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

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===Buke – Langeland (Altenbeken Kurve)===
===Buke – Langeland (Altenbeken Kurve)===
[360.5, 430] (ERA-E 48A2; ERA-R 99B3; S+W ''53C1'') DE23/381
[360.5, 430] (ERA-E 48A2; ERA-R 99B3; S+W ''53C1'') DE24/371


This south to east curve enables trains to run between the Warburg and Hameln lines without reversing at Altenbeken. It is used, particularly by overnight trains, when the classic line from Hannover via Göttingen is unavailable.
This south to east curve enables trains to run between the Warburg and Hameln lines without reversing at Altenbeken. It is used when the classic line from Hannover via Göttingen is unavailable.
 
Because of a freight train derailment on 10 September 2023 at Geseke, between Lippstadt and Paderborn, trains on route ''IC50'' (Köln - Gera) were diverted via Herford (reverse) and this curve.
 
'''Note''': While these trains have timings shown in the DB journey planner for every day of the week from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 September 2023, they are shown as 'cancelled' every day so '''do not run'''. From Monday 25 September 2023 onwards, trains are shown as running by the booked route via Paderborn.
 
{| class="ostable"
| Cancelled
|
| IC2155
| Köln Hbf / Düsseldorf Hbf – 11:43 Herford – Gera Hbf
|-
| Cancelled
|
| IC2157
| Köln Hbf / Düsseldorf Hbf – 17:32 Herford – Gera Hbf
|-
| Cancelled
|
| IC2156
| Gera Hbf – 09:34 Warburg (Westf) – Düsseldorf Hbf / Köln Hbf
|-
| Cancelled
|
| IC2152
| Gera Hbf – 15:34 Warburg (Westf) – Düsseldorf Hbf / Köln Hbf
|}
 
 
On Saturday 25 March 2023, the following trains were booked to run non-stop between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Hannover Hbf, with considerably extended journey times, which suggested the use of this curve.
 
{| class="ostable"
| D
| SO
| ICE474
| Basel Bad Bf – 09:21 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE770
| Stuttgart Hbf – 12:21 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE76
| Zürich HB – 13:21 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE578
| Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 14:28 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE74
| Zürich HB – 15:21 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Kiel Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE576
| Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 16:21 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE572
| Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 20:25 Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE575
| Hamburg-Altona – 08:43 Hannover Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE75
| Kiel Hbf – 09:43 Hannover Hbf – Zürich HB
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE577
| Hamburg-Altona – 10:45 Hannover Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE77
| Hamburg-Altona – 11:45 Hannover Hbf – Zürich HB
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE579
| Hamburg-Altona – 12:43 Hannover Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE79
| Hamburg-Altona – 13:43 Hannover Hbf – Zürich HB
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE771
| Hamburg-Altona – 14:43 Hannover Hbf – Stuttgart Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE1171
| Hamburg-Altona – 15:43 Hannover Hbf – Basel SBB
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE773
| Hamburg-Altona – 16:43 Hannover Hbf – Stuttgart Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE273
| Hamburg-Altona – 17:43 Hannover Hbf – Freiburg (Brsg) Hbf
|-
| D
| SO
| ICE56913
| Hamburg-Altona – 19:41 Hannover Hbf – Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe
|}


===Münster (Westf) avoiding line: Südmühle – Münster Kanal – Münster-Lechtenberg===
===Münster (Westf) avoiding line: Südmühle – Münster Kanal – Münster-Lechtenberg===
[385, 410] (ERA-E 47B3; ERA-R 96B3; S+W ''134C1-134C2'') DE23/382
[385, 410] (ERA-E 47B3; ERA-R 96B3; S+W ''134C1-134C2'') DE24/372


This line passes to the east of Münster and enables trains between the Osnabück and Hamm lines to avoid the Hauptbahnhof. It is used occasionally by diverted ''IC/ICE'' services between Hamburg and Köln.
This line passes to the east of Münster and enables trains between the Osnabück and Hamm lines to avoid the Hauptbahnhof. It is used occasionally by diverted ''IC/ICE'' services between Hamburg and Köln.


===Minden (Westf) – Hamm (via Goods Line)===
===Minden (Westf) – Hamm (via Goods Line)===
[370, 400] (ERA-E 48A4-47B2 not shown; ERA-R 99B5-96B3 not shown; S+W ''41C1-52B1'') DE23/383
[370, 400] (ERA-E 48A4-47B2 not shown; ERA-R 99B5-96B3 not shown; S+W ''41C1-52B1'') DE24/373


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


===Hamm (Westf) avoiding line: Nordbögge (Hamm Rbf Hso) – Welver (Abzw Hamm Gallberg)===
===Hamm (Westf) avoiding line: Nordbögge (Hamm Rbf Hso) – Welver (Abzw Hamm Gallberg)===
[415] (ERA-E 47B2; ERA-R 98C5; S+W ''134B4'') DE23/384
[415] (ERA-E 47B2; ERA-R 98C5; S+W ''134B4'') DE24/374


This curve (line 2921) links the lines from south and west of Hamm with the line to Soest and enables trains to run between the Dortmund area and Soest without reversing at Hamm (Westf) Hbf.
This curve (line 2921) links the lines from south and west of Hamm with the line to Soest and enables trains to run between the Dortmund area and Soest without reversing at Hamm (Westf) Hbf.


===Hamm (Westf) (Hamm Rbf Hde) – Horstmar – Recklinghausen Ost (Abzw Recklinghausen Blumenthal) [– Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord]===
===Hamm (Westf) (Hamm Rbf Hde) – Horstmar – Recklinghausen Ost (Abzw Recklinghausen Blumenthal) [– Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord]===
[415, 450.9] (ERA-E 47B2-46B5; ERA-R 98C5-97C5; S+W ''52B1-51B2'') DE23/385
[415, 450.9] (ERA-E 47B2-46B5; ERA-R 98C5-97C5; S+W ''52B1-51B2'') DE24/375


This east-west freight line runs to the north of the Ruhr conurbation. Trains between Hamm and Dortmund may be diverted via Abzw Horstmar and Lünen Preußen when the main line via Kamen is blocked.  
This east-west freight line runs to the north of the Ruhr conurbation. Trains between Hamm and Dortmund may be diverted via Abzw Horstmar and Lünen Preußen when the main line via Kamen is blocked.  
Line 390: Line 269:
Trains between Hamm and Gelsenkirchen may be diverted via Recklinghausen Ost and Wanne-Eickel. Trains not stopping between Hamm Hbf and Bottrop Hbf or Oberhausen Hbf are likely to run via Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord.
Trains between Hamm and Gelsenkirchen may be diverted via Recklinghausen Ost and Wanne-Eickel. Trains not stopping between Hamm Hbf and Bottrop Hbf or Oberhausen Hbf are likely to run via Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord.


From 11 September 2020, ''S9'' services commenced running between Recklinghausen Hbf and Gladbeck West, thus restoring passenger service over the western end of this line between Abzw Recklinghausen Blumenthal and Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord.
''S9'' services now run between Recklinghausen Hbf and Gladbeck West; therefore the western end of this line between Abzw Recklinghausen Blumenthal and Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord is a normal passenger line.


