadt-Nord

[641] (ERA-E 57B1; ERA-R 122C2-122C3; S+W 154C2) DE24/533

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

Darmstadt Hbf – Weiterstadt (Abzw Darmstadt Bergschneise and Abzw Weiterstadt Stockschneise)

[651] (ERA-E 57B1 partly shown; S+W 154C3-154C2) DE24/534

Darmstadt Hbf is connected to the line towards Mainz by three geographically separate tracks, of which two constitute a widely separated double track flying junction and the third is reversible.

The Darmstadt to Mainz track 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. It was formerly numbered as line 3537 but is now numbered as 3530 as the Mainz-bound track of the double-track Darmstadt to Mainz line. The Mainz to Darmstadt track of 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 (line 3541) 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 the short curve of line 3530. Trains towards Mainz from platforms 8 and 9 (which are most of them) can only use the reversible Bergschneise route as line 3605 and therefore the Stockschneise route cannot be reached from these platforms.

Only two services at 06:12 and 08:12 (both SSuX) depart from platform 7 and so can use either route. The Stockschneise route is longer but allows higher speeds. Reports in the last couple of years have confirmed that both trains took the Stockschneise route and therefore the 'long curve'. 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.

Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions

Hanau avoiding line: Großkrotzenburg - Hanau Nord (Rauschwald)

(ERA-E 54A3; ERA-R 122B4; S+W 151D2) DE24/541

This line is used occasionally, particularly by overnight trains, to allow trains to run between the Aschaffenburg and Fulda or Friedberg lines without reversal at Hanau Hbf. List to follow.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt am Main West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Louisa (Main-Neckar Brücke)

(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B3; S+W 151C3) DE24/542

This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south, but particularly via Darmstadt, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof. Use of this route is indicated by trains calling at Frankfurt am Main West instead of the Hauptbahnhof.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt West (Galluswarte) – Frankfurt-Niederrad / Frankfurt Griesheim

(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W 151C3-151B3) DE24/543

This line provides a link between Frankfurt West and lines to the south via Niederräder Brücke or to the west via Griesheim, for trains not required to call at the Hauptbahnhof.

This route is sometimes also 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 DE24/542 is more likely.

Frankfurt am Main Hbf avoiding line: Frankfurt-Niederrad – Frankfurt-Höchst

(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122B2; S+W 151C4-152C2) DE24/544 <---CHECK FOR ANY FV USE IN 2024--->

There are two possible routes between Niederräder Brücke and Frankfurt-Höchst – a south to east curve to the S-Bahn line via Frankfurt-Griesheim and a south to north link to the main line at Abzw. Mainzer Landstraße.

On various dates the following overnight services are booked to run via Niederräder Brücke and Höchst; however it is unclear which of the two routes they will take in between these points. Whether trains will run via one or other of these routes can be confirmed by their omitting calls at both Mainz Hbf and Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbf.


Limburg Süd (Caltex) - Kelsterbach (Brunnenschneise)

(ERA-E 57B2; ERA-R 122C2-122B2; S+W 152B3) DE24/544

This north to east curve allows trains to run between the Köln - Frankfurt Schnellfahrstrecke and the old main line between Mainz and Frankfurt. Use by passenger trains is extremely rare and 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] (ERA-E 47B1; ERA-R 122C2; S+W 154A2) DE24/545

This west to south curve links the Mainz to Darmstadt line with the Frankfurt am Main to Mannheim Riedbahn.

IC and EC trains between Mainz and Mannheim not calling at Frankfurt am Main Flughafen normally run via Worms, but are sometimes diverted via this curve. Relief IC trains may also run this way, and it has been used at short notice when there is an operating or infrastructure problem on the Worms route. If local trains via Worms are replaced by buses, it is likely that IC and EC trains will use this route.

Between 11 and 24 March 2024, IC/EC/ICE trains between Mainz Hbf and Mannheim Hbf are diverted this way, not calling at Worms Hbf.


Groß Gerau-Dornberg – Klein Gerau (Abzw Klein Gerau Eichmühle)

[655] (ERA-E 47B1; ERA-R 122C2; S+W 154A2) DE24/546

This is the east to south curve at Groß Gerau. Occasionally, RE70 services between Mannheim Hbf and Frankfurt are diverted to/from Frankfurt am Main Süd via this curve, reversing at Darmstadt Hbf, with a public call there.

Note that during the total closure of the Riedbahn between 2 and 22 January and between 16 July and 14 December 2024, it will not be possible to divert any trains via this route.

See also