Germany (Berlin and Brandenburg) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services
Introduction
This list is based on the timetable dated from 11 December 2022 to 9 December 2023, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained in General Information.
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 - Germany) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland by Schweers + Wall.
Obscure services
Routes are listed generally in the following order: (i) Berlin central area; (ii) the Berlin Outer Ring (Außenring) and connections to or from it, in anti-clockwise order starting from Biesdorfer Kreuz; (iii) all others outside the Außenring.
Berlin central area
Berlin-Charlottenburg – Berlin-Halensee (Halensee Kurve)
[200.45] (ERA-E 51B3 not shown; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128B3) DE23/251
This south to east curve links the S-Bahn Ringbahn and Stadtbahn lines. It is used by a few S45/S46 trains entering or leaving service at Berlin-Charlottenburg.
- From Berlin-Halensee:
- 00:14 (SSuX 1 to 17 February 2023)
- 00:29 (every night except 1-17, 25-28 February; 9,27,28,30 June; 1-4, 10 July; 3-4, 10-20 October; 1-17 November, 29 November - 9 December 2023)
- 00:44 (every night 1-17 February 2023)
- 00:49 (SSuO 21 January - 12 February 2023)
- 01:27 (SSuX, not 3-4, 10-22 October; 1-17 November; 29 November - 9 December 2023)
- From Berlin-Charlottenburg:
- 03:55 (SSuX, not 2-3, 9-19 October, 31 October - 16 November; 28 November - 9 December 2023)
- 06:16 (SuO)
As timings of these services are very variable this year, a check with a journey planner is recommended before attempting to travel on one of these trains.
Berlin-Lichtenberg – Berlin Ostkreuz
[209.12, 209.24, 209.25, 209.26] (ERA-E 51B4-51B3 not shown; ERA-R 94B3-94A3; S+W 129B3-129C3) DE23/252
There are two routes for main line trains between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Berlin Ostkreuz. One runs via the Ringbahn to the high-level platforms at Berlin Ostkreuz. The other runs parallel with the S-Bahn to low level platforms 7 and 8 at Berlin Ostkreuz. The low-level route is used by RB trains to and from Küstrin-Kietz, Templin Stadt and Werneuchen. The connection to/from the high-level platforms is used by RB24 and RB32 services which run between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) via Berlin Ostkreuz.
Berlin-Lichtenberg/Berlin Ostkreuz – Berlin Gesundbrunnen/Bernau (b. Berlin) (Abzw Bornholmer Straße) (Ringbahn Ferngleise)
[209.9, 209.24, NEB RB54/209.54] (ERA-E 51B4-51B3; ERA-R 94B3-94A4; S+W 129A1-129C3) DE23/253
This is the north-eastern quadrant of the Ringbahn Ferngleise between Berlin Ostkreuz (high level) and Berlin Gesundbrunnen. There is an east-to-north connection from Berlin-Lichtenberg to Abzw Frankfurter Allee, north of Berlin Ostkreuz, and an east-to-north connection from Abzw Schönhauser Allee, east of Berlin Gesundbrunnen, to the Eberswalde line at Abzw Bornholmer Straße.
Berlin Ostkreuz – Berlin Gesundbrunnen is used by the twice-hourly FEX (Flughafen Express) services between Flughafen BER - Terminal 1-2 and Berlin Hbf (tief / low level).
Berlin-Lichtenberg – Abzw Frankfurter Allee is used by the following services:
| SSuX | RB61200 | Rheinsberg (Mark) – 22:01 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Berlin-Lichtenberg | |
| D1 | RB18234 | Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – 22:35 Berlin-Hohenschönhausen – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
D1: 24 June to 18 August 2023
This route is also occasionally used by diverted services between Poland and Berlin Gesundbrunnen. Details of any such services may be seen at entry DE23/261 under Biesdorfer Kreuz West - Süd.
Abzw Schönhauser Allee - Abzw Bornholmer Straße had no passenger use from 10 July 2021, when the hourly RB24 services between Senftenberg and Eberswalde reverted to running via the Außenring. However between 24 June and 18 August 2023, it is used by the following RB34 service:
| D | RB18234 | Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – 22:35 Berlin-Hohenschönhausen – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
Berlin Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Berlin-Wedding) – Berlin Jungfernheide (Abzw Moabit Ost)
[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 128D1-128C2) DE23/254
This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleise is used by hourly RB21 (Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Potsdam Hbf) services running direct between Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin-Spandau, not via Berlin Hbf.