===Dortmund-Mengede (Dortmund-Nette) – Dortmund-Deusen – Dortmund-Kirchderne===
===Dortmund-Mengede (Dortmund-Nette) – Dortmund-Deusen – Dortmund-Kirchderne===
[411, 416] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4-98B4; S+W ''139A1-139B2'') DE23/386
[411, 416] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4-98B4; S+W ''139A1-139B2'') DE24/376


This freight line round the north side of Dortmund links the lines to Wanne-Eickel and Münster. It may be used by trains diverted away from Dortmund Hbf.
This freight line round the north side of Dortmund links the lines to Wanne-Eickel and Münster. It may be used by trains diverted away from Dortmund Hbf.


===Dortmund-Mengede (Dortmund-Nette) – Dortmund-Deusen – Dortmund-Kurl (Dortmund-Scharnhorst)===
===Dortmund-Mengede (Dortmund-Nette) – Dortmund-Deusen – Dortmund-Kurl (Dortmund-Scharnhorst)===
[411, 416] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4-98B4; S+W ''139A1-139B2'') DE23/386A
[411, 416] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4-98B4; S+W ''139A1-139B2'') DE24/377


This freight line round the north side of Dortmund links the lines to Wanne-Eickel and Hamm. It may be used by trains diverted away from Dortmund Hbf. It is common with the previous entry between Abzw Nette and Dortmund-Obereving.
This freight line round the north side of Dortmund links the lines to Wanne-Eickel and Hamm. It may be used by trains diverted away from Dortmund Hbf. It is common with the previous entry between Abzw Nette and Dortmund-Obereving.


It is used on 20 May 2023 by the hourly ''RE3'' trains '''from''' Hamm (Westf) Hbf '''to''' Düsseldorf Hbf, in that direction only. These run non-stop from Dortmund-Kurl to Dortmund-Mengede, omitting Dortmund Hbf.
It was used in May 2023 by the hourly ''RE3'' trains from Hamm (Westf) Hbf to Düsseldorf Hbf, in that direction only, which ran non-stop from Dortmund-Kurl to Dortmund-Mengede, omitting Dortmund Hbf.


===Herne (Herne-Rottbruch Hgn) – Gelsenkirchen Zoo (Wanne Unser Fritz) via Abzw Crange===
===Herne (Herne-Rottbruch Hgn) – Gelsenkirchen Zoo (Wanne Unser Fritz) via Abzw Crange===
[426] (ERA-E 46xx; ERA-R 98xx; S+W ''138B2'') DE23/386B
[426] (ERA-E 46xx; ERA-R 98xx; S+W ''138B2'') DE24/378


This line links Herne with the line via Gelsenkirchen Zoo to Dorsten via Gladbeck Ost and to Bottrop Süd, avoiding Wanne-Eickel Hbf. The hourly ''RB43'' Dorsten - Dortmund services are diverted this way on 6, 7 and 8 March 2023, between 07:15 and 16:45 each day.
This line links Herne with the line via Gelsenkirchen Zoo to Dorsten via Gladbeck Ost and to Bottrop Süd, avoiding Wanne-Eickel Hbf. The hourly ''RB43'' Dorsten - Dortmund services are diverted this way between 10 December 2023 and 19 April 2024, not calling at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.  


===Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf-Eller===  
===Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf-Eller===  
[415] (ERA-E 46A5-46A3; ERA-R 97B4-97B1; S+W ''141A4-137A2'') DE23/387
[415] (ERA-E 46A5-46A3; ERA-R 97B4-97B1; S+W ''141A4-137A2'') DE24/379


This line, together with Hilden – Opladen, forms a freight route between Köln and Oberhausen, only limited sections of which are used by passenger trains.  From Oberhausen West trains may run to a variety of places, including the Emmerich line, Bottrop Hbf, Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck and Essen-Bergeborbeck. The following routes, among others, are possible:
This line, together with Hilden – Opladen, forms a freight route between Köln and Oberhausen, only limited sections of which are used by passenger trains.  From Oberhausen West trains may run to a variety of places, including the Emmerich line, Bottrop Hbf, Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck and Essen-Bergeborbeck. The following routes, among others, are possible:
Line 420: Line 299:
'''Bottrop Hbf – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf'''
'''Bottrop Hbf – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf'''


Used by diverted trains between Hamm, Dortmund, Recklinghausen or Münster, running via DE23/385, and Duisburg Hbf, omitting calls in the Ruhr up to Oberhausen Hbf.
Used by diverted trains between Hamm, Dortmund, Recklinghausen or Münster, running via DE24/385, and Duisburg Hbf, omitting calls in the Ruhr up to Oberhausen Hbf.


'''Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf'''
'''Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf'''


Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Duisburg Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf. ''RE5'' (Koblenz Hbf – Wesel) and ''RE19'' (Düsseldorf Hbf - Arnhem Centraal) services are diverted this way between 23 and 30 June 2023, also between 30 September and 13 October, when ''RE5'' services also use the Krefeld eastern avoider (DE23/389) and the Köln Hbf western avoider (DE23/397).
Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Duisburg Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf.  


'''Essen-Bergeborbeck – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''
'''Essen-Bergeborbeck – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''


Used by diverted trains between Gelsenkirchen Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting both Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf. This is expected to occur to ''IC/ICE'' services on Sunday 26 February 2023.
Used by diverted trains between Gelsenkirchen Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting both Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf.  


'''Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West - Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''
'''Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West - Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''
Line 436: Line 315:
'''Bottrop Hbf – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''
'''Bottrop Hbf – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''


Used by diverted trains running via DE23/385, not stopping until Düsseldorf Hbf.
Used by diverted trains running via DE24/385, not stopping until Düsseldorf Hbf.


'''Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''
'''Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath'''


Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf. The following ''ICE'' services are expected to run this way between 26 February / 4 March and 31 March 2023.
Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf.  
 
'''Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf-Eller'''
 
Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf, Duisburg Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf.
 
The following trains run non-stop between Köln Hbf and Arnhem Centraal, with a timing point at Düsseldorf-Eller so can be expected to run this way.


{| class="ostable"
{| class= "ostable"
| D1
|
| NJ421
| Amsterdam Centraal – 20:08 Arnhem Centraal – Innsbruck Hbf
|-
| D1
| D1
|  
|  
| ICE104
| NJ403/IC60403
| Amsterdam Centraal – 09:07 Arnhem Centraal – Karlsruhe Hbf / Basel SBB
| Amsterdam Centraal – 22:02 Arnhem Centraal – Zürich HB
|-
|-
| D2
| D2
|  
|  
| ICE105
| NJ402/IC60402
| Karlsruhe Hbf /  Basel SBB – 19:38 Düsseldorf Hbf – Amsterdam Centraal
| Zürich HB – 05:56 Köln Hbf – Amsterdam Centraal
|}
|}


D1: 26 February; 4 - 31 March 2023, not 5 March
D1: 23 March - 7 April 2024


D2: 4 - 31 March 2023
D2: 23 March - 6 April 2024 (7 April from Köln)


'''Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf Hbf via Düsseldorf-Eller Mitte'''
'''Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf Hbf via Düsseldorf-Eller Mitte'''


Used by diverted trains when the approach to Düsseldorf Hbf from the north is not available. Between 15 and 27 October, ''S6'' services between Essen Hbf, Köln Hbf and Köln-Worringen are diverted this way, reversing at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Used by diverted trains when the approach to Düsseldorf Hbf from the north is not available.
 
