National infrastructure manager of Germany
DB InfraGO
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 33286km standard gauge, 20345km electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz and
600V=
- 5.4km narrow gauge(900mm), not electrified (Wangerooge)
On 1 January 2024 DB Netze and DB Station&Service merged into DB
InfraGO.
DB Netze maintains and operates the Germany national railway
infrastructure.
It used to consist of the subsidiaries DB Netz AG, DB
Station&Service AG,
DB Energie and Die Deutsche Umschlaggesellschaft Schiene-Straße mbH. DB
InfraGO operates its own locomotives and track maintenance and
measuring
railcars. Major track construction is carried out by the DB Bahnbau
Gruppe.
Website: https://www.dbinfrago.com/
Stock Tables:
Railway Operators in Germany
Passenger (and freight) operating companies
Freight-only operating companies (with own infrastructure)
Open-access freight train operators
Track builders and maintenance train operators
Stock leasing companies
Infrastructure managers (former train operators)
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DB -
Deutsche
Bahn AG (
Die Bahn)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz and
600V= (DB Netz)
- narrow gauge(900mm), not electrified (DB Netz, Wangerooge)
DBAG has been split up in working companies, that each own their own
rolling stock. these companies are:
- DB Personenverkehr (passenger, divided in Fernverkehr, Regio and
until 2010 also Stadtverkehr)
- Stinnes/Railion/DB Schenker/DB Cargo AG (freight traffic)
- DB Netz AG (infrastructure)
- DB Station und Service AG (stations)
In April 2000 the meaning of DB was officially changed from "Deutsche
Bahn" to "Die Bahn", or "The Railway". In September 2003 DB Reise &
Touristik was renamed to DB Fernverkehr. A new subsidiary DB
Personenverkehr now contains all passenger operations. Night trains
(with brand name City Night Line) and the car shuttle Niebüll-Sylt were
operated by DB Autozug. in October 2013 DB Autozug was merged into DB
Fernverkehr, CNL was taken over by the Austrian Railways (not all
lines).
Freight traffic was operated by Stinnes, that used Railion
Deutschland as trading name for all rail freight traffic formerly
operated by DB Cargo.
Since January 2008 DB has 3 main subsidiaries:
- DB Bahn for all passenger operations
- DB Netze for network and infrastructure related
operations
- DB Schenker Rail Deutschland AG for freight and
logistics
In 2016 DB Schenker Rail was renamed into DB Cargo (again). DB Netze is
now InfraGO and DB Bahn is split up in DB Fernverkehr and DB Regio.
DB Regio has been split again in 43 regional networks. Five of these
have already been separated by integrating infrastructure and
operation, and the use of dedicated stock. They can be found in a
separate section of this stock list. Their names are
Erzgebirgsbahn,
Kurhessenbahn,
Oberweißbacher Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn,
SudOstBayernBahn and since the
beginning of 2006
WestFrankenBahn.
Also the S-Bahn Berlin and S-Bahn Hamburg are subsidiaries of
the DB AG holding company.
In
2023 production of DB Fernverkehr amounted 45.5 billion passenger-km,
9% more than in 2022. DB Regio traffic grew by 7.9% to 37.5 billion
passenger-km. Both numbers are above 2019 pre-covid levels. However
freight levels of DB Cargo were 11.9% less than in 2022, with 74.5
billion tonne-km.
Websites: http://www.bahn.de/
and http://de.dbcargo.com/
Stock Tables:
ABR -
Abellio Rail GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Abellio used to be known as EVAG-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH. It has been
acquired by the Dutch Railways (NS) and is now the international brand
for NS passenger services. Abellio has won
the tender to operate the lines Gelsenkirchen-Herne-Bochum
("Nokia-Bahn") and Essen-Bochum-Witten-Hagen ("Ruhr-Lenne-Bahn") from
December 2005. It has only operated the latter for two years, but the
former will continue for 12 years. Since
December 2007 Abellio also operates passenger trains on the
Ruhr-Sieg Network, consisting of the lines Essen-Bochum-Hagen-Siegen
(both express and local trains) and Hagen-Iserlohn (local trains).
Since December 2013 Abellio operates passenger trains in the
Saale-Thüringen-Südharz area, and on "The Müngstener" (Wuppertal
Hbf-Remscheid-Solingen) with 9 new "LINT" diesel trainsets.
In 2013 Abellio (ABRN) has won the concessions
to operate the Niederrhein Netz
(Düsseldorf-Emmerich-Arnhem(NL) and Mönchengladbach-Wesel) from
December 2016. New Electric trainsets were ordered for these
services. The service to Arnhem in The Netherlands started in
April 2017.
In December 2018 Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland (ABRM) took over the
operation
of Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt from Transdev company Harz Express (HEX)
and DB Regio. It will operate this network until December 2032.
Also in December 2018 Abellio Rail NRW started operation on the first
Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) line RE11
Düsseldorf-Essen-Dortmund-Hamm-Kassel. In December 2019 line RE1
Aachen-Köln-Essen-Hamm followed. For these services the VRR
regional body ordered new partly double-deck trainsets from
Siemens. RE4, RE5 and RE6 will be operated by National Express with the
same type of trainsets.
Since June 2019 Abellio Rail Baden-Württemberg (ABRBW) operates trains
on the
Neckartal network
around Stuttgart (the Rems-Fils and Franken-Enz network will be
operated by Go-Ahead, a new UK-based operator for Germany). Since
December 2019 Abellio also operates "Los B" of the S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr
around Dortmund (S2/S3/S9/RB3/RB40/RB41) for 15 years, with 29 new
trainsets type Flirt 3 built by Stadler.
After financial problems, Neckartal Los 1 network will be operated by
SWEG for 2 years from December 2021, and during that time re-tendered.
Abellio will keep on operating the Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt until
December 2024, after which Start will take over.
Since February 2022 VIAS operates the Niederrhein-Netz (RE19/RB35)
and Der Müngstener (S7). National Express has taken over the
Rhein-Ruhr-Express lines RE1 and RE11. The Ruhr-Sieg-Netz
(RE16/RB46/RB91) and S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr (S2/S3/S9/RB32/RB40/RE49) is now
operated by DB Regio.
In 2024 the remaining Abellio Rail Miteldeutschland (and Westfalenbahn)
was sold to BeNEX investment company. BeNEX already has stakes in
Agilis, Cantus, Nordbahn, Metronom and ODEG.
Website: http://www.abellio.de/
Stock Tables:
AGIE -
Agilis Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (BeNEX GmbH)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
BeNEX is a subsidiary of the Hamburger Hochbahn and Babcock&Brown,
intended for expansion in railway operations outside Hamburg. BeNEX
uses
the marketing name Agilis. Since
December 2010 Agilis operates electric passenger trains on
Neumarkt-Regensburg-Plattling and Landshut-Regensburg-Ingolstadt. Since
half 2011 Agilis also operates passenger trains on the "Dieselnetz
Oberfranken" around Hof and Bayreuth. In December 2011
Ingolstadt-Donauwörth-Ulm (Donautalbahn) was taken
over from DB Regio. The Regensburg-Landshut-München Flughafen airport
express (ÜFEX) is operated by DB since December 2018.
From December 2022 Agilis continues the existing service, with some
improvements, until December 2036. In December 2024 Agilis will take
over the Express service Nürnberg-Regensburg and regional service
Regensburg-Ingolstadt-Gaimersheim from DB using new Siemens Mireo
trainsets, also until December 2036.
Agilis had won the operating contract for the Oberfranken network
(again) from December 2023. This consists of all diesel-operated lines
in the Oberfranken region, some of which were previously operated by
Die Länderbahn or by Erfurter Bahn. 6 additional Regioshuttle motor
cars will be taken over from ODEG.
Website: http://www.agilis.de/
Stock Tables:
AKN -
AKN Eisenbahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 131km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates trains on Hamburg=Eidelstedt-Ulzburg-Neumünster,
Elmshorn-Ulzburg and Ulzburg-Norderstedt Mitte, and freight trains on
Tiefstack-Glinde and Hamburg=Bergedorf-Geesthacht. They also operate
local freight trains to Hamburg=Eidelstedt, Tornesch and Elmshorn.
Together with HHA AKN has founded NBE, that operates passenger trains
on the recently reopened line Neumünster-Bad Oldesloe.
In 2021 AKN took over the railway line Rendsburg=Büdelsdorf-Seemühlen
from the city of Rendsburg (3km). In Seemühlen a new workshop will be
built by Stadler and in December 2023 passenger services will return to
this line.
From 2023 the line Eidelstedt-Kaltenkirchen is being modernised and
electrified, to become Hamburg S-Bahn line S5 from 2025.
Website: http://www.akn.de/
Stock Tables:
AVG -
Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH
VBK - Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH (city tram)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 92km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 17Hz (+172km leased from
DB Netz)
- 23km standard gauge, electrified at 750V= (tram lines)
This company operates commuter trains around Karlsruhe, both on own
tracks (Hochstetten-Karlsruhe(DB)-Ettlingen-Bad Herrenalb/Ittersbach
Rathaus and Bruchsal-Menzingen/Odenheim, taken over from SWEG) and on
DB tracks (with dual voltage tram cars). They operate local freight
trains around Karlsruhe, serving some 20 loading points. AVG freight
traffic amounts for 350,000 tonnes a year.
Websites: http://www.avg.info/
and http://www.kvv.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 73km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Coevorden(NS/NL)-Bad
Bentheim(DB) with a branch line from Esche to Osterwald, and on Bad
Bentheim(DB)-Ochtrup=Brechte. They used to operate local freight trains
to
Emsdetten (Mora C), and open-access freight trains over DB Netz lines
in the area. Since 2020 freight service is restricted to their own
network. Regular oil traffic between the port of Emlichheim and and
Osterwald is to end in September 2020, after a new pipeline (to Lingen)
has been taken into service.
Since July 2019 (to December 2036, extended from December 2021 for
another 15 years) BE operates passenger trains on
the reactivated line for passenger use Bad Bentheim-Nordhorn-Neuenhaus.
There are plans to reopen the rest of the line from Neuenhaus to
Coevorden(NL) for passenger trains.
Website: http://www.bentheimer-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
BEG -
Brohltal
Schmalspur-Eisenbahn Betriebs-GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 18km narrow gauge(1000mm), not electrified
- 2km dual gauge (1000/1435mm), not electrified
This company operates freight trains with phonolyth rock from Brenk to
Brohl, and tourist trains "Vulkan Expreß" between Brohl and Engeln
during the summer. Freight services have started in autumn 1998 again,
locomotive 1405 has been restored for this service (formerly operated
by T 30).
BEG has also started open-access freight services on the DB network
around Brohl. The line from Brohl to the port is dual gauge.
Website: http://www.vulkan-express.de/
Stock Tables:
BKD -
Borkumer
Kleinbahn und Dampfschiffahrt GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 7.5km narrow gauge(900mm), not electrified
This company, owned by Reederei "AG Ems", operates narrow gauge trains
on the North Sea island Borkum.
Website: http://www.borkumer-kleinbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
BOBFN -
Bodensee-Oberschwaben-Bahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 41km standard gauge, not electrified (DB Netz)
This company operates passenger trains Friedrichshafen Hafen-Aulendorf
over DB(AG) tracks (41km). For this they use 7 DMUs. The service is
actually
carried out by the Hohenzollerische Landesbahn AG (HzL, now part of
SWEG).
Since
December 2021 the line is electrified and BOB now uses 8
second-hand DB (owned by Saarland) class 426 electric trainsets that
were modernised and repainted. The Regioshuttle diesel motor cars
will be withdrawn and sold.
Website: http://www.bob-fn.de/
Stock Tables:
BRB -
Bayerische Regiobahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In 2020, BRB has taken over operation of the Bayerische Oberlandbahn
and MERIDIAN. It now operates the Chiemgau-Inntal network (former
MERIDIAN, 261km), the Oberland network (former Bayerische Oberlandbahn,
120km), the Ostallgäu-Lechfeld network (Dieselnetz Augsburg 1, 192km)
and the Ammersee-Altmühltal network (Dieselnetz Augsburg 2, 183km)
Since December 2008/2009 BRB, a subsidiary of Transdev/Veolia
Transport,
operates passenger trains on the diesel network around Augsburg: since
December 2008 on Augsburg-Geltendorf-Schongau and since December 2009
also on Augsburg-Ingolstadt-Eichstätt Stadt. New LINT41 trainsets were
ordered for these services. From December 2021 BRB will continue
operation of Augsburger Netze Lot 2 for 9 more years.
Since December 2018 BRB also operates passenger trains on the
"Dieselnetz
Augsburg 1" network: Augsburg–Bobingen–Buchloe–Füssen,
Augsburg–Bobingen–Kaufering–Landsberg(Lech) and
München–Geltendorf–Buchloe–Füssen.
Bayerische Oberlandbahn has started in May 1999 with services from
München to
the south: to Lenggries, Tegernsee and Bayrischzell. The service was
operated over DBAG tracks and carried out by DEG. To be able to make
the new trainsets more reliable, DBAG took over all BOB/DEG
services from 28 November 1999.
Later, Connex took over DEG and also bought the 50% share from DBAG,
such that Connex (later Veolia, then Transdev) was 100% owner of the
Bayerische Oberlandbahn.
Since December 2013 Bayerische Oberlandbahn operates
passenger trains on the lines
München–Rosenheim–Traunstein–Salzburg, München–Rosenheim–Kufstein and
Rosenheim–Holzkirchen–München(Mangfalltalbahn) with brand name
MERIDIAN. Until 2013 these lines were operated by DB. 35 new trainsets
type "Flirt" were ordered for
this service.
Following an open tender, Bayern railway agency BEG has awarded the
Chiemgau-Berchtesgaden passenger operating contract to BRB. The
contract covers operations on the 19km Freilassing – Berchtesgaden
line for 15 years from December 2021, and on the 13km Traunstein –
Ruhpolding branch for 14 years from December 2022.
Website: https://www.brb.de/
Stock Tables:
BZB -
Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 19.0km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
This company operates passenger trains on Garmisch-Partenkirchen -
Grainau - Schneefernerhaus/Zugspitzplatt. The first part up to Grainau
is adhesion only, the remainder is rack fitted.
Website: http://www.zugspitze.de/
Stock Tables:
CAN - cantus
Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In December 2006 Cantus (a combination of HLB and HHA Hamburger
Hochbahn) started operating passenger trains on the
Nordost-Hessen-Netz: Göttingen-Eichenberg-Kassel, Kassel-Bebra-Fulda,
Bebra-Eisenach and Göttingen-Eschwege-Bebra. In 2014 the concession was
won again, until December 2031.
Website: http://www.cantus-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
CB -
City-Bahn
Chemnitz GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- no own tracks (150km operated by CB)
This company operates the city tram in Chemnitz. In May 1998 they took
over operation of the line to Stollberg from DBAG. This line is has now
been electrified and coupled to the tram network, such that Variobahn
tram cars can run into the city. They also took over Stollberg-St.
Egidien,
for which new diesel motor cars were delivered. Since June 2002 one of
them operates on Chemnitz-Burgstädt while the other two run since
15-02-2003 on Stollberg-St. Egidien-Glauchau.
From December 2004 CB also operates passenger trains on
Chemnitz-Hainichen (28km), reopened after years of closure. Since 2016
the brand name "Chemnitz Bahn" is used with new dual-mode trams
operating to Stollberg, Mittweida, Hainichen and Burgstädt.
In December 2021 Thalheim and Aue were added as destinations, extending
the network to 134km. In the next step operations on Chemnitz Hbf to
Stollberg
will be extended to Oelsnitz, with the diesel service Stollberg-St.
Egidien then operating Oelsnitz-St. Egidien-Glauchau.
In June 2021 CB took over from DB Regio RB37 on the line
Glauchau-Gössnitz (16km), until December 2025.
The majority of the branch lines is managed by Regio Infra Service
Sachsen GmbH, including Freiberg-Nossen where no CB trains run.
Websites: https://www.city-bahn.de/
and https://www.chemnitzer-modell.de/
Stock Tables:
CBG - Centalbahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Centralbahn mainly organises and operates passenger trains for groups,
in cooperation with EK-Verlag GmbH (of railway magazine Eisenbahn
Kurier). The head office is located in Basel in Switzerland, but most
of the stock is stabled in Freiburg im Breisgau, in southern Germany.
Website: http://www.centralbahn.ch/
Stock Tables:
Chiemsee-Bahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 1.7km narrow gauge(1000mm), not electrified
This small company operates tourist trains on Prien(DB) - Hafen Stock,
connecting to ships on the Chiemsee. Normally the steam locomotive
operates the trains, but in cases of non-availability or off-season the
diesel locomotive is used.
Website: http://www.chiemsee-schifffahrt.de/
Stock Tables:
DBGM -
Döllnitzbahn
GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 18.8km narrow gauge(750mm), not electrified
This company operates freight trains only on Oschatz - Mügeln -
Kemmlitz and since September 2000 scheduled passenger trains on
Altmügeln-Oschatz.
In 2006 a new short branch from Nebitzschen fo Glossen (1.7km),
connecting to
an industrial museum narrow gauge line, was opened.
In 2020, regular (diesel) passenger trains run Oschatz-Mügeln-Glossen,
mainly for school children. Some trains are limited to Mügeln. Historic
(steam and diesel) passenger trains operated by Förderverein „Wilder
Robert“ e.V. run during weekends in the summer,
both to Glossen and to Kemmlitz (both once a day). Freight services
ended in 2001.
Websites: http://www.doellnitzbahn.de/
and https://www.wilder-robert.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 59km standard gauge, not electrified
This company, formerly known as Regentalbahn, owns the railway lines
Gotteszell(DB)-Viechtach (waldbahn and empty stock to the workshop in
Viechtach) and Lam(DB)-Kötzting (oberpfalzbahn). In 2004 (originally)
British bus operator Arriva bought the 76.9% share
in RBG from the state of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern), their first
appearance in Germany. In 2011 Arriva Deutschland was sold to
Trenitalia and renamed into
Netinera. Netinera now owns Die Länderbahn.
Die Länderbahn operates
passenger trains on Plattling-Zwiesel-Bayerisch=Eisenstein,
Zwiesel-Grafenau, Zwiesel-Bodenmais and Gotteszell-Viechtach using
brand name
waldbahn.
The contract for passenger trains on Gotteszell-Viechtach had been
extended to December 2023 (it started in September 2016).
Since June 2001 Die Länderbahn operates passenger trains on
Domazlice(CZ)-Furth im
Wald-Cham-Schwandorf, Cham-Kötzting-Lam and Cham-Waldmünchen under
brand name
oberpfalzbahn. The
company is jointly owned by RBG and DB Regio, 11 "Regioshuttle"
railcars were originally ordered for these lines (OPB 3/4/5, 152km).
Since December 2016 OPB also operates regional passenger trains on
Regensburg-Schwandorf-Marktredwitz-Cheb(CZ)-Hof (OPB 1/2, 225km) with
new diesel
trainsets type LINT41. ALEX Nord operates the long distance trains.
Since December 2003 EuroTHURBO and Die Länderbahn (RBG) operate a
long-distance service between München and Oberstdorf using brand name
alex (Arriva Länderbahn Express).
Trains are operated by second-hand rebuilt coaches and leased
locomotives. In December 2007 Die Länderbahn has taken over all trains
by itself. "alex 2" operates express trains on
München-Regensburg-Hof/Furth im Wald and also on
München-Immenstadt-Oberstdorf/Lindau. This last operation (
alex süd) ended in December 2020,
being replaced by DB with class 612 trainsets.
alex nord (IR25) services were be
operated by Die Länderbahn until December 2023. From December 2023 alex
only operates München-Regensburg-Furth im Wald(-Prague).
Die Länderbahn uses brand name
vogtlandbahn
to operate local trains on Zwickau-Falkenstein and
Reichenbach-Falkenstein-Klingenthal/Adorf. Between Falkenstein and
Zwotental DMUs from the different lines are coupled. For DBAG they
operate trains on Zwickau-Bad Brambach and Plauen-Schleiz West. The
second batch of "Regiosprinters" operates since May 1999 over 3-rail
tram tracks into the centre of Zwickau! Since May 2000 the
Regiosprinters continued from Klingenthal to Sokolov
in the Czech Republic. At the same time new trains started operating on
Hof-Schönberg-Plauen/Gera (decoupled in Schönberg) and
Marktredwitz-Eger=Cheb(CZ)-Bad Brambach-Zwickau.
From December 2006 to December 2011 vogtlandbahn operated passenger
trains on behalf of
DB on Münchberg-Helmbrechts, Hof-Münchberg and
Lichtenfels-Neuenmarkt=Wirsberg.
In 2020 the vogtlandbahn network runs from Mehltheuer, Gera and Zwickau
Zentrum up
to Falkenstein, Weischlitz and into Czechia to Cheb and Kraslice.
Zwotental-Adorf was closed a few years ago.
Since December 2010 Die Länderbahn operates passenger trains on the
Dreiländerbahn Liberec – Zittau – Varnsdorf – Seifhennersdorf/Rybnište
(56km) with "Desiro" diesel trainsets using brand name
trilex. In December 2014 the RE and
RB services on Dresden-Görlitz-Zgorzelec(PL) and
Dresden-Zittau-Liberec(CZ) were added. In 2019 the Trilex concession
(Ostsachsen Netz II) was extended for 12 more years, until December
2031.
Since
December 2014 Die Länderbahn operates Los 2 of Dieselnetz
Südwest
in Rheinland-Pfalz, regional diesel lines radiating from Mainz to
Kirchheimbolanden, Kaiserslautern, Saarbrücken and
Baumholder/Türkismühle.
For these services 63 new LINT diesel trainsets (2-car LINT54 and 3-car
LINT81) were bought and are operated as
vlexx (Vierländerexpress).
Since
December 2019 vlexx also operates E-Netz Saar, Los 2. This consists of
regional (RB) services on electrified lines around Saarbrücken.
From December 2026 Die Länderbahn will operate S3, S5 and S5x services
in the Leipzig/Halle area from Trotha to Zwickau and Geithain
(Mitteldeutsche S-Bahn lot 2) for 12 years. For services new Siemens
Mireo electric trainsets will be bought with around 150 seats each.
Website: http://www.laenderbahn.com/
Stock Tables:
Drachenfelsbahn
- Bergbahnen im Siebengebirge
AG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 1.5km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 750V=
This company operates rack trains (only meant for tourists) from
Königswinter to Plateau des Drachenfels.
Website: https://www.drachenfelsbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
DVE -
Dessauer Verkehrs- und Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 19km standard gauge, not electrified
Until 2010 the Anhaltische Bahngesellschaft mbH operated the tourist
trains over the Dessau-Wörlitz railway. After its bankruptcy DVE,
that already was the infrastructure manager, started to run the trains
by itself. In 2020 second-hand small motor cars were acquired to
extend services, e.g. to Ferropolis, as only one double-deck
railbus is left in service.
Website: http://www.dvg-dessau.de/
Stock Tables:
EIB -
Erfurter
Bahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 17km standard gauge, not electrified (industrial tracks)
This company operates freight trains in the industrial areas Erfurt Ost
and Erfurt Nord. In 1998 they took over the service on Erfurt -
Leinefelde from DBAG. In May 1999 they took over operation of Erfurt -
Heiligenstadt and Heiligenstadt - Kassel Wilhelmshöhe from DBAG. Since
May 2000 they operate passenger trains on Gotha-Langensalza-Eichenberg-
Kassel Wilhelmshöhe and on Erfurt-Langensalza. Since December 2004 they
also operate passenger trains on
Schweinfurt-Bad Kissingen-Gemünden and Schweinfurt-Meiningen. Since
2006 the company is just called Erfurter Bahn instead of Erfurter
Industriebahn.
From June 2012 to December 2024 EB operates passenger trains on the
Dieselnetz Ostthüringen (around Gera, Saalfeld, Jena and Erfurt) with
new RegioShuttle diesel motor cars. These services were formerly
operated by DB. In December 2013 the lines around Erfurt were lost to
DB. Since December 2017 EB also operates Sömmerda-Buttstädt
(Pfefferminzbahn), previously
operated by DB Regio. Also the Unterfranken Shuttle Schwienfurt
Stadt-Meiningen and Schweinfurt Stadt-GemÜnden(Main) is operated by
Erfurter Bahn.
Website: http://erfurter-bahn.com/
Stock Tables:
ERB -
eurobahn GmbH & Co
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company, originally managed by Bahngesellschaft Waldhof and VIA
GTI operates
passenger trains on the line Alzey(DB)-Kirchheimbolanden (15km), opened
again in May 1999. The service was first operated by a rented LVT-S
railcar from the Burgenlandbahn, but now two new "Regioshuttle" diesel
railcars have been delivered.
In May 2000 Eurobahn has taken over passenger operation on
Bielefeld-Rahden and Bielefeld-Lemgo (91km) using new "Talent" DMUs.
Since 5 November Eurobahn also operates the trains of the Freiberger
Eisenbahngesellschaft on Freiberg-Holzhau.
Since December 2003 they also operate trains on Hildesheim-Löhne and
Hildesheim-Bodenburg with "LINT" DMUs owned by the LNVG. This operation
was extended from Löhne to Bünde in september 2004.
In 2001 Rhenus AG & Co. KG and Keolis S.A. took over this company.
The name Eurobahn will still be used for the passenger transport
activities. In 2006 Rhenus ended the collaboration such that Keolis is
the only owner. Alzey-Kirchheimbolanden went over to Rhenus Veniro.
Since December 2008 Eurobahn also operate the "Hellweg" network
(347km) with new electric trainsets. This network contains the local
services on Dortmund-Lünen-Münster, Dortmund-Unna-Soest,
Münster-Hamm-Bielefeld and Münster-Hamm-Soest-Paderborn-Warburg. This
concession was renewed in December 2018 until December 2030. 5 new
additional trainsets were ordered.
Since December 2009 they operate the "Maas-Rhein-Lippe" network
with services on Düsseldorf-Oberhausen-Dortmund-Hamm and Venlo-
Mönchengladbach-Düsseldorf-Hagen-Hamm RE3/RE13), until December 2026.
In December 2011 Bünde-Hameln-Hildesheim-Bodenburg (Weser-Lammetal) was
taken over by Nordwestbahn. Since December 2013 Eurobahn operates the
Dieselnetz
Ostwestfalen-Lippe Los "Nord": Münster-Warendorf-Bielefled-Bünde-Rahden
and Bielefeld-Lage-Lemgo/Detmold (until this time partly operated by
Nordwestbahn and partly already by Eurobahn) with about 15 "Talent"
diesel trainsets.
In December 2017 Eurobahn has taken over the Teutoburger Wald network
from Westfalenbahn plus Bielefeld-Hengelo(NL) (new service from January
2018) and
Bielefeld-Minden-Nienburg (until then DB).
The status in 2020 is as follows: Eurobahn (Keolis S.A.) operates the
Maas-Rhein-Lippe-Netz (RE3 and RE13), Ostwestfalen-Lippe-Netz (RB67,
RB71, RB73 and RE82), Hellweg-Netz (RB50, RB59, RB69 and RB89) and
Teutoburger-Wald-Netz (RB61, RB65, RB66, RB72 and RE79), all in
Nordrhein-Westfalen province.
In 2021 Keolis S.A. decided to sell Eurobahn because of major losses.
The new owner is Team Treuhand, a subsidiary of Noerr, which created
operating company SG Eurobahn.
Website: http://www.eurobahn.de/
Stock Tables:
ERIXX -
Erixx
GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In December 2011 Erixx - Der Heidesprinter (formerly known as
Heidekreuzbahn)
took over the operation of passenger trains on RB38
Hannover-Soltau-Buchholz
and
RB37 Bremen-Soltau-Uelzen from DB Regio, until December 2021. For this
they
use 27 new LINT trainsets provided
by the province (LNVG). Erixx is a subsidiary of freight operator OHE.
In December 2021 Start Niedersachen Mitte has taken over this
concession
(with 25x LINT 41).
In December 2014 they took over Dieselnetz Niedersachsen Süd-Ost Los 2
(DINSO) from DB. This consists of services from Uelzen and Braunschweig
to Bad Harzburg and Hannover, plus Lüneburg-Dannenberg. This is now the
only service still operated by Erixx.
In February 2021 OHE won the tender to operate the Akkunetz Los Ost in
Schleswig-Holstein from December 2022. The lines that are operated
are RE83/84 Kiel–Lübeck, RB89 Lübeck–Lüneburg, RB87 Kiel–Preetz and RB
76 Kiel–Schönberger Strand. The province will provide the necessary
battery trains to run the trains on these lines but these will only be
available in 2023. Until then DB Regio provides LINT DMUs that were
previously used on these lines.
Parent company
Netinera decided to create a subsidiary named erixx Holstein GmbH to
operate this concession.
Website: http://www.erixx.de/
Stock Tables:
Erzgebirgsbahn
(DB)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
The Erzgebirgsbahn is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where
infrastructure and operation is integrated, and dedicated rolling stock
is used.
EGB operates passenger trains on Zwickau-Aue-Johanngeorgenstadt,
Chemnitz-Flöha-Olbernhau=Grünthal, Chemnitz-Flöha-Cranzahl and
Glauchau-Gößnitz (162km in total). Chemnitz-Aue is operated by
Chemnitz Bahn (CBC) from 2020, Olbernhau=Grünthal to Neuhausen is now
closed. In 2020 the contract of VMS with DB to operate these lines was
extended until December 2024. In 2023 DB has won the contract again and
will operate these services until December 2032.
Website: http://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 235km standard gauge, not electrified
EVB owns a railway network centered at Bremervörde, with
connections to the DB network at Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf,
Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Rotenburg, Tostedt, Buxtehude and Stade.
In 2010 EVB bought the Mittelweserbahn that now runs as the freight
branch of EVB, EVB logistik. EVB Logistik operates open-access freight
trains mainly from the North Sea ports to the East and Southeast of
Germany, and shunting duties at different locations. Of course also
freight trains on the EVB network itself are operated.
Since December 2011 EVB operates passenger trains on the
Weser-Elbe-Netz (Bremerhaven-Cuxhaven and
Bremerhaven-Bremervoerde-Buxtehude) with LINT41 DMUs provided by the
province (second-hand from NWB, built in 2005). In December 2018
passenger service on Rotenburg-Verden was taken over from DB (until
December 2022). Every summer EVB operates the Moorexpress touristic
passenger service on Osterholz-Scharmbeck - Bremervörde - Stade.
Website: http://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since 25 November 2000 this new company operates passenger trains on
Freiberg(Sachsen)-Holzhau (31km), maybe to be extended with the branch
line
Berthelsdorf-Brand=Erbisdorf. The company was owned by Eurobahn
Verkehrsgesellschaft, but has now gone to one of the shareholders
Rhenus Veniro and in the mean time Transdev.
The infrastructure of the line is managed by R.P. Eisenbahn, that has
leased it from DB for 20 years since 2000.
Website: http://www.freiberger-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Go-Ahead is a well-known UK bus and train operator. The first
contracts won in Germany are Stuttgart Netz 1b Rems-Fils and 1c
Franken-Enz (operated since
June 2019), Stuttgart Netz 3a (Murrbahn, since December 2019)
and E-Netz Allgäu since December 2021, new electric services operating
on previously diesel-operated lines by DB. This concession will run
until 2033.
In December 2018 Go-Ahead won the tender of the
Fugger Express (Augsburger Netze
Lot 1, lines Ulm–Augsburg–München,
Würzburg–Ansbach–Treuchtlingen–Donauwörth–Augsburg and
Aalen–Nördlingen–Donauwörth), until now operated by DB. The concession
runs for 12 years from December 2022.
In October 2023 ÖBB from Austria bought Go-Ahead Deutschland. The
take-over will be finished in December 2023. The trainsets are being renamed into the
Arverio brand, to be completed by early 2025.
Website: https://www.go-ahead-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
HANS -
Hanseatische Eisenbahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since December 2012 HANS, closely related to Eisenbahn Gesellschaft
Potsdam, operates two passenger train services
formerly
operated by PEG: Neustadt(Dosse)-Kyritz Bürgerpark (RB73) and Kyritz
Bürgerpark-Pritzwald-Meyenburg (RB74). In early 2021 this contract was
extended until December 2022. IFrom December 2022 the situation is
unclear.
Since December 2018
they also operate on Stendal-Rathenow (RB34) and Stendal-Tangermünde
(RB33) using second-hand LINT-27 motor cars class 640
that were previously operated by Transdev in the Harz area (HEX). In
2021 this contract was won again and will be operated by HANS until
December 2028.
