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.

When selecting stops for the replacement bus service, we place great importance on ensuring that both the routes and the stops are accessible. However, due to local conditions, it is not always possible to fully guarantee accessibility. Information on whether a route is accessible is shown on the station area maps as well as on bahnhof.de. There, the routes to the replacement bus service stops are described in detail.

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 replacement buses for regional transport will be accessible. The low-floor buses are lowerable and have a folding ramp. Depending on the stop infrastructure, the driver will assist with getting on and off the bus.

Passengers with reduced mobility are asked to contact DB’s Mobility Service. The Mobility Service Center will organize everything necessary if assistance is needed for boarding, changing, or alighting—for example, a lift for a wheelchair. It also answers questions about suitable trains, station accessibility, and minimum transfer times. Further information is available at bahn.de/en/booking-information/accessible-travel

The routes and timetables for the replacement services have been designed based on experience from previous construction projects. Travel patterns will be closely monitored, especially during the first few weeks. All vehicles are equipped with automatic passenger counting systems for this purpose. This data will be provided to the project partners so that bus capacity can be adjusted if necessary.

There is enough slack in the timetable to absorb minor delays. In the event of longer delays, you may have to wait for the next train or bus, as connections can only wait for a limited time.

Pushchairs and wheelchairs will of course be permitted on board the replacement buses. The articulated buses have two designated areas with boarding aids for wheelchairs and pushchairs; the non-articulated buses have a special use area for this purpose, also with boarding aids. We recommend that passengers with reduced mobility contact the Mobility Service Centre (MSC) in advance.

In the articulated buses there are two designated areas with boarding assistance for wheelchairs and strollers. In the standard single buses, a designated multipurpose area is provided for this purpose.

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.

The buses used for regional transport will be equipped with GPS trackers. This means you will able to check whether your bus is on time in the DB Navigator app and other information systems before you set off. On board the bus, display screens will also provide you with information about the route, connections and next stops. In addition, from the start of the general renovation, you will be able to track the replacement buses using a live map on this website.

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.

Due to the elevated risk of fire, e-scooters are not permitted on the replacement buses.

Dogs are permitted on the replacement service under supervision. The condition is that the dogs are either kept in containers such as carry-on luggage (e.g., pet crates) or are on a leash and muzzled.

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.

Please contact Deutsche Bahn’s Mobility Service. The Mobility Service Center will organize everything necessary if you need assistance with boarding, changing trains, or alighting—for example, a platform lift for a wheelchair. The center also answers questions about suitable trains, station accessibility, and minimum transfer times. You can find information at  bahn.de/en/booking-information/accessible-travel. You can also request assistance online at msz.bahnhof.de.