The route is also used by the following:
| FSuO | ICE750 | Ostseebad Binz / Stralsund Hbf – 17:51 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Köln Hbf | |
| SuO | ICE1132 | Ostseebad Binz / Stralsund Hbf – 19:40 Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Hannover Hbf |
Berlin-Spandau – Berlin-Staaken (Nennhauser Damm)
[204.West, 209.21] (ERA-E 51B2; ERA-R 93C4; S+W 124D4-124C4) DE23/255
There are two routes between Berlin-Spandau and Staaken. The more northerly route makes a junction with the line from Falkensee about 1 km to the west of Berlin-Spandau. The southern route, mostly following the alignment of the Lehrter Bahn, converges with the main line at the west end of Berlin-Spandau station. Trains using the southern route can call only at platform 6, or use a non-platform track outside the station roof. IC, ICE and EC trains use the northern route in both directions. RE and RB trains generally use the northern route westbound and the southern route eastbound. If an eastbound train is to use the northern route, signal 8942 at Staaken (just east of the station) displays speed restriction ‘6’ (= 60 km/hr) above the main aspect.
Berlin Außenring (Outer Ring) and connections
Details are given of trains using connections on and off the Außenring at each of the junctions. Services referred to, generally operating hourly, are as follows:
| RE5 | Rostock / Stralsund – Oranienburg – Gesundbrunnen – Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz | 205 |
| RE6 | Wittenberge – Neuruppin – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Spandau – Charlottenburg | 206 |
| RE7 | Dessau / Bad Belzig – Berlin Hbf (Stadtbahn) – Ostkreuz – Königs Wusterhausen – Senftenberg | 207 |
| RE8N | Wismar – Wittenberge – Nauen – Spandau – Berlin Hbf (Stadtbahn) – Ostkreuz – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 | 208, 209.10 |
| RE8S | Berlin Hbf (tief) – Wünsdorf-Waldstadt – Elsterwerda | no table (see ODEG website) |
| RB12 | Ostkreuz – Lichtenberg – Oranienburg – Templin Stadt | 209.12 (NEB) |
| RE17 | Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 (reverse) – Elsterwerda (IC services to Dresden with joint RE designation in Brandenburg) | no table |
| RB20 (SSuX) | Oranienburg – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Golm – Potsdam Hbf – Potsdam-Griebnitzsee | 209.20 |
| RB21 | Potsdam Hbf – Golm – Wustermark (reverse) – Berlin Gesundbrunnen | 204 West, 209.21 |
| RB22 | Potsdam-Griebnitzsee (SSuX) – Potsdam Hbf – Golm (reverse) – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 – Königs Wusterhausen | 209.20 |
| RB23 | Golm (SSuX) – Potsdam Hbf (SSuX) – Charlottenburg – Berlin Hbf (Stadtbahn) – Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 | 209.23 |
| RB24 | Eberswalde Hbf – Lichtenberg – Ostkreuz – Schöneweide – Flughafen BER-Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) (NB: Service runs in two sections, Eberswalde - Bernau (b. Berlin) and Lichtenberg – BER T5 / Schönefeld because of engineering work) | 209.32 |
| RB25 | Ostkreuz – Lichtenberg – Werneuchen | 209.25 |
| RB32 | Oranienburg – Hohenschönhausen – Lichtenberg – Ostkreuz – Schöneweide – Flughafen BER-Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) and Flughafen BER-Terminal 1-2 – Ludwigsfelde | 209.32 |
| RB54 | Berlin-Lichtenberg (occasional services) – Löwenberg (Mark) – Rheinsberg (Mark) | 209.54 (NEB) |
Biesdorfer Kreuz
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D2) DE23/261
Biesdorfer Kreuz West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord is used by services RB12, RB25 and RB32. It is usually also used by RB24 but this service does not run between Lichtenberg and Bernau (b. Berlin) in this timetable period because of engineering work.
Biesdorfer Kreuz West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd: There are two single lines between Biesdorfer Kreuz West and Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd. The short curve (line 6071) is reversible, but the long curve (line 6076) can only be used by trains towards Berlin-Lichtenberg. Services from Lichtenberg will use the short curve; in the other direction they are likely to use the short curve but may use the long curve if there is a conflicting movement such as a southbound service on the Außenring. No services have been identified as using this connection in this timetable period.
Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West is an intermediate junction on the short curve, where it is joined by the line from Rummelsburg.
When EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin are diverted to run from and to Berlin-Gesundbrunnen instead of Berlin Hbf, they will generally use this route.
Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord is a single track parallel with the Außenring which is used by trains between Rummelsburg and the north side of the ring. No passenger use of this line has been identified in this timetable period.
Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord (Außenring) has no booked services, but it is used by diverted EC trains between Berlin-Gesundbrunnen and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) when they run via Karower Kreuz instead of Berlin-Lichtenberg (see entry DE23/291 under Berlin Blankenburg – Berlin Karow Ost for details).
Between 24 June and 18 August 2023, the following RB32 service runs this way:
| D | RB18234 | 22:19 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
There is no passenger use of the non-electrified curves to the Außenring from Biesdorfer Kreuz Ost.
Karower Kreuz
(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 125C2) DE23/262
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow (east to north) is normally used by RB24; however RB24 is not running over this section in this timetable period because of engineering work.
Berlin-Blankenburg – Berlin-Karow West (south to west) is used by RE5 and IC trains between Berlin and Rostock. It is also used by the one RB54 service at the end of the day that runs to Berlin-Lichtenberg via Berlin Gesundbrunnen. This is shown in entry DE23/253.
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow West (Außenring ) is used by RB12 and RB32.
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Blankenburg (east to south) is used by the following RB32 service between 24 June and 18 August 2023:
| D | RB18234 | Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – 22:35 Berlin-Hohenschönhausen – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
There is no scheduled passenger use of the north to west curve.
Abzw Hohen Neuendorf
(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 93C5; S+W 125A1) DE23/263
Schönfließ West – Birkenwerder (east to north) is used by RE5, RB12, RB32 and IC trains between Berlin and Rostock. There are two routes. The Lange Kurve runs parallel with the S-Bahn via Hohen Neuendorf, passing below the Außenring. The Kleine Kurve is a direct east to north connection from the Außenring to Birkenwerder. Both routes are reversible single tracks. The Kleine Kurve is used by all northbound trains. Southbound RB12 trains normally run via the Lange Kurve, but others use the Kleine Kurve unless it is necessary to avoid conflict with a westbound freight on the Außenring.
Hohen Neuendorf West – Birkenwerder (west to north) is used by RB20. There are two routes. The Kleine Kurve is used in both directions by RB20 in order to call at Hohen Neuendorf West, whose single platform lies on this line, although it is also possible to regain the main line and thence the Lange Kurve. This branches south from and then passes below the Außenring having described three-quarters of a circle. It does not see regular use.
Note that until 31 March 2023, RB20 does not stop at Hohen Neuendorf West but reports indicate that the Kleine Kurve is still used, by virtue of a connection to the east of Hohen Neuendorf West platform.
There is normally no passenger use of the Außenring between Schönfließ West and Hohen Neuendorf West.
Abzw Hennigsdorf
(ERA-E 51A2; ERA-R 93C5; S+W 124D2) DE23/264
Hennigsdorf Nord (Hdo) – Hennigsdorf (east to south) is used by RB20
Hennigsdorf Nord (Hdw) – Hennigsdorf (west to south) is used by RE6 and RB20
There is no scheduled passenger use of the Außenring between Hdo and Hdw, avoiding Hennigsdorf, although it is occasionally used for diverted services from the Eberswalde or Oranienburg lines to Berlin via Spandau.
Falkenhagener Kreuz
(51A1-51A2; ERA-R 93B4; S+W 124B3) DE23/265
Falkenhagen – Finkenkrug (north to east) is used by RE6
Falkenhagen – Brieselang Hasselberg (Außenring ) is used by RB20
There is no passenger use of the curves to the Außenring from Brieselang.
Abzw Wustermark
(ERA-E 51B1; ERA-R 93B4; S+W 124A4) DE23/266
Wustermark – Priort (west to south) is used by RB21
Wustermark Awf – Priort (Außenring ) is used by RB20
There is no passenger use of the east to north and east to south curves to the Außenring from Dallgow-Döberitz (Wustermark Rbf Abzw Wot).
Potsdam
(ERA-E 51C1; ERA-R 93B2-93B1; S+W 126A2) DE23/267
Potsdam Park Sanssouci – Golm (east to north) is used by RB20, RB21, RB22 and RB23.
Postdam Wildpark West – Werder (Havel) (south to west) has been used in the past by passenger trains on Saturdays and Sundays during the “Baumblütenfest” (Blossom Festival) in Werder in late April and early May. No details of any diverted trains in 2023 became apparent, so it may be that these trains no longer run.
Golm – Potsdam Wildpark West (Außenring ) is used by RB22.
There is no passenger use of the north to west curve from Golm to Werder (Havel), nor of the connections from the Außenring to the Belzig line at Wilhelmshorst and Saarmund.
Abzw Genshagener Heide
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 93C1-93C2; S+W 127A3) DE23/268
Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide Mitte (north to east) is a loop west of the Berlin - Leipzig main line used by RE8S and by IC/EC trains between Berlin and Dresden which also carry the designation RE17.
Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide (north to west) has no booked services, but it is occasionally used for diverted services between Berlin and Braunschweig when the route via Berlin-Wannsee is blocked.
Genshagener Heide – Genshagener Heide Mitte (Außenring) is used by RB22.
Genshagener Heide Ost – Birkengrund Süd is used by those RB32 services that are a continuation of FEX services to/from Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2.
There is no passenger use of any of the other curves at Genshagener Heide.
Abzw Glasower Damm
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 94A2; S+W 127C3) DE23/269
Glasower Damm West – Blankenfelde (Glasower Damm Süd) is used by RE8S and by the two-hourly EC/IC/ICE trains between Kiel, Hamburg or Berlin and Praha via Dresden. Note that between 21 April and 10 November 2023, this curve is closed for engineering work. Local trains are replaced by buses and long-distance trains diverted.