The following trains run non-stop between the stations indicated, with a timing point at Düsseldorf-Eller, so may use some of the above routes; however from the information available to the compilers, it is not clear which actual route will be taken:
 
{| class="ostable"
| D2
|
| IC2005
| Emden Hbf – 08:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE731
| Hamburg-Altona – 10:38 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| IC2009
| Emden Hbf – 10:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf / Konstanz (SO)
|-
| D1
|
| IC2201
| Bremerhaven Hbf – 12:25 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE2203
| Norddeich Mole – 14:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
| SSuO
| IC2305
| Emden Außenhafen – 15:45 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE605
| Norddeich Mole – 17:11 Bottrop Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE607
| Emden Außenhafen – 18:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D2
|
| ICE2209
| Norddeich Mole – 21:00 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
| ThFSO
| IC2208
| 05:39 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|-
| D1
|
| ICE606
| 06:57 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
|-
| D1
| SSuO
| IC2306
| 08:00 Köln Hbf – Emden Außenhafen (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
|-
| D1
|
| ICE604
| 09:38 Köln Hbf – Emden Außenhafen (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
|-
| D1
|
| IC2202
| 11:44 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|-
| D1
|
| IC2200
| 13:41 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|-
| D1
| ThSX
| IC2004
| Konstanz (FSuO) – 15:45 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf (non-stop Köln Hbf – Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|-
| D2
| ThO
| IC2014
| Stuttgart Hbf – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf (non-stop Köln Hbf – Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|-
| D2
| SO
| IC2006
| Konstanz – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Dortmund Hbf (non-stop Köln Hbf – Herne (unadvertised stop))
|-
| D1
|
| ICE1030
| 16:06 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
|-
| D1
|
| IC2002
| 17:35 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|-
| D1
|
| ICE730
| 19:38 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
|}
 
D1: 23 March - 7 April 2024
 
D2: 23 March - 6 April 2024


===Bottrop Hbf/Oberhausen Hbf – Oberhausen West – Moers (Meerbeck) ''and'' Trompet - Krefeld-Uerdingen===  
===Bottrop Hbf/Oberhausen Hbf – Oberhausen West – Moers (Meerbeck) ''and'' Trompet - Krefeld-Uerdingen===  
[415, 490] (ERA-E 46B5-46A4; ERA-R 97B4-97A4; S+W ''137A2-136C4'') DE23/388
[415, 490] (ERA-E 46B5-46A4; ERA-R 97B4-97A4; S+W ''137A2-136C4'') DE24/380


This route which crosses the Rhein by the Haus-Knipp-Brücke avoids the Duisburg area and is only occasionally used for passenger trains. At its eastern end it has connections towards Bottrop Hbf and Oberhausen Hbf.
This route which crosses the Rhein by the Haus-Knipp-Brücke avoids the Duisburg area and is only occasionally used for passenger trains. At its eastern end it has connections towards Bottrop Hbf and Oberhausen Hbf.


===Meerbusch-Osterath (Krefeld-Lohbruch) – Krefeld-Linn===
===Meerbusch-Osterath (Krefeld-Lohbruch) – Krefeld-Linn===
(ERA-E 46A4; ERA-R 97A2; S+W ''140C1'') DE23/389
(ERA-E 46A4; ERA-R 97A2; S+W ''140C1'') DE24/381


This part of the line from Neuss to Duisburg, avoiding Krefeld Hbf, does not have a regular passenger service. When engineering work restricts the available paths between Köln Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, trains running non-stop from Köln Hbf to Duisburg Hbf may either run via Neuss and this line or run via Hilden (DE23/392). Trains starting or terminating in Köln Hbf may use either route but ones coming up the Rhein valley from Koblenz without sufficient time to reverse in Köln Hbf are more likely to use DE23/392.
This part of the line from Neuss to Duisburg, avoiding Krefeld Hbf, does not have a regular passenger service. When engineering work restricts the available paths between Köln Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, trains running non-stop from Köln Hbf to Duisburg Hbf may either run via Neuss and this line or run via Hilden (DE24/382). Trains starting or terminating in Köln Hbf may use either route but ones coming up the Rhein valley from Koblenz without sufficient time to reverse in Köln Hbf are more likely to use DE24/382.


Between 7 and 27 January 2023, because of engineering work at Düsseldorf-Derendorf, ''RE6'' services between Köln/Bonn Flughafen and Minden run non-stop between Neuss Hbf and Duisburg Hbf, thereby using this line. ''RE42'' Münster (Westf) Hbf – Mönchengladbach services are diverted this way northbound between 7 and 13 January and southbound between 14 and 20 January. The southbound trains also run via Neuss Rbf (freight yard).
It was used on several occasions in 2023 by diverted trains.
 
Between 27 May and 9 June 2023, ''RE42'' Münster (Westf) Hbf – Mönchengladbach services are booked to be diverted via this route, running non-stop between Krefeld-Uerdingen and Mönchengladbach Hbf. The southbound trains are also intended to run via Neuss Rbf. Reports suggest that this routeing is inconsistent, so it may be advisable to confirm the train's routeing with the driver before travelling.
 
Between 30 September and 13 October 2023, ''RE5'' (Wesel – Koblenz Hbf) services are diverted this way. They also run via Oberhausen West (DE23/387) and the north-south connection west of Köln Hbf (DE23/397), omitting Oberhausen Hbf, Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Hbf, but calling at Duisburg Hbf and additionally at Neuss Hbf and Dormagen en route to Köln Süd.


===Witten Hbf – Hagen-Vorhalle===
===Witten Hbf – Hagen-Vorhalle===
(ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3; S+W ''138D4-143A1'') DE23/390
(ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3; S+W ''138D4-143A1'') DE24/382
 
There are two routes between Witten Hbf and Hagen-Vorhalle.  Passenger trains normally use the line via Wetter (Ruhr) to the east of the Ruhr river but may occasionally be diverted via the freight line west of the river. On the morning of Saturday 25 February 2023, the hourly ''RE16'' (Iserlohn – Hagen Hbf – Bochum Hbf – Essen Hbf) services are diverted this way in both directions until 13:15, not calling at Wetter (Ruhr).  ''RE16'' services are also diverted this way on 29 April 2023.


Between 3 and 31 July 2023, the hourly ''RE57'' Dortmund Hbf – Winterberg (Westf) services are diverted this way, also using the connection via Abzw Hohensyburg to Westhofen (Westf) (DE23/390A).
There are two routes between Witten Hbf and Hagen-Vorhalle.  Passenger trains normally use the line via Wetter (Ruhr) to the east of the Ruhr river but may occasionally be diverted via the freight line west of the river.


===Hagen-Vorhalle – Abzw Hohensyburg – Schwerte (Ruhr) (Westhofen (Westf))===
===Hagen-Vorhalle – Abzw Hohensyburg – Schwerte (Ruhr) (Westhofen (Westf))===
(ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3; S+W ''139A4-139B4'') DE23/390A
(ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3; S+W ''139A4-139B4'') DE24/383
 
This connection links both the Ruhr east and west-bank lines (DE23/390) with the Hagen to Hamm (Westf) line, avoiding Hagen Hbf. It was formerly used by winter ski trains between Dortmund and Winterberg (Westf), but these have not run since 2019.


Between 3 and 31 July 2023, the hourly ''RE57'' Dortmund Hbf – Winterberg (Westf) trains run via the Ruhr west-bank line and this connection as far as Westhofen (Westf). As these trains call at Schwerte (Ruhr), they must join the main line at Westhofen and so do not use the diveunder line between Schwerte and Schwerte Ost.
This connection links both the Ruhr east and west-bank lines (DE24/382) with the Hagen to Hamm (Westf) line, avoiding Hagen Hbf. It was formerly used by winter ski trains between Dortmund and Winterberg (Westf), but these have not run since 2019.


===Siegen avoiding line: Siegen-Weidenau – Wilnsdorf-Rudersdorf (Siegen Ost Gbf)===
===Siegen avoiding line: Siegen-Weidenau – Wilnsdorf-Rudersdorf (Siegen Ost Gbf)===
[440, 445] (S+W ''64C2'') DE23/391
[440, 445] (S+W ''64C2'') DE24/384


This connection links the Hagen and Gießen lines, avoiding Siegen Hbf. It is heavily used by freight trains, but only has a passenger service when trains are diverted away from Siegen Hbf.
This connection links the Hagen and Gießen lines, avoiding Siegen Hbf. It is heavily used by freight trains, but only has a passenger service when trains are diverted away from Siegen Hbf.


If the 2-hourly ''IC'' services between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, Siegen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf or Münster (Westf) Hbf (in either direction) are running late, they have been known to omit Siegen Hbf and call at Siegen-Weidenau instead. This was reported to have happened to at least two services on 7 June 2022 with the DB App updated to show this.
If the 2-hourly ''IC'' services between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, Siegen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf or Münster (Westf) Hbf (in either direction) are running late, they have been known to omit Siegen Hbf and use this connection, calling only at Siegen-Weidenau, which is now a booked stop on these services.


===Düsseldorf Flughafen (Abzw Düsseldorf-Unterrath Karthauser Weg) – Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal (Abzw Düsseldorf Flughafen W884)===
===Düsseldorf Flughafen (Abzw Düsseldorf-Unterrath Karthauser Weg) – Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal (Abzw Düsseldorf Flughafen W884)===
[415.1, 416] S+W ''141A2'' DE23/392
[415.1, 416] S+W ''141A2'' DE24/385


This north to west curve enables trains from the north to reach the terminus station at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal, which is normally only served by ''S-Bahn'' trains from the south. Since July 2020 the one very early morning train that used this line has not run, but owing to engineering work this curve is used between 7 and 27 January 2023 by ''RE2'' services from Osnabrück Hbf, diverted away from Düsseldorf Hbf to Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal to turn round.
This north to west curve enables trains from the north to reach the terminus station at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal, which is normally only served by ''S-Bahn'' trains from the south. Since July 2020 the one very early morning train that used this line has not run, but when there is engineering work this curve is occasionally used by ''RE'' services diverted away from Düsseldorf Hbf to turn round.


===Hilden – Opladen===
===Hilden – Opladen===
[415] (ERA-E 46B3-47A1; ERA-R 97B1-104A2; S+W ''141B4-147C2'') DE23/393
[415] (ERA-E 46B3-47A1; ERA-R 97B1-104A2; S+W ''141B4-147C2'') DE24/386
 
This freight line forms part of an alternative route between Düsseldorf and Köln. It is frequently used for diversions of ''RE'' and long-distance services. The following services run this way on the dates shown:
 
{| class= "ostable"
| D1
| ThFSO
| IC2208
| 05:39 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf
|-
| D2
|
| NJ402/IC60402
| Zürich HB – 05:56 Köln Hbf – Amsterdam Centraal
|-
| D1
|
| ICE606
| 06:57 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole
|-
| D1
| SSuO
| IC2306
| 08:00 Köln Hbf – Emden Außenhafen
|-
| ''Note''
|
| IC/ICE604
| 09:38 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf / Emden Außenhafen
|-
| D1
|
| IC2202
| 11:44 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf
|-
| D1
| TThSX
| IC2206
| 12:41 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole
|-
| D1
| ThSX
| IC2004
| Konstanz (FSuO) – 15:45 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf
|-
| D2
| ThO
| IC2014
| Stuttgart Hbf – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf
|-
| D2
| SO
| IC2006
| Konstanz – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Dortmund Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE1030
| 16:06 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D1
|
| IC2002
| 17:35 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE730
| 19:38 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
|-
| D2
|
| IC2005
| Emden Hbf – 08:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE731
| Hamburg-Altona – 10:38 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| IC2009
| Emden Hbf – 10:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf / Konstanz (SO)
|-
| D1
|
| IC2201
| Bremerhaven Hbf – 12:25 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf


This freight line forms part of an alternative route between Düsseldorf and Köln. No services have been identified as using it in this timetable period, however it is frequently used for diversions of ''RE'' and long-distance services.
|-
| D1
|
| ICE2203
| Norddeich Mole – 14:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
| SSuO
| IC2305
| Emden Außenhafen – 15:45 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE605
| Norddeich Mole – 17:11 Bottrop Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| ICE607
| Emden Außenhafen – 18:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| NJ421
| Amsterdam Centraal – 20:08 Arnhem Centraal – Innsbruck Hbf
|-
| D2
|
| ICE2209
| Norddeich Mole – 21:00 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D3
|
| ICE844
| Berlin Ostbahnhof – 22:09 Düsseldorf Hbf – Köln Hbf
|-
| D1
|
| NJ403/IC60403
| Amsterdam Centraal – 22:02 Arnhem Centraal – Zürich HB
|}
 
D1: 24 March - 7 April 2024
 
D2: 24 March - 6 April 2024


''RE1'' services between Aachen and Hamm are planned to be diverted this way between 28 July and 25 August 2023, calling additionally at Opladen. Full details are not yet available as timings are not in the DB journey planner. Once they appear, this entry will be updated.
D3: 19 October - 14 December 2024
 
''Note'': Runds as ''IC604'' until 29 February, then as ''ICE604'' from 1 March 2024


===Köln-Ehrenfeld – Köln-Nippes===
===Köln-Ehrenfeld – Köln-Nippes===
(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W ''146A2'') DE23/394
(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W ''146A2'') DE24/387


This west to north curve links the Aachen and Neuss lines west of Köln Hbf. It is used by services between Aachen and Düsseldorf if they are unable to run via Köln Hbf. ''RE1'' services towards Aachen ''only'' are scheduled to use this curve on 7 January 2023.
This west to north curve links the Aachen and Neuss lines west of Köln Hbf. It is used by services between Aachen and Düsseldorf if they are unable to run via Köln Hbf.  


===Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Köln Messe/Deutz===
===Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Köln Messe/Deutz===
(ERA-E 42A5 not shown; ERA-R 104A1; S+W ''146C2-146C3'') DE23/395
(ERA-E 42A5 not shown; ERA-R 104A1; S+W ''146C2-146C3'') DE24/388


There is an alternative route between Köln-Mülheim and Köln Messe/Deutz, east of the S-Bahn tracks at Köln-Mülheim, then flying over most of the layout to the high-level platforms at Köln Messe/Deutz.  
There is an alternative route between Köln-Mülheim and Köln Messe/Deutz, east of the S-Bahn tracks at Köln-Mülheim, then flying over most of the layout to the high-level platforms at Köln Messe/Deutz.  


===Köln Frankfurter Straße (Abzw Vingst) – Köln-Kalk Nord – Köln-Mülheim===
===Köln Frankfurter Straße (Abzw Vingst) – Köln-Kalk Nord – Köln-Mülheim===
(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1-104B1; S+W ''146C4-146C2'') DE23/396
(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1-104B1; S+W ''146C4-146C2'') DE24/389


This is an alternative route route between Porz-Wahn and Köln-Mülheim which is more direct than that via Köln Messe/Deutz. It has occasionally been used by ''IC/ICE'' services not calling at Köln Messe/Deutz low-level platforms 11/12 but no use of this route has been identified in the current timetable.
This is an alternative route route between Porz-Wahn and Köln-Mülheim which is more direct than that via Köln Messe/Deutz. It has occasionally been used by ''IC/ICE'' services not calling at Köln Messe/Deutz low-level platforms 11/12 but no use of this route has been identified in the current timetable.


