Germany (Berlin and Brandenburg) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services
Introduction
This list is based on the timetable dated from 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained here.
Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series: Book 2) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland by Schweers + Wall.
Obscure services
Routes are 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.
Note The stations at Flughafen BER have been renamed. With the closure of Terminal 5 (the former Schönefeld airport) to flights, the former Flughafen BER - T5 (Schönefeld) station is now known as 'Schönefeld (b Berlin)' and the former Flughafen BER - T1-2 station is now simply known as 'Flughafen BER'.
Berlin central area
Berlin-Charlottenburg – Berlin-Halensee (Halensee Kurve)
[200.45] (ERA-E 51B3 not shown; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128B3) DE25/251
This south to east curve links the S-Bahn Ringbahn and Stadtbahn lines. It is used by a few S-Bahn trains entering or leaving service at Berlin-Charlottenburg.
From Berlin-Halensee: 00:29 S45, 01:27 SSuX S41
From Berlin-Charlottenburg: 03:55 SSuX S42, 06:16 SuO S45
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) DE25/252
There are two routes for main line trains between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Berlin Ostkreuz. One joins the Ringbahn Ferngleise to run 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 Templin Stadt, Müncheberg (Mark) (SSuX) and Werneuchen (SSuO). The connection to/from the high-level platforms is used by RB24 and RB32 services which run between Eberswalde or Oranienburg and Schönefeld (b Berlin).
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) DE25/253
This is the north-eastern quadrant of the Ringbahn Ferngleise between Berlin Ostkreuz (oben/high level) and Berlin Gesundbrunnen. From Ostkreuz to Storkower Straße, the Ferngleise are on the outer side of the S-Bahn 'Ring', but just west of Storkower Straße the S-Bahn lines fly over the Ferngleise, so that for the rest of the way to Gesundbrunnen, the Ferngleise are on the inner side.
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 and Berlin Hbf (tief/low level).
Berlin-Lichtenberg – Abzw Frankfurter Allee is no longer used by any trains to and from Rheinsberg (Mark) as these all run via Berlin-Hohenschönhausen. It is used by the following service on a few days in January:
D1 Note | TThSO | IC2432 | Cottbus Hbf – 07:20 Berlin-Lichtenberg – Norddeich Mole |
D1: 7, 9, 11 January 2025
Note: Also runs as RE62432 between Cottbus Hbf and Potsdam Hbf
Between 18 February and 15 April 2025 it is used on Mondays to Fridays by the hourly RB14 services which are diverted to run between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Nauen.
This route is also occasionally used by diverted EC services between Poland and Berlin Gesundbrunnen via Rzepin and Frankfurt (Oder). This occurs between 6 and 13, and between 17 and 27 January 2025.
Abzw Schönhauser Allee - Abzw Bornholmer Straße no longer has regular passenger use but is occasionally used by diverted RB24 or RB32 services.
Berlin Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Berlin-Wedding) – Berlin Jungfernheide (Abzw Moabit Ost)
[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 94A4; S+W 128D1-128C2) DE25/254
This section of the Ringbahn Ferngleise is used by the hourly RB21 (Berlin Gesundbrunnen – Potsdam Hbf) services running direct between Berlin Gesundbrunnen and Berlin-Spandau, not via Berlin Hbf.. Between 18 February and 15 April 2025 it is also used on Mondays to Fridays by hourly RB14 services diverted to run between Berlin-Lichtenberg and Nauen.
Berlin-Spandau – Berlin-Staaken (Nennhauser Damm)
[204.West, 209.21] (ERA-E 51B2; ERA-R 93C4; S+W 124D4-124C4) DE25/255
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.
RE4, RB10 and RB21 trains use the northern route westbound and both routes eastbound. Only the following eastbound ICE services are now booked to use platform 6 and therefore the southern route:
D1 | ICE507 | Hamburg-Altona – 08:32 Hamburg Hbf – München Hbf | |
D2 | ICE1005 | Hamburg-Altona – 10:05 Hamburg Hbf – München Hbf | |
D1 | ICE1605/1705 | Hamburg-Altona – 10:05 Hamburg Hbf – Berlin Hbf/Jena Göschwitz |
D1: 18 February - 15 April 2025
D2: Until 1 August 2025
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.
