Cologne Central Station's Train Shutdown
Get ready for some changes in your train travel plans, folks! Cologne Central Station is closing its doors to almost all train traffic on Sunday afternoon (5 p.m.). Thanks to some construction work, they're shutting up shop until Monday morning (5.00 a.m.), according to Deutsche Bahn.
Long-distance and regional trains will be rerouted and won't stop at the main station. However, suburban trains and the RB 25 won't be affected and will stick to their regular route. Long-distance trains heading from Koblenz or Frankfurt will now stop at Köln Messe/Deutz instead, and those from Brussels will halt at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Trains to and from the Ruhr region will start or end in Düsseldorf or Wuppertal/Solingen.
DB warns that some regional services will face significant limitations, with detours and cancellations. To stay updated, check their website or app for timetable changes. There'll also be notices on the platforms, so keep an eye out.
So, what’s the reason for this stop-and-go chaos? Work on a new electronic signal box, scheduled to go live by the end of 2025. This fancy new device will call for new signal masts, rebuilt points, and some serious cable-laying action.
Even with Cologne Central Station's shutdown, the track still hums along with suburban trains and the RB 25. If you're traveling from Koblenz or Frankfurt on Sunday evening, you may need to switch to Köln Messe/Deutz as an alternative station, as long-distance trains will be diverted due to construction.
Alternative Train Stations
For travelers from Koblenz or Frankfurt in need of alternative train stations, here are some options:
- Aachen Hauptbahnhof: In case of disruptions between Aachen and Cologne, passengers can temporarily use Aachen Hauptbahnhof. Most ICE trains on the Brussels-Cologne-Frankfurt connection will depart or arrive in Aachen until December 23, 2024.[4]
- Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof: While not directly mentioned as an alternative due to the specific disruption, Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof is a major station in the region and can serve as a viable alternative for travelers heading to destinations in the Cologne area.
- Duisburg Hauptbahnhof: Another major station in the region, Duisburg Hauptbahnhof can also be considered as an alternative for passengers looking to travel through or around the Cologne area.
- Neuss Hauptbahnhof: A local alternative, Neuss Hauptbahnhof is particularly useful for individuals traveling shorter distances within the region.
Before planning your journey, always double-check the latest schedules and any additional disruptions. Use a journey planner or consult with Deutsche Bahn directly for the most current and up-to-date info.[2][4]
Source:
