National infrastructure manager of Germany

 DB InfraGO

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

On 1 January 2024 DB Netze and DB Station&Service merged into DB InfraGO.
DB Netze maintains and operates the Germany national railway infrastructure. It used to consist of the subsidiaries DB Netz AG, DB Station&Service AG, DB Energie and Die Deutsche Umschlaggesellschaft Schiene-Straße mbH. DB InfraGO operates its own locomotives and track maintenance and measuring railcars. Major track construction is carried out by the DB Bahnbau Gruppe.

Website: https://www.dbinfrago.com/

Stock Tables:

Railway Operators in Germany

Passenger (and freight) operating companies

Freight-only operating companies (with own infrastructure)

Open-access freight train operators

Track builders and maintenance train operators

Stock leasing companies

Infrastructure managers (former train operators)


 DB - Deutsche Bahn AG (Die Bahn)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

DBAG has been split up in working companies, that each own their own rolling stock. these companies are: In April 2000 the meaning of DB was officially changed from "Deutsche Bahn" to "Die Bahn", or "The Railway". In September 2003 DB Reise & Touristik was renamed to DB Fernverkehr. A new subsidiary DB Personenverkehr now contains all passenger operations. Night trains (with brand name City Night Line) and the car shuttle Niebüll-Sylt were operated by DB Autozug. in October 2013 DB Autozug was merged into DB Fernverkehr, CNL was taken over by the Austrian Railways (not all lines).
Freight traffic was operated by Stinnes, that used Railion Deutschland as trading name for all rail freight traffic formerly operated by DB Cargo.

Since January 2008 DB has 3 main subsidiaries:

In 2016 DB Schenker Rail was renamed into DB Cargo (again). DB Netze is now InfraGO and DB Bahn is split up in DB Fernverkehr and DB Regio.

DB Regio has been split again in 43 regional networks. Five of these have already been separated by integrating infrastructure and operation, and the use of dedicated stock. They can be found in a separate section of this stock list. Their names are Erzgebirgsbahn, Kurhessenbahn, Oberweißbacher Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn, SudOstBayernBahn and since the beginning of 2006 WestFrankenBahn.

Also the S-Bahn Berlin and S-Bahn Hamburg are subsidiaries of the DB AG holding company.

In 2023 production of DB Fernverkehr amounted 45.5 billion passenger-km, 9% more than in 2022. DB Regio traffic grew by 7.9% to 37.5 billion passenger-km. Both numbers are above 2019 pre-covid levels. However freight levels of DB Cargo were 11.9% less than in 2022, with 74.5 billion tonne-km.

Websites: http://www.bahn.de/ and http://de.dbcargo.com/

Stock Tables:
 ABR - Abellio Rail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Abellio used to be known as EVAG-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH. It has been acquired by the Dutch Railways (NS) and is now the international brand for NS passenger services. Abellio has won the tender to operate the lines Gelsenkirchen-Herne-Bochum ("Nokia-Bahn") and Essen-Bochum-Witten-Hagen ("Ruhr-Lenne-Bahn") from December 2005. It has only operated the latter for two years, but the former will continue for 12 years. Since December 2007 Abellio also operates passenger trains on the Ruhr-Sieg Network, consisting of the lines Essen-Bochum-Hagen-Siegen (both express and local trains) and Hagen-Iserlohn (local trains).

Since December 2013 Abellio operates passenger trains in the Saale-Thüringen-Südharz area, and on "The Müngstener" (Wuppertal Hbf-Remscheid-Solingen) with 9 new "LINT" diesel trainsets.

In 2013 Abellio (ABRN) has won the concessions to operate the Niederrhein Netz (Düsseldorf-Emmerich-Arnhem(NL) and Mönchengladbach-Wesel) from December 2016. New Electric trainsets were ordered for these services. The service to Arnhem in The Netherlands started in April 2017.

In December 2018 Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland (ABRM) took over the operation of Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt from Transdev company Harz Express (HEX) and DB Regio. It will operate this network until December 2032.
Also in December 2018 Abellio Rail NRW started operation on the first Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) line RE11 Düsseldorf-Essen-Dortmund-Hamm-Kassel. In December 2019 line RE1 Aachen-Köln-Essen-Hamm followed. For these services the VRR regional body ordered new partly double-deck trainsets from Siemens. RE4, RE5 and RE6 will be operated by National Express with the same type of trainsets.

Since June 2019 Abellio Rail Baden-Württemberg (ABRBW) operates trains on the Neckartal network around Stuttgart (the Rems-Fils and Franken-Enz network will be operated by Go-Ahead, a new UK-based operator for Germany). Since December 2019 Abellio also operates "Los B" of the S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr around Dortmund (S2/S3/S9/RB3/RB40/RB41) for 15 years, with 29 new trainsets type Flirt 3 built by Stadler.

After financial problems, Neckartal Los 1 network will be operated by SWEG for 2 years from December 2021, and during that time re-tendered. Abellio will keep on operating the Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt until December 2024, after which Start will take over.
Since February 2022 VIAS operates the Niederrhein-Netz (RE19/RB35) and Der Müngstener (S7). National Express has taken over the Rhein-Ruhr-Express lines RE1 and RE11. The Ruhr-Sieg-Netz (RE16/RB46/RB91) and S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr (S2/S3/S9/RB32/RB40/RE49) is now operated by DB Regio.

In 2024 the remaining Abellio Rail Miteldeutschland (and Westfalenbahn) was sold to BeNEX investment company. BeNEX already has stakes in Agilis, Cantus, Nordbahn, Metronom and ODEG.

Website: http://www.abellio.de/

Stock Tables:
 AGIE - Agilis Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (BeNEX GmbH)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

BeNEX is a subsidiary of the Hamburger Hochbahn and Babcock&Brown, intended for expansion in railway operations outside Hamburg. BeNEX uses the marketing name Agilis. Since December 2010 Agilis operates electric passenger trains on Neumarkt-Regensburg-Plattling and Landshut-Regensburg-Ingolstadt. Since half 2011 Agilis also operates passenger trains on the "Dieselnetz Oberfranken" around Hof and Bayreuth. In December 2011 Ingolstadt-Donauwörth-Ulm (Donautalbahn) was taken over from DB Regio. The Regensburg-Landshut-München Flughafen airport express (ÜFEX) is operated by DB since December 2018.

From December 2022 Agilis continues the existing service, with some improvements, until December 2036. In December 2024 Agilis will take over the Express service Nürnberg-Regensburg and regional service Regensburg-Ingolstadt-Gaimersheim from DB using new Siemens Mireo trainsets, also until December 2036.

Agilis had won the operating contract for the Oberfranken network (again) from December 2023. This consists of all diesel-operated lines in the Oberfranken region, some of which were previously operated by Die Länderbahn or by Erfurter Bahn. 6 additional Regioshuttle motor cars will be taken over from ODEG.

Website: http://www.agilis.de/

Stock Tables:
 AKN - AKN Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates trains on Hamburg=Eidelstedt-Ulzburg-Neumünster, Elmshorn-Ulzburg and Ulzburg-Norderstedt Mitte, and freight trains on Tiefstack-Glinde and Hamburg=Bergedorf-Geesthacht. They also operate local freight trains to Hamburg=Eidelstedt, Tornesch and Elmshorn.
Together with HHA AKN has founded NBE, that operates passenger trains on the recently reopened line Neumünster-Bad Oldesloe.

In 2021 AKN took over the railway line Rendsburg=Büdelsdorf-Seemühlen from the city of Rendsburg (3km). In Seemühlen a new workshop will be built by Stadler and in December 2023 passenger services will return to this line.

From 2023 the line Eidelstedt-Kaltenkirchen is being modernised and electrified, to become Hamburg S-Bahn line S5 from 2025.

Website: http://www.akn.de/

Stock Tables:
 Arverio Deutschland GmbH (former Go-Ahead Verkehrsgesellschaft Deutschland GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2024):

In October 2023 ÖBB from Austria bought Go-Ahead Deutschland. The take-over was finished in December 2023. The trainsets are being renamed into the Arverio brand, to be completed by early 2025.

Go-Ahead is a well-known UK bus and train operator. The first contracts won in Germany are Stuttgart Netz 1b Rems-Fils and 1c Franken-Enz (operated since June 2019), Stuttgart Netz 3a (Murrbahn, since December 2019) and E-Netz Allgäu since December 2021, new electric services operating on previously diesel-operated lines by DB. This concession will run until 2033.

In December 2018 Go-Ahead won the tender of the Fugger Express (Augsburger Netze Lot 1, lines Ulm–Augsburg–München, Würzburg–Ansbach–Treuchtlingen–Donauwörth–Augsburg and Aalen–Nördlingen–Donauwörth), until now operated by DB. The concession runs for 12 years from December 2022.

Website: https://www.arverio.de/

Stock Tables:
 AVG - Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH
VBK - Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH (city tram)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates commuter trains around Karlsruhe, both on own tracks (Hochstetten-Karlsruhe(DB)-Ettlingen-Bad Herrenalb/Ittersbach Rathaus and Bruchsal-Menzingen/Odenheim, taken over from SWEG) and on DB tracks (with dual voltage tram cars). They operate local freight trains around Karlsruhe, serving some 20 loading points. AVG freight traffic amounts for 350,000 tonnes a year.

Websites: http://www.avg.info/ and http://www.kvv.de/

Stock Tables:
  BE - Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Coevorden(NS/NL)-Bad Bentheim(DB) with a branch line from Esche to Osterwald, and on Bad Bentheim(DB)-Ochtrup=Brechte. They used to operate local freight trains to Emsdetten (Mora C), and open-access freight trains over DB Netz lines in the area. Since 2020 freight service is restricted to their own network. Regular oil traffic between the port of Emlichheim and and Osterwald is to end in September 2020, after a new pipeline (to Lingen) has been taken into service.

Since July 2019 (to December 2036, extended from December 2021 for another 15 years) BE operates passenger trains on the reactivated line for passenger use Bad Bentheim-Nordhorn-Neuenhaus. There are plans to reopen the rest of the line from Neuenhaus to Coevorden(NL) for passenger trains.

Website: http://www.bentheimer-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 BEG - Brohltal Schmalspur-Eisenbahn Betriebs-GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains with phonolyth rock from Brenk to Brohl, and tourist trains "Vulkan Expreß" between Brohl and Engeln during the summer. Freight services have started in autumn 1998 again, locomotive 1405 has been restored for this service (formerly operated by T 30).
BEG has also started open-access freight services on the DB network around Brohl. The line from Brohl to the port is dual gauge.

Website: http://www.vulkan-express.de/

Stock Tables:
 BKD - Borkumer Kleinbahn und Dampfschiffahrt GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, owned by Reederei "AG Ems", operates narrow gauge trains on the North Sea island Borkum.

Website: http://www.borkumer-kleinbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 BOBFN - Bodensee-Oberschwaben-Bahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates passenger trains Friedrichshafen Hafen-Aulendorf over DB(AG) tracks (41km). For this they use 7 DMUs. The service is actually carried out by the Hohenzollerische Landesbahn AG (HzL, now part of SWEG).
Since December 2021 the line is electrified and BOB now uses 8 second-hand DB (owned by Saarland) class 426 electric trainsets that were modernised and repainted. The Regioshuttle diesel motor cars will be withdrawn and sold.

Website: http://www.bob-fn.de/

Stock Tables:
 BRB - Bayerische Regiobahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In 2020, BRB has taken over operation of the Bayerische Oberlandbahn and MERIDIAN. It now operates the Chiemgau-Inntal network (former MERIDIAN, 261km), the Oberland network (former Bayerische Oberlandbahn, 120km), the Ostallgäu-Lechfeld network (Dieselnetz Augsburg 1, 192km) and the Ammersee-Altmühltal network (Dieselnetz Augsburg 2, 183km)

Since December 2008/2009 BRB, a subsidiary of Transdev/Veolia Transport, operates passenger trains on the diesel network around Augsburg: since December 2008 on Augsburg-Geltendorf-Schongau and since December 2009 also on Augsburg-Ingolstadt-Eichstätt Stadt. New LINT41 trainsets were ordered for these services. From December 2021 BRB will continue operation of Augsburger Netze Lot 2 for 9 more years.

Since December 2018 BRB also operates passenger trains on the "Dieselnetz Augsburg 1" network: Augsburg–Bobingen–Buchloe–Füssen, Augsburg–Bobingen–Kaufering–Landsberg(Lech) and München–Geltendorf–Buchloe–Füssen.

Bayerische Oberlandbahn has started in May 1999 with services from München to the south: to Lenggries, Tegernsee and Bayrischzell. The service was operated over DBAG tracks and carried out by DEG. To be able to make the new trainsets more reliable, DBAG took over all BOB/DEG services from 28 November 1999.
Later, Connex took over DEG and also bought the 50% share from DBAG, such that Connex (later Veolia, then Transdev) was 100% owner of the Bayerische Oberlandbahn.

Since December 2013 Bayerische Oberlandbahn operates passenger trains on the lines München–Rosenheim–Traunstein–Salzburg, München–Rosenheim–Kufstein and Rosenheim–Holzkirchen–München(Mangfalltalbahn) with brand name MERIDIAN. Until 2013 these lines were operated by DB. 35 new trainsets type "Flirt" were ordered for this service.

Following an open tender, Bayern railway agency BEG has awarded the Chiemgau-Berchtesgaden passenger operating contract to BRB. The contract covers operations on the 19km Freilassing – Berchtesgaden line for 15 years from December 2021, and on the 13km Traunstein – Ruhpolding branch for 14 years from December 2022.

Website: https://www.brb.de/

Stock Tables:
 BZB - Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates passenger trains on Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Grainau - Schneefernerhaus/Zugspitzplatt. The first part up to Grainau is adhesion only, the remainder is rack fitted.

Website: http://www.zugspitze.de/

Stock Tables:
 CAN - cantus Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In December 2006 Cantus (a combination of HLB and HHA Hamburger Hochbahn) started operating passenger trains on the Nordost-Hessen-Netz: Göttingen-Eichenberg-Kassel, Kassel-Bebra-Fulda, Bebra-Eisenach and Göttingen-Eschwege-Bebra. In 2014 the concession was won again, until December 2031.

Website: http://www.cantus-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 CB - City-Bahn Chemnitz GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

This company operates the city tram in Chemnitz. In May 1998 they took over operation of the line to Stollberg from DBAG. This line is has now been electrified and coupled to the tram network, such that Variobahn tram cars can run into the city. They also took over Stollberg-St. Egidien, for which new diesel motor cars were delivered. Since June 2002 one of them operates on Chemnitz-Burgstädt while the other two run since 15-02-2003 on Stollberg-St. Egidien-Glauchau.
From December 2004 CB also operates passenger trains on Chemnitz-Hainichen (28km), reopened after years of closure. Since 2016 the brand name "Chemnitz Bahn" is used with new dual-mode trams operating to Stollberg, Mittweida, Hainichen and Burgstädt.

In December 2021 Thalheim and Aue were added as destinations, extending the network to 134km. In the next step operations on Chemnitz Hbf to Stollberg will be extended to Oelsnitz, with the diesel service Stollberg-St. Egidien then operating Oelsnitz-St. Egidien-Glauchau.
In June 2021 CB took over from DB Regio RB37 on the line Glauchau-Gössnitz (16km), until December 2025.

The majority of the branch lines is managed by Regio Infra Service Sachsen GmbH, including Freiberg-Nossen where no CB trains run.

Websites: https://www.city-bahn.de/ and https://www.chemnitzer-modell.de/

Stock Tables:
CBG - Centalbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Centralbahn mainly organises and operates passenger trains for groups, in cooperation with EK-Verlag GmbH (of railway magazine Eisenbahn Kurier). The head office is located in Basel in Switzerland, but most of the stock is stabled in Freiburg im Breisgau, in southern Germany.

Website: http://www.centralbahn.ch/

Stock Tables:
 Chiemsee-Bahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This small company operates tourist trains on Prien(DB) - Hafen Stock, connecting to ships on the Chiemsee. Normally the steam locomotive operates the trains, but in cases of non-availability or off-season the diesel locomotive is used.

Website: http://www.chiemsee-schifffahrt.de/

Stock Tables:
 DBGM - Döllnitzbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains only on Oschatz - Mügeln - Kemmlitz and since September 2000 scheduled passenger trains on Altmügeln-Oschatz.
In 2006 a new short branch from Nebitzschen fo Glossen (1.7km), connecting to an industrial museum narrow gauge line, was opened.