They
also operated trains on Waren(Müritz)-Malchow-Karow (RB15) and
Neustrelitz-Mirow (RB16) but these services were taken over by ODEG in
December 2021.
The infrastructure for RB33/RB34 is managed by DB Netz and RB73/RB74 by
Regio
Infra Nord-Ost GmbH.
Website: https://www.hanseatische-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 69km standard gauge, 5km electrified at 15kV 17Hz and 3km at
600V=
For years this company had no own railway lines, but operated the
service for BLE, FKE and KNE and jointly owned the HBG. At the end of
2005 BLE, FKE and KNE merged into the "new" company HLB Basis.
FKE operates passenger trains on Frankfurt(M)=Höchst - Königstein, and
Frankfurt(M)=Höchst - Bad Soden. They operate trains under the name
"Taunusbahnen" on (Frankfurt-Bad Homburg-)
Friedrichsdorf-Grävenwiesbach-Brandoberndorf. The last part (8km) was
only re-opened in autumn 1999.
BLE operates freight trains on Butzbach(DB)-Griedel and
Butzbach(DB)-Butzbach Nord(-Pohlgöns). Since May 1998 they also operate
passenger trains again, on the following lines: Friedberg -
Friedrichsdorf (RVM line 16, 16km), Friedberg - Beienheim -
Nidda/Hungen (RVM line 31/32, 25/17km), Giessen - Hungen - Nidda -
Gelnhausen (Lahn-Kinzig-Bahn, 70km) and Friedberg - Hanau (32km).
KNE operates freight trains between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe Süd(DB) and
Naumburg, and passenger trains/trams up to Baunatal. Since May 1998
they also operate passenger trains between Wabern and Bad Wildungen,
with new DMUs type GTW2/6. However, this service was taken over in
December 2008 by DB Kurhessenbahn.
Since December 2004 a new subsidiary of HLB and WEBA (vectus)
operates passenger trains on the Westerwald lines Limburg-Siershahn,
Limburg-Au(Sieg), Limburg-Wiesbaden and Limburg-Koblenz. This ended in
2019 with the vectus trainsets being sold.
Since December 2005 the HLB operates the passenger trains of the
Kahlgrundbahn, on Hanau-Kahl-Schollkrippen. Kalhgrundbahn is no longer
operated by HLB from 12/2015.
From December 2010 HLB operates regional express (RE) trains on
Frankfurt-Gießen-Siegen and local trains (RB) on Gießen-Marburg with
new FLIRT trainsets. From December 2011 they also operate regional
trains on Limburg-Giessen, Giessen-Fulda and Fulda-Gersfeld (with 23
new LINT41 trainsets plus probably some second-hand), but
Friedberg-Hanau will be taken over by DB Regio. This will continue from
December 2023 for 15 years, including the new RE24 service
Limburg-Giessen with 10 new LINT trainsets (the number growing from 23
to 33 trainsets).
Since December 2014 Kassel-Treysa is operated by HLB with 4 new
FLIRT trainsets. Eifel-Westerwald-Sieg Los 2 (around Limburg and
Siegen) is also operated by HLB, taken over from Vectus, DB and
Hellertalbahn. Since August 2015 HLB operates passenger trains on
Dieselnetz
Eifel-Westerwald-Sieg
Los 2 around Siegen with modernised (LINT/GTW) and some new (LINT)
trainsets.
In December 2018 HLB took over the operation of the Südhessen-Untermain
network from RB Regio: Frankfurt Hbf-Hanau-Aschaffenburg-Laufach and
Wiesbaden-Mainz-Aschaffenburg-Darmstadt. HLB will operate these lines
until December 2033.
Summary of operations in 2020 by HLB: Former FKE/Taunusbahnen
(RB11/RB12/RB15), former BLE (RB16/RB46/RB47/RB48), Main-Lahn-Bahn
(RB21/RB22), Eifel-Westerwald-Sieg (RB29 and
RB90/RB91/RB92/RB93/RB95/RB96), Vogelsbergbahn (RB45/RB52 and RE24 from
2023),
Südhessen-Untermain (RE59/RB58/RB75) and Regional Express lines
Main-Weser-Bahn and Main-Sieg-Express (RE98/RE99) plus a few services
on Frankfurt-Eltville (RE9).
In December 2022 Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland has taken over
operation of the former FKE lines (RB11/12/15) plus
Friedberg-Friedrichsdorf (RB16) with new hydrogen trainsets.
Since December 2023 HLB operates the Mittelhessen Teilnetz network
for 15 years. This network consists of regional lines around Gießen:
RB37/RB40/RB41 and RB49. For services on these electrified lines HLB
has ordered new Coradia Continental trainsets from Alstom.
HLB Basis AG manages the rail infrastructure of
Frankfurt=Höchst-Königstein(16km),
Friedrichsdorf-Brandoberndorf (36km), Butzbach-Butzbach=Nord/Ost (3km),
Kassel=Wilhelmshöhe=Süd-Baunatal=Großenritte (9km, 3km used by trams)
and
Eschwege=West-Eschwege=Stadt (5km, electrified).
Website: https://www.hlb-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2006):
- 140km narrow gauge(1000mm), not electrified
This company operates (mostly steam) trains on Wernigerode-Nordhausen
(Harzquerbahn), Drei Annen Hohne-Brocken (Brockenbahn), Gernrode -
Alexisbad - Harzgerode/Stiege - Hasselefelde (Selketalbahn) and Stiege
- Eisfelder-Talmühle. Only the number of locomotives taken over by HSB
from the DBAG/DR are given. In March 2006 the part between Gernrode and
Quedlinburg (8.5km)
was reopened on narrow gauge such that the Selketalbahn trains could be
extended to (world heritage centre) Quedlinburg.
In 2018 over 1.1 million passengers travelled with HSB, 10% more than
in 2017.
Website: http://www.hsb-wr.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 2.6km narrow gauge(1000mm), not electrified
This company operates narrow gauge trains between the ferries and the
village on the island Langeoog.
Website: https://www.langeoog.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
The Kurhessenbahn is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where
infrastructure (278km in total) and operation is integrated, and
dedicated rolling stock
is used.
Kurhessenbahn
operates passenger trains on Kassel Wilhelmshöhe-Korbach (RB4),
Marburg-Bad Laasphe-Erndtebrück (RB94), Kassel Hbf-Wabern-Bad Wildungen
(RB39) and Marburg-Frankenberg-Korbach-Brilon Stadt (RB42). In December
2008 (Kassel-)Wabern-Bad Wildungen was taken over from Hessische
Landesbahn.
Website: http://www.kurhessenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 15.4km narrow gauge(900mm), not electrified
This company operates steam trains between Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn
on the Baltic coast.
Website: http://www.molli-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since December 2003 this new company, a subsidiary of freight operator
OHE, Bremer Straßenbahn, EVB and Hamburger Hochbahn, operates regional
express trains on Hamburg-Bremen and Hamburg-Uelzen with new
locomotives and double-deck coaches provided by the province (LNVG).
Since December 2005 they also operate passenger trains on
Uelzen-Hannover-Göttingen, and in December 2007 also Hamburg-Cuxhaven
(115km, diesel) was added, as well as regional services on
Hamburg-Lüneburg and Hamburg-Tostedt (94km, electric).
Since December 2010 ME also operates the Hanse-Netz Hamburg-Uelzen and
Hamburg-Bremen (regional services). Since December 2015 they operate
Elektronet Niedersachsen-Ost (ENNO) around Braunschweig with
new Coradia Continental trainsets. Netinera will keep on operating the ENNO contract until December 2038.
In December 2018 Hamburg-Cuxhaven was taken over by start Unterelbe,
while the electric trains around Hamburg will be operated by metronom
until December 2033. Two new sets of locomotive and double-deck coaches were delivered in 2020.
Summary of the services operated in 2020: Uelzen-Hannover-Göttingen
(RE2), Hamburg-Uelzen-Hannover (RE3/RB31) and Hamburg-Bremen (RE4/RB41)
by metronom (393km), and Hannover-Wolfsburg (RE30) and
Hildesheim-Braunschweig-Wolfsburg (RE40) by enno (132km).
Websites: http://www.der-metronom.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
At the end of December 2002 the railway line between Neumüster and Bad
Segeberg was reopened. The NBE operates passengers over this line,
continuing to Bad Oldesloe (taken over from DBAG). In December 2011
NBE took over operation on Neumünster-Heide-Büsum (78km) from
Schleswig-Holstein Bahn. Since December 2014 NBE operates passenger
trains on
Itzehoe-Hamburg Hbf and Wrist-Hamburg Altona (Netz Mitte
Schleswig-Holstein).
Summary of the services operated in 2020: Itzehoe-Hamburg Hbf (RB61),
Büsum-Heide-Neumünster (RB63), Wrist/Itzehoe-Elmshorn-Hamburg Altona
(RB71) and Neumünster-Bad Oldesloe (RB82), 224km in total over DB Netz
railway lines.
Since December 2023 NBE continued to operate RB63 and RB82 (Akkunetz
Los West), and has started operating passenger trains on the Akkunetz
Los
Nord: RE72 Flensburg–Kiel, RB73 Eckernförde–Kiel, RE74 Husum–Kiel, RB75
Rendsburg–Kiel and RB64 Husum–Bad St. Peter-Ording. For the services on
all these lines the province (NAH.SH) has provided battery trains.
The contracts run for 12 years (opt. +2 years).
NBE is for 50% owned by AKN and for 50% by HHA (public transport
operator in Hamburg).
Website: http://www.nordbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 59km standard gauge, not electrified
This private railway, also known under the nickname "Heidekrautbahn",
owns tracks that run from the outskirts of Berlin to the scenic
countryside north of the city. With its tracks situated in the GDR and
the eastern sector of Berlin after the war, the state railway DR took
over its operations there, and the company, which continued to exist
legally in West Berlin, was reduced to the administration of its assets
there. Since 1994, it has resumed operating freight trains on its lines
Berlin Karow(DB)-Basdorf-Groß Schönebeck and Basdorf-Liebenwalde. Since
1999 passenger operation is possible again, in the beginning carried
out by DBAG with new "GTW 2/6" trainsets class 646.
In April 2004 Connex/NEB won the tender for passenger train operation
on the lines mentioned above, from December 2005. New "Talent" DMUs
were ordered. They also operate Berlin=Lichtenberg-Küstrin=Kietz since
December 2006.
Since December 2014 (first part) and December 2015 NEB operates Netz
Ostbrandenburg, with modernised Regioshuttle motor cars and with new
LINK trainsets from PESA(PL).
In 2020 passenger service over the original NEB line runs to Groß
Schönebeck and Schmachtenhagen (RB71). From Berlin trains are operated
to Templin Stadt (RB12), Werneuchen (RB25), Müncheberg-Kostrzyn (RB26)
and Löwenberg-Rheinsberg (RB54). From Eberswalde trains run to
Frankfurt(Oder) (RB61), Schwedt (RB61), Angermünde-Prenzlau RB62) and
Joachimsthal-Templin Stadt (RB62). Also Fürstenwalde-Bad Saarow (RB35)
and Königs Wusterhausen-Frankfurt(Oder) (RB36) are operated by NEB.
Berlin Wilhelmsruh-Schönwalde is currently only used for freight, but
it will be reopened for passenger services in 2023.
In 2021 NEB won the tender for future operation of the current network.
In 2024 the Talent and Regioshuttle trains will be replaced by hybrid
trainsets from Siemens, plus 5 additional PESA Link DMUs.
Website: http://www.neb.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 30km standard gauge, not electrified
The NEG used to be called Uetersener Eisenbahn, before it was bought by
Vossloh. In the mean time Vossloh has sold NEG again to ELC, the
freight operating arm of the Luxemburg Railways (CFL). By this move ELC
can now operate its own freight trains all over Germany. NEG itself
operates freight trains on Uetersen-Tornesch. In January 2007 the
company was renamed into CFL Cargo Deutschland.
In December 2003 NEG and NOB have taken over the operation of the NVAG
Nordfriesische Verkehrsbetriebe AG, that went bankrupt earlier in 2003.
The rail operations of former NVAG are now known as NEG Niebüll.
This company operates passenger (and freight) trains on
Niebüll(DB)-Dagebüll Mole in north-west Germany. In 2001 they started
(together with AB) operation of local freight trains in the north of
Schleswig-Holstein (Mora C).
In 2020 NEG Niebüll manages the railway infrastructure of
Niebüll-Dagebüll Mole, Niebüll-Süderlügum Grenze (border with Denmark)
and Tornesch-Uetersen. It operates passenger trains on RB65
Niebüll-Dagebüll Mole and together with Arriva on RB66
Niebüll-Esbjerg(DK). As a specialty through IC coaches froim Dagebüll
to Hamburg and beyond are hauled by NEG up to Niebüll, where they are
attached/detached to/from DB IC trains. Freight on the NEG lines is now
operated by CFL Cargo Deutschland.
In 2022 75% of NEG was sold by CLF to Railroad Develpment
Corporation (RDC).
Website: http://www.neg-niebuell.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
The NWB is part of the Connex Group, renamed in Transdev in early
2006. In November 2000 this company has taken over the operation of
passenger trains on the lines Wilhelmshaven-Oldenburg-Osnabrück Hbf,
Wilhelmshaven-Bremen Hbf, Esens-Wilhelmshaven and Bremen Hbf-Osnabrück
Hbf.
Since December 2003 NWB also operates passenger trains from Bielefeld
to Dissen=Bad Rothenfelde (in 2005 extended to Osnabrück), Münster,
Paderborn and Altenbeken, and on Paderborn-Holzminden (Ems-Senne-Weser
network).
Since December 2006 NWB also operates regional express trains on
Borken-Dorsten-Essen Hbf and local trains on
Dorsten-Castrop=Rauxel-Dortmund Hbf and Dorsten-Coesfeld
(Emscher-Münsterland-Netz). This was renewed in December 2018 and
December 2021 and will
now run until December 2028. It will only consist of one line RE14
running Essen Steele-Essen Hbf-Bottrop Hbf-Dorsten-Borken/Coesfeld,
where trains split/comtine at Dorsten.
Since December 2007 NWB also runs passenger
trains on the rebuilt former freight-only line Farge-Bremen=Vegesack.
Since December 2009 NWB operates the Niers-Rhein-Emscher-Netz
with lines Kleve-Krefeld-Düsseldorf and Xanten-Moers-Duisburg, followed
in December 2010 by Oberhausen-Duisburg=Ruhrort and
Oberhausen-Bottrop-Dorsten (together 225km). NWB has ordered 30 new
Lint41 DMUs for these services.
From December 2010 (with additional lines from December 2011) NWB
operates the new S-Bahn system of Bremen, to Bremerhaven-Lehe,
Nordenham, Bad Zwischenahn, Twistringen, and from 2011 to Verden and
Farge, with new electric trainsets type Lirex. This concession was won
again and is operated from December 2022 until December 2036.
In December 2011 Bünde-Hameln-Hildesheim-Bodenburg (Weser-Lammetal)
was taken over by Nordwestbahn from Eurobahn, operated by
Lint41 DMUs (11x). Since December 2013 Nordwestbahn operates the
Dieselnetz
Ostwestfalen-Lippe Los "Süd": Osnabrück-Dissen-Bad
Rothenfelde-Bielefeld and
Bielefled-Paderporn-Altenbeken-Holzminden-Kreiensen. Diesel
trainsets type "Talent" are used.
Since December 2015 Dortmund-Wanne=Eickel-Dorsten is no longer operated
by NWB but by DB Regio.
Summary of services operated in 2021: Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Niedersachsen
(RS1/RS2/RS3/RS4), Weser-Ems (RE18/RE19/RB58/RB59), Weser-Lammetalbahn
(RB77/RB79), Ostwestfalen (RB74/RB75/RB84/RB85), Emscher-Münsterland
(RE14) and Niers-Rhein-Emscher (RE10/RB31/RB36/RE44).
Since December 2021 the Weser-Lammetalbahn (RB77/RB79, 11x
LINT 41) is operated by Start (RVSD). From December 2025 RB31/RB36/RE44
will be taken over by DB Regio, and RE14 from December 2026. RB43
(Dortmund-Herne-Dorsten) will go back to DB Regio in December 2028.
