Replacement services for the Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne general renovation
Replacement services during the general renovation
The Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne line will undergo a general 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 general renovation; however, shorter periods of service restrictions will apply.
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.
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.
Changes to regional transport
As part of the general 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 general 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 general 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 general renovation between Hagen, Wuppertal and Cologne in 2026. Further questions and answers will be added in due course.
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.
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.
Do the same passenger rights apply as on trains, especially with regard to delays and refunds?
The same passenger rights apply on replacement buses as on trains, including refunds and compensation in the event of delays.
What ticket do I need?
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.
Where can I get a ticket for the replacement buses?
You can buy tickets from Deutsche Bahn or the transport associations at www.bahn.de 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.
Is it possible to buy a ticket at the bus stop?
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.
Are long-distance trains also affected by the closure?
Long-distance trains are also affected and will be diverted around the line closure. Further information can be found via bahn.de/en or DB Navigator.
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