In 2020, regular (diesel) passenger trains run Oschatz-Mügeln-Glossen, mainly for school children. Some trains are limited to Mügeln. Historic (steam and diesel) passenger trains operated by Förderverein „Wilder Robert“ e.V. run during weekends in the summer, both to Glossen and to Kemmlitz (both once a day). Freight services ended in 2001.

Websites: http://www.doellnitzbahn.de/ and https://www.wilder-robert.de/

Stock Tables:
 DLB - Die Länderbahn GmbH (Regental Bahnbetriebs GmbH)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, formerly known as Regentalbahn, owns the railway lines Gotteszell(DB)-Viechtach (waldbahn and empty stock to the workshop in Viechtach) and Lam(DB)-Kötzting (oberpfalzbahn). In 2004 (originally) British bus operator Arriva bought the 76.9% share in RBG from the state of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern), their first appearance in Germany. In 2011 Arriva Deutschland was sold to Trenitalia and renamed into Netinera. Netinera now owns Die Länderbahn.

Die Länderbahn operates passenger trains on Plattling-Zwiesel-Bayerisch=Eisenstein, Zwiesel-Grafenau, Zwiesel-Bodenmais and Gotteszell-Viechtach using brand name waldbahn. The contract for passenger trains on Gotteszell-Viechtach had been extended to December 2025 (it started in September 2016). It will then become a regular contract up to 2034.

Since June 2001 Die Länderbahn operates passenger trains on Domazlice(CZ)-Furth im Wald-Cham-Schwandorf, Cham-Kötzting-Lam and Cham-Waldmünchen under brand name oberpfalzbahn. The company is jointly owned by RBG and DB Regio, 11 "Regioshuttle" railcars were originally ordered for these lines (OPB 3/4/5, 152km). Since December 2016 OPB also operates regional passenger trains on Regensburg-Schwandorf-Marktredwitz-Cheb(CZ)-Hof (OPB 1/2, 225km) with new diesel trainsets type LINT41. ALEX Nord operates the long distance trains.

Since December 2003 EuroTHURBO and Die Länderbahn (RBG) operate a long-distance service between München and Oberstdorf using brand name alex (Arriva Länderbahn Express). Trains are operated by second-hand rebuilt coaches and leased locomotives. In December 2007 Die Länderbahn has taken over all trains by itself. "alex 2" operates express trains on München-Regensburg-Hof/Furth im Wald and also on München-Immenstadt-Oberstdorf/Lindau. This last operation (alex süd) ended in December 2020, being replaced by DB with class 612 trainsets. alex nord (IR25) services were be operated by Die Länderbahn until December 2023. From December 2023 alex only operates München-Regensburg-Furth im Wald(-Prague).

Die Länderbahn uses brand name vogtlandbahn to operate local trains on Zwickau-Falkenstein and Reichenbach-Falkenstein-Klingenthal/Adorf. Between Falkenstein and Zwotental DMUs from the different lines are coupled. For DBAG they operate trains on Zwickau-Bad Brambach and Plauen-Schleiz West. The second batch of "Regiosprinters" operates since May 1999 over 3-rail tram tracks into the centre of Zwickau! Since May 2000 the Regiosprinters continued from Klingenthal to Sokolov in the Czech Republic. At the same time new trains started operating on Hof-Schönberg-Plauen/Gera (decoupled in Schönberg) and Marktredwitz-Eger=Cheb(CZ)-Bad Brambach-Zwickau.
From December 2006 to December 2011 vogtlandbahn operated passenger trains on behalf of DB on Münchberg-Helmbrechts, Hof-Münchberg and Lichtenfels-Neuenmarkt=Wirsberg.
In 2020 the vogtlandbahn network runs from Mehltheuer, Gera and Zwickau Zentrum up to Falkenstein, Weischlitz and into Czechia to Cheb and Kraslice. Zwotental-Adorf was closed a few years ago.

Since December 2010 Die Länderbahn operates passenger trains on the Dreiländerbahn Liberec – Zittau – Varnsdorf – Seifhennersdorf/Rybnište (56km) with "Desiro" diesel trainsets using brand name trilex. In December 2014 the RE and RB services on Dresden-Görlitz-Zgorzelec(PL) and Dresden-Zittau-Liberec(CZ) were added. In 2019 the Trilex concession (Ostsachsen Netz II) was extended for 12 more years, until December 2031.

Since December 2014 Die Länderbahn operates Los 2 of Dieselnetz Südwest in Rheinland-Pfalz, regional diesel lines radiating from Mainz to Kirchheimbolanden, Kaiserslautern, Saarbrücken and Baumholder/Türkismühle. For these services 63 new LINT diesel trainsets (2-car LINT54 and 3-car LINT81) were bought and are operated as vlexx (Vierländerexpress). Since December 2019 vlexx also operates E-Netz Saar, Los 2. This consists of regional (RB) services on electrified lines around Saarbrücken.

From December 2026 Die Länderbahn will operate S3, S5 and S5x services in the Leipzig/Halle area from Trotha to Zwickau and Geithain (Mitteldeutsche S-Bahn lot 2) for 12 years. For services new Siemens Mireo electric trainsets will be bought with around 150 seats each.

Website: http://www.laenderbahn.com/

Stock Tables:
 Drachenfelsbahn - Bergbahnen im Siebengebirge AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates rack trains (only meant for tourists) from Königswinter to Plateau des Drachenfels.

Website: https://www.drachenfelsbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 DVE - Dessauer Verkehrs- und Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Until 2010 the Anhaltische Bahngesellschaft mbH operated the tourist trains over the Dessau-Wörlitz railway. After its bankruptcy DVE, that already was the infrastructure manager, started to run the trains by itself. In 2020 second-hand small motor cars were acquired to extend services, e.g. to Ferropolis, as only one double-deck railbus is left in service.

Website: http://www.dvg-dessau.de/

Stock Tables:
 EIB - Erfurter Bahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains in the industrial areas Erfurt Ost and Erfurt Nord. In 1998 they took over the service on Erfurt - Leinefelde from DBAG. In May 1999 they took over operation of Erfurt - Heiligenstadt and Heiligenstadt - Kassel Wilhelmshöhe from DBAG. Since May 2000 they operate passenger trains on Gotha-Langensalza-Eichenberg- Kassel Wilhelmshöhe and on Erfurt-Langensalza. Since December 2004 they also operate passenger trains on Schweinfurt-Bad Kissingen-Gemünden and Schweinfurt-Meiningen. Since 2006 the company is just called Erfurter Bahn instead of Erfurter Industriebahn.

From June 2012 to December 2024 EB operates passenger trains on the Dieselnetz Ostthüringen (around Gera, Saalfeld, Jena and Erfurt) with new RegioShuttle diesel motor cars. These services were formerly operated by DB. In December 2013 the lines around Erfurt were lost to DB. Since December 2017 EB also operates Sömmerda-Buttstädt (Pfefferminzbahn), previously operated by DB Regio. Also the Unterfranken Shuttle Schwienfurt Stadt-Meiningen and Schweinfurt Stadt-GemÜnden(Main) is operated by Erfurter Bahn.

Website: http://erfurter-bahn.com/

Stock Tables:
 ERB - eurobahn GmbH & Co

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, originally managed by Bahngesellschaft Waldhof and VIA GTI operates passenger trains on the line Alzey(DB)-Kirchheimbolanden (15km), opened again in May 1999. The service was first operated by a rented LVT-S railcar from the Burgenlandbahn, but now two new "Regioshuttle" diesel railcars have been delivered.
In May 2000 Eurobahn has taken over passenger operation on Bielefeld-Rahden and Bielefeld-Lemgo (91km) using new "Talent" DMUs.
Since 5 November Eurobahn also operates the trains of the Freiberger Eisenbahngesellschaft on Freiberg-Holzhau.
Since December 2003 they also operate trains on Hildesheim-Löhne and Hildesheim-Bodenburg with "LINT" DMUs owned by the LNVG. This operation was extended from Löhne to Bünde in september 2004.
In 2001 Rhenus AG & Co. KG and Keolis S.A. took over this company. The name Eurobahn will still be used for the passenger transport activities. In 2006 Rhenus ended the collaboration such that Keolis is the only owner. Alzey-Kirchheimbolanden went over to Rhenus Veniro.