Around 40 million passengers a year travel with NordWestBahn trains
over 1530km of DB Netz railway lines.
In 2022 the new name Rhein-Ruhr-Bahn (Transdev Rhein-Ruhr GmbH) was
announced for the Emscher-Münsterland and Niers-Rhein-Emscher
concessions. In December 2023 Rhein-Ruhr-Bahn has taken over Der
Müngstener (Wuppertal-Remscheid-Solingen) from VIAS, originally Abellio.
Website: http://www.nordwestbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
NXG - National Express Rail GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
National Express, well known from its public transport operations
in the UK, entered the German market in 2015. Since December 2015
RE 7 (Rheine-Hagen-Köln-Krefeld) and RB 48 Wuppertal-Köln-Bonn) in
the Ruhrgebiet area in Germany are operated, until December 2030.
Since June 2019 National Express operates Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX)
line RE5 Wesel-Duisburg-Köln-Koblenz with new partly double-deck
trainsets from Siemens. RE6 (Minden-Dortmund-Duisburg-Köln/Bonn
Flughafen) followed in December 2019 and RE4 in
December 2020.
In February 2022 National Express has taken over RRX lines RE1 and RE11
from Abellio.
Website: http://www.nationalexpress.de/
Stock Tables:
Oberweißbacher
Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn (DB)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
The OBS is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where infrastructure
and operation is integrated, and dedicated rolling stock is used.
It operates passenger trains on Rottenbach-Katzhütte and on
Lichtenhain-Cursdorf (4km, electrified at 600V=), plus the funicular
between
Obstfelderschmiede and Lichtenhain. The total operated network length
is 29km (DB Netz railway lines).
Website: https://www.oberweissbacher-bergbahn.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In December 2002 this new company, a subsidiary of the Hamburger
Hochbahn AG and the Prignitzer Eisenbahn, took over the operation of
passenger trains from DB Regio on the lines
Hagenow-Ludwigslust-Parchim-Waren(-Neustrelitz) and Neustrelitz-Mirow.
Since December 2004 they also operate passenger trains on the
"Ostbrandenburg" network: Berlin=Lichtenberg-Königs
Wusterhausen-Beeskow-Frankfurt(Oder), Berlin=Lichtenberg-Tiefensee,
Berlin=Lichtenberg-Eberswalde-Wriezen-Werbig-Frankfurt(Oder) and
Eberswalde-Templin.
In December 2007 ODEG took over Fürstenwalde-Bad Saarow=Pieskow
from DB (until 2014), with existing Regioshuttle motor cars. Since
December 2008 ODEG also operates the Spree-Neiße network
(Zittau-Cottbus, Cottbus-Forst, Görlitz-Hoyerswerda and
Görlitz-Bischofswerda). In December 2018 this was renewed until
December 2030.
Since December 2011 ODEG operates the lines Rathenow-Brandenburg and
Berlin=Wannsee-Jüterbog, taken over from Märkische Regiobahn as part of
Netz Stadtbahn. More lines followed in December 2012 operated
with new double-deck trainsets. In December 2013 Rhena-Schwerin-Parchim
was taken over from OLA.
In December 2014 the "Ostbrandenburg" network was taken over by NEB,
followed in December 2015 by Stendal-Rathenow (from DB Regio).
From December 2019 ODEG keeps on operating the Westmecklenburg
concession (Rhena-Schwerin-Parchim and Hagenow
Stadt-Ludwigslust-Parchim) until December 2025.
In 2020 ODEG operates passenger trains in all former GDR provinces,
over 1214km of DB Netz railway lines. They run trains on Ostseeküste II
(RE9/RE10), Netz Westmecklenburg (RB13/RB14/RB19), Spree-Neiße Netz
(RB41/RB42/RB64/RB65) and Netz Stadtbahn (RE2/RE4/RB33/RB51).
Since December 2021 until 2026 also RB15 Waren-Malchow and
RB16 Mirow-Neustrelitz are operated by ODEG (previously Hanseatische
Eisenbahn). Since December 2022
the large Elbe-Spree-Netz los 1+4 is operated by ODEG (RE1 and
RE8/RB17/RB33/RB37/RB51). RE2 (Nauen-Berlin-Cottbus) is now operated by
DB.
Website: https://www.odeg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 22km standard gauge, electrified at 600V=
From December 2004 this company operates light rail trains on
Kassel-Warburg, to be extended into the city center of Kassel. Other
lines that followed are Kassel-Melsungen and Kassel-Wolfshagen
(partly diesel-operated). To Hessisch Lichtenau an old railway line is
adapted for operation by dual-mode trams. Since December 2013
KVG(Kassel) and HLB have taken over the operation of
these services, with the same trainsets. In December 2014 Kassel-Treysa
was taken over by HLB.
RBK manages part of the railway lines in the Baunatal (workshop
Großenritte-bridge highway 44, 4km) and Lossetal (Kaufungen
Papierfabrik-Im Tal, 19km). In 2020 KVB tram line 4 (Kassel
Mattenberg-Hessisch Lichtenau) uses the RBK infrastructure in the
Lossetal, KVB tram line 8 (Hessenschanze-Kaufungen, Papierfabrik) uses
the RBK infrastructure in the Baunatal. The RegioTram (from
Hofgeismar-Hümme, Wolfhagen and Melsungen to the city of Kassel, over
DB and KVB tracks) is now operated by RegioTram Gesellschaft mbH (RTG,
50% KVB/50% HLB) but the trainsets are still owned by RBK. In December
2023 the operating contract was renewed for another 10 years.
Websites: http://www.regionalbahn-kassel.de/ and
https://www.rtg-kassel.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
RDC operates car transportation trains between Niebüll and
Westerland (on the island Sylt) using the name Autozug Sylt GmbH
(AZS), in competition with DB.
Websites: https://www.rdc-deutschland.de/
and https://www.autozug-sylt.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- 23km standard gauge, not electrified
Since September 1999 this company operates passenger trains on Kaarster
See - Neuss - Düsseldorf - Mettmann Stadtwald (33km). Regiobahn owns
the railway lines Kaarster See-Neuss Hbf (7.3km) and
Düsseldorf=Gerresheim-Mettmann=Stadtwald-Wuppertal=Dornap=Hahnenfurth
(13.8km) while the center part Neuss Hbf-Düsseldorf=Gerresheim and new
eastern extremity Dornap-Wuppertal Vohwinkel-Wuppertal Hbf are
managed by DB Netz.
Since May 2000
they operate trains every 20 minutes. The company that actually runs
the trains is called
RBE -
Rheinisch-Bergische
Eisenbahn (Transdev Rheinland GmbH). In 2017 the operating
contract was again awarded to Regiobahn,
from December 2021 up to 2034. The region (VRR) will provide 10 new
Flirt 3XL trains.
In December 2020 the passenger operation was extended from Mettmann to
Wuppertal
Hbf, with a 2km long new curve connecting Dornap=Hahnenfurth with the
Essen-Wuppertal line. By 2026 the entire line will be electrified,
allowing the new trains - temporarily in service on other lines of the
NRW region - to be
used. There are plans for a future
extension westward from Kaarster See to Viersen (old railway line to be
rebuilt), continuing to Venlo in The Netherlands.
From December 2023 Regiobahn will also operate new RE47 services on
Remscheid-Solingen-Düsseldorf using existing Integral trainsets.
Websites: http://www.regio-bahn.de/
and https://www.rbe-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 102km standard gauge, 12km electrified at 15kV 17Hz
Starting from 1993 the Dürener Kreisbahn (DKB) operated trains from
Düren to Heimbach
and Jülich, for which new low-floor "Regiosprinter" DMUs were bought.
In 2002 the
line Düren-Jülich was extended to Linnich for passenger trains. For
DBAG they used to operate passenger trains on Mönchengladbach-Dalheim
(20km). RTB also operates the reinstated trains on Börde-Bahn
Düren-Zülpich-Euskirchen during weekends, waiting for the line to be
modernised for daily passenger service. The contract to operate all
these lines was extended in 2021 for 4 years, until December 2025.
They also operate freight trains on Puffendorf-Jülich-Linnich, and over
DB lines to Hubertushof, Horrem and Sindorf (Mora C).
In January 2003 DKB merged with infrastructure company EVS, to form the
new company RTB. One of the extensions of the new company - both for
freight and passengers - might be the Düren-Zülpich-Euskirchen line.
Since the end of 2017 freight operating company Trainsport of Belgium
operates under the name Rurtalbahn Cargo Belgium. Trainsport already
used locomotives hired from RTB Cargo in Germany.
In 2020 RTB manages the infrastructure of the railway lines
Düren-Heimbach, Düren-Linnich, Düren-Zülpich and Heinsberg-Lindern,
plus Düren-Distelrath for shunting and access to the RTB workshop. RTB
operates passenger trains on RB21 (Linnich-Düren-Heimbach) and RB28
(Düren-Euskirchen). Open-access freight trains are operated by RTB
Cargo anywhere in Germany and in The Netherlands.
Website: http://www.rurtalbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 24km narrow gauge(750mm), not electrified
- 2.9km dual gauge (750mm/1435mm), not electrified
This company operates narrow gauge steam trains on
Lauterbach-Putbus-Göhren on the island Rügen. In March 2004 the RüKB
has been sold
by former operator KEG to EBG Prora, due to financial problems. Since
the end of 2004 it is owned by Hermann Schöntag.
Since January 2007 PRESS operates the Rasender Roland steam trains
under the new name Rügensche BäderBahn. Service actually started in
March 2008 with locomotives and coaches brought in from Sachsen, later
the situation regarding locomotives and coaches normalised.
On the dual gauge section Lauterbach Mole-Putbus the RüBB operates
narrow gauge steam trains continuing to Göhren, and parent company
PRESS operates a standard gauge Regioshuttle diesel motor car that
continues beyond Putbus to Bergen auf Rügen.
Website: http://www.ruegensche-baederbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
RVSD -
Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH (DB)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2018):
- 115km standard gauge, not electrified (DB lines)
RVSD is the low-cost DB Regio subsidiary for operating regional lines.
It currently has two operating companies, Start Unterelbe and Start
Niedersachsen Mitte.
Since December 2018 Start Unterelbe operates the Hamburg-Cuxhaven
regional express trains (RE5) with diesel locomotives and double-deck
coaches formerly operated by metronom.
In December 2021 Start Niedersachsen Mitte has taken over the
operations
of the former Heidekreuz (erixx) and Weser-Lammetalbahn (RB77/RB79,
formerly operated by NordWestBahn)
concessions for 8 years. For these operations trainsets from LNVG are
used.
In March 2022 it was announced that Start will operate the former FKE
lines (RB11 Bad Soden-Frankfurt Höchst, RB12 Königstein-Frankfurt Hbf,
RB15 Brandoberndof-Frankfurt Hbf) plus RB16
Friedberg-Friedrichsfdorf-Bad Homburg from December 2022 with new
hydrogen trains provided by the region (Fahma RVM). These lines were
previously operated by HLB.
In December 2024 Start will take over the Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt
from Abellio, including 53 LINT41 trainsets. From December 2026 Start
will operate a new international train between
Düsseldorf and Eindhoven in The Netherlands, probably with new
multi-voltage FLIRT trainsets from Stadler.
Website: https://www.startgmbh.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 30km standard gauge, electrified at 750V=
This company operates dual voltage trams (similar to Karlsruhe) on tram
tracks in Saarbrücken from Riegelsberg Süd continuing over DBAG tracks
to Sarreguemines in France. In September 2009 an extension from
Riegelsberg Süd to Walpershofen/Etzenhofen was opened, and on 31
October 2011 an extension to Heusweiler Markt. The section from here to
Lebach (13km) was opened in 2014.
The section from Walpertshofen/Etzenhofen through Saarbrücken to
Römerkastell is operated as a tram line, the remainder (both north and
south) as a railway line. The 750V= part is owned and managed by
Saarbahn Netz GmbH (until 2015 known as Stadtbahn Saar GmbH), the
remainder of the network (14km, Brebach-Sarreguemines) is managed by DB
Netz and a small part by SNCF Réseau.
Website: http://www.saarbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 332km standard gauge, electrified at 800V= 3rd rail
This company, a full daughter company of DBAG, operates all S-Bahn
trains on the railways in and around Berlin, electrified with 3rd rail.
In 2006 traffic grew to 375 million travellers, a new record (+5.3%).
Website: http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 147km standard gauge, 115km electrified at 1200V= 3rd rail and
32km at 15kV (DB line)
From January 1st, 1997 this company operates all trains in and around
Hamburg on the railways electrified with 1200V 3rd rail. The basic
network consists of 4 lines: Poppenbüttel/Airport-Wedel(S1),
Elbgaustrasse-Aumühle(S21), Pinneberg-Stade(S3) and
Altona-Neugraben(S31). Hamburg=Neugraben-Stade is 15kV overhead and
jointly operated with regular trains. The airport link from Ohlsdorf
was
opened on 11 December 2008. Trains to/from the airport and Poppenbüttel
split/combine at Ohlsdorf.
DB won the tender for operating S-Bahn Hamburg from December 2018 up to
December 2033.
In 2019 around 280 million passengers travelled with the S-Bahn
services
in Hamburg.
Website: http://www.s-bahn-hamburg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Schwäbische Alb-Bahn operates passenger and freight services on
Ulm-Schelklingen-Münsingen-Engstingen-Gammertingen. The depot
and workshop is located in Münsingen. The infrastructure of the line is
owned by DB Netz and SWEG Schienenwege (former HzL).
Website: https://www.alb-bahn.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
After Mittelthurgaubahn went bankrupt, THURBO - als was already
intended but now earlier - took over services in Eastern Switzerland
and in Southwestern Germany. THURBO now owns the former MThB main line
Wil-Weinfelden-Konstanz, the rest of the network is owned by SBB or
DBAG.
In Germany THURBO operated on the lines Radolfzell-Stockach and
Konstanz-Singen-Engen, and in Switzerland south of Lake Konstanz
(Bodensee) on all lines between Waldshut, Konstanz, Uznach and
Altstätten. They cooperated with Die Länderbahn (RBG) in ALEX
(München-Oberstdorf).
In 2005 the German subsidiary went to SBB and now operates as SBB GmbH.
Also the line Basel-Zell is now included in this subsidiary. In 2006
Radolfzell-Stockach went to HzL.
In 2020 SBB GmbH operates the following services: seehas
(Konstanz-Engen), S-Bahn Basel S5 (Weil am Rhein - Steinen) and S6
(Basel SBB-Zell im Wiesental) and S-Bahn Schaffhausen (RB
Schaffhausen-Erzingen). Total network length is 120km, managed by SBB
Infrastruktur and DB Netz.
Since December 2022 SBB GmbH also operates Singen-Schaffhausen
(until then DB Regio) with GTW trainsets from Thurbo under the brand
name "Rhyhas". The whole
Schaffhausen S-Bahn network will then be operated by SBB.
Website: http://www.sbb-deutschland.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 60km narrow gauge (750mm), not electrified
On the 1st of June 1998 this company took over the narrow gauge railway
line Cranzahl-Oberwiesenthal (
Fichtelbergbahn)
and its operation from
DB. They expect
to introduce light rail DMUs and only retain the steam locomotives for
tourist trains.
In April 2004 they also took over operation of the narrow gauge line
Radebeul Ost-Radeburg (
Lößnitzgrundbahn)
from DB. Later in 2004
Freital=Hainsberg-Kurort
Kipsdorf (
Weißeritztalbahn)
followed. This was the last narrow gauge
steam line operated line
of DB. It was closed for several years because of flooding damage,
but reopened to Dippoldiswalde
in 2009 and to Kururt Kipsdorf in 2017.
In May 2007 the company was renamed from BVO Bahn to SDG (Sächsische
Dampfeisenbahn Gesellschaft mbH). At the end of 2020 the contract to
operate the mentioned 3 lines was extended from December 2023 to
December 2028, with an option for 5 more years (up to 2033).
Website: http://www.sdg-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 16km narrow gauge(750mm), not electrified
In June 1996 this company took over the operation of narrow gauge steam
trains on the DB lines Zittau-Bertsdorf-Kurort Oybin and
Bertsdorf-Kurort Jonsdorf (
Zittauer
Schmalspurbahn). They plan to introduce diesel motor cars in
the near future for cheaper operation. In total 9 steam locomotives
have been taken over from DB, 3 paid for by the region.