===Köln-Longerich – Köln West===
===Köln-Longerich – Köln West===
(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W ''146A2-146A3'') DE23/397
(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W ''146A2-146A3'') DE24/390


This north-south line links the Neuss and Koblenz routes to the west of Köln Hbf. It has occasionally been used by diverted ''RE5'' services between Duisburg Hbf and Koblenz Hbf, running via Neuss Hbf and avoiding Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Hbf. With this diversion, trains also used the Krefeld eastern avoider (DE23/389).
This north-south line links the Neuss and Koblenz routes to the west of Köln Hbf. It has occasionally been used by diverted ''RE5'' services between Duisburg Hbf and Koblenz Hbf, running via Neuss Hbf and avoiding Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Hbf. With this diversion, trains also used the Krefeld eastern avoider (DE24/381).


''IC/ICE'' trains may also be diverted over this line, running non-stop between Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Süd, not calling at Köln Hbf.
''IC/ICE'' trains may also be diverted over this line, running non-stop between Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Süd, not calling at Köln Hbf.
''RE5'' services between Koblenz and Wesel are planned to be diverted this way between 28 July and 25 August 2023. Trains are planned to run between Köln Süd and Düsseldorf Hbf via, and calling additionally at, Dormagen and Neuss Hbf.
Between 30 September and 13 October 2023, ''RE5'' (Wesel – Koblenz Hbf) services are diverted this way. They also run via Oberhausen West (DE23/387) and the Krefeld Hbf eastern avoiding line (DE23/389), omitting Oberhausen Hbf, Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Hbf, but calling at Duisburg Hbf and additionally at Neuss Hbf and Dormagen en route to Köln Süd.


===Köln Hbf (Köln-Hansaring) – Hürth-Kalscheuren via goods lines===
===Köln Hbf (Köln-Hansaring) – Hürth-Kalscheuren via goods lines===
(ERA-E 42xx; ERA-R 104xx; S+W ''147A3-148B2'') DE23/397A
(ERA-E 42xx; ERA-R 104xx; S+W ''147A3-148B2'') DE24/391
 
Between Köln West and Hürth-Kalscheuren a pair of goods lines run to the east of the passenger lines, with a single-track connection diving under the northbound passenger line between Köln-Hansaring and Köln West Abzw Ws, where it joins the goods lines which have come from Köln-Nippes and Köln-Ehrenfeld. The goods lines may be used in part by trains running via the Südbrücke to or from north or south (DE23/359).


The full length of the goods lines is used on Mondays to Fridays between 9 January and 10 February 2023 by ''RE5'' Wesel – Koblenz and ''RB26'' Köln Messe/Deutz – Remagen services, southbound only between 9 and 27 January and northbound only between 30 January and 10 February. These trains can be identified by the calls at Köln West, Köln Süd and Hürth-Kalscheuren being omitted.
Between Köln West and Hürth-Kalscheuren a pair of goods lines run to the east of the passenger lines, with a single-track connection diving under the northbound passenger line between Köln-Hansaring and Köln West Abzw Ws, where it joins the goods lines which have come from Köln-Nippes and Köln-Ehrenfeld. The goods lines may be used in part by trains running via the Südbrücke to or from north or south (DE24/359).


===Viersen (Viersen Helenabrunn) – Wickrath (Rheydt Gbf) (Mönchengladbach avoiding line)===
===Viersen (Viersen Helenabrunn) – Wickrath (Rheydt Gbf) (Mönchengladbach avoiding line)===
[485, 490] (S+W ''50C4'') DE23/398
[485, 490] (S+W ''50C4'') DE24/392


This line avoiding Mönchengladbach Hbf links the line from Krefeld and Venlo with the Aachen line. It is used if there are engineering works in the area of Mönchengladbach Hbf.
This line avoiding Mönchengladbach Hbf links the line from Krefeld and Venlo with the Aachen line. It is used if there are engineering works in the area of Mönchengladbach Hbf.

Revision as of 02:57, 7 January 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: Lines with regular use

Dortmund Hbf (Abzw Lütgendortmund) – Witten Hbf (Abzw Stockumer Straße)

[427, 440] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4; S+W 138D3) DE24/351

This east to south curve is used by trains running non-stop between Dortmund Hbf and Witten Hbf or Hagen Hbf. There are IC/ICE services to and from Hagen, generally hourly, and regular RE4 and RE34 trains to and from Witten.

Dortmund Aplerbeck Süd (Abzw Schwerte Heide) – Fröndenberg (Schwerte Ost)

[435, 438] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98B3; S+W 139C3) DE24/352

This north to east curve connects the Dortmund and Brilon Wald lines east of Schwerte (Ruhr). It is used by through trains between Dortmund Hbf and Bestwig, Brilon Wald, Brilon Stadt or Willingen, approximately hourly, except for trains at 21:23, 22:23 and 23:23 from Dortmund Hbf, also 00:23 SSuO and 01:23 SSuO, which reverse at Schwerte (Ruhr).

Recklinghausen Süd – Bochum-Riemke (Herne-Rottbruch)

[428] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4; S+W 138B1-B2) DE24/353

This line links the line from Recklinghausen Hbf to Gelsenkirchen with the Gelsenkirchen to Bochum Gluckauf-Bahn by crossing over the Gelsenkirchen – Herne – Dortmund line.

From 7 January 2024 it is used by a new hourly RE41 service between Haltern am See and Bochum Hbf.

Hohenlimburg (Hagen-Kabel) – Hagen-Vorhalle

[440] (ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3-98B3; S+W 139B4) DE24/354

This curve allows trains to run between the Siegen and Witten lines avoiding Hagen Hbf. Since December 2021 it has been used by a series of IC34 trains between Frankfurt (Main) and Dortmund Hbf or Münster (Westf) Hbf.

SSuX IC2328 Siegen Hbf – 06:23 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Münster (Westf) Hbf
SuX IC2326 Stuttgart Hbf (SSuX) / Siegen Hbf (SO) – 08:23 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Dortmund Hbf
IC2324 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf (SuX) / Siegen Hbf (SuO) – 10:23 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Münster (Westf) Hbf
IC2320 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 14:23 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Dortmund Hbf
IC2228 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 16:13 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Dortmund Hbf
IC2226 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 18:23 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Münster (Westf) Hbf
IC2224 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 20:23 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Dortmund Hbf
SSuX IC2223 Dortmund Hbf – 05:14 Witten Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
SuX IC2225 Dortmund Hbf – 07:14 Witten Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
IC2229 Dortmund Hbf – 11:14 Witten Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
IC2323 Münster (Westf) Hbf – 15:14 Witten Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
IC2325 Dortmund Hbf – 17:14 Witten Hbf – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
IC2327 Münster (Westf) Hbf – 19:14 Witten Hbf – Siegen Hbf

Note that until at least the end of 2026, local tickets (including the Deutschland-Ticket and the NRW SchönerTagTicket) are valid on these trains between Dillenburg and Dortmund. This is an attempt to ease the traffic chaos that has followed the closure of the nearby A45 Autobahn viaduct at Rahmede.

Hohenlimburg (Hagen-Kabel) – Schwerte (Ruhr) (Westhofen (Westf))

[440] (ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3-98B3; S+W 139B4) DE24/355

This curve allows trains to run between the Siegen and Schwerte lines avoiding Hagen Hbf. It is used by the following IC services.