Since December 2008 Eurobahn also operate the "Hellweg" network (347km) with new electric trainsets. This network contains the local services on Dortmund-Lünen-Münster, Dortmund-Unna-Soest, Münster-Hamm-Bielefeld and Münster-Hamm-Soest-Paderborn-Warburg. This concession was renewed in December 2018 until December 2030. 5 new additional trainsets were ordered.

Since December 2009 they operate the "Maas-Rhein-Lippe" network with services on Düsseldorf-Oberhausen-Dortmund-Hamm and Venlo- Mönchengladbach-Düsseldorf-Hagen-Hamm RE3/RE13), until December 2026.

In December 2011 Bünde-Hameln-Hildesheim-Bodenburg (Weser-Lammetal) was taken over by Nordwestbahn. Since December 2013 Eurobahn operates the Dieselnetz Ostwestfalen-Lippe Los "Nord": Münster-Warendorf-Bielefled-Bünde-Rahden and Bielefeld-Lage-Lemgo/Detmold (until this time partly operated by Nordwestbahn and partly already by Eurobahn) with about 15 "Talent" diesel trainsets.

In December 2017 Eurobahn has taken over the Teutoburger Wald network from Westfalenbahn plus Bielefeld-Hengelo(NL) (new service from January 2018) and Bielefeld-Minden-Nienburg (until then DB).

The status in 2020 is as follows: Eurobahn (Keolis S.A.) operates the Maas-Rhein-Lippe-Netz (RE3 and RE13), Ostwestfalen-Lippe-Netz (RB67, RB71, RB73 and RE82), Hellweg-Netz (RB50, RB59, RB69 and RB89) and Teutoburger-Wald-Netz (RB61, RB65, RB66, RB72 and RE79), all in Nordrhein-Westfalen province.

In 2021 Keolis S.A. decided to sell Eurobahn because of major losses. The new owner is Team Treuhand, a subsidiary of Noerr, which created operating company SG Eurobahn.

Website: http://www.eurobahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 ERIXX - Erixx GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In December 2011 Erixx - Der Heidesprinter (formerly known as Heidekreuzbahn) took over the operation of passenger trains on RB38 Hannover-Soltau-Buchholz and RB37 Bremen-Soltau-Uelzen from DB Regio, until December 2021. For this they use 27 new LINT trainsets provided by the province (LNVG). Erixx is a subsidiary of freight operator OHE. In December 2021 Start Niedersachen Mitte has taken over this concession (with 25x LINT 41).

In December 2014 they took over Dieselnetz Niedersachsen Süd-Ost Los 2 (DINSO) from DB. This consists of services from Uelzen and Braunschweig to Bad Harzburg and Hannover, plus Lüneburg-Dannenberg. This is now the only service still operated by Erixx.

In February 2021 OHE won the tender to operate the Akkunetz Los Ost in Schleswig-Holstein from December 2022. The lines that are operated are RE83/84 Kiel–Lübeck, RB89 Lübeck–Lüneburg, RB87 Kiel–Preetz and RB 76 Kiel–Schönberger Strand. The province will provide the necessary battery trains to run the trains on these lines but these will only be available in 2023. Until then DB Regio provides LINT DMUs that were previously used on these lines.
Parent company Netinera decided to create a subsidiary named erixx Holstein GmbH to operate this concession.

Website: http://www.erixx.de/

Stock Tables:
 Erzgebirgsbahn (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The Erzgebirgsbahn is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where infrastructure and operation is integrated, and dedicated rolling stock is used.
EGB operates passenger trains on Zwickau-Aue-Johanngeorgenstadt, Chemnitz-Flöha-Olbernhau=Grünthal, Chemnitz-Flöha-Cranzahl and Glauchau-Gößnitz (162km in total). Chemnitz-Aue is operated by Chemnitz Bahn (CBC) from 2020, Olbernhau=Grünthal to Neuhausen is now closed. In 2020 the contract of VMS with DB to operate these lines was extended until December 2024. In 2023 DB has won the contract again and will operate these services until December 2032.

Website: http://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 EVB - Eisenbahnen und Verkehrsbetriebe Elbe-Weser GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

EVB owns a railway network centered at Bremervörde, with connections to the DB network at Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Rotenburg, Tostedt, Buxtehude and Stade.

In 2010 EVB bought the Mittelweserbahn that now runs as the freight branch of EVB, EVB logistik. EVB Logistik operates open-access freight trains mainly from the North Sea ports to the East and Southeast of Germany, and shunting duties at different locations. Of course also freight trains on the EVB network itself are operated.

Since December 2011 EVB operates passenger trains on the Weser-Elbe-Netz (Bremerhaven-Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven-Bremervoerde-Buxtehude) with LINT41 DMUs provided by the province (second-hand from NWB, built in 2005). In December 2018 passenger service on Rotenburg-Verden was taken over from DB (until December 2022). Every summer EVB operates the Moorexpress touristic passenger service on Osterholz-Scharmbeck - Bremervörde - Stade.

Website: http://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/

Stock Tables:
 FEG - Freiberger Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since 25 November 2000 this new company operates passenger trains on Freiberg(Sachsen)-Holzhau (31km), maybe to be extended with the branch line Berthelsdorf-Brand=Erbisdorf. The company was owned by Eurobahn Verkehrsgesellschaft, but has now gone to one of the shareholders Rhenus Veniro and in the mean time Transdev.
The infrastructure of the line is managed by R.P. Eisenbahn, that has leased it from DB for 20 years since 2000.

Website: http://www.freiberger-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 HANS - Hanseatische Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since December 2012 HANS, closely related to Eisenbahn Gesellschaft Potsdam, operates two passenger train services formerly operated by PEG: Neustadt(Dosse)-Kyritz Bürgerpark (RB73) and Kyritz Bürgerpark-Pritzwald-Meyenburg (RB74). In early 2021 this contract was extended until December 2022. IFrom December 2022 the situation is unclear.
Since December 2018 they also operate on Stendal-Rathenow (RB34) and Stendal-Tangermünde (RB33) using second-hand LINT-27 motor cars class 640 that were previously operated by Transdev in the Harz area (HEX). In 2021 this contract was won again and will be operated by HANS until December 2028.

They also operated trains on Waren(Müritz)-Malchow-Karow (RB15) and Neustrelitz-Mirow (RB16) but these services were taken over by ODEG in December 2021.

The infrastructure for RB33/RB34 is managed by DB Netz and RB73/RB74 by Regio Infra Nord-Ost GmbH.

Website: https://www.hanseatische-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 HLB - Hessische Landesbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

For years this company had no own railway lines, but operated the service for BLE, FKE and KNE and jointly owned the HBG. At the end of 2005 BLE, FKE and KNE merged into the "new" company HLB Basis.
FKE operates passenger trains on Frankfurt(M)=Höchst - Königstein, and Frankfurt(M)=Höchst - Bad Soden. They operate trains under the name "Taunusbahnen" on (Frankfurt-Bad Homburg-) Friedrichsdorf-Grävenwiesbach-Brandoberndorf. The last part (8km) was only re-opened in autumn 1999.
BLE operates freight trains on Butzbach(DB)-Griedel and Butzbach(DB)-Butzbach Nord(-Pohlgöns). Since May 1998 they also operate passenger trains again, on the following lines: Friedberg - Friedrichsdorf (RVM line 16, 16km), Friedberg - Beienheim - Nidda/Hungen (RVM line 31/32, 25/17km), Giessen - Hungen - Nidda - Gelnhausen (Lahn-Kinzig-Bahn, 70km) and Friedberg - Hanau (32km).
KNE operates freight trains between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe Süd(DB) and Naumburg, and passenger trains/trams up to Baunatal. Since May 1998 they also operate passenger trains between Wabern and Bad Wildungen, with new DMUs type GTW2/6. However, this service was taken over in December 2008 by DB Kurhessenbahn.

Since December 2004 a new subsidiary of HLB and WEBA (vectus) operates passenger trains on the Westerwald lines Limburg-Siershahn, Limburg-Au(Sieg), Limburg-Wiesbaden and Limburg-Koblenz. This ended in 2019 with the vectus trainsets being sold.
Since December 2005 the HLB operates the passenger trains of the Kahlgrundbahn, on Hanau-Kahl-Schollkrippen. Kalhgrundbahn is no longer operated by HLB from 12/2015.