Note: Many services are only shown as running until 1 August 2025. From then on, certain services may be subject to alteration.
RE5 | Stralsund Hbf / Burg Stargard / Rostock Hbf – Neustrelitz – Oranienburg – Gesundbrunnen – Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz | 205 |
RE6 | Wittenberge – Neuruppin – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Spandau – Charlottenburg | 206 |
RE7 | Dessau / Bad Belzig – Berlin Hbf (oben) – Ostkreuz – Königs Wusterhausen – Senftenberg | 202, 207 |
RE8N | Wismar / Wittenberge – Nauen – Spandau – Berlin Hbf (oben) – Ostkreuz (tief) – Flughafen BER | 208 (see ODEG), 209.10 |
RE8S | Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz – Wünsdorf-Waldstadt – Elsterwerda | no table (see ODEG) |
RB12 | Ostkreuz (tief) – Lichtenberg – Hohenschönhausen – Oranienburg – Templin Stadt | 209.12 (see NEB) |
RE17 | Berlin Hbf (tief) – Südkreuz – Elsterwerda (IC services to Dresden with joint RE designation in Brandenburg) | no table |
RB20 | Oranienburg – Hennigsdorf (reverse) – Golm – Potsdam Hbf – Potsdam-Griebnitzsee (SSuX) | 209.20 |
RB21 | Potsdam Hbf – Golm – Wustermark (reverse) – Berlin Gesundbrunnen | 204 West, 209.21 |
RB22 | Potsdam-Griebnitzsee (SSuX) – Potsdam Hbf – Golm (reverse) – Flughafen BER – Königs Wusterhausen | 209.20 |
RB23 | Golm (SSuX) – Potsdam Hbf (SSuX) – Charlottenburg – Berlin Hbf (oben) – Flughafen BER | 209.23 |
RB24 | Eberswalde – Bernau (b. Berlin) – Hohenschönhausen – Lichtenberg – Ostkreuz (oben) – Schönefeld (b. Berlin) | 209.24 Nord |
RB25 | Ostkreuz (tief) – Lichtenberg – Werneuchen | 209.25 (see NEB) |
RB32N | Oranienburg – Hohenschönhausen – Lichtenberg – Ostkreuz (oben) – Schönefeld (b. Berlin) | 209 |
RB32S | Flughafen BER – Ludwigsfelde | 203 Sued (not shown) |
RB54 | Berlin-Lichtenberg (occasional services) – Löwenberg (Mark) – Rheinsberg (Mark) | 209.54 (see NEB) |
FEX | Berlin Hbf (tief) – Gesundbrunnen - Ostkreuz (oben) – Flughafen BER (half-hourly) | no table |
Note that 'tief' and 'oben' in the above refer to 'low level' and 'high level' stations respectively.
Biesdorfer Kreuz
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D2) DE25/261
Biesdorfer Kreuz West – Biesdorfer Kreuz Nord is used by services RB12, RB24, RB25 and RB32.
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. Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd West is an intermediate junction on the short curve, where it is joined by the line from Rummelsburg.
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. The short curve was used by an early morning service to Fangschleuse Tesla Süd; however this does not appea to be operating in this timetable period.
No use of the long curve has been determined in this timetable period. 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, either by the short or long curves. This occurs between 6 and 13 and between 17 and 27 January 2025.
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 DE25/291 under Berlin Blankenburg – Berlin Karow Ost for any details).
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) DE25/262
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow (east to north) is used by RB24.
Berlin-Blankenburg – Berlin-Karow West (south to west) is used by RE5 trains between Berlin and Neustrelitz or Rostock. IC services to Rostock Hbf run this way (either via Ostkreuz or Berlin Hbf (tief), then Gesundbrunnen) from 8 March 2025.
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Karow West (Außenring ) is used by RB12 and RB32N.
Berlin-Karow Ost – Berlin-Blankenburg (east to south) has no booked workings.
There is no scheduled passenger use of the north to west curve.
Abzw Hohen Neuendorf
(ERA-E 51A3; ERA-R 93C5; S+W 125A1) DE25/263
Schönfließ West – Birkenwerder (east to north) is used by RE5, RB12 and RB32N, and from 8 March 2025, 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.
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) DE25/264
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) DE25/265
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) DE25/266
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) DE25/267
Potsdam Park Sanssouci – Golm (east to north) is used by RB20, RB21, RB22 and RB23.
