Germany (Hessen) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

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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.

The following regional trains have an extended journey time between the Hauptbahnhof and Frankfurt am Main Süd, so probably also use this route:

SuO RE4624 Bamberg - 18:27 Frankfurt am Main Süd - Frankfurt am Main Hbf
D SuX RE28603/28605 05:54 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Aschaffenburg Hbf/Laufach
SSuO RE4647 09:01 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Bamberg
SSuO RE4649 15:01 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Bamberg
D FX RE4590 20:15 Frankfurt am Main Hbf - Fulda/Bad Hersfeld

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

[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

Frankfurt am Main Gateway Gardens - Frankfurt am Main Stadion

[471] (152D3) DE20/527A

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. Trains to the Hauptbahnhof main station use a single track connection directly to the line from Kelsterbach.

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.

On 15 March 2020, all RB75 services between [Wiesbaden Hbf -] Mainz Hbf and Aschaffenburg Hbf run via this route, not calling at Darmstadt Hbf or Darmstadt Nord.

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

Since at least 2018 "For operational reasons, the feeder trains from the main station to the railway museum are cancelled", an alternative vintage tram on part of the town network is advertised as a replacement. In previous years a shuttle service has operated 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: Note that the east end junction is grade separated.

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, 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.

See also