From December 2010 HLB operates regional express (RE) trains on Frankfurt-Gießen-Siegen and local trains (RB) on Gießen-Marburg with new FLIRT trainsets. From December 2011 they also operate regional trains on Limburg-Giessen, Giessen-Fulda and Fulda-Gersfeld (with 23 new LINT41 trainsets plus probably some second-hand), but Friedberg-Hanau will be taken over by DB Regio. This will continue from December 2023 for 15 years, including the new RE24 service Limburg-Giessen with 10 new LINT trainsets (the number growing from 23 to 33 trainsets).

Since December 2014 Kassel-Treysa is operated by HLB with 4 new FLIRT trainsets. Eifel-Westerwald-Sieg Los 2 (around Limburg and Siegen) is also operated by HLB, taken over from Vectus, DB and Hellertalbahn. Since August 2015 HLB operates passenger trains on Dieselnetz Eifel-Westerwald-Sieg Los 2 around Siegen with modernised (LINT/GTW) and some new (LINT) trainsets.

In December 2018 HLB took over the operation of the Südhessen-Untermain network from RB Regio: Frankfurt Hbf-Hanau-Aschaffenburg-Laufach and Wiesbaden-Mainz-Aschaffenburg-Darmstadt. HLB will operate these lines until December 2033.

Summary of operations in 2020 by HLB: Former FKE/Taunusbahnen (RB11/RB12/RB15), former BLE (RB16/RB46/RB47/RB48), Main-Lahn-Bahn (RB21/RB22), Eifel-Westerwald-Sieg (RB29 and RB90/RB91/RB92/RB93/RB95/RB96), Vogelsbergbahn (RB45/RB52 and RE24 from 2023), Südhessen-Untermain (RE59/RB58/RB75) and Regional Express lines Main-Weser-Bahn and Main-Sieg-Express (RE98/RE99) plus a few services on Frankfurt-Eltville (RE9).

In December 2022 Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland has taken over operation of the former FKE lines (RB11/12/15) plus Friedberg-Friedrichsdorf (RB16) with new hydrogen trainsets.

Since December 2023 HLB operates the Mittelhessen Teilnetz network for 15 years. This network consists of regional lines around Gießen: RB37/RB40/RB41 and RB49. For services on these electrified lines HLB has ordered new Coradia Continental trainsets from Alstom.

HLB Basis AG manages the rail infrastructure of Frankfurt=Höchst-Königstein(16km), Friedrichsdorf-Brandoberndorf (36km), Butzbach-Butzbach=Nord/Ost (3km), Kassel=Wilhelmshöhe=Süd-Baunatal=Großenritte (9km, 3km used by trams) and Eschwege=West-Eschwege=Stadt (5km, electrified).

Website: https://www.hlb-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 HSB - Harzer Schmalspurbahnen

Network length, gauge and electrification (2006):

This company operates (mostly steam) trains on Wernigerode-Nordhausen (Harzquerbahn), Drei Annen Hohne-Brocken (Brockenbahn), Gernrode - Alexisbad - Harzgerode/Stiege - Hasselefelde (Selketalbahn) and Stiege - Eisfelder-Talmühle. Only the number of locomotives taken over by HSB from the DBAG/DR are given. In March 2006 the part between Gernrode and Quedlinburg (8.5km) was reopened on narrow gauge such that the Selketalbahn trains could be extended to (world heritage centre) Quedlinburg.

In 2018 over 1.1 million passengers travelled with HSB, 10% more than in 2017.

Website: http://www.hsb-wr.de/

Stock Tables:
IL - Inselbahn Langeoog

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates narrow gauge trains between the ferries and the village on the island Langeoog.

Website: https://www.langeoog.de/

Stock Tables:
Kurhessenbahn (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The Kurhessenbahn is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where infrastructure (278km in total) and operation is integrated, and dedicated rolling stock is used.
Kurhessenbahn operates passenger trains on Kassel Wilhelmshöhe-Korbach (RB4), Marburg-Bad Laasphe-Erndtebrück (RB94), Kassel Hbf-Wabern-Bad Wildungen (RB39) and Marburg-Frankenberg-Korbach-Brilon Stadt (RB42). In December 2008 (Kassel-)Wabern-Bad Wildungen was taken over from Hessische Landesbahn.

Website: http://www.kurhessenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 MBB - Mecklenburgische Bäderbahn Molli GmbH&Co.

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates steam trains between Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn on the Baltic coast.

Website: http://www.molli-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 ME - metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since December 2003 this new company, a subsidiary of freight operator OHE, Bremer Straßenbahn, EVB and Hamburger Hochbahn, operates regional express trains on Hamburg-Bremen and Hamburg-Uelzen with new locomotives and double-deck coaches provided by the province (LNVG). Since December 2005 they also operate passenger trains on Uelzen-Hannover-Göttingen, and in December 2007 also Hamburg-Cuxhaven (115km, diesel) was added, as well as regional services on Hamburg-Lüneburg and Hamburg-Tostedt (94km, electric).
Since December 2010 ME also operates the Hanse-Netz Hamburg-Uelzen and Hamburg-Bremen (regional services). Since December 2015 they operate Elektronet Niedersachsen-Ost (ENNO) around Braunschweig with new Coradia Continental trainsets. Netinera will keep on operating the ENNO contract until December 2038.

In December 2018 Hamburg-Cuxhaven was taken over by start Unterelbe, while the electric trains around Hamburg will be operated by metronom until December 2033. Two new sets of locomotive and double-deck coaches were delivered in 2020.

Summary of the services operated in 2020: Uelzen-Hannover-Göttingen (RE2), Hamburg-Uelzen-Hannover (RE3/RB31) and Hamburg-Bremen (RE4/RB41) by metronom (393km), and Hannover-Wolfsburg (RE30) and Hildesheim-Braunschweig-Wolfsburg (RE40) by enno (132km).

Websites: http://www.der-metronom.de/

Stock Tables:
 NBE - Nordbahn Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

At the end of December 2002 the railway line between Neumüster and Bad Segeberg was reopened. The NBE operates passengers over this line, continuing to Bad Oldesloe (taken over from DBAG). In December 2011 NBE took over operation on Neumünster-Heide-Büsum (78km) from Schleswig-Holstein Bahn. Since December 2014 NBE operates passenger trains on Itzehoe-Hamburg Hbf and Wrist-Hamburg Altona (Netz Mitte Schleswig-Holstein).

Summary of the services operated in 2020: Itzehoe-Hamburg Hbf (RB61), Büsum-Heide-Neumünster (RB63), Wrist/Itzehoe-Elmshorn-Hamburg Altona (RB71) and Neumünster-Bad Oldesloe (RB82), 224km in total over DB Netz railway lines.

Since December 2023 NBE continued to operate RB63 and RB82 (Akkunetz Los West), and has started operating passenger trains on the Akkunetz Los Nord: RE72 Flensburg–Kiel, RB73 Eckernförde–Kiel, RE74 Husum–Kiel, RB75 Rendsburg–Kiel and RB64 Husum–Bad St. Peter-Ording. For the services on all these lines the province (NAH.SH) has provided battery trains. The contracts run for 12 years (opt. +2 years).

NBE is for 50% owned by AKN and for 50% by HHA (public transport operator in Hamburg).

Website: http://www.nordbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 NEB - Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This private railway, also known under the nickname "Heidekrautbahn", owns tracks that run from the outskirts of Berlin to the scenic countryside north of the city. With its tracks situated in the GDR and the eastern sector of Berlin after the war, the state railway DR took over its operations there, and the company, which continued to exist legally in West Berlin, was reduced to the administration of its assets there. Since 1994, it has resumed operating freight trains on its lines Berlin Karow(DB)-Basdorf-Groß Schönebeck and Basdorf-Liebenwalde. Since 1999 passenger operation is possible again, in the beginning carried out by DBAG with new "GTW 2/6" trainsets class 646.
In April 2004 Connex/NEB won the tender for passenger train operation on the lines mentioned above, from December 2005. New "Talent" DMUs were ordered. They also operate Berlin=Lichtenberg-Küstrin=Kietz since December 2006.

