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Finally: Trains run through the Eifel between Cologne and Gerolstein again!
On June 16, 2025, the train will run continuously between Gerolstein and Cologne again. Richard Lutz provides information about progress in the reconstruction of the Eifel route, which was badly damaged after the flood in 2021.
Finally: Trains run through the Eifel between Cologne and Gerolstein again!
A ray of hope for commuters and travelers in Cologne: From today, June 16, 2025, trains can run continuously between Gerolstein and Cologne for the first time since the devastating flood disaster in summer 2021. With this step, Deutsche Bahn has reached a significant milestone in the restoration of the Eifel line, which suffered extensive damage after the floods. Loud South German newspaper The construction work has largely turned out to be a new building, but the challenges have not yet been completely overcome.
Although the trains now offer continuous connections, Deutsche Bahn still calls for patience. Work on the line is not yet fully completed and there will continue to be restrictions in the coming months, mainly due to the electrification of the line. An appointment on Monday at 10:15 a.m. at Gerolstein train station will be attended by Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, as well as Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder and Rhineland-Palatinate Mobility Minister Katrin Eder. Here you will be informed about the status of ongoing work and the next steps.
The reconstruction of the Eifel route
The Eifel route, which stretches over around 160 kilometers, was severely affected by the storm in summer 2021. Damage totaling around 1.3 billion euros to the railway infrastructure in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia is eloquent evidence of the catastrophic effects. The Ahr Valley and the West Eifel in Rhineland-Palatinate were particularly hard hit. The Deutsche Bahn reports on a gradual reconstruction that includes 170 bridges and 24 railway crossings. The aim is to create a resilient infrastructure that can better withstand future weather extremes.
The restructuring and modernization measures include the installation of around 300 kilometers of contact wire as well as the adaptation of tracks, switches, 56 bridges and ten tunnels. From the end of March, a replacement service will be offered between Bitburg-Erdorf and Gerolstein until the route fully regains its functionality. According to Deutsche Bahn, electric train operations on the Eifel route are scheduled to begin in 2028.
What does this mean for commuters?
The affected commuters and travelers in the region can breathe a sigh of relief: Deutsche Bahn is trying to keep the impact of the construction work on passengers as low as possible. As of today, continuous traffic between Cologne and Gerolstein is a big step in the right direction. But this also calls for caution, as restrictions in certain sections can occur at short notice.
Deutsche Bahn ensures that current information about timetable changes is available both online and at the train stations. So it's good for all travelers to stay up to date. If you are on your way to the Eifel region, you should definitely keep an eye on the new developments.