Glasower Damm West – Glasower Damm Ost (Außenring) is used by RB22 and the two-hourly IC services between Warnemünde / Rostock, Berlin and Flughafen BER T1-2 / Chemnitz / Dresden. These trains run via Abzw Selchow Süd to/from Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2, where the IC services to Chemnitz or Dresden reverse. Note that the IC services share the designation RE17 between Berlin Hbf and Elsterwerda.
Glasower Damm Ost – Glasower Damm Süd is used by RB24 and the Warnemünde / Rostock – Berlin – Flughafen BER T1-2 / Chemnitz / Dresden IC services. RB24 towards Wünstorf-Waldstadt and the IC services in both directions run via the northern junction at Glasower Damm Ost. The connection to the southern pair of tracks is used by RB24 towards Flughafen BER T1-2 and (as FEX) Berlin Hbf. Note that between 21 April and 10 November 2023, this curve is closed for engineering work. Local trains are replaced by buses and long-distance trains diverted.
Abzw Selchow
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 94A2-94B2; S+W 127C3) DE23/270
Abzw Selchow West – Abzw Selchow Süd (single-track spur) is used by RB24 from Wunstorf-Waldstadt towards Berlin Hbf (as FEX from Flughafen BER T1-2) via Berlin Ostkreuz, in that direction only. RE24 services in the other direction and IC services in both directions between Warnemünde, Berlin and Flughafen BER T1-2 / Chemnitz / Dresden (which reverse at Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2 if going on to Chemnitz or Dresden) are booked to use the double-track diveunder to and from the northern pair of tracks between Abzw Selchow West and Glasower Damm rather than this spur, however eastbound IC services may use the southern lines and the spur if the northern lines are unavailable.
Abzw Selchow West – Flughafen BER-Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) (Außenring) is no longer used between by most passenger trains, which run via Flughafen BER Terminals 1-2. It is still used by the following late-night RB22 services:
| MTO | RB18139 | 23:07 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| TWO | RB18101 | 00:17 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| TO | RB18136 | Potsdam Hbf – 22:25 Ludwigsfelde-Struveshof – Königs Wusterhausen | |
| MTO | RB18138 | Potsdam Hbf – 23:25 Ludwigsfelde-Struveshof – Königs Wusterhausen |
It is also used by the following IC service:
| D1 | SSuX | IC2278 | Dresden Hbf – 20:41 Doberlug-Kirchhain – Berlin-Charlottenburg |
D1: 12 December 2022 - 31 March 2023
Grünauer Kreuz
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B2; S+W 127D2) DE23/271
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Berlin-Grünau (south to east) was used by RB22, but since the opening of Flughafen Berlin-Brandenburg in October 2020 almost all of these have run via Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2 to/from Abzw Bohnsdorf Süd. The following trains still use this route:
| MTO | RB18139 | 23:07 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| TWO | RB18101 | 00:17 Königs Wusterhausen – Potsdam Hbf | |
| TO | RB18136 | Potsdam Hbf – 22:37 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Königs Wusterhausen | |
| MTO | RB18138 | Potsdam Hbf – 23:38 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Königs Wusterhausen |
Grünauer Kreuz Nord – Berlin-Grünau (north to east) is used by RE2, RE7, RE8N, RB14, FEX and the following IC services:
| D2 | SX | IC2431 | Emden Außenhafen – 18:45 Berlin Ostkreuz – Cottbus Hbf |
| D2 | SuX | IC2432 | Cottbus Hbf – 06:51 Königs Wusterhausen – Norddeich Mole |
D2: 11 December 2022 - 4 February 2023; 1 April - 9 December 2023
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz West is used by RB24 and RB32.
Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 – Grunauer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is used by RB24 and RB32, also the sparse late-night service of RB22 trains shown under Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Berlin-Grünau, above.
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz Nord (Außenring) has only generally been used for occasional diversions since 31 October 2020 when regular services were re-routed to run to and from Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2 via Abzw Bohnsdorf Nord.
Between 24 June and 18 August 2023, it was used by the following RB34 services:
| D | RB18334 | 21:49 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Berlin Ostkreuz | |
| D | RB18234 | 22:19 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
Wuhlheide
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D4) DE23/272
Berlin-Eichgestell – Berlin-Ostendgestell (south to west) is used by RE2, RE7, RE8N, RB14, FEX and:
| D2 | SX | IC2431 | Emden Außenhafen – 18:45 Berlin Ostkreuz – Cottbus |
| D2 | SuX | IC2432 | Cottbus – 06:51 Königs Wusterhausen – Norddeich Mole |
D2: 11 December 2022 - 4 February 2023; 1 April - 9 December 2023
Berlin Stadtforst – Eichgestell Nord (north to east) is used by diverted EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin when they are booked to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen instead of Berlin Hbf. This occurred several times in 2022.
Berlin-Eichgestell – Eichgestell Nord – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is used between 24 June and 18 August 2023 by the following RB34 service:
| D | RB18234 | 22:19 Flughafen BER - Terminal 5 (Schönefeld) – Berlin-Lichtenberg |
This line is also used between Eichgestell Nord and Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd by diverted EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) when they are booked to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen. For dates of any such diversions, see Berlin Stadtforst – Eichgestell Nord directly above.
There is no passenger use of the south to east curve from Berlin-Eichgestell to Berlin-Stadtforst.
Berlin Ostkreuz (Rummelsburg Rgbv) – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129C3-129D3) DE23/273
There is no west to north curve at Wuhlheide, but this line enables trains to run between Berlin Ostkreuz and the north side of the Außenring or Berlin-Lichtenberg. There is no regular passenger use of this connection in this timetable period.
Other lines outside the Außenring
Rheinsberg (Mark) – Stechlinsee
[NEB RB54] (ERA-E 44C1; ERA-R 91B3; S+W 25D3) DE23/280
For most of the last few years one return service has run on this line on summer weekends, as an extension of the RB54 service from Lowenberg (Mark). Special tickets for this section were required, which were available on the train for a few euros. The 2021 service ran on Saturdays and Sundays between 3 July and 8 August, departing Rheinsberg (Mark) at 13:25 and returning from Stechlinsee at 14:00. However no service ran in 2022. Details of any trains in 2023 will be added if they become known. If no services are found, this entry will be removed at the next annual revision.
Berlin-Staaken – Stendal – Wolfsburg
[204.West, 301] (ERA-E 51B2-48C4; ERA-R 93C4-100C5; S+W 124C4 to 32D4) DE23/281
On this route the double track Schnellfahrstrecke runs alongside one or two other tracks for most of the way. Between Berlin-Staaken and Elstal local passenger trains use a double line immediately south of the Schnellfahrstrecke. There is a single-track local line between Elstal and Wustermark. All passenger trains use the Schnellfahrstrecke between Wustermark and Rathenow. There is no passenger use of the parallel track from Wustermark to Abzw. Ribbeck (east of Buschow), which is not electrified, or from Abzw. Bamme (west of Nennhausen) to Rathenow. RB34 trains between Rathenow and Stendal use the parallel non-electrified single line. All others use the Schnellfahrstrecke. Between Hämerten (Abzw. Staffelde) and Vinzelberg (Abzw. Nahrstedt) the Schnellfahrstrecke follows a separate route to the south of Stendal, which is used by all trains not calling there. All RB trains west of Stendal use the single, non-electrified line. The two routes diverge slightly at a number of places, particularly at Oebisfelde.
Cottbus Hbf
The three lines into Cottbus Hbf from the west all split into separate routes to the south side platforms, 1 to 4, and to the middle and north side platforms, 5 to 10, as shown on this map.
Services are as follows:
| RE2 (hourly) | Cottbus – Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Berlin Hbf (Stadtbahn) – Nauen [/ Bad Belzig (occasional journeys)] | 202 |
| RE10 (two-hourly) | Frankfurt (Oder) – Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster) – Leipzig | 209.43 |
| RE18 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Ruhland – Großenhain – Dresden | 225 |
| RB43 (two-hourly) | Frankfurt (Oder) – Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster) | 210 |
| RB49 (two-hourly) | Cottbus – Ruhland – Elsterwerda-Biehla - Falkenberg (Elster) | 213 |
To/from Lübbenau (Spreewald) and Berlin
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE23/282
South side platforms 1 to 4
Reached by the main line via former Stw W20 (line 6142).
Used by RE2 (except those shown below as using platforms 5 to 10) and the following services:
| D | IC2432 | 06:01 Cottbus Hbf – Norddeich Mole | |
| RE7 3734 | Dessau Hbf – 22:27 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf |
Middle and north side platforms 5 to 10
Reached by a spur from Abzw Cbn via former Stw W10 (lines 6203 and 6201).
Used by the following RE2 services and one IC service:
| SSuX | RE3140 | Lübbenau (Spreewald) – 05:51 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | |
| D3 | SSuX / Daily | RE3102 | Nauen – 06:51 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf |
| SSuX | RE18756 | Bad Belzig – 08:35 Vetschau – Cottbus Hbf | |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3106 | Nauen – 08:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3110 | Nauen – 10:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf |
| SSuO | RE18768 | Berlin-Wannsee – 11:36 Vetschau – Cottbus Hbf | |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3114 | Berlin-Wannsee – 12:47 Vetschau – Cottbus Hbf |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3118 | Nauen – 14:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3122 | Nauen – 16:47 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf |
| SSuX | RE18764 | Bad Belzig – 18:34 Vetschau – Cottbus Hbf | |
| SSuX | RE18766 | Berlin-Friedrichstraße – 19:36 Vetschau – Cottbus Hbf | |
| D | IC2431 | Emden Außenhafen / Potsdam Hbf – 19:42 Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Cottbus Hbf | |
| RE3134 | Nauen – 22:49 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| SSuX | RE18753 | 05:26 Cottbus – Bad Belzig | |
| SSuX | RE18755 | 06:13 Cottbus – Bad Belzig | |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3119 | 12:04 Cottbus – Nauen |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3123 | 14:04 Cottbus – Nauen |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3125 | 15:04 Cottbus – Nauen |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3127 | 16:04 Cottbus – Nauen |
| SSuO | RE18769 | 17:13 Cottbus – Berlin-Wannsee | |
| D4 | SSuO | RE3131 | 18:04 Cottbus – Nauen |
D3: SSuX until 28 May 2023, daily thereafter
D4: 11 December 2022 - 28 May 2023
To/from Calau (Niederlausitz) and Leipzig
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE23/283
South side platforms 1 to 4
Reached by a connection (line 6204) from Abzw Cfw via former Stw W9 to the main line from Lübbenau.