IC2322 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 12:13 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Norddeich Mole
IC2228 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 16:13 Iserlohn-Letmathe – Münster (Westf) Hbf
IC2227 Münster (Westf) Hbf – 09:30 Schwerte (Ruhr) – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
IC2321 Norddeich Mole – 13:30 Schwerte (Ruhr) – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Bochum Hbf (Abzw Prinz von Preußen) – Abzw Dortmund-Dorstfeld – Dortmund Signal Iduna Park (Abzw Schnettkerbrücke)

(ERA-E 46B5-46C5; ERA-R 98A4; S+W 138C3-139A3) DE24/356

These connections link Bochum Hbf with Dortmund Signal Iduna Park via the goods lines which run parallel to the main Bochum to Dortmund line, thus avoiding Dortmund Hbf.

Eastbound services depart from Bochum Hbf platform 5, which means that they must run via the main Bochum to Dortmund line and gain the goods lines via a connection from Bochum-Langendreer to Langendreer Ost. Westbound services arrive at Platform 2, which means that they must run via the freight lines all the way to Abzw Bochum Prinz von Preußen, thence by a single-track connection to platform 2.

Since 15 April 2023, RE11 services have reverted to running via Kamen so these connections are no longer in daily use.

The line is used by football specials which run between Duisburg and Dortmund Signal Iduna-Park when Borussia Dortmund are playing at home.

Neuss avoiding line: Neuss Am Kaiser (Abzw Erftkanal) – Meerbusch-Osterath (Abzw Weißenberg)

[495] (ERA-E 46A4; ERA-R 97A1; S+W 140C3) DE24/357

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

Holzheim b. Neuss / Neuss Süd (Neuss Nordkanal) – Neuss Hbf – Neuss Am Kaiser (Abzw Erftkanal)

[450.8/11/28, 485, 488] (ERA-E 46A3 not shown; ERA-R 97A1; S+W 140C3-140C4) DE24/358

Neuss Hbf is in two parts, the eastern platforms 1-4 and the western platforms 5-8, with separate approach tracks to each from the Düsseldorf, Grevenbroich and Köln lines. All S-Bahn trains use the west side, with S11 services to and from Köln Hbf using the long curve (line 2531) to Neuss Nordkanal. All RE and RB trains use the east side with the exception of RE4 and RE13 via Mönchengladbach, which must use the west side.

Köln Südbrücke

[472] (ERA-E 42A5-B4; ERA-R 104A1; S+W 146A3-148D2) DE24/359

The Südbrücke provides an alternative route across the Rhein to the Hohenzollernbrücke at Köln Hbf. It has north and south-facing connections to the main lines on both sides of the river. It is mainly used by freight.

Köln Süd – Troisdorf (via Köln-Bonntor and Gremberg Rbf): This north-west to south-east route enables trains via Troisdorf, but not Köln/Bonn Flughafen, to arrive and depart at the west end of Köln Hbf. Between Abzw Steinstraße (where the line from Südbrücke joins) and Troisdorf, trains from Südbrücke that do not use the Schnellfahrstrecke will use the goods line to the west of the high-speed line, rather than the local passenger line to the east of it.

The following services run this way.

D1 SSuX ICE711 06:01 Köln Hbf – Stuttgart Hbf
D2 FSSuO ICE155 Amsterdam Centraal – 15:15 Köln-Ehrenfeld – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
D3 ICE14 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 14:30 Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbf – Bruxelles-Midi
D2 ICE254 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 17:53 Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbf – Amsterdam Centraal
D4 various days NJ424 Berlin Hbf (tief) – 06:29/06:30 Bonn-Beuel – Bruxelles-Midi

D1: 11-29 December 2023; 22 January - 15 July 2024

D2: 6-19 January, 2 November - 8 December 2024

D3: 2 September - 14 December 2024

D4: MWO 8-17 January, 19-21 February; MWFO 22 March - 5 April, 13 May - 12 June; Daily 1 November - 14 December 2024

All services that do not run to or from Köln Hbf also use the curve between Köln West and Köln-Ehrenfeld (DE24/360).

Köln Süd – Troisdorf (via Köln-Bonntor and Köln-Kalk Süd): This alternative north-west to south-east route enables trains via Köln/Bonn Flughafen to arrive and depart at the west end of Köln Hbf.

This route must also be used by any services diverted via the Südbrücke calling at, or running through the two platform tracks at Porz (Rhein) as it is then impossible to travel via Gremberg Rbf.

It was used in April 2023 by diverted RE8 and RB27 (Mönchengladbach Hbf – Koblenz Hbf) services in the direction of Koblenz Hbf only, and by RE9 (Siegen Hbf – Aachen Hbf) services in the direction of Aachen Hbf only.

Köln Süd – Köln-Mulheim (via Köln-Bonntor and Köln-Kalk): This north-west to north-east route enables trains via Leverkusen Mitte or Solingen Hbf to arrive and depart at the west end of Köln Hbf. When the line through Köln Messe/Deutz is blocked, trains may be diverted this way.

Troisdorf – Hürth-Kalscheuren (Köln Eifeltor) (via Köln-Kalk and Köln Bonntor): This south-east to south-west route sees very occasional use by diverted passenger trains.

Köln-Mülheim – Hürth-Kalscheuren (Köln Eifeltor) (via Köln-Kalk and Köln Bonntor): This north-east to south-west route sees very occasional use by diverted passenger trains.

Köln-Ehrenfeld – Köln West

(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W 146A2-146A3) DE24/360

This west to south curve links the Aachen and Koblenz lines west of Köln Hbf. It is used to enable trains which have been diverted over the Südbrücke (DE24/359) to reach the Aachen line when they are unable to run via Köln Hbf. This can often be discerned by these services calling at Köln-Ehrenfeld instead of Köln Hbf.

D1 FSSuO ICE155 Amsterdam Centraal – 15:15 Köln-Ehrenfeld – Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
D2 ICE14 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 14:30 Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbf – Bruxelles-Midi
D1 ICE254 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf – 17:53 Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbf – Amsterdam Centraal
D3 various days NJ424 Berlin Hbf (tief) – 06:29/06:30 Bonn-Beuel – Bruxelles-Midi

D1: 6-19 January, 2 November - 8 December 2024

D2: 2 September - 14 December 2024

D3: MWO 8-17 January, 19-21 February; MWFO 22 March - 5 April, 13 May - 12 June; Daily 1 November - 14 December 2024

Horrem

[481] (ERA-E 52C5; ERA-R 104C4; S+W 63A2) DE24/360

There is a triangular junction at Horrem station. Bedburg trains terminating and starting at Horrem use platform 10 on the north to west curve. These run hourly, Mondays to Fridays. Trains between Bedburg and Köln Hbf use platform 19 on the north to east curve. These run hourly every day.

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

Buke – Langeland (Altenbeken Kurve)

[360.5, 430] (ERA-E 48A2; ERA-R 99B3; S+W 53C1) DE24/371

This south to east curve enables trains to run between the Warburg and Hameln lines without reversing at Altenbeken. It is used when the classic line from Hannover via Göttingen is unavailable.

Münster (Westf) avoiding line: Südmühle – Münster Kanal – Münster-Lechtenberg

[385, 410] (ERA-E 47B3; ERA-R 96B3; S+W 134C1-134C2) DE24/372

This line passes to the east of Münster and enables trains between the Osnabück and Hamm lines to avoid the Hauptbahnhof. It is used occasionally by diverted IC/ICE services between Hamburg and Köln.