Potsdam 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; however no such trains have been noted in the last few years.
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) DE25/268
Großbeeren Süd – Genshagener Heide Mitte (north to east) is a loop west of the Berlin - Leipzig main line used by RE8S and by EC/IC trains between Berlin and Dresden.
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 is used by RB32S.
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) DE25/269
Glasower Damm West – Blankenfelde (Glasower Damm Süd) is used by RE8S.
Glasower Damm West – Glasower Damm Ost (Außenring) is used by RB22 and RB32S
Glasower Damm Ost – Glasower Damm Süd is used by RB24.
Note that there are two pairs of tracks between Glasower Damm Ost and Abzw Selchow, where the line to Flughafen BER diverges from the Außenring. RB32S towards Ludwigsfelde runs (as far as is known) via the northern junction at Glasower Damm Ost. The connection to the southern pair of tracks is used by RB32S towards Flughafen BER. Eastbound RB22 and RB32S services can use either pair of tracks.
Abzw Selchow
(ERA-E 51C3; ERA-R 94A2-94B2; S+W 127C3) DE25/270
At Abzw Selchow, the northern pair of tracks dives under the Außenring towards Flughafen BER. The southern pair of tracks continues east as the Außenring, and has a single-track connection from the southern (eastbound) line to the Flughafen BER line.
Abzw Selchow West – Abzw Selchow Süd (single-track spur) can be used eastbound only. It may be used by RB22 and RB32S.
The double-track diveunder must be used westbound and can be used eastbound. All RB22 and RB32S services use it westbound. Certain services may use it eastbound.
Abzw Selchow West – Schönefeld (b Berlin) (Außenring) was used by a few late-night RB22 services but these no longer run. It is used on one day by one overnight service:
D1 | WO | NJ425 | Bruxelles-Midi – 07:06 (ThO) Halle (Saale) Hbf – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen |
D1: 28 May 2025 only
Grünauer Kreuz
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B2; S+W 127D2) DE25/271
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Berlin-Grünau (south to east) was used by a residual late-night RB22 service on Mondays and Tuesdays only; however this no longer appears to run.
Grünauer Kreuz Nord – Berlin-Grünau (north to east) is used by RE2, RE7, RE8N, and FEX.
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz West is used by RB24 and RB32N.
Schönefeld (b. Berlin) – Grünauer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) is used by RB24 and RB32N.
Grünauer Kreuz Süd – Grünauer Kreuz Nord (Außenring) has no booked services known to the compilers.
Wuhlheide
(ERA-E 51B4; ERA-R 94B3; S+W 129D4) DE25/272
Berlin-Eichgestell – Berlin-Ostendgestell (south to west) is used by RE2, RE7, RE8N and FEX
Eichgestell Nord – Berlin Stadtforst (north to east) was used by a single RB TES service to Fangschleuse Tesla Süd; however this appears no longer to run.
It is also 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 occurs between 6 and 13, and between 17 and 27 January 2025.
Berlin-Eichgestell – Eichgestell Nord (Außenring) has no booked services but is occasionally used by diverted trains to and from Berlin-Lichtenberg.
Eichgestell Nord – Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd (Außenring) was used by a single RB TES service to Fangschleuse Tesla Süd but currently has no known services.
It is also used by diverted EC services between Berlin and Poland via Frankfurt (Oder) when they are booked to run to and from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen. This occurs between 6 and 13, and between 17 and 27 January 2025.
There is no passenger use of the south to east curve from Berlin-Eichgestell to Berlin-Stadtforst.
Other lines outside the Außenring
Berlin-Staaken – Rathenow
[204.West] (ERA-E 51B2-48C4; ERA-R 93C4-100C5; S+W 124C4 to 35A3) DE25/280
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. There is no parallel local line between Abzw. Bamme (west of Nennhausen) and Abzw. Ribbeck (east of Buschow), but all passenger trains use the Schnellfahrstrecke for the whole way between Wustermark and Rathenow. There is no passenger use of the parallel non-electrified track from Abzw. Ribbeck to Wustermark, or, as far as is known, the parallel electrified track from Abzw. Bamme to Rathenow.