Website: http://www.soeg-zittau.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since June 2001 this company, a subsidiary of the Erfurter
Industriebahn and the Hessische Landesbahn, operates passenger trains
on Eisenach-Meiningen-Sonnefeld-Neuhaus (STB41),
Wernshausen-Zella=Mehlis-Suhl (STB43), Erfurt-Suhl-Grimmingen-Meiningen
(STB44/STx50), Erfurt-Arnstadt-Ilmenau-Rennsteig (STx45/STB46) and
Fröttstädt-Friedrichsroda (STB48). 327km in total.
In 2017 the operating contract was again awarded to STB, until December
2028. Fröttstädt-Friedrichsroda was previously operated by DB buit is
now included in the contract.
Website: http://www.sued-thueringen-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
The SüdOstBayernBahn is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where
infrastructure (420km, 12.7km electrified) and operation is integrated,
and dedicated rolling stock
is used.
SüdOstBayernBahn operates passenger trains from Mühldorf to Landshut,
Passau,
Simbach, Burghausen, Freilassing, Traunstein/Waging and
Rosenheim/Ebersberg. Traunstein-Ruhpolding and Prien-Aschau belong to
SOB but are
operated by DB Regio (to go to Bayerische Regiobahn). SOB operates
passenger trains on the DB Netz
network (130km) from München Hbf to Mühldorf and Ebersberg, and from
Freilassing to Salzburg.
The lines Neumarkt=Sankt Veit-Frontenhausen=Marklofen and
Hörpolding-Traunreut are only used by freight trains.
Website: http://www.suedostbayernbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
STVG -
Stauden-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (Staudenbahn)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2004):
- 35km standard gauge, not electrified
STVG originates from a museum railway, the Verein
Staudenbahnfreunde e.V., that operates on
Gessertshausen-Fischach(-Markt Wald). The infrastructure of
Gessertshausen-Fischach-Markt Wald-Türkheim is managed by BBG -
Bahnbetriebsgesellschaft Stauden mbH. In 2004 the
southern part of the "Staudenbahn", Türkheim-Ettringen, was bought from
DB Netz. The middle part Markt Wald-Ettringen (7.1km) is lifted, but
the space is still free.
Apart from freight trains, STVG operates passenger trains on saturdays
on Türkheim-Ettringen and touristic trains on sundays between Augsburg
and Markt Wald. Regular passenger services between Augsburg and
Langenneufnach are to return from 2021.
With their locomotives they also operate
open-access passenger and freight/work trains. The workshop is located
in Augsburg.
Website:
http://www.staudenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 210km standard gauge, not electrified (SWEG Schienenwege GmbH)
SWEG operates trains for different lines in Southwestern
Germany: Verkehrsbetriebe Achern-Ottenhöfen (AO), Verkehrsbetriebe
Biberach-Oberhamersbach (BOH), Verkehrsbetriebe Endingen
(Kaiserstulbahn (KB), Riegel-Breisach/Gottenheim), Verkehrsbetrieb
Meckesheim-Aglasterhausen-Hüffenhardt (MAH), Verkehrsbetrieb Schwarzach
(Mittelbadische Eisenbahnen (MEN), Bühl-Söllingen), and Verkehrsbetrieb
Staufen (Münstertalbahn (MT), Bad Krozingen-Untermünstertal). Since
June 1997 they operate trains on DBAG lines around Freiburg under the
name "Breisgau S-Bahn" with new Regioshuttle railcars.
Their subsidiary OSB took over the operation of the AO and BOH lines in
June 1998, together with some DBAG lines around Offenburg.
On 31 July 2009 the line Neckarbischofsheim-Hüffenhardt closed
for passenger trains, although freight to the Gmeinder factory in
Mosbach is still possible. The connecting line
Meckesheim-Aglasterhausen is also closed but temporarily, as it
will be electrified and integrated in the S-Bahn. Trains will then be
operated by DB and no longer by SWEG.
In 2013 the Münstertalbahn was electrified, after which it was
operated with 2 modern Talent-2 electric trainsets from Bombardier. As
these are not compatible with the new Talent-3 trainsets for the
Freiburger Y network, they have been sold.
The former SWEG AO and BOH lines are now operated by the Ortenau
S-Bahn, that inherited 8 Regioshuttle diesel motor cars from SWEG for
these services.Since December 2019 SWEG operates the "Freiburger Y"
(Freiburg-Elzach,
Kaiserstuhlbahn and Münstertalbahn), until then operated by SWEG and
BSB. All lines will be electrified and new electric trainsets used.
Summary of passenger services operated by
SWEG in
2020: Kaiserstuhl S1 Endingen-Riegel-Freiburg, S2
Freiburg-Waldkirch-Elzach and S5 Breisach-Endingen-Riegel=Malterdingen,
and Münstertal S3 (Freiburg-)Bad Krozingen-Staufen-Münstertal.
On 1 January 2018 HzL merged into SWEG, but for the time being HzL
is
being operated as a separate entity within the company. The Hohenzollerische Landesbahn (HzL)
used to operate all trains on
Hechingen(DB)-Gammertingen-Sigmaringen(DB) and freight trains only on
Hanfertal-Sigmaringendorf(DB), Hechingen-Eyach(DB), Balingen -
Schömberg (13km taken over from DB in 2001) and
Gammertingen-Kleinengstingen(DB). They also operated the trains for the
BOB, and for the DBAG they operated trains on the Zollernalbbahn Ulm -
Aulendorf - Sigmaringen - Tübingen and Sigmaringen - Tuttlingen
("Donaukonzept"). Since January 2002 HzL operated local freight trains
from Plochingen and Ulm to 17 stations in the region Oberschwaben and
Schwäbische Alb (Mora C).
HzL has won the tender to operate the "Ringzug" from 12/2003. This
involves hourly passenger trains south of Stuttgart, on the lines
Bräunlingen-Donaueschingen-Villingen-Trossingen Stadt/Rottweil,
Rottweil-Tuttlingen-Immendingen-Leipferdingen(-Zollhaus=Blumberg) and
Fridingen-Tuttlingen. On 1 September 2003 the first Ringzug services
already started. Since early 2006 HzL also operates trains on
Radolfzell-Stockach, after the stock of Mittelthurgaubahn/Thurbo/SBB
broke down. They won the tender to operate this line until December
2008, and the new tender for passenger trains up to December 2023 (now
taken over by DB). Since June
2019 HzL operates the Ulmer Stern network (previously operated by DB),
passenger services on Aalen-Heidenheim-Ulm-Ehingen-Munderkingen.
On 1 January 2018 HzL merged into SWEG, but for the time being HzL
is being operated as a separate entity within the company. Summary of
the services operated by HzL
in 2020: seehäsle (Radolfzell-Stockach, until December 2023),
Ringzug, Donaubahn (RB56 Ulm-Munderkingen), Brenzbahn (RE57/RB57
Aalen-Ulm), ZAB 1 (Tübingen-Balingen-Sigmaringen) and ZAB 2
(Hechingen-Gammertingen-Sigmaringen), plus a few walk/bike trains
during summer weekends to Eyach, Schömberg and Engstingen. HzL now runs
on railway lines managed by DB Netz or by SWEG Schienenwege GmbH.
Freight is now also handled by SWEG.
The Ortenau S-Bahn (OSB)
brand is used for services with modern
Regioshuttle DMUs on Strassburg-Kehl-Offenburg,
Offenburg-Appenweier-Bad Griesbach and
Offenburg-Hausach-Freudenstadt/Gutach (DB Netz infrastructure) and
Achern-Ottenhöfen and Biberach-Oberharmersbach (SWEG infrastructure).
All lines together are about 200km of network length. From December
2023 SWEG operates these lines for 15 years with new battery trains
from Siemens. In 2025 the then reopened Hermann-Hesse Bahn (Calw-Weil
der Stadt-Renningen) will be included in the contract.
Breisgau S-Bahn was the
brand used for trains on Freiburg-Breisach,
Riegel-Endingen-Breisach and Riegel-Gottenheim, and since 2002 also
for Freiburg-Elzach. In 2019 this was discontinued. Part of the system
is now electrified and operated by DB. Freiburg-Elzach is also being
electrified but will still be operated by SWEG.
From
December 2021 SWEG wil take over Neckartal Los 1 (RB17, RB18, RE10 and
IR6) from Abellio for 2 years, during which the concession will be
re-tendered.
Websites: http://www.sweg.de/,
http://www.hzl-online.de/,
http://www.ringzug.de/
and
http://www.ortenau-s-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- standard gauge, not electrified
After the split of Eurobahn between Rhenus and Keolis, the remaining
part of Rhenus was operated under the name Rhenus Veniro. It runs
passenger trains between Alzey and Kirchheimbolanden.
Since December 2009 (with a very late actual start) Rhenus Veniro
operates passenger trains on
Boppard-Emmelshausen (15km) for 20 years with adapted Regioshuttles. In
December 2014 Alzey-Kircheimbolanden was be lost, but Rhenus started
operating on Bullay-Traben=Trarbach (13km) with 2 modernised
Regioshuttles. In the mean time Rhenus Veniro is part of Transdev.
Boppard-Emmelshausen is operated under brand name
Hunsrückbahn,
Bullay-Traben=Trarbach as
Moselweinbahn.
Websites: https://www.hunsrueckbahn.de/
and
https://www.moselwein-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- standard gauge, not electrified
In June 2022 Transdev has taken over full operation of the S-Bahn
Hannover
from DB. Under the name S-Bahn Hannover lines S1 up to S8 and rush hour
lines
S21 and S51 are operated. All lines originate from or call at
Hannover Hbf.
In December 2021 operation by TransDev already started with lines
S3, S6 and S7.
Website: https://www.sbahn-hannover.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company, originally a subsidiary of Rheinische Bahngesellschaft
AG,
started operation on Kaisersesch-Mayen-Andernach (43km) and
Kaiserslautern-Landstuhl-Kusel (44km) - both taken over from DBAG - in
May 2000, and Bullay-Traben=Trarbach (13km) in June 2001.
Since December 2008 they operate (electric) passenger trains on the
Mittelrheinbahn Köln-Koblenz-Mainz, the original lines were taken over
by other companies.
Since 2014 Trans Regio is part of Transdev. The line
Köln=Dellbrück-Koblenz-Mainz
Hbf (RB26, 193km) is operated using the brand name
MittelrheinBahn.
In 2021 the contract was awarded to TDR again for 10 years from
December 2023, with optional extensions to 2036 and to June 2037 for
the Mainz–Bingen–Koblenz section.
Website: http://www.mittelrheinbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since December 2008 this new subsidiary of Transdev operates
passenger trains on Leipzig-Geithain and part of the trains on
Halle-Delitzsch-Eilenburg. From December 2009 to 2013 (until the
Leipzig city tunnel was ready) MRB operated passenger trains on 8 lines
around Leipzig. From December 2013 only Leipzig–Bad Lausick–Geithain
(MRB 113) and Halle (Saale)–Delitzsch–Eilenburg (MRB 118) are still
operated (until 2015), the other lines are now operated by DB.
Since December 2015 MRB operates the express trains on E 7
Leipzig-Chemnitz.
This will continue from June 2024, with new hybrid battery-electric
EMUs. Since June 2016 MRB operates the E-Netz Mittelsachsen: RE
Dresden-Hof, RB Dresden-Zwickau and RB Chemnitz-Elsterwerda. For this
service new Coradia Continental trainsets were ordered by the
regional authorities.
In January 2016 the Leipzig and Mittelsachsen transport authorities
have selected Transdev Regio Ost for the Dieselnetzes Nordwestsachsen
Lot B contract to operate passenger service R6 between Leipzig, Grimma
and Döbeln from June 12 2016 to December 2025. The contract covers the
operation of almost 1 million train-km/year using a fleet of 10 diesel
multiple-units (5x Regioshuttle and 5x Talent) which the authorities
are to provide through leasing
company Alpha Trains Europa.
Summary of the services operated in 2020 using the brand name Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn:
Dresden-Chemnitz-Hof
(RE3/RB30),
Leipzig-Bad Lausick-Chemnitz (RE6), Dresden-Heidenau-Altenberg
(RE19/RB72),
Dresden-Königsbrück (RB33), Dresden-Kamenz(RB34), Chemnitz-Elsterwerda
(RB45),
Pirna-Sebnitz (RB71) and Leipzig-Döbeln (RB110), running over 553km of
DB Netz railway lines.
In
December 2021 DB Regio has taken over the Dieselnetz VVO
(RE19/RB72/RB33/RB71) with 21 type Desiro trainsets, to be modernised
before end 2022. These replaced 15 trainsets operated by TDRO.
Website: http://www.mitteldeutsche-regiobahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
TRI Train Rental operates open-access passenger trains like football
extras, and replacement trains for other operators. Its
locomotive-hauled trains can often be seen when new trains have not yet
been delivered
after the start of a new concession period.
Website: https://train-rental.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since December 2005 VIAS, a subsidiary of RTB and VGF, the local public
transportation company of Frankfurt(Main), operates operates passenger
trains on the Odenwald-Bahn lines Hanau-Wiebelsbach-Erbach and
Frankfurt/Darmstadt-Erbach-Eberbach (210km). In 2010 DSB (Danish State
Railways) bought the 50% owned by VGF. This concession will run until
December 2030.
Since December 2010 VIAS also operates the Rheingau network (140km):
regional trains on Neuwied-Koblenz-Rüdesheim-Wiesbaden-Frankfurt with
new FLIRT EMUs. In 2021 this contract was won again, and extended for
15 years from December 2023. The current fleet of trainsets will be
refurbished.
Since December 2017 VIAS operates the Erft-Schwalm network (63km) for
12
years, consisting of the lines RB34 Mönchengladbach – Rheydt – Dalheim
and RB38 Düsseldorf Hbf – Neuss – Bedburg (Erft).
Since February 2022 VIAS operates the Niederrhein-Netz (RE19/RB35)
and Der Müngstener (S7), taken over from Abellio. Since December 2023
S7
will be operated by RheinRuhrBahn (Transdev). Also since December 2023
VIAS operates the Rhein-Ruhr-Netz for 11 years (Nokiabahn
Gelsenkirchen-Bochum only for 3 years).
Website: http://www.vias-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 61km standard gauge, not electrified
This company used to operate freight trains on
Scheuerfeld(DB)-Oberdreisbach,
and passenger service on Betzdorf-Daaden since november 1994. In 2013
the concession of WEBA for passenger traffic was extended until 2029.
In July 2017 freight operation by WEBA ended, as the last locomotive
was in need of major ovehaul.
WEBA manages the railway infrastructure of Betzdorf-Daaden,
Scheuerfeld-Oberdreisbach, Bindweide-Rosenheim and
Altenkirchen-Selters. The last 3 lines are freight-only.
Website: http://www.westerwaldbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since 2018 WEE operates open-access passenger (tourist) trains and
light freight or track maintenance trains,
using two motor cars that formerly operated on the Kahlgrundbahn. As
brands for these services WEE
uses Artland Express, Weser Ems Express, Weser Ems Cargo and Weser Ems
Service. In 2021 two large diesel locomotives (rebuilt class 216, from
OHE) and an old heavy shunter (type V65, from MFC museum railway) were
bought.
Website: https://www.wee.gmbh/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 31km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates trains on different lines in Southwestern
Germany: Nebenbahn Gaildorf-Untergröningen (GU, "Obere Kochertalbahn",
now closed), Nebenbahn Korntal-Weissach (KW, "Strohgäubahn"), Nebenbahn
Nürtingen-Neuffen (NN, "Tälesbahn"), Nebenbahn Vaihingen-Enzweihingen
(VE, "Stadtbahn", now closed), Böblingen(DB)-Dettenhausen (ZVS
"Schönbuchbahn") and
Schorndorf(DB)-Rudersberg Nord(-Welzheim) (ZVVW "Wieslauftalbahn"). The
long-distance freight traffic operated by WEG was taken over by BCB (a
partner in the Transdev Group) from early 2005. In October 2005
Gaildorf-Untergröningen was closed because of the bad state of the
track and only minimal freight traffic left. Vaihingen-Enzweihingen was
already closed in 2002 due to the same reason.
In 2020 WEG still operates regional passenger trains on RB 46
(Schönbuchbahn Dettenhausen-Böblingen), RB 47 (Strohgäubahn
Heimerdingen-Korntal), RB 65 (Tälesbahn Nürtingen-Neuffen) and RB 61
(Wieslauftalbahn Oberndorf-Rudersberg-Schorndorf).
WEG also manages the railway infrastructure of these lines, plus the
Roßbergbahn (Roßberg-Bad Wurzach) and Schwäbische Waldbahn
(Rudersberg-Oberndorf-Welzheim), 80km in total. Only Nürtingen-Neuffen
and
Korntal-Heimerdingen-Weissach are actually owned by WEG.
Website: http://www.weg-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 7.7km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
This company operates rack trains from Brannenburg-Waching to the
Wendelstein summit. Narrow gauge rack EMUs have recently replaced the
electric locomotives and coaches.
Website: http://www.wendelsteinbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Westfrankenbahn is another regional subsidiary of DBAG that is
responsible for both infrastructure and the operation of (passenger)
trains. It manages a network of 206km but operates over a total of
370km of DB Netz railway lines. Their own lines are
Aschaffenburg-Miltenberg-Seckach, Miltenberg-Lauda
and Königshofen-Crailsheim, they also operate on
Würzburg-Lauda-Königshofen and Crailsheim-Heilbronn still maintained by
DB Netz.
The company runs passenger trains on the Maintalbahn
(Aschaffenburg-Miltenberg-Wertheim), Tauberbahn (Wertheim-Lauda-Bad
Mergentheim-Crailsheim), Hohenlohebahn (Heilbronn-Crailsheim),
Madonnenlandbahn (Miltenberg-Walldürn-Seckach) and on the Kahlgrundbahn
((Hanau-)Kahl-Schöllkrippen).
Website: http://www.westfrankenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since December 2007 this new company, an alliance of Abellio GmbH,
Verkehrsbetriebe Extertalbahn GmbH, Mindener Kreisbahnen GmbH and
moBiel GmbH, operates the local trains on the Teutoburger Wald network.
This consists of the lines Münster-Rheine (Ems-Lippe-Bahn),
Münster-Osnabrück (Teuto-Bahn) and Bad
Bentheim-Rheine-Osnabrück-Herford-Bielefeld/Detmold-Altenbeken
(Wiehengebirgsbahn, Der Cherusker and Ostwestfalen-Bahn). In December
2017 the services over the Teutoburger Wald network were
taken over by Eurobahn (including the first-generation FLIRT
electric trainsets).
Since December 2015 Westfalenbahn operates passenger trains
on the Emsland line (RE15, Emden-Rheine-Münster) and the Mittelland
line
(RE50/RE60, Rheine/Bielefeld-Minden-Braunschweig), until then operated
by DB. Network length is around 600km, managed by DB Netz.
Since 2017 Abellio is the single owner of Westfalenbahn. In 2024
Westfalenbahn (together with Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland)
was sold to BeNEX investment company. BeNEX already has stakes in
Agilis, Cantus, Nordbahn, Metronom and ODEG.
Website: http://www.westfalenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 15km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on the ring line around Augsburg,
Augsburg=Morellstrasse-Augsburg=West-Haunstetten,
Augsburg=West-Göggingen and on the connections to the DB: Abzweig
Pfersee and Abzweig Lechhausen. They move quite a lot of freight,
around 400000 tonnes every year. From 1997 they also started operating
freight over the DB line Augsburg-Kaufering-Schongau, which ended in
2018.
In 2020 they operate around 1 million tonnes of freight a year. The
railway lines from Augsburg West to Haunstetten and to Göggingen
(together 9km) are now out of use, leaving the ring line and the branch
to Augsburg-Lechhausen still in use.
Website: http://www.augsburger-localbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 230km standard gauge, not electrified
This chemical company is licensed as a railway operator and even
used to operate
potash trains between Ludwigshafen and Heimboldshausen. They own and
operate a
large factory network in Ludwigshafen. All remaining old locomotives
and shunters were sold to Gmeinder in 2015, leaving only the new
shunters type G6 and locomotives type DE12 and DE18 from Vossloh.
Website: http://www.basf.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- standard gauge, not electrified
Bayernhafen Bahnservice manages railway infrastructure in ports in the
Bavaria (Bayern) province and provides
shunting services and railway transport to main stations in
Aschaffenburg (former
Aschaffenburger Hafenbahn), Bamberg, Nürnberg, Regensburg and Passau.
Website: https://www.bayernhafen.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 108km standard gauge, not electrified
This company is the "commercial" part of the Bayerisches
Eisenbahnmuseum in Nördlingen. BayernBahn is the infrastructure manager
of Nördlingen-Dinkelsbühl-Dombühl (54 km), Nördlingen-Gunzenhausen (39
km) and Landshut-Neuhausen b. La. (15 km). They operate freight
services to
Wassertrüdingen and work trains to Dinkelsbühl, Dombühl and
Gunzenhausen. They can also provide traction for freight and work
trains on DB lines Germany-wide, for which they have a large collection
of second-hand (DB) locomotives.
Website: http://www.bayernbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 50km standard gauge, not electrified
The Teutoburger Wald Eisenbahn (TWE) operated freight trains on
Hövelhof(DB)-Gütersloh
Nord(DB)-Ibbenbüren(DB)/Hafen Saerbeck. In December 2015
Versmold-Ibbenbüren and the branch to Hafen Saerbeck (50.6km) were sold
to LWS Lappwaldbahn Service.
Bayerische Cargobahn (BCB) was closely related to the
BOB (Bayerische Oberlandbahn). It operated open access freight trains
in southeastern Germany. In early 2005 it also took over long distance
freight traffic from WEG with some of the locomotives.
In August 2015 TWE and BCB merged into Captrain CargoWest GmbH, part of
the Captrain group.
Website: http://www.captrain.de/
Stock Tables:
CLG -
Chemion
Logistik GmbH - Bahnbetriebe
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 8.4km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Köln=Mülheim(DB) -
Leverkusen=Bayerwerk, shunting duties at other locations and
open-access freight trains over DB Netz railway lines. Until July 2001
its name was EKML - Eisenbahn
Köln=Mülheim-Leverkusen der Bayer AG.
The infrastructure manager of its
own line is still known as EKML, now a subsidiary of Currenta GmbH
& Co. OHG.
Website: http://www.chemion.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 33km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on a line 'around' Dortmund:
Dortmund Nord-Dortmund Obereving(DB)-Dortmund Remberg. At the end of
2004 Connex (later Transdev, now Captrain) has taken over 65% of the
rail
operations of DE and 19% of the infrastructure. The infrastructure is
owned and managed by DE Infrastruktur GmbH.
In 2004 DE transported around 16 million tonnes of freight.
Website: https://www.captrain.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 28km standard gauge, not electrified
This company is a owned by Dillinger Hüttenwerke (DH), and operates
freight trains
on Dillingen(DB)-Limbach, plus shunting duties in Dillingen.
Website: https://www.dillinger.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 24.3km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on
Harpstedt-Annenheide-Adelheide/Delmenhorst(DB). The line
Delmenhorst-Lemwerder (20km, owned by the communities) was closed in
2011/2013.
Website: http://www.dhe-reisen.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 200km standard gauge, not electrified
This company - subsidiary of the port of Duisburg, - operates freight
trains in the port of Duisburg and in "Logport Rheinhausen".
Website: https://www.duisport.de/
Stock Tables:
EEB -
Emsländische Eisenbahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 103km standard gauge, not electrified
This company, formed out of the MHE(Meppen-Haselünner Eisenbahn) and
the HKB(Hümmlinger Kreisbahn) operates freight trains on
Meppen-Essen(Old.)(MHE), (Meppen-Haren-)Lathen-Werlte(HKB) and since
2001 also (Oldenburg-)Westerstede=Ocholt-Sedelsberg.
In 1993 they moved 25000 tonnes of freight.
Website: http://www.eeb-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 18km standard gauge, not electrifiied
This company started off as Rheinische Eisenbahn, a subsidiary of the
Brohltal-Schmalspureisenbahn
Betriebs-GmbH (BSEG) and the Eifelbahn-Verkehrs GmbH. It is based in
Linz am Rhein.
EVG owns the infrastructure of Linz(DB)-Kalenborn (Kasbachtalbahn) and
Grenzau-Siershahn(DB) (Brexbachtalbahn). They operate freight trains
over
these lines and up to DB freight yard Köln Gremberg, and historic
passenger trains with railbusses over both
lines. In 2021 they bought their first (old) electric locomotive.
Website: http://www.zugtouren.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 7.3km standard gauge, not electrified
This company shunts trains for the iron ore works and in the shunting
station of Georgsmarienhütte, now that regular freight trains on
Georgsmarienhütte-Hasbergen have been taken over by DB AG. This line is
still owned by GET.
Website: https://www.gmh-gruppe.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 52km standard gauge, not electrified
HFM operates freight trains in the Main ports of Frankfurt, and open
access freight trains around Frankfurt since the end of 2004.
Website: http://www.hafen-frankfurt.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 10km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates the freight trains for Opel-Eisenach GmbH and a
few other industries at Eisenach Opelwerk(DB). HTB is now part of
Captrain (former Transdev, Connex and DEG-Verkehrs-GmbH).
Website: https://www.captrain.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains between Spandau Yard(DB) and
Oberhavel Power Station. In 1996 they moved 0.5 million tonnes of
freight. In 2020 from the original lines only
Berlin=Spandau=West-Johannesstift (1.7km) is still open, but hvle now
operates many more industrial tracks in and around Berlin. In 1997 the
total network length was 22km.
In 2005 they won a contract to operate trains for Fels-Werke from
Rübeland to Salzgitter, Peitz and Chemnitz. Originally new "Blue Tiger"
locomotives were leased to operate this traffic, in 2020 these were
replaced by dual-mode locomotives.
Early 2006 the company was renamed from OHE-Sp (Osthavelländische
Eisenbahn Berlin-Spandau AG) into hvle - havelländische eisenbahn ag.
Website: http://hvle.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 21km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains between Neukölln Yard(DB) and
Neukölln/Treptow Container Terminal (12km), but owns some more short
freight lines around Berlin. In 1996, traffic amounted 1.4 million
tonnes of freight. IGB is now part of Captrain.
Website: https://www.captrain.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 7.6km standard gauge, not electrified
This company used to own the railway line Einbeck-Dassel, but the part
from Sachsenbreite to Markoldendorf is now out of use and
Markoldendorf-Dassel was broken up in 2003.
Ilm still operates freight trains on Einbeck Salzderhelden - Einbeck
Mitte - Sachsenbreite, and on the DB Netz lines
Kreiensen-Holzminden-Höxter, Kreiensen-Kalefeld and Kreiensen-Bad
Gandersheim.
Since December 2018 passenger trains have returned to Einbeck Mitte,
operated by DB.
Website: http://www.ilmebahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 35km standard gauge, not electrified
The ITB shunts freight trains for the steel industry in Brandenburg,
and also operates work trains for other companies.
Website: http://www.villmann-gruppe.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 30km standard gauge, not electrified
This company - formerly known as Siegener Kreisbahn - owns the
infrastructure and operates freight
trains on Weidenau(DB)-Dreis=Tiefenbach (Kleinbahn Weidenau-Deuz),
Herdorf(DB)-Pfannenberg (Freien Grunder Eisenbahn),
Siegen(DB)-Siegen=Eintracht (Eisern-Siegener Eisenbahn), Siegen
Ost-Kaan=Marienborn and
Kreuztal-Buschhütten (Siegener Kreisbahn). They also operate freight
trains around Siegen on
behalf of DBAG, from December 2002 also on Kreuzberg-Erntebrück.
Website: http://www.ksw-siegen.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 90km standard gauge, not electrified
This company originates from the Leuna chemical industry, and now
operates local freight trains for customers along the Merseburg -
Großkorbetha railway line. Its own network is connected to the DB Netz
network at Großkorbetha.
Website: http://www.infraleuna.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 146km standard gauge, not electrified
The Lappwaldbahn was founded from the remains of a preservation
society. It was founded to supply locomotives for work trains, and is
based in Weferlingen.
In 2000/2006 Lappwaldbahn leased the railway lines Helmstedt-Wefelingen
and Haldensleben-Weferlingen, and rebuilt them for freight use.
In December 2015 Lappwaldbahn Service bough the railway lines
Versmold-Ibbenbüren and the branch to Hafen Saerbeck from Teutoburger
Wald Eisenbahn.
In January 2019 the railway line Altenkirchen-Siershahn in the
Westerwald area was taken over. Also this railway line will be
modernised.
Lappwaldbahn Cargo operates open-access freight trains and performs
shunting duties all over Germany, including on their own lines.
Website: http://www.lappwaldbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2024):
- 42km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates four short freight-only lines to Hille,
Aminghausen and Kleinenbremen, connecting in
Minden Rangierbahnhof(DB).
Website: http://www.mkb.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 0.9km standard gauge, not electrified (broken up?)
This company used to operate freight trains on
Plettenberg(DB)-Plettenberg
Mitte, which now seems to be broken up. They still perform shunting
duties around the DB station and have their own distribution center
close by.
Website: https://www.mvg-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 36km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Moers(DB)-Hoerstgen Sevelen and
Moers(DB)-Rheinsberg(DB). In 2005 the majority of the stock was sold by
Kreis Wesel to Rhenus-Keolis. At the end of 2007 NIAG took over the
operations of Stadtwerke Krefeld, on Krefeld Süd(DB)-Hülser Berg/St.
Tönis. These lines are now operated by RHKE (Hafen Krefeld).
Website: http://www.niag-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 20km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains between Neukölln Yard(DB) and
Berlin Rudow Nord. In 1997 they transported 2.04 million tonnes of
freight.
Website: http://www.nmeg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2003):
- 60km standard gauge, 20km electrified at 15kV 17Hz (SG)
NRS is a subsidiary of LHG Service-Gesellschaft mbH (SG) which is
by itself owned by the Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft mbH. NRS
operates trains on the railways in the port of Lübeck. Main
destinations are Nordlandkai, Konstinbahnhof, Terminal Schlutup and
Skandinavienkai.
Website: https://nordic-rail-service.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 38km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains over industrial lines between
Wolfen, Bitterfeld and Delitzsch. Exchange with DBAG takes place in
Bitterfeld Nord. The service is carried out by Transdev (Connex
Cargo Logistics, DEG-Verkehrs-GmbH).
Since May 2000 it also operates freight trains in the Dessau, Roßlau
and Coswig areas on behalf of DBAG. Since 2001 they also operate local
freight trains to Leipzig=Grosszschocher, Reinsdorf, Bebitz, Thalheim,
Stassfurt, Bad Lauterberg and Scharzfeld (Mora C).
In 2005 the old RBB (Regionalbahn Bitterfeld) merged with Rail Cargo
Berlin to form the new RBB (Regionalbahn Bitterfeld-Berlin). In 1996
RBB has become part of Captrain, a subsidiary of the French
national railways SNCF.
Website: http://www.captrain.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2017):
- 46.5km standard gauge, 28.7km electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
This company mainly operates coal trains for the Ruhrkohle AG (RAG),
but as the mines are closing in the next years RBH is more and more
focussing on open-access freight traffic. The network owned by RBH is
slowly being closed. In 2017 18.0 million tonnes of freigh was
transported (15.7 million tonnes in 2016), producing 7.3 billion
tonne-km (2016: 5.0 billion).
RBH is now a subsidiary of DB with many second-hand DB (Cargo)
locomotives. Many DB Cargo class 145 locomotives have replaced
older electric locomotives used by RBH.
Website: http://www.rbh-logistics.com/
Stock Tables:
RHC -
RheinCargo GmbH & Co. KG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 107km standard gauge, electrified at 6kV 50Hz and 750V= (HGK,
tram and dual mode tracks)
- 147km standard gauge, not electrified (HGK, industrial and port
lines)
- 80km standard gauge, not electrified (ND-Häfen, industrial and
port lines)
RheinCargo is the freight operating arm of Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln
AG (HGK) and
Neuss-Düsseldorfer Häfen (formerly known as NE - Neusser Eisenbahn)
since 2012. It operates
freight trains in the ports of Cologne, Neuss and Düsseldorf, and
open-access freight trains
in Germany and The Netherlands.