Minden (Westf) – Hamm (via Goods Line)

[370, 400] (ERA-E 48A4-47B2 not shown; ERA-R 99B5-96B3 not shown; S+W 41C1-52B1) DE24/373

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

Hamm (Westf) avoiding line: Nordbögge (Hamm Rbf Hso) – Welver (Abzw Hamm Gallberg)

[415] (ERA-E 47B2; ERA-R 98C5; S+W 134B4) DE24/374

This curve (line 2921) links the lines from south and west of Hamm with the line to Soest and enables trains to run between the Dortmund area and Soest without reversing at Hamm (Westf) Hbf.

Hamm (Westf) (Hamm Rbf Hde) – Horstmar – Recklinghausen Ost (Abzw Recklinghausen Blumenthal) [– Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord]

[415, 450.9] (ERA-E 47B2-46B5; ERA-R 98C5-97C5; S+W 52B1-51B2) DE24/375

This east-west freight line runs to the north of the Ruhr conurbation. Trains between Hamm and Dortmund may be diverted via Abzw Horstmar and Lünen Preußen when the main line via Kamen is blocked.

Trains between Hamm and Gelsenkirchen may be diverted via Recklinghausen Ost and Wanne-Eickel. Trains not stopping between Hamm Hbf and Bottrop Hbf or Oberhausen Hbf are likely to run via Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord.

S9 services now run between Recklinghausen Hbf and Gladbeck West; therefore the western end of this line between Abzw Recklinghausen Blumenthal and Gelsenkirchen-Buer Nord is a normal passenger line.

Dortmund-Mengede (Dortmund-Nette) – Dortmund-Deusen – Dortmund-Kirchderne

[411, 416] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4-98B4; S+W 139A1-139B2) DE24/376

This freight line round the north side of Dortmund links the lines to Wanne-Eickel and Münster. It may be used by trains diverted away from Dortmund Hbf.

Dortmund-Mengede (Dortmund-Nette) – Dortmund-Deusen – Dortmund-Kurl (Dortmund-Scharnhorst)

[411, 416] (ERA-E 46C5; ERA-R 98A4-98B4; S+W 139A1-139B2) DE24/377

This freight line round the north side of Dortmund links the lines to Wanne-Eickel and Hamm. It may be used by trains diverted away from Dortmund Hbf. It is common with the previous entry between Abzw Nette and Dortmund-Obereving.

It was used in May 2023 by the hourly RE3 trains from Hamm (Westf) Hbf to Düsseldorf Hbf, in that direction only, which ran non-stop from Dortmund-Kurl to Dortmund-Mengede, omitting Dortmund Hbf.

Herne (Herne-Rottbruch Hgn) – Gelsenkirchen Zoo (Wanne Unser Fritz) via Abzw Crange

[426] (ERA-E 46xx; ERA-R 98xx; S+W 138B2) DE24/378

This line links Herne with the line via Gelsenkirchen Zoo to Dorsten via Gladbeck Ost and to Bottrop Süd, avoiding Wanne-Eickel Hbf. The hourly RB43 Dorsten - Dortmund services are diverted this way between 10 December 2023 and 19 April 2024, not calling at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.

Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf-Eller

[415] (ERA-E 46A5-46A3; ERA-R 97B4-97B1; S+W 141A4-137A2) DE24/379

This line, together with Hilden – Opladen, forms a freight route between Köln and Oberhausen, only limited sections of which are used by passenger trains. From Oberhausen West trains may run to a variety of places, including the Emmerich line, Bottrop Hbf, Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck and Essen-Bergeborbeck. The following routes, among others, are possible:

Essen-Bergeborbeck – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf

Used by diverted trains between Gelsenkirchen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf.

Bottrop Hbf – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf

Used by diverted trains between Hamm, Dortmund, Recklinghausen or Münster, running via DE24/385, and Duisburg Hbf, omitting calls in the Ruhr up to Oberhausen Hbf.

Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg Hbf

Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Duisburg Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf.

Essen-Bergeborbeck – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath

Used by diverted trains between Gelsenkirchen Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting both Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf.

Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West - Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath

Used by diverted trains between Wanne-Eickel Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting Gelsenkirchen Hbf, Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf.

Bottrop Hbf – Essen Prosper-Levin – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath

Used by diverted trains running via DE24/385, not stopping until Düsseldorf Hbf.

Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath

Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf.

Oberhausen-Sterkrade – Oberhausen West – Duisburg-Wedau – Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf-Eller

Used by diverted trains between the Emmerich line and Düsseldorf Hbf, omitting Oberhausen Hbf, Duisburg Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf.

The following trains run non-stop between Köln Hbf and Arnhem Centraal, with a timing point at Düsseldorf-Eller so can be expected to run this way.

D1 NJ421 Amsterdam Centraal – 20:08 Arnhem Centraal – Innsbruck Hbf
D1 NJ403/IC60403 Amsterdam Centraal – 22:02 Arnhem Centraal – Zürich HB
D2 NJ402/IC60402 Zürich HB – 05:56 Köln Hbf – Amsterdam Centraal

D1: 23 March - 7 April 2024

D2: 23 March - 6 April 2024 (7 April from Köln)

Düsseldorf-Rath – Düsseldorf Hbf via Düsseldorf-Eller Mitte

Used by diverted trains when the approach to Düsseldorf Hbf from the north is not available.

The following trains run non-stop between the stations indicated, with a timing point at Düsseldorf-Eller, so may use some of the above routes; however from the information available to the compilers, it is not clear which actual route will be taken:

D2 IC2005 Emden Hbf – 08:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE731 Hamburg-Altona – 10:38 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 IC2009 Emden Hbf – 10:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf / Konstanz (SO)
D1 IC2201 Bremerhaven Hbf – 12:25 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE2203 Norddeich Mole – 14:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 SSuO IC2305 Emden Außenhafen – 15:45 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE605 Norddeich Mole – 17:11 Bottrop Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE607 Emden Außenhafen – 18:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D2 ICE2209 Norddeich Mole – 21:00 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ThFSO IC2208 05:39 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
D1 ICE606 06:57 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
D1 SSuO IC2306 08:00 Köln Hbf – Emden Außenhafen (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
D1 ICE604 09:38 Köln Hbf – Emden Außenhafen (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
D1 IC2202 11:44 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
D1 IC2200 13:41 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
D1 ThSX IC2004 Konstanz (FSuO) – 15:45 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf (non-stop Köln Hbf – Münster (Westf) Hbf)
D2 ThO IC2014 Stuttgart Hbf – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf (non-stop Köln Hbf – Münster (Westf) Hbf)
D2 SO IC2006 Konstanz – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Dortmund Hbf (non-stop Köln Hbf – Herne (unadvertised stop))
D1 ICE1030 16:06 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona (non-stop to Recklinghausen Hbf)
D1 IC2002 17:35 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)
D1 ICE730 19:38 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona (non-stop to Münster (Westf) Hbf)

D1: 23 March - 7 April 2024

D2: 23 March - 6 April 2024

Bottrop Hbf/Oberhausen Hbf – Oberhausen West – Moers (Meerbeck) and Trompet - Krefeld-Uerdingen

[415, 490] (ERA-E 46B5-46A4; ERA-R 97B4-97A4; S+W 137A2-136C4) DE24/380

This route which crosses the Rhein by the Haus-Knipp-Brücke avoids the Duisburg area and is only occasionally used for passenger trains. At its eastern end it has connections towards Bottrop Hbf and Oberhausen Hbf.