Since December 2014 (first part) and December 2015 NEB operates Netz Ostbrandenburg, with modernised Regioshuttle motor cars and with new LINK trainsets from PESA(PL).

In 2020 passenger service over the original NEB line runs to Groß Schönebeck and Schmachtenhagen (RB71). From Berlin trains are operated to Templin Stadt (RB12), Werneuchen (RB25), Müncheberg-Kostrzyn (RB26) and Löwenberg-Rheinsberg (RB54). From Eberswalde trains run to Frankfurt(Oder) (RB61), Schwedt (RB61), Angermünde-Prenzlau RB62) and Joachimsthal-Templin Stadt (RB62). Also Fürstenwalde-Bad Saarow (RB35) and Königs Wusterhausen-Frankfurt(Oder) (RB36) are operated by NEB. Berlin Wilhelmsruh-Schönwalde is currently only used for freight, but it will be reopened for passenger services in 2023.

In 2021 NEB won the tender for future operation of the current network. In 2024 the Talent and Regioshuttle trains will be replaced by hybrid trainsets from Siemens, plus 5 additional PESA Link DMUs.

Website: http://www.neb.de/

Stock Tables:
 NEG - Norddeutsche Eisenbahngesellschaft Niebüll GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The NEG used to be called Uetersener Eisenbahn, before it was bought by Vossloh. In the mean time Vossloh has sold NEG again to ELC, the freight operating arm of the Luxemburg Railways (CFL). By this move ELC can now operate its own freight trains all over Germany. NEG itself operates freight trains on Uetersen-Tornesch. In January 2007 the company was renamed into CFL Cargo Deutschland.
In December 2003 NEG and NOB have taken over the operation of the NVAG Nordfriesische Verkehrsbetriebe AG, that went bankrupt earlier in 2003. The rail operations of former NVAG are now known as NEG Niebüll. This company operates passenger (and freight) trains on Niebüll(DB)-Dagebüll Mole in north-west Germany. In 2001 they started (together with AB) operation of local freight trains in the north of Schleswig-Holstein (Mora C).

In 2020 NEG Niebüll manages the railway infrastructure of Niebüll-Dagebüll Mole, Niebüll-Süderlügum Grenze (border with Denmark) and Tornesch-Uetersen. It operates passenger trains on RB65 Niebüll-Dagebüll Mole and together with Arriva on RB66 Niebüll-Esbjerg(DK). As a specialty through IC coaches froim Dagebüll to Hamburg and beyond are hauled by NEG up to Niebüll, where they are attached/detached to/from DB IC trains. Freight on the NEG lines is now operated by CFL Cargo Deutschland.

In 2022 75% of NEG was sold by CLF to Railroad Develpment Corporation (RDC).

Website: http://www.neg-niebuell.de/

Stock Tables:
 NWB - NordWestBahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The NWB is part of the Connex Group, renamed in Transdev in early 2006. In November 2000 this company has taken over the operation of passenger trains on the lines Wilhelmshaven-Oldenburg-Osnabrück Hbf, Wilhelmshaven-Bremen Hbf, Esens-Wilhelmshaven and Bremen Hbf-Osnabrück Hbf.
Since December 2003 NWB also operates passenger trains from Bielefeld to Dissen=Bad Rothenfelde (in 2005 extended to Osnabrück), Münster, Paderborn and Altenbeken, and on Paderborn-Holzminden (Ems-Senne-Weser network).
Since December 2006 NWB also operates regional express trains on Borken-Dorsten-Essen Hbf and local trains on Dorsten-Castrop=Rauxel-Dortmund Hbf and Dorsten-Coesfeld (Emscher-Münsterland-Netz). This was renewed in December 2018 and December 2021 and will now run until December 2028. It will only consist of one line RE14 running Essen Steele-Essen Hbf-Bottrop Hbf-Dorsten-Borken/Coesfeld, where trains split/comtine at Dorsten.
Since December 2007 NWB also runs passenger trains on the rebuilt former freight-only line Farge-Bremen=Vegesack.
Since December 2009 NWB operates the Niers-Rhein-Emscher-Netz with lines Kleve-Krefeld-Düsseldorf and Xanten-Moers-Duisburg, followed in December 2010 by Oberhausen-Duisburg=Ruhrort and Oberhausen-Bottrop-Dorsten (together 225km). NWB has ordered 30 new Lint41 DMUs for these services.
From December 2010 (with additional lines from December 2011) NWB operates the new S-Bahn system of Bremen, to Bremerhaven-Lehe, Nordenham, Bad Zwischenahn, Twistringen, and from 2011 to Verden and Farge, with new electric trainsets type Lirex. This concession was won again and is operated from December 2022 until December 2036.

In December 2011 Bünde-Hameln-Hildesheim-Bodenburg (Weser-Lammetal) was taken over by Nordwestbahn from Eurobahn, operated by Lint41 DMUs (11x). Since December 2013 Nordwestbahn operates the Dieselnetz Ostwestfalen-Lippe Los "Süd": Osnabrück-Dissen-Bad Rothenfelde-Bielefeld and Bielefled-Paderporn-Altenbeken-Holzminden-Kreiensen. Diesel trainsets type "Talent" are used.
Since December 2015 Dortmund-Wanne=Eickel-Dorsten is no longer operated by NWB but by DB Regio.

Summary of services operated in 2021: Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Niedersachsen (RS1/RS2/RS3/RS4), Weser-Ems (RE18/RE19/RB58/RB59), Weser-Lammetalbahn (RB77/RB79), Ostwestfalen (RB74/RB75/RB84/RB85), Emscher-Münsterland (RE14) and Niers-Rhein-Emscher (RE10/RB31/RB36/RE44).

Since December 2021 the Weser-Lammetalbahn (RB77/RB79, 11x LINT 41) is operated by Start (RVSD). From December 2025 RB31/RB36/RE44 will be taken over by DB Regio, and RE14 from December 2026. RB43 (Dortmund-Herne-Dorsten) will go back to DB Regio in December 2028.

Around 40 million passengers a year travel with NordWestBahn trains over 1530km of DB Netz railway lines.

In 2022 the new name Rhein-Ruhr-Bahn (Transdev Rhein-Ruhr GmbH) was announced for the Emscher-Münsterland and Niers-Rhein-Emscher concessions. In December 2023 Rhein-Ruhr-Bahn has taken over Der Müngstener (Wuppertal-Remscheid-Solingen) from VIAS, originally Abellio.

Website: http://www.nordwestbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
NXG - National Express Rail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

National Express, well known from its public transport operations in the UK, entered the German market in 2015. Since December 2015 RE 7 (Rheine-Hagen-Köln-Krefeld) and RB 48 Wuppertal-Köln-Bonn) in the Ruhrgebiet area in Germany are operated, until December 2030.

Since June 2019 National Express operates Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) line RE5 Wesel-Duisburg-Köln-Koblenz with new partly double-deck trainsets from Siemens. RE6 (Minden-Dortmund-Duisburg-Köln/Bonn Flughafen) followed in December 2019 and RE4 in December 2020.

In February 2022 National Express has taken over RRX lines RE1 and RE11 from Abellio.

Website: http://www.nationalexpress.de/

Stock Tables:
 Oberweißbacher Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The OBS is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where infrastructure and operation is integrated, and dedicated rolling stock is used.
It operates passenger trains on Rottenbach-Katzhütte and on Lichtenhain-Cursdorf (4km, electrified at 600V=), plus the funicular between Obstfelderschmiede and Lichtenhain. The total operated network length is 29km (DB Netz railway lines).

Website: https://www.oberweissbacher-bergbahn.com/

Stock Tables:
 ODEG - Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In December 2002 this new company, a subsidiary of the Hamburger Hochbahn AG and the Prignitzer Eisenbahn, took over the operation of passenger trains from DB Regio on the lines Hagenow-Ludwigslust-Parchim-Waren(-Neustrelitz) and Neustrelitz-Mirow.
Since December 2004 they also operate passenger trains on the "Ostbrandenburg" network: Berlin=Lichtenberg-Königs Wusterhausen-Beeskow-Frankfurt(Oder), Berlin=Lichtenberg-Tiefensee, Berlin=Lichtenberg-Eberswalde-Wriezen-Werbig-Frankfurt(Oder) and Eberswalde-Templin.
In December 2007 ODEG took over Fürstenwalde-Bad Saarow=Pieskow from DB (until 2014), with existing Regioshuttle motor cars. Since December 2008 ODEG also operates the Spree-Neiße network (Zittau-Cottbus, Cottbus-Forst, Görlitz-Hoyerswerda and Görlitz-Bischofswerda). In December 2018 this was renewed until December 2030.