HGK in Cologne took over the former KBE and KFBE. Both lines are
connected over a
strech of the "Rheinbraun", electrified at 6kV 50Hz. Passenger service
of the former KBE and KFBE is now operated by the city tram companies
of Cologne and Bonn (electrified at 750V=).
ND-Häfen owns the tracks in the ports of Neuss and Düsseldorf, exchange
with other
operators takes place at Neuss Hessentor and Düsseldorf Hafen yards.
Websites: http://www.rheincargo.com/,
http://www.hgk.de/
and https://nd-haefen.de/
Stock Tables:
RHKE -
Hafen
Krefeld GmbH & Co. KG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 52km standard gauge, not electrified
RHKE (Rheinhafen Krefeld) used to be known as SE - Städtische
Eisenbahn
Krefeld and later HBSK - Hafen und
Bahnbetriebe der Stadt Krefeld. It operates
freight trains on Krefeld Linn(DB)-Krefeld=Osthafen and open-access
freight trains over DB tracks around Krefeld. RHKE has also taken over
the infrastructure of the former Krefelder Eisenbahn: Krefeld
Süd(DB)-Hülser Berg and Krefeld Süd(DB)-St. Tönis.
Website: http://www.rheinhafen-krefeld.de/
Stock Tables:
RIS
- Regio Infra Service Sachsen GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 102km standard gauge, not electrified
RIS mainly maintains and operates railway lines around Chemnitz:
Stollberg(Sachs)–Chemnitz, Stollberg(Sachs)–St. Egidien,
Hainichen–Niederwiesa,
Freiberg-Nossen and Zwotental-Adorf.
With their own locomotives they also operate freight and track
maintenance trains outside their own network.
Website: https://ris-sachsen.eu/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 42km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on
Hamm(DB)-Vellinghausen(Lippborg), Hamm Abzw. Geithe-Uentrop Süd and
Neheim Hüsten(DB)-Sundern/Arnsberg Süd. Since autumn 2001 they also
operate local freight trains to Messinghausen (Mora C).
Website: http://www.rlg-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 5.6km standard gauge, not electrified
During 2011 Wincanton Rail was taken over by Rhenus, renaming the
company
into Rhenus Rail St. Ingbert. RRI operates shunting duties on branch
lines, a.o. on lines in the Saar area
between coal mines and the main network (17km owned by RAG Saarland)
and on the port line in Worms (21km owned by Hafen Betriebs GmbH
Worms).
They also operate open-access freight trains on DB Netz lines around
Worms. In 2009 they took over the branch from Grünstadt to Neuoffstein
(5.6km),
operated by Wincanton with sugar beet traffic.
In 2013 some 2.5 million
tonnes of freight was transported in total.
In the past Rhenus also took over Bahngesellschaft Waldhof AG
(Mannheim=Waldhof(DB) - Mannheim=Sandhofen, 4.5km).
Website: http://www.de.rhenus.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 49km standard gauge, not electrified
This new company owns and operates the partly very steep railway line
Ilmenau-Schleusingen-Themar. Tourist trains are operated by the Verein
Dampfbahnfreunde mittlerer Rennsteig e.V. (DmR).
Website: https://www.rennsteigbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 173km standard gauge, not electrified
The RSE started by operating freight trains on
Bonn=Beuel(DB)-Großenbusch (now open until Bahnhof Hangelar
Industriebahn). In 1998
RSE bought 4 old diesel motor cars (plus one driving trailer) from the
SWEG, to be used for occasional passenger trains. In spring 2000 Hoyer
bought the Rhein-Sieg-Eisenbahnbetriebs-GmbH. Since 2002 they also
operated local freight trains from Andernach to
Weißenthurm (Mora C) with a second-hand Köf from DBAG.
Since the year 2000 RSE has bought several regional railway lines from
DB Netz, of which quite a few are operational.
Website: http://www.rhein-sieg-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 15.3km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on
Troisdorf=West(DB)-Niederkassel=Lülsdorf. The
depot is located in Sieglar.
Website: http://www.rsvg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 58km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Altenrheine(DB)-Osnabrück
Eversburg(DB), continuing over DBAG tracks to Osnabrück Rbf, and on
Rheine(DB)-Spelle.
Website: http://www.rvm-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 52km standard gauge, electrified at 6000V 50Hz
RWE Power used to be known as Rheinbraun (Rheinische Braunkohlenwerk)
and
operates heavy ore trains over its own network, between two large
opencast
mines and 3 power station. The main "Nord-Süd" line runs from the
Garzweiler mine to Goldenberg power station, and the "Hambachbahn"
branch
runs from the Hambach mine to Auenheim (connetion with the main line).
There is limited interchange with the DB network and HGK network.
Website: http://www.rwe-power.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- standard gauge, not electrified
In 2001 the Stahlwerk Thüringen became a real railway operator. Based
in Unterwellenborn, it operates trains on Könitz-Saalfeld-Bad
Blankenburg over DBAG lines. Arcelor took over the business and the
company was renamed, in 2007 it was taken over again by Grupo Alfonso
Gallardo. In 2020 it is part of the Brasilian CSN Gruppe.
Website: http://www.stahlwerk-thueringen.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains in the 'Ruhrgebiet', partly
over
DB(AG) tracks to Duisburg and Oberhausen. It used to be known as EH -
Eisenbahn und Häfen GmbH. The company is owned by
Thyssen Stahl AG (90%) and Ruhrkohle AG (10%). Electric operation
(600V= with electro-diesel locomotives) has ended around 2013. Network
length in 1997 was 608km of which 183km was electrified at 600V=.
Website: http://www.thyssenkrupp-steel.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 37km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Syke(DB)-Hoya-Eystrup(DB).
The
section Heiligenfelde-Syke was reopened in 2006. In cooperation with
the Deutscher Eisenbahn-Verein (located in Bruchhausen-Vilsen) they
operate historic passenger trains on the line (Kaffkieker).
Website: http://www.vgh-hoya.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 42km standard gauge, not electrified
The original VLO line runs from Bad Holzhausen(DB) through
Bohmte Ost(DB) to Schwegermoor (Wittlager Kreisbahn). Only the part
Bohmte Bruchheide -
Bohmte Ost(DB) - Preußisch Oldendorf (18.5km) is still in use. VLO is
also the infrastructure
manager of Osnabrück-Dissen/Bad Rothenfelde (23km,Haller Willem) over
which
passenger service has been reinstated.
From 2015 and probably up to 2022 the line is being modernised and the
part from Preußisch Oldendorf to Bad Holzhausen is to be reinstated.
Website: http://www.vlo.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 84km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on a network (VPS Infrastruktur)
that
connects different freight stations around Salzgitter with
the DB stations/yards at Peine, Beddingen, Broistedt and Salzgitter
Bad. It actually consists of two separate networks connecting at
Broistedt:
Peiner Eisenbahn (34km) and Salzgitter Eisenbahn (50km).
Website: http://www.vps-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
VWE -
Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 19km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Verden Süd(DB)-Stemmen(12.1km).
The line used
to continue to Böhme and Walsrode but this section is now closed
(Stemmen-Hollige)
or operated by other companies (Hollige-Walsrode, 7.2km, VWE is still
infrastructure manager). The remaining freight operation uses the brand
name vweBahn.
Website: https://www.allerbus.de/bahn.html
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 34km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight trains on Wanne Westhafen/Osthafen-Wanne
Herzogstraße/Bochum Graetz.
Website: http://www.whe.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 119km standard gauge, not electrified
This company operates freight train on their main line Münster
Ost(DB)-Neubeckum(DB)-Lippstadt(DB)-Warstein, on
Neubeckum(DB)-Ennigerloh and
Belecke-Rüthen. They also operate freigh trains on behalf of DBAG
around Lippstadt.
A new 4.2km connection to the brewery in Warstein was recently built.
WLE transported some 200,000 tonnes of beer annually
from 2005.
Website: http://www.wle-online.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company operates local freight trains around Cottbus and from
Cottbus to Forst and sidings on the former Forst-Weisswasser line.
Website: https://www.ahg-industry.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
AIXrail operates open-access freight and track maintenace trains,
and hires locomotives and drivers to other operators. The company
is located in Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle in french).
Website: https://www.aixrail.de/
Stock Tables:
AMEH
TRANS
(EKO) - ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt Transport GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company operates trains of heating oil (about 160,000 tonnes a
year) between Stendell and Eisenhüttenstadt over DBAG tracks. In 2000
it started operating block trains between its works and the Ruhr area
(600km), hauled by a pair of locomotives. It used to be known as EKO
TRANS.
Website: https://ehst-transport.arcelormittal.com/
Stock Tables:
BBL
- BBL Logistik GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
BBL operates freight and work trains for other operators. The
company is based in Hannover. Its depot is located in Oebisfelde
and about 10km of sidings is owned in Hannover Leinhausen, Misburg
and Oebisfelde.
In 2023 BBL took over many assents and operations of IGE (based in
Hersbruck) that was declared bankrupt.
Website: https://bbl-logistik.de/
Stock Tables:
BEBRA
- Holzlogistik & Güterbahn Bebra GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
HLG Bebra mainly operates wood trains throughout Germany (from
different yards to sawmills) but also operates other mainline freight
trains. They have their own wood loading facilities in
Bebra, Breitenbach am Herzberg, Gießen, Hanau and
Gemünden/Main.
Website: https://www.hlg-bebra.de/
Stock Tables:
BLC
- Bahnlogistik24 GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Bahnlogistik24 is a company that mainly provides locomotives and
drivers (Bahnpersonal24) for open-access freight operators
and shunting duties. The company is based in Dresden.
Website: http://www.bahnpersonal24.de/Bahnlogistik24/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This rather new company started operating freight trains between
Bocholt and
Mussum in December 2002. For some time they performed shunting duties
on behalf of DB Cargo in Emmerich, and operated freight trains from
there to Zevenaar
in The Netherlands whith hired DB Cargo-locomotives. BOEG now operates
open-access freight trains all over Germany and still performs some
duties for DB Cargo, e.g. local freight trains on Emmericht-Oberhausen.
Website: http://www.bocholter-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
BoxXpress operates open-access trains all over Germany, with a focus on
intermodal trains from the North Sea ports around Hamburg and Bremen.
The company is owned by Rail & Intermodal Terminal Holding B.V.,
EUROGATE Intermodal GmbH, Hamburg and TX Logistik AG.
Website: http://www.boxxpress.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company started as Bahnservice Alexander Stein, and operates since
2015
as BSAS. It operates trains for its partners, with its own/leased
locomotives and
personnel. The company is based in Mülsen/Sachsen.
Website: https://www.bsas-evg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In 2004 the Luxemburg railways CFL SA bought railway company NEG,
formerly know as Uetersener Eisenbahn. With this move the company
gained access to the German railway network. The infrastructure of the
mentioned line is
still managed by NEG, while CFL Cargo Deutschland now operates
open-access freight trains, both over NEG and over DB Netz railway
lines.
Website: http://www.cflcargo.de/
Stock Tables:
CLR
- Cargo Logistik Rail Service GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
CLR operates open-access freight services and infrastructure
maintenance
and construction trains. The company is based in Barleben near
Magdeburg,
with a depot at Möser.
Since April 2023 CLR operates passenger trains on
Klostermansfeld-Wippra (Wipperliese) for 5 years, with second-hand
DB DMUs class 628.2.
Website: http://clr-service.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Captrain is the brand name used for international operations of
the French national railways (SNCF). Before Captrain, the names Veolia
and Connex were also used.
Many mainly freight operating companies in Germany have been taken over
by Captrain, like BCB and TWE (now Captrain CargoWest) and ITL.
Captrain Deutschland GmbH is a nation-wide operating company of
open-acccess freight trains, until 2010 known as Veolia Cargo
Deutschland. They also used to operate the Interconnex long-distance
open-access passenger trains.
Website: http://captrain.de/
Stock Tables:
DELTA
- DeltaRail GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
DeltaRail operates open-access logistics services and shunting duties.
The
company is based at Frankfurt(Oder). They own a large collection of
second-hand DB class 143 electric locomotives.
DeltaRail is owned by Via Cargo S.A. from Poland since 2011. It is
part of the Exploris S.A. Group from Luxembourg which also owns the
different HSL subsidiaries.
Website: https://exploris.eu/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
EBS started as a track maintenance train operator in 2005.
The company is based in Erfurt. In recent years the portfolio had been
extended to Germany-wide open-access freight trains and mainline
runs of historic trains.
EBS also operates a major railway workshop: Fahrzeugwerk Karsdorf.
Website: http://www.erfurter-bahnservice.de/
Stock Tables:
EGOO -
e.g.o.o. Eisenbahngesellschaft Ostfriesland-Oldenburg mbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
e.g.o.o. is the railway operating subsidiary of ENERCON and mainly
transports parts of windmills for the generation of energy. One base is
at Aurich, with e.g.o.o. being the only operator using
the reactivated branch from Abelitz to Aurich.
Website: https://www.egoo-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
EGP -
Eisenbahn
Gesellschaft Potsdam mbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company mainly operated materials for track building, but in
Autumn 2006 they took over the freight business of the Prignitzer
Eisenbahn, including the Imotrans stock leasing activities. They are
now also an open-access freight operator.
At the end of 2008 EGP won the tender to operate passenger trains
on the "Kamenzer Netz" (Dresden-Kamenz, Dresden-Königsbrück,
Pirna-Sebnitz-Bad Schandau and Heidenau-Altenberg) from December 2010.
This network was operated under the name Städtebahn Sachsen until 2019.
Website: http://www.eg-potsdam.de/
Stock Tables:
HGB -
Hessische Güterbahn GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
HGB started as a company to provide drivers and other personnel for
work trains, but has in the mean time acquired its own locomotives,
even
one brand new TRAXX F140 AC3 (and 3 more leased). Is now operates
open-access
freight trains and track maintenance trains all over Germany.
Website: http://www.hgb-online.com/
Stock Tables:
HHPI - Heavy
Haul
Power International
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company started in Haldesleben and is now based in Erfurt. Is
started operating trains of stone
from Vollrathsruhe to Berlin-Nordost. In April 2002 they also started
to operate coal trains on Hamburg-Lahde with the new locomotives. In
the mean time HHPI operates Germany-wide, focused on bulk transport.
Website: https://hhpi.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Since the beginning of 2001 this company operates its own trailer
trains in Germany and Switzerland. 3 locomotives have been acquired
through Siemens Dispolok. In 2005 Hupac freight traffic grew by 15.9%.
Website: http://www.hupac.de/
Stock Tables:
HRS -
Hamburger Rail Service GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
HRS operates open-access freight trains and shunting duties. The
company is based in Ahrensburg, to the northeast of Hamburg.
Website: https://hamburgerrailservice.de/
Stock Tables:
HSL -
HSL
Logistik GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
HSL Logistik is an open-access freight operator based in Hamburg. They
are also active in The Netherlands and Poland (with their own
subsidiary)
and other countries in Europe.
Website: http://www.hsl-logistik.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
ISL provides logistics services mainly for the chemical and
pharmeceutical industry. It is a subsidiary of the
Infraserv-Höchst-Gruppe
and based at Industriepark Griesheim in Frankfurt-Höchst.
Website: https://www.infraserv-logistics.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company, based in Dresden, operates freight and work trains on DB
AG tracks in Saxony. Most of the locomotives can be seen for track
maintenance trains, but more and more open access freight trains are
operated.
In April 2008 it was announced that French incumbent operator SNCF took
over 75% of the shares of ITL, in this way penetrating the German
market. ITL is now part of Captrain, a subsidiary of SNCF. It operates
open-access freight trains across Germany and into neighbouring
countries,
cooperating with subsidiaries ITL Praha and ITL Polska (now Captrain
Polska).
Website: http://www.captrain.de/itl.html
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This large logistics company used to lease some locomotives of its own,
especially for international traffic to The Netherlands. It now only
uses
services of other operators.
Website: http://www.kombiverkehr.de/
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company started with operating track maintenance and building
trains for other
companies. It is based in Leipzig, and used to be known as ASP
Schienenfahrzeugdienst.
now LEG operates open-access freight trains in entire Germany using
their own electric and diesel locomotives.
Website: http://www.leipziger-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company, a subsidiary of Deutsche Kombiverkehr and RTC from Italy
operates open access freight trains. Mainly from the North Sea ports
in Germany and other origins over the Alps to Italy. Lokomotion also
has an Austrian subsidiary and now also plans operation into Hungary
and Slovenia. Inside Italy RTC operates the Lokomotion trains, partly
with their own locomotives (in similar livery).