Meerbusch-Osterath (Krefeld-Lohbruch) – Krefeld-Linn

(ERA-E 46A4; ERA-R 97A2; S+W 140C1) DE24/381

This part of the line from Neuss to Duisburg, avoiding Krefeld Hbf, does not have a regular passenger service. When engineering work restricts the available paths between Köln Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf, trains running non-stop from Köln Hbf to Duisburg Hbf may either run via Neuss and this line or run via Hilden (DE24/382). Trains starting or terminating in Köln Hbf may use either route but ones coming up the Rhein valley from Koblenz without sufficient time to reverse in Köln Hbf are more likely to use DE24/382.

It was used on several occasions in 2023 by diverted trains.

Witten Hbf – Hagen-Vorhalle

(ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3; S+W 138D4-143A1) DE24/382

There are two routes between Witten Hbf and Hagen-Vorhalle. Passenger trains normally use the line via Wetter (Ruhr) to the east of the Ruhr river but may occasionally be diverted via the freight line west of the river.

Hagen-Vorhalle – Abzw Hohensyburg – Schwerte (Ruhr) (Westhofen (Westf))

(ERA-E 46C4; ERA-R 98A3; S+W 139A4-139B4) DE24/383

This connection links both the Ruhr east and west-bank lines (DE24/382) with the Hagen to Hamm (Westf) line, avoiding Hagen Hbf. It was formerly used by winter ski trains between Dortmund and Winterberg (Westf), but these have not run since 2019.

Siegen avoiding line: Siegen-Weidenau – Wilnsdorf-Rudersdorf (Siegen Ost Gbf)

[440, 445] (S+W 64C2) DE24/384

This connection links the Hagen and Gießen lines, avoiding Siegen Hbf. It is heavily used by freight trains, but only has a passenger service when trains are diverted away from Siegen Hbf.

If the 2-hourly IC services between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, Siegen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf or Münster (Westf) Hbf (in either direction) are running late, they have been known to omit Siegen Hbf and use this connection, calling only at Siegen-Weidenau, which is now a booked stop on these services.

Düsseldorf Flughafen (Abzw Düsseldorf-Unterrath Karthauser Weg) – Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal (Abzw Düsseldorf Flughafen W884)

[415.1, 416] S+W 141A2 DE24/385

This north to west curve enables trains from the north to reach the terminus station at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal, which is normally only served by S-Bahn trains from the south. Since July 2020 the one very early morning train that used this line has not run, but when there is engineering work this curve is occasionally used by RE services diverted away from Düsseldorf Hbf to turn round.

Hilden – Opladen

[415] (ERA-E 46B3-47A1; ERA-R 97B1-104A2; S+W 141B4-147C2) DE24/386

This freight line forms part of an alternative route between Düsseldorf and Köln. It is frequently used for diversions of RE and long-distance services. The following services run this way on the dates shown:

D1 ThFSO IC2208 05:39 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf
D2 NJ402/IC60402 Zürich HB – 05:56 Köln Hbf – Amsterdam Centraal
D1 ICE606 06:57 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole
D1 SSuO IC2306 08:00 Köln Hbf – Emden Außenhafen
Note IC/ICE604 09:38 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf / Emden Außenhafen
D1 IC2202 11:44 Köln Hbf – Bremerhaven Hbf
D1 TThSX IC2206 12:41 Köln Hbf – Norddeich Mole
D1 ThSX IC2004 Konstanz (FSuO) – 15:45 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf
D2 ThO IC2014 Stuttgart Hbf – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf
D2 SO IC2006 Konstanz – 15:46 Köln Hbf – Dortmund Hbf
D1 ICE1030 16:06 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
D1 IC2002 17:35 Köln Hbf – Emden Hbf
D1 ICE730 19:38 Köln Hbf – Hamburg-Altona
D2 IC2005 Emden Hbf – 08:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE731 Hamburg-Altona – 10:38 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 IC2009 Emden Hbf – 10:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf / Konstanz (SO)
D1 IC2201 Bremerhaven Hbf – 12:25 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE2203 Norddeich Mole – 14:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 SSuO IC2305 Emden Außenhafen – 15:45 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE605 Norddeich Mole – 17:11 Bottrop Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 ICE607 Emden Außenhafen – 18:32 Münster (Westf) Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 NJ421 Amsterdam Centraal – 20:08 Arnhem Centraal – Innsbruck Hbf
D2 ICE2209 Norddeich Mole – 21:00 Recklinghausen Hbf – Köln Hbf
D3 ICE844 Berlin Ostbahnhof – 22:09 Düsseldorf Hbf – Köln Hbf
D1 NJ403/IC60403 Amsterdam Centraal – 22:02 Arnhem Centraal – Zürich HB

D1: 24 March - 7 April 2024

D2: 24 March - 6 April 2024

D3: 19 October - 14 December 2024

Note: Runds as IC604 until 29 February, then as ICE604 from 1 March 2024

Köln-Ehrenfeld – Köln-Nippes

(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W 146A2) DE24/387

This west to north curve links the Aachen and Neuss lines west of Köln Hbf. It is used by services between Aachen and Düsseldorf if they are unable to run via Köln Hbf.

Köln-Mülheim (Abzw Berliner Straße) – Köln Messe/Deutz

(ERA-E 42A5 not shown; ERA-R 104A1; S+W 146C2-146C3) DE24/388

There is an alternative route between Köln-Mülheim and Köln Messe/Deutz, east of the S-Bahn tracks at Köln-Mülheim, then flying over most of the layout to the high-level platforms at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Köln Frankfurter Straße (Abzw Vingst) – Köln-Kalk Nord – Köln-Mülheim

(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1-104B1; S+W 146C4-146C2) DE24/389

This is an alternative route route between Porz-Wahn and Köln-Mülheim which is more direct than that via Köln Messe/Deutz. It has occasionally been used by IC/ICE services not calling at Köln Messe/Deutz low-level platforms 11/12 but no use of this route has been identified in the current timetable.

Köln-Longerich – Köln West

(ERA-E 42A5; ERA-R 104A1; S+W 146A2-146A3) DE24/390

This north-south line links the Neuss and Koblenz routes to the west of Köln Hbf. It has occasionally been used by diverted RE5 services between Duisburg Hbf and Koblenz Hbf, running via Neuss Hbf and avoiding Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Hbf. With this diversion, trains also used the Krefeld eastern avoider (DE24/381).

IC/ICE trains may also be diverted over this line, running non-stop between Düsseldorf Hbf and Köln Süd, not calling at Köln Hbf.

Köln Hbf (Köln-Hansaring) – Hürth-Kalscheuren via goods lines

(ERA-E 42xx; ERA-R 104xx; S+W 147A3-148B2) DE24/391

Between Köln West and Hürth-Kalscheuren a pair of goods lines run to the east of the passenger lines, with a single-track connection diving under the northbound passenger line between Köln-Hansaring and Köln West Abzw Ws, where it joins the goods lines which have come from Köln-Nippes and Köln-Ehrenfeld. The goods lines may be used in part by trains running via the Südbrücke to or from north or south (DE24/359).

Viersen (Viersen Helenabrunn) – Wickrath (Rheydt Gbf) (Mönchengladbach avoiding line)

[485, 490] (S+W 50C4) DE24/392

This line avoiding Mönchengladbach Hbf links the line from Krefeld and Venlo with the Aachen line. It is used if there are engineering works in the area of Mönchengladbach Hbf.

See also

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