Since December 2011 ODEG operates the lines Rathenow-Brandenburg and Berlin=Wannsee-Jüterbog, taken over from Märkische Regiobahn as part of Netz Stadtbahn. More lines followed in December 2012 operated with new double-deck trainsets. In December 2013 Rhena-Schwerin-Parchim was taken over from OLA.

In December 2014 the "Ostbrandenburg" network was taken over by NEB, followed in December 2015 by Stendal-Rathenow (from DB Regio).
From December 2019 ODEG keeps on operating the Westmecklenburg concession (Rhena-Schwerin-Parchim and Hagenow Stadt-Ludwigslust-Parchim) until December 2025.

In 2020 ODEG operates passenger trains in all former GDR provinces, over 1214km of DB Netz railway lines. They run trains on Ostseeküste II (RE9/RE10), Netz Westmecklenburg (RB13/RB14/RB19), Spree-Neiße Netz (RB41/RB42/RB64/RB65) and Netz Stadtbahn (RE2/RE4/RB33/RB51).

Since December 2021 until 2026 also RB15 Waren-Malchow and RB16 Mirow-Neustrelitz are operated by ODEG (previously Hanseatische Eisenbahn). Since December 2022 the large Elbe-Spree-Netz los 1+4 is operated by ODEG (RE1 and RE8/RB17/RB33/RB37/RB51). RE2 (Nauen-Berlin-Cottbus) is now operated by DB.

Website: https://www.odeg.de/

Stock Tables:
 RBK - Regionalbahn Kassel GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

From December 2004 this company operates light rail trains on Kassel-Warburg, to be extended into the city center of Kassel. Other lines that followed are Kassel-Melsungen and Kassel-Wolfshagen (partly diesel-operated). To Hessisch Lichtenau an old railway line is adapted for operation by dual-mode trams. Since December 2013 KVG(Kassel) and HLB have taken over the operation of these services, with the same trainsets. In December 2014 Kassel-Treysa was taken over by HLB.

RBK manages part of the railway lines in the Baunatal (workshop Großenritte-bridge highway 44, 4km) and Lossetal (Kaufungen Papierfabrik-Im Tal, 19km). In 2020 KVB tram line 4 (Kassel Mattenberg-Hessisch Lichtenau) uses the RBK infrastructure in the Lossetal, KVB tram line 8 (Hessenschanze-Kaufungen, Papierfabrik) uses the RBK infrastructure in the Baunatal. The RegioTram (from Hofgeismar-Hümme, Wolfhagen and Melsungen to the city of Kassel, over DB and KVB tracks) is now operated by RegioTram Gesellschaft mbH (RTG, 50% KVB/50% HLB) but the trainsets are still owned by RBK. In December 2023 the operating contract was renewed for another 10 years.

Websites: http://www.regionalbahn-kassel.de/ and https://www.rtg-kassel.de/

Stock Tables:
 RDC - RDC Deutschland GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

RDC operates car transportation trains between Niebüll and Westerland (on the island Sylt) using the name Autozug Sylt GmbH (AZS), in competition with DB.

Websites: https://www.rdc-deutschland.de/ and https://www.autozug-sylt.de/

Stock Tables:
 REGIO - Regiobahn Fahrbetriebsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

Since September 1999 this company operates passenger trains on Kaarster See - Neuss - Düsseldorf - Mettmann Stadtwald (33km). Regiobahn owns the railway lines Kaarster See-Neuss Hbf (7.3km) and Düsseldorf=Gerresheim-Mettmann=Stadtwald-Wuppertal=Dornap=Hahnenfurth (13.8km) while the center part Neuss Hbf-Düsseldorf=Gerresheim and new eastern extremity Dornap-Wuppertal Vohwinkel-Wuppertal Hbf are managed by DB Netz.
Since May 2000 they operate trains every 20 minutes. The company that actually runs the trains is called RBE - Rheinisch-Bergische Eisenbahn (Transdev Rheinland GmbH). In 2017 the operating contract was again awarded to Regiobahn, from December 2021 up to 2034. The region (VRR) will provide 10 new Flirt 3XL trains.
In December 2020 the passenger operation was extended from Mettmann to Wuppertal Hbf, with a 2km long new curve connecting Dornap=Hahnenfurth with the Essen-Wuppertal line. By 2026 the entire line will be electrified, allowing the new trains - temporarily in service on other lines of the NRW region - to be used. There are plans for a future extension westward from Kaarster See to Viersen (old railway line to be rebuilt), continuing to Venlo in The Netherlands.

From December 2023 Regiobahn will also operate new RE47 services on Remscheid-Solingen-Düsseldorf using existing Integral trainsets.

Websites: http://www.regio-bahn.de/ and https://www.rbe-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 RTB - Rurtalbahn GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Starting from 1993 the Dürener Kreisbahn (DKB) operated trains from Düren to Heimbach and Jülich, for which new low-floor "Regiosprinter" DMUs were bought. In 2002 the line Düren-Jülich was extended to Linnich for passenger trains. For DBAG they used to operate passenger trains on Mönchengladbach-Dalheim (20km). RTB also operates the reinstated trains on Börde-Bahn Düren-Zülpich-Euskirchen during weekends, waiting for the line to be modernised for daily passenger service. The contract to operate all these lines was extended in 2021 for 4 years, until December 2025.

They also operate freight trains on Puffendorf-Jülich-Linnich, and over DB lines to Hubertushof, Horrem and Sindorf (Mora C).
In January 2003 DKB merged with infrastructure company EVS, to form the new company RTB. One of the extensions of the new company - both for freight and passengers - might be the Düren-Zülpich-Euskirchen line.

Since the end of 2017 freight operating company Trainsport of Belgium operates under the name Rurtalbahn Cargo Belgium. Trainsport already used locomotives hired from RTB Cargo in Germany.

In 2020 RTB manages the infrastructure of the railway lines Düren-Heimbach, Düren-Linnich, Düren-Zülpich and Heinsberg-Lindern, plus Düren-Distelrath for shunting and access to the RTB workshop. RTB operates passenger trains on RB21 (Linnich-Düren-Heimbach) and RB28 (Düren-Euskirchen). Open-access freight trains are operated by RTB Cargo anywhere in Germany and in The Netherlands.

Website: http://www.rurtalbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 RüBB - Rügensche BäderBahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates narrow gauge steam trains on Lauterbach-Putbus-Göhren on the island Rügen. In March 2004 the RüKB has been sold by former operator KEG to EBG Prora, due to financial problems. Since the end of 2004 it is owned by Hermann Schöntag.

Since January 2007 PRESS operates the Rasender Roland steam trains under the new name Rügensche BäderBahn. Service actually started in March 2008 with locomotives and coaches brought in from Sachsen, later the situation regarding locomotives and coaches normalised.
On the dual gauge section Lauterbach Mole-Putbus the RüBB operates narrow gauge steam trains continuing to Göhren, and parent company PRESS operates a standard gauge Regioshuttle diesel motor car that continues beyond Putbus to Bergen auf Rügen.

Website: http://www.ruegensche-baederbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 RVSD - Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2018):

RVSD is the low-cost DB Regio subsidiary for operating regional lines. It currently has two operating companies, Start Unterelbe and Start Niedersachsen Mitte.
Since December 2018 Start Unterelbe operates the Hamburg-Cuxhaven regional express trains (RE5) with diesel locomotives and double-deck coaches formerly operated by metronom.
In December 2021 Start Niedersachsen Mitte has taken over the operations of the former Heidekreuz (erixx) and Weser-Lammetalbahn (RB77/RB79, formerly operated by NordWestBahn) concessions for 8 years. For these operations trainsets from LNVG are used.

In March 2022 it was announced that Start will operate the former FKE lines (RB11 Bad Soden-Frankfurt Höchst, RB12 Königstein-Frankfurt Hbf, RB15 Brandoberndof-Frankfurt Hbf) plus RB16 Friedberg-Friedrichsfdorf-Bad Homburg from December 2022 with new hydrogen trains provided by the region (Fahma RVM). These lines were previously operated by HLB.