No passenger use of this connection has been determined in this timetable period
Middle and north side platforms 5 to 10
Reached by the main line (line 6345) or parallel loop (line 6203) via former Stw B12.
Used by RE10 and RB43
To/from Ruhland and Dresden
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE23/284
South side platforms 1 to 4
Reached by a connection (line 6202) from former Südwest Stw B2 via former Stw W20.
Used by RE18 and RB49 except as shown below
Middle and north side platforms 5 to 10
Reached by a diveunder (line 6253) from former Südwest Stw B2 via former Stw B12
Used by certain RE18 and RB49 trains as follows:
| RE18444 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 00:33 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18422 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 05:35 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18404 | Dresden-Neustadt / Dresden Hbf – 07:36 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18436 | Falkenberg (Elster) / Jüterbog – 18:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18416 | Dresden-Neustadt / Dresden Hbf – 19:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RE18418 | Dresden-Neustadt / Dresden Hbf – 21:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf | ||
| RB18405 | 08:18 Cottbus Hbf – Dresden-Neustadt / Dresden Hbf | ||
| RE18437 | 19:14 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
| RE18441 | 21:16 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
| RE18443 | 22:16 Cottbus Hbf – Ruhland |
Falkenberg (Elster)
The Hoyerswerda to Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Leipzig to Cottbus lines cross at Falkenberg (Elster), passing through low-level (unt Bf) and high-level (ob Bf) platforms respectively. A series of curves south-east of the station allow trains to and from the Hoyerswerda line to use the high-level platforms (6 and 7) and those to and from the Cottbus line to use the low-level ones (3 and 4).
Uebigau (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw B3) – Falkenberg (Elster) unt Bf (Stw W17)
[210] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE23/285
This combination of curves provides an east to north route, on the south side of the Cottbus – Leipzig line, connecting that line with the low-level station at Falkenberg (Elster). It is now used by only the following RB43 services:
| SSuX | RB18180 | 03:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Frankfurt (Oder) | |
| RB18182 | 04:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Cottbus Hbf / Frankfurt (Oder) | ||
| RB18197 | Frankfurt (Oder) – 23:03 Uebigau – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
| RB18199 | Frankfurt (Oder) – 00:03 Uebigau – Falkenberg (Elster) |
RE10 and other RB43 services use the high-level platforms.
A full sized diagram is here.
Bad Liebenwerda (Falkenberg (Elster) Stw W15) – Falkenberg (Elster) ob Bf (Stw W2)
[211] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE23/286
This south to west curve connects the line from Elsterwerda-Biehla with the high-level platforms at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by RE10 trains from Hoyerswerda to Falkenberg and RB49 services from Falkenberg to Ruhland, both generally every two hours, also the following RB49 service to Falkenberg.
| RE18421 | Ruhland – 04:36 Bad Liebenwerda – Falkenberg (Elster) |
A full sized diagram is here.
Falkenberg (Elster) unt Bf (Stw W17) – Falkenberg (Elster) ob Bf (Stw W2)
[208] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59C1) DE23/287
This route is a combination of parts of the previous two. It allows trains to run in a spiral between the high-level and low-level platforms at Falkenberg (Elster). No services are booked to run this way any longer; however all of this route is covered by trains in the previous two entries.
A full sized diagram is here.
Walddrehna (Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord) – Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz) (Abzw Hennersdorf West)
[205 Süd] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R S+W 102C2;47D4) DE23/288
This north to east curve links the Berlin – Dresden main line with the Leipzig – Cottbus line. It is used by RE5 services between Berlin Hbf, Luckau-Uckro and Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz), every two hours in the morning and evening peaks on Mondays to Fridays only.
Kamenz (Sachs) – Hosena – Senftenberg (Brieske)
(ERA-E 50B1-50B2; ERA-R 103A2; S+W 60C3-60B2) DE23/289
This freight line is used every summer by a weekend train pair between Dresden and Senftenberg. The line south of Hosena is mostly within Land Sachsen.
| D5 | SSuO | RB16657 | Dresden Hbf – 10:25 Kamenz (Sachs) – Senftenberg |
| D5 | SSuO | RB16656 | 16:56 Senftenberg – Dresden Hbf |
D5: 8 July to 20 August 2023
Note that these services run as S8 between Dresden Hbf and Kamenz (Sachs) and as RB34 between Kamenz and Senftenberg.
Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions
Berlin Außenring
DE23/291
The Außenring and its connections to all of the lines radiating from Berlin provide scope for many diversions, including the following:
Karower Kreuz – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen: Trains from the Oranienburg or Bernau lines may be diverted via Berlin-Hohenschönhausen and Berlin-Lichtenberg. This has happened frequently in recent years. Such diversions result in an extended journey time. This diversion does not cover any lines that do not have a passenger service; however it uses the Berlin Lichtenberg Abzw B1 - Abzw Frankfurter Allee curve which normally has a very sparse service (see DE23/253).
Karower Kreuz – Berlin Hbf: A less common diversion of trains between Bernau and Berlin is via Falkenhagener Kreuz. In that event they use the curve between Berlin-Karow and Berlin-Karow West and the sections of the Außenring between Schönfließ West and Hohen Neuendorf West and between Hennigsdorf Nord Hdo and Hennigsdorf Nord Hdw. Such a diversion is likely to result in a longer journey time and any call at Berlin-Gesundbrunnen is omitted, but there may be an additional stop at Berlin-Spandau. This has happened on several occasions in recent years.
Birkenwerder – Berlin Hbf: Trains between Oranienburg and Berlin Hbf may also be diverted via Falkenhagener Kreuz. In that event they use the section of the Außenring between Hennigsdorf Nord Hdo and Hennigsdorf Nord Hdw. Such a diversion may not result in a significantly different journey time, but any call at Berlin-Gesundbrunnen is omitted and there may be an additional stop at Berlin-Spandau. It is possible that trains would use the long curve between Hohen Neuendorf West and Birkenwerder.
Brieselang – Dallgow-Döberitz: Trains between Nauen and Berlin may be diverted via the curves Brieselang to Brieselang-Hasselburg and Wustermark Awf to Wustermark Rbf Wot in event of engineering work on the line via Falkensee. This may not affect the journey time of express trains between Berlin and Hamburg significantly. Use of this route is best indicated by local trains via Falkensee being replaced by buses.
Elstal – Priort – Golm – Werder: RE1 services may be diverted between Charlottenburg and Werder (Havel), calling additionally at Golm.
Saarmund – Golm: RB22 trains may be diverted via Michendorf and Ferch-Lienewitz or (after a reversal) the Wilhelmshorst curve. In early 2021 they were diverted via Michendorf and Ferch-Lienewitz to terminate at Potsdam Hbf.
Genshagener Heide – Blankenfelde: In event of an extended journey time between Berlin-Lichterfelde Ost and Blankenfelde, RE17/IC trains can be expected to reverse at Ludwigsfelde and use the curve between Birkengrund Süd and Genshagener Heide Ost.
Berlin-Blankenburg – Berlin-Karow Ost: This is an alternative route for EC Berlin <=> Poland trains via Frankfurt (Oder) when they are diverted to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, when they may use this curve rather than running via Abzw Frankfurter Allee and Berlin-Lichtenberg (DE23/253). These trains will then also use Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd – Nord (DE23/261) and, in common with the trains diverted via Lichtenberg, Eichgestell Nord - Berlin-Stadtforst (DE23/272).
In the early part of 2022, some diverted Berlin – Warszawa trains on some days were noted as running via this route and not via Abzw Frankfurter Allee. It was unclear if there was any pattern to which route was used.
Falkenberg (Elster) – Glaubitz (b Riesa) (Abzw. Zeithain Bogendreieck)
(ERA-E 50A2-50A1; ERA-R 102C2-192C1; S+W 59C1-59C3) DE23/292 [the southern portion of this line is in Sachsen]
This part of the original rail route from Berlin to Dresden links Falkenberg with the Leipzig – Dresden main line near Riesa. The local passenger service was withdrawn in 2004, but when there is engineering work on the main line to/from Berlin via Elsterwerda, all EC and IC trains between Berlin and Dresden are diverted by this route. This occurred frequently in the last few years while the main line was upgraded. Although the upgrade has now been completed, further occasional diversions still occur.