Website: http://www.lokomotion-rail.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
LOCON started with mainly providing locomotives and crews for track
maintenance
trains and for shunting duties. Nowadays it is a full open-access
freight operator. The company is based in Berlin. In 2019 LOCON was
bought by EP Logistics International.
Website: http://www.locon.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company is the railway division of the Buna-Werke. They operate
long-distance trains from Schkopau in the former GDR, and local freight
on Köthen-Aken, from Halberstadt to
Ströbeck/Oschersleben/Heudeber=Danstedt, and from Böhlen to Altenburg,
Espenhain, Ammelshain, Seelingstädt and Trebsen (Mora C). In the mean
time they operate open-access freight and work trains all over Germany.
Website: http://www.meg-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
MTEG started in Meerane close to Glauchau in the former GDR, and has
now moved to Zwickau. It
operates open-access freight trains and performs locomotive and
shunting duties for
other operators. MTEG is the railway operator for museum company IG 58
3047.
Website: http://www.mteg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This new operating company is the commercial branch of the EFZ -
Eisenbahnfreunde Zollernbahn. The locomotives operate timber and works
trains, and the "Nostalgie Orient Express".
Website: http://www.nesa-bahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company operates narrow gauge tourist trains on the remains of
Wolkenstein-Jöhstadt (Pressnitztalbahn), and started to lease standard
gauge diesel locomotives to
other operators. In the mean time the company operates its own freight
and track maintenance trains.
From January 2008 PRESS operates the Rasender Roland steam trains on
the island Rügen under the name Rügensche BäderBahn (see there). It
also operates the standard gauge Bergen-Lauterbach shuttle train, PRESS
won the tender to operate this line from December 2018 to December 2027.
Websites: http://www.pressnitztalbahn.com/ and http://www.ruegensche-baederbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
RailAdventure mainly transport new trains from factories to test sites
and to their future operators. Apart from Germany they also operate
in France and Switzerland.
The locomotive data is based on the
page by Ghim Meng Low (Jimmy).
Website: https://railadventure.de/
Stock Tables:
RAILS -
Redler-Service
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In the railway business, Redler-Service mainly hires locomotive to
other operators (Redler-Rail) and runs a large locomotive and freight
car
maintenance workshop (Ausbesserungswerk Oberröblingen) with 7km of own
tracks
for stabling. They own a large collection of former DB class 211/212
locomotives.
Website: http://www.redler-service.de/
Stock Tables:
RCCDE -
Rail
Cargo
Carrier Germany
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In September 2015 Rail Cargo Austria (the freight branch of ÖBB from
Austria)
bought EBM Cargo and renamed it into Rail Cargo Carrier - Germany,
becoming the freight operating branch of RCA/ÖBB in Germany.
EBM Cargo (Eisenbahnbetriebsgesellschaft Mittelrhein) was
based in Gummersbach east of Köln and mainly operated (open access)
waste and work trains.
PCT was set up by ARS Altmann AG for shunting duties and mainline
operation of trains with new cars. In 2016 PCC was bought by Rail
Cargo Austria and renamed into RCC - PCT. In 2019 RCC - PCT was
integrated
in RCC Germany.
Website: https://www.railcargo.com/
Stock Tables:
RDX -
Raildox GmbH & Co. KG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Raildox is a large open-access freight operator, with services
all over Germany and abroad operated since 2007. The company is based
in Erfurt.
Website: https://www.raildox.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Railsystem RP mainly provides locomotives, track maintenance
trains and personnel to other railway operators. The company is based
in Gotha.
Website: https://www.railsystems-rp.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Salzland Rail Service mainly provides locomotives and drivers
to other companies, for operating freight or track maintenance
trains. The company is based in Bernburg.
Website: https://www.salzland-rail-service.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Starkenberger Güterlogistik is part of the Starkenberger Group. This
company
originates from Wismut AG, the former GDR uranium mining company. The
company mainly transports ore with its own locomotives and shunters.
Website: https://www.starkenberger.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2022):
TrainLog is an open-access passenger and freight operator. They own
large diesel locomotives (former DB 232) and shunters (former DB
362/363).
The company is based in Germersheim.
Website: https://www.train-log.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company operates a network of container trains over
long distances in Germany, exchanging freight in Gemünden. All of their
locomotives are leased from Siemens Dispolok. It used to be known under
the name of one of its subsidiaries, NetLog.
In 2005 Trenitalia(I) acquired 51% of the shares and acquired the rest
in 2010. TXLogistik is now a full subsidiary of Trenitalia. The company
partly owns BoxXpress.de.
In 2023 TXL bought Exploris Deutschland Holding, which owns Via Cargo
Logistics, HSL Logistik, Delta Rail and Schienen-Logistik Hamburg. With
this aquisition TXL will become the second-largest railway freight
operator in Germany.
Website: http://www.txlogistik.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company is the operating arm of the EBM and operates freight
trains in the Eifel area, and open access freight, special or work
trains over longer distances. For some years they also operated
tourist passenger
trains over the Eifelquerbahn Gerolstein-Kaisersesch. Now the VEB
railbusses are available for hire, VEB cooperates with
AKE-Eisenbahntouristik.
Website: http://www.veb.de/
Stock Tables:
VTGRT
- Retrack GmbH & Co. KG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Retrack is the rail logistics subsidiary of VTG AG. VTG is one of the
largest freight car leasing companies in Europe. Retrack operates
open-access
freight trains, mainly for chemical and automotive industry.
Website: https://www.vtg.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
WFL has a large collection of electric and diesel locomotives, mainly
originating from former Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR). The company is based
in Potsdam and runs trains for other companies, both passenger, freight
and track building/maintenance trains.
Website: http://www.wfl-lok.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
BELog Baustoffe- Entsorgung- Logistik GmbH & Co. KG is a young
company. It started in 2017 and mainly runs gravel and construction
material trains. It is part of the Schwenk conglomerate of companies.
The current fleet comprises both electric and diesel locomotives.
Website: https://www.schwenk.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In August 2010 (dated back to 1 January 2010) the DB Bahnbau group was
created, consisting
of all previous DB subsidiaries concerning track building and
maintenance: Deutsche Gleis- und Tiefbau (DGT), DB Gleisbau (DBG) and
DB Netz
Instandsetzung.
Website: http://www.bahnbaugruppe.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This new track maintenance company originates from the company Bau und
Unterhaltung von Gleisanlagen (BUG), founded in 1990. It is based in
Berlin.
Website: http://www.bug-ag.de/
Stock Tables:
DUD -
D & D
Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
The former DBAG depot in Hagenow land is the base of this company. It
operates freight, infrastucture and special trains for other operators.
Website: http://www.dud-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company mainly operates track maintenance trains in entire
Germany.
Website: http://www.efw-verkehrsgesellschaft.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Erfurter Gleisbau was founded in 1906, and re-privatised
asa GmbH in 1990. The company is based in Erfurt.
Website: https://spark.adobe.com/page/G4yupiCmhUJDV/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This track maintenance company is based in Achim close to Bremen.
Website: http://www.wiebe.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Knape Gleisbau is a major track building and maintenance company.
It cooperates with Eurailpool GmbH on large projects. Knape owns some
locomotives.
Website: http://www.knape.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Schweerbau Logistik GmbH used to be known until 2019 as Logistik
Dienstleistungen Service GmbH, based in Eutin. It mainly provides
locomotives for hauling Schweerbau track maintenance and construction
trains.
Websites: http://www.ldsgmbh.de/
and
http://www.schweerbau.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
SEL started as a company to provide drivers for freight and work
trains. Since
2017 they also own locomotives that can be hired for shunting or for
work trains.
Website: https://sel-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
SGL mainly operates track maintenance trains. SGL is was subsidiary of
the Knape Group, but was bought by EP Logistics International from
Czechia (the owner of LOCON and LokoTrain).
Website: http://www.sgl-net.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Also Spitzke operates locomotives for maintenance companies.
Website: http://www.spitzke.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In 2006 EiveL (Eichholz Verkehr & Logistik GmbH) was in financial
trouble and it was taken over by the large construction company
STRABAG. With this move STRABAG entered the rail building and
maintenance market. The rail department is based in Berlin and in
Lauda-Königshofen.
Website: http://www.strabag-rail.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
In 2002 Alstom took over the DBAG Stendal works. ALS leases/hires
locomotives to operators, mainly rebuilt DBAG class 202.
Website: http://www.alstom.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
From 1 January 2010 former Angel Trains International is known as Alpha
Trains. Angel Trains had two subsidiaries, one for locomotives (Angel
Trains
Cargo) and one for passenger trains (Angel Trains Europe). The last one
is 10% owned by Vossloh AG. The company used to be known as LC -
Locomotion Capital, but was renamed in 2003.
Website: http://www.alphatrains.eu/
Stock Tables:
BRLL -
Beacon (Beacon Rail Leasing Ltd.)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Beacon Rail has taken over the locomotives formerly ownd by BTMU
Capital Corporation Boston and
Bank of Tokyo/Mitsubishi. They have also acquired HSBC Rail Ltd. in
March 2009. Since January
2009 this company leases freight locomotives to companies all over
Europe.
In 2016 the leasing business of Ascendos Rail (former Porterbrook)
based in Luxemburg was taken over. Since 2020 the company simply
uses brand name "Beacon". It is actually based in Luxemburg.
In September 2023 Beacon has taken over MRCE, creating one of the
largetst leasing companies in Europe. The former MRCE fleet is slowly
being
integrated with new logos and repaints.
Website: http://www.beaconrail.com/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
This company hires out second-hand rolling stock to other companies,
mainly for track maintenance trains. The company started in Rudersberg,
but is now based in Vaihingen.
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
northrail is a relatively new stock leasing company, related to
Paribus.
It owns modern electric locomotives (Smartron/Vectron), modern diesel
locomotives
(Voith Gravita) and many types of MaK/Vossloh locomotives, from small
shunters
to heavy freight locomotives.
Website: http://www.northrail.eu/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
Railpool is a relatively new player (2009) on the locomotive lease
market. In the
mean time they have bought a large number of TRAXX and Vectron
locomotives The company is based in München.
In 2019 Railpool has taken over most of the locomotives of LocoItalia,
the former locomotive
leasing company of Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM). In the mean time
(02/2023) LocoItalia has started its lease business again, buying some
locomotives back from Railpool.
Website: http://www.railpool.eu/
Stock Tables:
SRI
- SRI Rail Invest GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
SRI is a small company that leases locomotives and passenger coaches
to other operators. It does not operate trains by itself.
Website: https://sri-rail-invest.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 5.3km standard gauge, not electrified
This company manages freight trains on the short line
Bersenbrück(DB)-Ankum. The service is actually carried out with DBAG
locomotives and personnel. Special passenger trains are operated by
Weser Ems Eisenbahn, e.g. Ankum-Bersebrück-Osnabrück (Artland-Express).
Website: http://www.abe-gmbh.net/
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 29km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
This company operates freight trains in the ports of Bremen and
Bremerhaven. Although the main (electrified) lines are in total only
29km long, the total track lenght is 440km because of the many
connections to industry and ports. The service is actually carried out
using DBAG and EVB locomotives and personnel.
Website: http://www.bremenports.de/
BSM - Bahnen
der
Stadt Monheim GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 5.0km standard gauge, not electrified
This company used to operate freight trains on lines north of
Cologne:
Langenfeld(DB)-Abzw. Wasserwerk-Monheim=Blee/Monheim Nord (9.5km). In
2013 they
ceased operating their own trains, BSM is still infrastructure manager.
The line has been reduced in length, now running from Langenfeld(DB) to
Wasserwerk and Homburg/Hammesfahr.
Website: http://www.bahnen-monheim.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 735km standard gauge, 3km electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
This company tries to save railway lines that are closed by DBAG.
Since
1996 they operate freight trains and passenger specials on
Burgkemnitz-Gräfenhainichen-Möhlau. In January 1999 they took over
Beeskow-Lübben-Luckau-Uckro-Herzberg but this line sees hardly any
trains. In August 2000 they took over freight operation on
Ebrach-Frensdorf, and also want to re-open Lüchow-Dannenberg. From
January 2002 they also own Bayreuth-Warmensteinach and from December
2004 they took over Riesa-Falkenberg (only trains in summer weekends).
In the mean time (2020) DRE and its Bayern subsidiary BRE own 735km of
railway lines, of which 362km are operational.
Since January 2002 DRE operated local freight trains over their line
originating from Lübben Hbf (Mora C). In 2020 DRE doesn't operate its
own trains anymore and only provides infrastructure to other operators.
Website: http://www.regionaleisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 23km standard gauge, not electrified
This company, formerly known as HVB, operates freight train on Kiel
Hgbf(DB)-Kiel Seefischmarkt, Neuwittenbek(DB)-Kiel=Schusterkrug and
Suchsdorf(DB)-Kiel=Wik-Kiel=Scheerhafen. For DB it operates freight
trains to Raisdorf (Kiel-Lübeck) and performs shunting duties in Kiel
Hbf.
It looks like in 2020 SK does not operate any trains anymore by itself,
the
locomotives have all been sold or handed back to the leasing company.
Website: http://www.port-of-kiel.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 260km standard gauge, not electrified
This company used to operate freight trains on many lines to the
northeast of
Hannover. Their network connects to the DB network at Celle, Wittingen,
Soltau, Munster(Örtze), Winsen and Lüneburg. Last years they also
started operating freight trains on behalf of DBAG on DBAG lines. In
March 2000 they took over operation on Wunsdorf West(DB) - Bokeloh from
the StMB. In March 2002 they took over the operation on the Werkbahn
Wolff Walsrode (Walsrode-Bomlitz). The faith of the former WWW
locomotives is unknown, they have been included here.
In the year 2003 OHE has transported around 1.2 million tonnes of
freight. In early 2007 the company was sold to Arriva and Bachstein.
In 2011 Arriva Deutschland was sold to Trenitalia and renamed into
Netinera. In 2014 DB Schenker took over the operation of freight trains
on the OHE network. All locomotives have been sold or withdrawn.
OHE still takes part in passenger operators Erixx, Metronom and Enno.
Website:
http://www.ohe-transport.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 79km standard gauge, not electrified
The RP Eisenbahn owns the railway lines Alzey-Kirchheimbolanden and
Freiberg-Holzhau, operated by Eurobahn and FEG respectively. In July
1999 they took over (from DBAG) the freight operation on and
maintenance of the railway line Langenlosheim - Morbach. They also own
Heimbach-Baumholder.
RP Eisenbahn is now (2020) only an infrastructure owner and operator.
Website: http://www.rp-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
TE -
Trossinger Eisenbahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 4.3km standard gauge, electrified at 600V=
This company used to run regular electrical trains on
Trossingen(DB)-Trossingen
Stadt.
The future was very uncertain because the HzL with their "Ringzug" took
over the operation in 2004. But from December 2004 TE operated two
morning
rush hour trains again, to free a diesel motor car for other "Ringzug"
services. Nowadays (2020) TE still owns the infrastructure and operates
historic trains over its line, when not in use for regular passenger
service.
Website: https://www.trossinger-eisenbahn.de/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 83km standard gauge, not electrified
UBB used to operate passenger trains on the island Usedom
(Züssow-Wolgast-Zinnowitz-Seebad Heringsdorf-Ahlbeck-Swinoujscie and
Zinnowitz-Peenemünde) and on Velgast-Barth. In December 2017 DB took
over the operation on Usedom, and in December 2019 of Velgast-Barth.
UBB is now only an infrastructure manager.
History: UBB used to operate both passenger and freight trains on the
island
Usedom: Ahlbeck Grenze-Seebad Heringsdorf-Zinnowitz-Peenemünde
Dorf/Wolgast Fähre. Since 26 September 1999 they also operate trains
on the mainland line Wolgast Hafen-Züssow, from May 2000 connected over
a new bridge.
Since the end of 2002 some trains continue from Züssow to Stralsund and
Barth, UBB now also owns the infrastructure between Velgast and Barth.
UBB is a 100% subsidiary of DB Regio. In September 2008 the line was
extended from Ahlbeck Grenze to
Swinoujscie in Poland (1.4km).
Website:
http://www.ubb-online.com/
Stock Tables:
Last update: 05-08-2024