Cologne Central Station under total shutdown for 12 hours on Saturday for both regional and long-distance journeys in Düsseldorf.
Heads Up, Germany Ticket Travellers!
Got plans to travel on Saturday, June 17th with your Germany Ticket to or through Cologne? Watch out for some changes! Cologne Central Station is getting a tech makeover between 6 am and 6 pm, leading to the closure of tracks 1 to 9, which will affect both regional and long-distance traffic. While the S-Bahn will keep rolling as usual, let's take a look at how it affects your journey:
Local Impact
*Regional Traffic:
The RE1, RE5, and RE6 trains face some rerouting, skipping stops like Düsseldorf-Benrath, Leverkusen Mitte, Cologne-Mülheim, Cologne Messe/Deutz, and Cologne Hbf. You can opt for alternative routes via the RE6 or other available S-Bahn lines during this time.
*Long-Distance Traffic:
Trains via the Rhine line heading towards Koblenz will skip Andernach, Remagen, Bonn Hbf, and Cologne Hbf. Alternative stops will be in Cologne Messe/Deutz and Bonn-Beuel. Long-distance trains via the high-speed line to Düsseldorf/Wuppertal will have alternate stops in Cologne Messe/Deutz. Some trains may start and end in Cologne Messe/Deutz during these works, with the Cologne Hbf stop being omitted. Trains to/from Brussels will stop alternatively in Cologne-Ehrenfeld, with the Cologne Hbf also being missed. Long-distance trains bound for the Ruhr area and other Northern destinations or Berlin may commence/end in Düsseldorf or Wuppertal/Solingen, with the Cologne Hbf stop being skipped.
Now, let's consider potential issues from previous disruptions in Cologne. On June 4, 2025, there was a large-scale evacuation in the Deutz district due to the discovery of WWII bombs, affecting the Messe/Deutz train station and leading to the closure of the Hohenzollern railway bridge - a primary connection into Cologne Central Station. However, there's no direct information confirming ongoing closures or disruptions specifically at Cologne Central Station on June 17th, 2025, assuming earlier bomb disposal operations were successful.
If station or bridge closures persist, regional and long-distance trains may be rerouted or cancelled. Passengers may need to use alternative routes, replacement buses, or temporary shuttle services if mainline rail access to Central Station or Messe/Deutz is restricted. It is recommended to verify current status with Deutsche Bahn or local transport authorities before leaving. Always remember to stay updated with real-time information to ensure a smoother journey!
- Travelers planning to journey with their Germany Ticket on June 17th may need to change their lifestyle, as the Cologne Central Station makeover could affect their travel itinerary, especially for regional and long-distance trains.
- General news about the upcoming weather in Cologne might also be beneficial for those traveling on June 17th, as any unexpected changes could impact their travel plans, potentially necessitating adjustments to their lifestyle and travel arrangements.