The two parallel routes continue through Land Sachsen-Anhalt to Wolfsburg in Land Niedersachsen - see entry DE25/204 in the Sachsen-Anhalt section for details.
Erkner – Fangschleuse Tesla Süd
[RB TES] (ERA-E xxx; ERA-R xxx; S+W 36C3-C4) DE25/281
This branch, which opened to traffic on 4 September 2023, uses the former DRE line from a junction just west of Fangschleuse station towards the GVZ (Güterverkehrszentrum or Freight Traffic Centre) Berlin Ost at Freienbrink. Shortly before Freienbrink is reached, the passenger service diverges west onto a newly-built line which runs for approximately 500 m to the single-platform Fangschleuse Tesla Süd station, which serves the Tesla electric car "Gigafactory". The whole line, including the section to the GVZ, is under the ownership of Tesla which bought it from DRE in January 2022.
The service operates as a shuttle between Erkner and Fangschleuse Tesla Süd at irregular intervals on Mondays to Fridays and Sunday evenings only. Travel on the service is free of charge.
A new Fangschleuse station is under construction on the main line to the west of the existing one. This will be located north of the extended Tesla factory complex and when it opens, it may mean the end of services over this branch to the existing Tesla Süd station.
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 (Note that platforms 10-12 on the map are now numbered 8-10).
Services are as follows:
RE2 (hourly) | Cottbus – Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Berlin Hbf (Stadtbahn) – Nauen [/ Bad Belzig (occasional journeys)] | 202 |
RE10/RE11 (two-hourly) | Frankfurt (Oder) – Cottbus – Calau (Nl) – Falkenberg (Elster) – Leipzig | 210 |
RE13 (hourly, SSuX) | Cottbus – Senftenberg (– Elsterwerda, every two hours) | 213 |
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) DE25/282
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:
D1 | SuX | IC2432 / RE56 | 06:01 Cottbus Hbf – Norddeich Mole / Emden Hbf |
D1: Not 14 May - 6 June 2025
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 | RE2 3100 | Lübbenau (Spreewald) – 05:51 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | |
SSuO | RE2 3102 | Berlin-Charlottenburg – 06:51 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | |
RE2 3106 | Nauen – 08:48 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf | ||
SSuO | RE2 3110 | Nauen – 10:48 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf | |
SSuO | RE2 3114 | Nauen – 12:48 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf | |
RE2 3118 | Nauen – 14:48 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf | ||
SSuO | RE2 3122 | Nauen – 16:48 Kunersdorf – Cottbus Hbf | |
SSuO | RE2 3124 | Nauen – 17:49 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | |
RE2 3128 | Nauen – 19:49 Kolkwitz – Cottbus Hbf | ||
D | SX | IC2431 / RE56 | Emden Außenhafen – 19:42 Lübbenau (Spreewald) – Cottbus Hbf |
SSuX | RE7 18753 | 05:26 Cottbus – Bad Belzig | |
SSuX | RE7 18755 | 06:13 Cottbus – Bad Belzig | |
SSuO | RE2 3111 | 08:04 Cottbus – Nauen/Hennigsdorf | |
SSuO | RE2 3115 | 10:04 Cottbus – Nauen/Hennigsdorf | |
SSuO | RE2 3115 | 10:04 Cottbus – Nauen/Hennigsdorf | |
SSuO | RE2 3123 | 14:04 Cottbus – Nauen/Hennigsdorf | |
SSuX | RE7 18761 | 15:13 Cottbus – Bad Belzig | |
SSuO | RE2 3127 | 16:04 Cottbus – Nauen/Hennigsdorf | |
SSuO | RE2 18769 | 17:13 Cottbus – Berlin-Charlottenburg | |
SSuO | RE2 3131 | 18:04 Cottbus – Nauen/Hennigsdorf |
To/from Calau (Niederlausitz) and Leipzig
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE25/283
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 platforms 5 and 6
Reached by the main line (line 6345) and connecting line (6205).
Used by RE10 and RB43, except as below.
North side platforms 8 to 10.
Reached by the main line (line 6345) or parallel loop line (6203) via former Stw B12.
Used by the following RE10 service
RE10 18391 | Frankfurt (Oder) – 15:03 Cottbus Hbf – Leipzig Hbf |
To/from Senftenberg and Ruhland
(ERA-E 50B3 not shown; ERA-R 103B3 not shown; S+W 49B4) DE25/284
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 RE13; also certain RE18 and RB49 trains as follows:
RB49 18422 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 05:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
RE18 18404 | Dresden-Neustadt – 07:35 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
RB49 18436 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 18:35 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
RB49 18438 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 20:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
RE18 18418 | Dresden-Neustadt – 21:28 Drebkau – Cottbus Hbf | ||
RB49 18440 | Falkenberg (Elster) – 22:32 Leuthen (b. Cottbus) – Cottbus Hbf | ||
RE18 18405 | 08:18 Cottbus Hbf – Coswig (b Dresden) / Dresden-Neustadt | ||
RB49 18437 | 19:16 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
RB49 18441 | 21:16 Cottbus Hbf – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
RB49 18443 | 22:16 Cottbus Hbf – Ruhland / Falkenberg (Elster) (FSO) |
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) DE25/285
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 | RB43 18690 | 03:46 Falkenberg (Elster) – Cottbus Hbf | |
RB43 18696/ 26080 | 04:47 Falkenberg (Elster) – Cottbus Hbf/Frankfurt (Oder) | ||
SSuX | RB43 26094 | 16:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Frankfurt (Oder) | |
SSuX | RB43 26096 | 18:52 Falkenberg (Elster) – Frankfurt (Oder) | |
RB43 26091 | Frankfurt (Oder) – 23:03 Uebigau – Falkenberg (Elster) | ||
D1 | RB43 26095 | Cottbus Hbf – 00:05 Uebigau – Falkenberg (Elster) |
D1: From 14 April 2025
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) DE25/286
This south to west curve connects the line from Elsterwerda-Biehla with the high-level platforms at Falkenberg (Elster). It is used by the following RE11 and RB49 services.
Note: Some of these services, although running every day, only use the high-level platforms on the days shown.
SSuX | RE11 18182 | Leipzig Hbf – 08:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | |
RE11 18184 | Leipzig Hbf – 10:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | ||
RE11 18186 | Leipzig Hbf – 12:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | ||
RE11 18188 | Leipzig Hbf – 14:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | ||
RE11 18190 | Leipzig Hbf – 16:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | ||
RE11 18192 | Leipzig Hbf – 18:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | ||
RE11 18194 | Leipzig Hbf – 20:12 Falkenberg (Elster) – Hoyerswerda | ||
SSuX | RE18181 | Hoyerswerda – 05:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | |
RE11 18183 | Hoyerswerda – 07:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | ||
RE11 18185 | Hoyerswerda – 09:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | ||
RE11 18187 | Hoyerswerda – 11:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | ||
RE11 18189 | Hoyerswerda – 13:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | ||
RE11 18191 | Hoyerswerda – 15:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | ||
RE11 18193 | Hoyerswerda – 17:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf | ||
SuO | RE11 18195 | Hoyerswerda – 19:33 Bad Liebenwerda – Leipzig Hbf |
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) DE25/287
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)
[203 not shown] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R S+W 102C2;47D4) DE25/288
This north to east curve links the Berlin – Dresden main line with the Leipzig – Cottbus line. It is used by the following RE5 services between Berlin Hbf, Luckau-Uckro and Finsterwalde (Niederlausitz):
SSuX | RE62052 | Berlin Hbf – 06:01 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl) | |
SSuX | RE62056 | Berlin Hbf – 08:17 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl) | |
SSuX | RE62072 | Berlin Hbf – 16:07 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl) | |
SSuX | RE62076 | Berlin Hbf – 18:07 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl) | |
SSuX | RE62080 | Berlin Hbf – 20:17 Lucko-Uckro – Finsterwalde (Nl) | |
SSuX | RE62055 | 05:35 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf | |
SSuX | RE62055 | 05:35 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf | |
SSuX | RE62059 | 07:26 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf | |
SSuX | RE62075 | 15:25 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf | |
SSuX | RE62083 | 19:27 Finsterwalde (Nl) – Berlin Hbf |
Kamenz (Sachs) – Hosena – Senftenberg (Brieske)
[227.1] (ERA-E 50B1-50B2; ERA-R 103A2; S+W 60C3-60B2) DE25/289
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.
D1 | SSuO | RB34 16657 | Dresden Hbf – 10:30 Kamenz (Sachs) – Senftenberg |
D1 | SSuO | RB34 16656 | 16:41 Senftenberg – Dresden Hbf |
D1: 28 June to 10 August 2025
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
DE25/291
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 uses the Berlin Lichtenberg Abzw B1 - Abzw Frankfurter Allee curve which no longer has a regular passenger service (see DE25/253).
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.
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 (DE25/253). These trains will then also use Biesdorfer Kreuz Süd – Nord (DE25/261) and, in common with the trains diverted via Lichtenberg, Eichgestell Nord - Berlin-Stadtforst (DE25/272).
Falkenberg (Elster) – Glaubitz (b Riesa) (Abzw. Zeithain Bogendreieck)
(ERA-E 50A2-50A1; ERA-R 102C2-192C1; S+W 59C1-59C3) DE25/292 [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. The Warnemünde – Chemnitz via Dresden IC services are also diverted this way as far as Röderau, then by the curve to Riesa station (DE25/334).
These diversions 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.
Ferch-Lienewitz (Abzw Lienewitz Lia) – Beelitz Heilstätten
[207] (ERA-E 51A1; ERA-R 93B1; S+W 47A1) DE25/293
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) DE25/294
This south to east curve enables trains from the Ferch-Lienewitz line to avoid 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) DE25/295
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.
Berlin-Wannsee (Abzw Berlin-Grunewald Gds) – Berlin-Gesundbrunnen (Abzw Wedding)
[206] (ERA-E 51B3; ERA-R 93C3; S+W 128A3-128C2) DE25/296
This line is used by trains between the Potsdam line and the Ringbahn Ferngleise towards Berlin-Lichtenberg (DE25/253) when they are diverted away from Berlin Hbf (high or low level). It is common with entry DE25/295 between Abzw Grünewald Gds and Abzw Moabit Ost and with entry 25/254 between Berlin-Jungfernheide and Abzw Wedding. It is used by the following train on a few days in early January 2025.
D1 Note | TThSO | IC2432 | Cottbus Hbf – 07:20 Berlin-Lichtenberg – Norddeich Mole |
D1: 7, 9, 11 January 2025
Note: Also runs as RE62432 between Cottbus Hbf and Potsdam Hbf
Berlin-Karlshorst (Abzw Berlin-Rummelsburg Rgbo) - Berlin-Frankfurter Allee (Berlin-Lichtenberg Abzw B1)
(S+W 129C3) DE25/297
This line connects the Frankfurter Bahn from Erkner with the Ringbahn Ferngleise (DE24/253) via Rummelsburg Bbf (ICE depot) and a flyover across the Frankfurter Bahn, joining the line from Lichtenberg at Abzw Lichtenberg B1.
It has been used by diverted EC services to and from Poland on certain dates when they did not use the Stadtforst - Eichgestell Nord curve (DE25/272) and the curves towards Lichtenberg at Biesdorfer Kreuz (DE25/261), and by diverted FEX airport services between Berlin Hbf and Flughafen BER.
Werbig avoiding curve (Abzw Werbig oben - Werbig (Ostbahn))
[209.60] (S+W 37B2) DE25/298
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 is very rarely used by diverted passenger services.
Schönborn (b. Doberlug) – Walddrehna (Abzw Doberlug-Kirchhain Nord) via Doberlug west curve
[210] (ERA-E 50A2; ERA-R 102C2; S+W 59D1) DE25/299
This west to north curve links the Leipzig - Cottbus line with the Dresden - Berlin main line. It has no regular passenger services and is rarely used for diversions.
Neuruppin Rheinsberger Tor – Herzberg (Mark)
[206] (ERA-E xxx; ERA-R xxx]; S+W 35C1] DE25/299A
This line links the line between Hennigsdorf (b Berlin) and Wittenberge via Neuruppin and Pritzwalk with Herzberg (Mark) on the Löwenberg (Mark) – Rheinsberg (Mark) line. It lost its regular passenger service in December 2006 but is very occasionally used for diverted services. It is used between 2 August 2025 and 30 April 2026 by diverted RE6 Berlin – Wittstock (Dosse) – Wittenberge services which will run from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen via Lowenberg (Mark), Herzberg (Mark) and this route as a result of engineering work between Kremmen and Neuruppin.