FAQs

All the information on DB's general renovations, including an overview of the planned locations, can be found here or by visiting the BauInfoPortal.

Replacement services are used when planned construction on rail lines or at stations make it impossible to run a full train service.

Routes and timetables for replacement services are developed by DB InfraGO, the passenger transport authorities and the affected rail operators, all working closely together. The rail companies obtain tenders for the provision of replacement services and then award a bus company with a contract to operate them. The passenger transport authority for regional and local rail passenger transport is always the relevant federal state. There are no passenger transport authorities for long-distance transport, as this operates on a purely commercial basis and is self-financing through farebox revenues.

All replacement bus services are shown via the usual travel information channels, for example at bahn.de/en or in the DB Navigator app as well as in the apps of the regional transport associlations. Departure timetables are also available at the bus stops used by the replacement service.

The replacement bus stops are usually outside the train station or, to minimise bus journey times, at another convenient central location. They are clearly labelled. Signage points the way to the replacement bus stop. Maps of the surrounding area are provided on the platform notice boards, showing walking routes between the station and the replacement bus stop.

All the buses are completely purple and have "Ersatzverkehr Replacement Service" written on the side. The symbol for the replacement bus service is also easy to recognise. Digital displays on the side and front of the bus show the bus route number and destination.

The same passenger rights apply on replacement buses as on trains, including refunds and compensation in the event of delays.

Different solutions are designed specifically for each general renovation to meet local travel needs. We plan enough capacity to accommodate the expected volume of travellers. Find out more on the overview page for the relevant general renovation.

In general, bicycles are not allowed on replacement bus services. This is because we want to leave space for as many passengers as possible to continue using public transport during the general renovation and to be able to reliably reach their destination using the bus. However, exceptions may apply depending on the specific route. Find out more on the overview page of the relevant general renovation. Folding bikes are considered luggage (if folded away) and can generally be carried on replacement buses.

No additional ticket is required to travel on replacement services. As with any train journey, a ticket for the desired route must always be purchased before travelling. This ticket is then valid on the replacement bus service instead of the train.

You can buy tickets from Deutsche Bahn or the transport associations at bahn.de/en as well as in the DB Navigator app and local public transport apps. Tickets are also available from DB travel centres, DB agencies and ticket machines at stations. Tickets cannot be purchased on the bus.

In most cases, there are no ticket machines or sales points in the immediate vicinity of the replacement bus stop. Please plan your ticket purchase in advance. DB tickets and local public transport tickets can be purchased quickly and easily in the DB Navigator app, in the local public transport apps or at bahn.de/en.