Between 22 April and 9 December 2023, most IC/EC trains between Berlin and Dresden / Chemnitz are diverted this way, with the Chemnitz trains using the north to west curve towards Riesa (see entry DE23/333A in the Sachsen section) rather than the north to east curve towards Glaubitz.
| D6 | Daily/MX | EC171 | Berlin Hbf – 07:08 Berlin Südkreuz – Praha hl.n |
| D7 | Daily/MX | EC173 | Hamburg-Altona – 09:08 Berlin Südkreuz – Budapest-Nyugati |
| D6 | Daily/MX | EC175 | Flensburg – 13:08 Berlin Südkreuz – Praha hl.n |
| D8 | EC177 | Berlin Hbf – 15:08 Berlin Südkreuz – Praha hl.n | |
| D9 | IC2271 | Warnemünde – 16:33 Berlin Südkreuz – Chemnitz Hbf | |
| D9 | IC2273 | Warnemünde – 18:33 Berlin Südkreuz – Chemnitz Hbf | |
| D8 | ICE870 | Dresden Hbf – 07:02 Dresden-Neustadt – Hamburg-Altona | |
| D9 | IC2272 | Chemnitz Hbf – 07:48 Riesa – Warnemünde | |
| D8 | EC178 | Praha hl.n – 09:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Berlin Hbf | |
| D9 | IC2270 | Chemnitz Hbf – 09:48 Riesa – Warnemünde | |
| D6 | Daily/MX | EC176 | Praha hl.n – 11:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Hamburg-Altona |
| D10 | MO | IC1076 | Dresden Hbf – 11:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Hamburg-Altona |
| D6 | Daily/MX | EC174 | Praha hl.n – 13:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Flensburg |
| D9 | IC2170 | Dresden Hbf – 13:26 Dresden-Neustadt – Warnemünde | |
| D6 | Daily/MX | EC378 | Praha hl.n – 15:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Kiel Hbf |
| D10 | MO | IC1078 | Dresden Hbf – 15:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Hamburg-Altona |
| D11 | Daily/MX | EC252 / EC172 | Budapest-Nyugati – 17:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Hamburg-Altona |
| D10 | MO | IC1072 | Dresden Hbf – 17:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Hamburg-Altona |
| D8 | Daily/MX | EC170 | Praha hl.n – 19:03 Dresden-Neustadt – Berlin Hbf |
D6: 22 April - 29 October; MX 31 October - 9 December 2023
D7: 1 July - 29 October; MX 31 October - 9 December 2023
D8: 22 April - 9 December 2023
D9: 22 April - 10 November 2023
D10: MO 30 October - 4 December 2023
D11: 22 April - 29 October; MX 31 October - 9 December 2023. Runs as EC252 until 30 June 2023, then as EC172
Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Lienewitz Lia) – Beelitz Heilstätten
[207] (ERA-E 51A1; ERA-R 93B1; S+W 47A1) DE23/293
This north to south-west curve is occasionally used by RE7 services between Dessau and Berlin if engineering work is taking place on the direct line between Seddin and Griebnitzsee Ost, requiring diversion via Ferch-Lienewitz and Potsdam Hbf. On such occasions trains are advertised not to make the usual stops between Beelitz Heilstätten and Berlin-Wannsee.
Potsdam-Pirschheide (Abzw Potsdam Wildpark Süd) – Potsdam Park Sanssouci
[209.23] (ERA-E 51A1; ERA-R 93B1; S+W 126B2) DE23/294
This south to east curve enables trains from the Ferch-Lienewitz line to avoid Potsdam Hbf. It was used by a few mid-morning and early afternoon trains on certain dates between September and December 2022 as a result of escalator replacement at Potsdam Hbf.
Berlin-Wannsee (Abzw Berlin-Grunewald Gds) – Berlin Hbf (tief) (Abzw Moabit Ost)
[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128A3-128C2) DE23/295
This line is used by trains between the Potsdam line and Berlin Hbf (tief/low level) when they are not able to use the Stadtbahn via Berlin-Zoo.
It was used in August and September 2022.
Berlin-Karlshorst (Abzw Berlin-Rummelsburg Rgbo) - Berlin-Frankfurter Allee (Berlin-Lichtenberg Abzw B1)
(S+W 129C3) DE23/296
This line connects the Frankfurter Bahn from Erkner with the Ringbahn Ferngleise (DE23/253) via Rummelsburg Bbf (ICE depot) and a flyover across the Frankfurter Bahn, joining the line from Lichtenberg at Abzw Lichtenberg B1.
It was used in May 2021 by services to and from Poland which were diverted to run to/from Berlin Gesundbrunnen, on dates when they did not use the Stadtforst - Eichgestell Nord curve (DE23/272) and the curves towards Lichtenberg at Biesdorfer Kreuz (DE23/261).
It was also used in August and September 2021 by diverted FEX airport services between Berlin Hbf (tief), Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Flughafen BER - Terminals 1-2.
Werbig avoiding curve (Abzw Werbig oben - Werbig (Ostbahn))
[209.60] (S+W 37B2) DE23/297
This north to east curve links the Eberswalde - Frankfurt (Oder) line with the Ostbahn from Berlin to Kostrzyn/Küstrin (PL), avoiding both high and low-level platforms at Werbig. It normally sees no passenger services but was used from 15 April to 19 June, then 15 July - 24 August 2022 to terminate trains from Eberswalde at a temporary platform on the loop on the Ostbahn at the east end of this curve parallel with the Berlin - Kostrzyn/Küstrin line.
