Replacement services for the Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne corridor renovation
Replacement services during the corridor renovation
The Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne line will undergo a corridor renovation from 6 February 2026 to 10 July 2026. Train services will be restricted during this period. Long-distance trains will be diverted and replacement buses will substitute for regional services. S-Bahn and RE trains between Hagen, Wuppertal and Düsseldorf will continue to run during much of the corridor renovation; however, shorter periods of service restrictions will apply.
Timetables and posters with information about replacement bus services and changes to journey times will be provided at all affected stations in advance of the construction work. Visit bahnhof.de/en for information on how to get to the replacement bus stops.
Find out when and where your bus will run
Find bus routes and times at bahn.de/en, in the DB Navigator app, in the local public transport apps and on the websites of the local transport associations.
Route network maps
The route network maps give you an overview of the replacement bus services that will get you to your destination during the corridor renovation. Please note that there are two different maps, each valid for different periods:
The route map in effect on that date is displayed.
Changes to regional transport
As part of the corridor renovation of the Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne line, most regional train services will be suspended from 6 February 2026 to 10 July 2026. S-Bahn and RE trains between Hagen, Wuppertal and Düsseldorf will continue to run during much of the corridor renovation; however, shorter periods of service restrictions will apply.
The following regional and local services are affected:
6 February – 10 July 2026
- S 7: No service between Wuppertal Hbf and Remscheid-Lüttringhausen
- RE 49: No service between Wuppertal Hbf and Velbert-Langenberg
- RE 7: No service between Hagen Hbf and Köln Messe/Deutz
- RB 48: No service between Wuppertal-Oberbarmen and Köln Messe/Deutz
6 February – 20 February 2026, 20 March – 3 April 2026, 15 May – 12 June 2026
- S 8: No service between Gevelsberg West and Düsseldorf Hbf*
- S 9: No service between Hagen Hbf and Wuppertal-Vohwinkel
- S 28: No service between Düsseldorf Hbf* and Wuppertal Hbf
- RE 4 / RE 13: No service between Hagen Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf
*15 May – 12 June 2026: Düsseldorf-Gerresheim
21 February – 19 March 2026, 4 April – 14 May 2026, 13 June – 10 July 2026
- S 8: Reduced service between Hagen Hbf and Wuppertal-Oberbarmen
- S 9: Reduced service between Hagen Hbf and Wuppertal-Oberbarmen. No stops at Hagen-Westerbauer / Hagen-Weringhausen
- S 28: No service between Wuppertal-Vohwinkel and Wuppertal Hbf
- RE 4: No stops at Wuppertal-Oberbarmen, Schwelm and Ennepetal
- RE 13: No stops at Schwelm and Ennepetal
Long-distance trains
Long-distance trains will also be affected by the line closure. Long-distance trains between Cologne and Hamm will be diverted via Düsseldorf, Essen and Dortmund. The changes are already included in DB's electronic timetable information. You can find timetable information at bahn.de/en and in the DB Navigator app. Plan and book your journey in advance using the website or app.
Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne railway line: What is planned?
The Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne line is one of the region's most important routes for long-distance and local transport. It is a busy railway used by both ICE and regional trains. The corridor renovation will combine numerous works into a single project. Some of these upgrades have long been planned. The construction work will include renewing tracks, points, overhead lines and other infrastructure. Many stations will be modernised and upgraded, and accessibility will be improved at some locations.
You can find more information about the project here.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Our FAQs contain frequently asked questions and answers about replacement services for regional trains during the corridor renovation between Hagen, Wuppertal and Cologne in 2026.
Where can I find the timetable information for the replacement services?
All replacement 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 associations. Departure timetables are also available at the bus stops used by the replacement service.
How do I find the bus stops for the replacement services?
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.
What ticket do I need for the replacement service and where can I buy it?
Boarding the replacement buses is only permitted with a valid ticket. On replacement buses for regional transport, valid local transport tickets are accepted, including the Deutschlandticket.
You can obtain tickets from the apps, websites, ticket offices and ticket machines of the regional transport associations and participating rail companies (e.g. DB Navigator or bahn.de/en). This ticket is then valid for the replacement bus instead of the train. It is not possible to buy tickets on the bus.
How will I recognise the buses for the regional replacement services?
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.
I have restricted mobility and need assistance. Who can I contact?
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.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the replacement services?
Please contact the responsible transport company if you have questions about the replacement services:
DB Regio NRW: SEV S 8, SEV S 9, SEV S 68, SEV RE 49
- Contact form: Kontaktformular Nahverkehr Baustellen
- E-Mail: kundendialog.nrw@deutschebahn.com
National Express: SEV RE 4, SEV RE 7, SEV RE 7X, SEV RB 48, SEV RB 48 X
- Contact form: Kontakt
- E-Mail: kundendialograil@nationalexpress.de
RheinRuhrBahn: SEV S 7
- Contact form: Kontakt
eurobahn: SEV RE 13
- E-Mail: dialog@eurobahn.de
Regiobahn: SEV S 28
- E-Mail: info@regio-bahn.de
Go