In December 2024 Start will take over the Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt from Abellio, including 53 LINT41 trainsets. From December 2026 Start will operate a new international train between Düsseldorf and Eindhoven in The Netherlands, probably with new multi-voltage FLIRT trainsets from Stadler.

Website: https://www.startgmbh.com/

Stock Tables:
 Saarbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates dual voltage trams (similar to Karlsruhe) on tram tracks in Saarbrücken from Riegelsberg Süd continuing over DBAG tracks to Sarreguemines in France. In September 2009 an extension from Riegelsberg Süd to Walpershofen/Etzenhofen was opened, and on 31 October 2011 an extension to Heusweiler Markt. The section from here to Lebach (13km) was opened in 2014.
The section from Walpertshofen/Etzenhofen through Saarbrücken to Römerkastell is operated as a tram line, the remainder (both north and south) as a railway line. The 750V= part is owned and managed by Saarbahn Netz GmbH (until 2015 known as Stadtbahn Saar GmbH), the remainder of the network (14km, Brebach-Sarreguemines) is managed by DB Netz and a small part by SNCF Réseau.

Website: http://www.saarbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 S-Bahn Berlin GmbH (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, a full daughter company of DBAG, operates all S-Bahn trains on the railways in and around Berlin, electrified with 3rd rail. In 2006 traffic grew to 375 million travellers, a new record (+5.3%).

Website: http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/

Stock Tables:
 S-Bahn Hamburg GmbH (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

From January 1st, 1997 this company operates all trains in and around Hamburg on the railways electrified with 1200V 3rd rail. The basic network consists of 4 lines: Poppenbüttel/Airport-Wedel(S1), Elbgaustrasse-Aumühle(S21), Pinneberg-Stade(S3) and Altona-Neugraben(S31). Hamburg=Neugraben-Stade is 15kV overhead and jointly operated with regular trains. The airport link from Ohlsdorf was opened on 11 December 2008. Trains to/from the airport and Poppenbüttel split/combine at Ohlsdorf.

DB won the tender for operating S-Bahn Hamburg from December 2018 up to December 2033.
In 2019 around 280 million passengers travelled with the S-Bahn services in Hamburg.

Website: http://www.s-bahn-hamburg.de/

Stock Tables:
 SAB - Schwäbische Alb-Bahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Schwäbische Alb-Bahn operates passenger and freight services on Ulm-Schelklingen-Münsingen-Engstingen-Gammertingen. The depot and workshop is located in Münsingen. The infrastructure of the line is owned by DB Netz and SWEG Schienenwege (former HzL).

Website: https://www.alb-bahn.com/

Stock Tables:
 SBBD - Schweizerische Bundesbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

After Mittelthurgaubahn went bankrupt, THURBO - als was already intended but now earlier - took over services in Eastern Switzerland and in Southwestern Germany. THURBO now owns the former MThB main line Wil-Weinfelden-Konstanz, the rest of the network is owned by SBB or DBAG.
In Germany THURBO operated on the lines Radolfzell-Stockach and Konstanz-Singen-Engen, and in Switzerland south of Lake Konstanz (Bodensee) on all lines between Waldshut, Konstanz, Uznach and Altstätten. They cooperated with Die Länderbahn (RBG) in ALEX (München-Oberstdorf).
In 2005 the German subsidiary went to SBB and now operates as SBB GmbH. Also the line Basel-Zell is now included in this subsidiary. In 2006 Radolfzell-Stockach went to HzL.

In 2020 SBB GmbH operates the following services: seehas (Konstanz-Engen), S-Bahn Basel S5 (Weil am Rhein - Steinen) and S6 (Basel SBB-Zell im Wiesental) and S-Bahn Schaffhausen (RB Schaffhausen-Erzingen). Total network length is 120km, managed by SBB Infrastruktur and DB Netz.

Since December 2022 SBB GmbH also operates Singen-Schaffhausen (until then DB Regio) with GTW trainsets from Thurbo under the brand name "Rhyhas". The whole Schaffhausen S-Bahn network will then be operated by SBB.

Website: http://www.sbb-deutschland.de/

Stock Tables:
 SDG - Sächsische Dampfeisenbahn Gesellschaft mbH (former BVO Bahn)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

On the 1st of June 1998 this company took over the narrow gauge railway line Cranzahl-Oberwiesenthal (Fichtelbergbahn) and its operation from DB. They expect to introduce light rail DMUs and only retain the steam locomotives for tourist trains.
In April 2004 they also took over operation of the narrow gauge line Radebeul Ost-Radeburg (Lößnitzgrundbahn) from DB. Later in 2004 Freital=Hainsberg-Kurort Kipsdorf (Weißeritztalbahn) followed. This was the last narrow gauge steam line operated line of DB. It was closed for several years because of flooding damage, but reopened to Dippoldiswalde in 2009 and to Kururt Kipsdorf in 2017.

In May 2007 the company was renamed from BVO Bahn to SDG (Sächsische Dampfeisenbahn Gesellschaft mbH). At the end of 2020 the contract to operate the mentioned 3 lines was extended from December 2023 to December 2028, with an option for 5 more years (up to 2033).

Website: http://www.sdg-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 SOEG - Sächsisch-Oberlausitzer Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In June 1996 this company took over the operation of narrow gauge steam trains on the DB lines Zittau-Bertsdorf-Kurort Oybin and Bertsdorf-Kurort Jonsdorf (Zittauer Schmalspurbahn). They plan to introduce diesel motor cars in the near future for cheaper operation. In total 9 steam locomotives have been taken over from DB, 3 paid for by the region.

Website: http://www.soeg-zittau.de/

Stock Tables:
 STB - Süd-Thüringen Bahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since June 2001 this company, a subsidiary of the Erfurter Industriebahn and the Hessische Landesbahn, operates passenger trains on Eisenach-Meiningen-Sonnefeld-Neuhaus (STB41), Wernshausen-Zella=Mehlis-Suhl (STB43), Erfurt-Suhl-Grimmingen-Meiningen (STB44/STx50), Erfurt-Arnstadt-Ilmenau-Rennsteig (STx45/STB46) and Fröttstädt-Friedrichsroda (STB48). 327km in total.

In 2017 the operating contract was again awarded to STB, until December 2028. Fröttstädt-Friedrichsroda was previously operated by DB buit is now included in the contract.

Website: http://www.sued-thueringen-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 SüdOstBayernBahn (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The SüdOstBayernBahn is one of the regional networks of DBAG, where infrastructure (420km, 12.7km electrified) and operation is integrated, and dedicated rolling stock is used.
SüdOstBayernBahn operates passenger trains from Mühldorf to Landshut, Passau, Simbach, Burghausen, Freilassing, Traunstein/Waging and Rosenheim/Ebersberg. Traunstein-Ruhpolding and Prien-Aschau belong to SOB but are operated by DB Regio (to go to Bayerische Regiobahn). SOB operates passenger trains on the DB Netz network (130km) from München Hbf to Mühldorf and Ebersberg, and from Freilassing to Salzburg.
The lines Neumarkt=Sankt Veit-Frontenhausen=Marklofen and Hörpolding-Traunreut are only used by freight trains.

Website: http://www.suedostbayernbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 STVG - Stauden-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (Staudenbahn)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2004):

STVG originates from a museum railway, the Verein Staudenbahnfreunde e.V., that operates on Gessertshausen-Fischach(-Markt Wald). The infrastructure of Gessertshausen-Fischach-Markt Wald-Türkheim is managed by BBG - Bahnbetriebsgesellschaft Stauden mbH. In 2004 the southern part of the "Staudenbahn", Türkheim-Ettringen, was bought from DB Netz. The middle part Markt Wald-Ettringen (7.1km) is lifted, but the space is still free.
Apart from freight trains, STVG operates passenger trains on saturdays on Türkheim-Ettringen and touristic trains on sundays between Augsburg and Markt Wald. Regular passenger services between Augsburg and Langenneufnach are to return from 2021.

With their locomotives they also operate open-access passenger and freight/work trains. The workshop is located in Augsburg.

Website: http://www.staudenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 SWEG - Südwestdeutsche Verkehrs AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

SWEG operates trains for different lines in Southwestern Germany: Verkehrsbetriebe Achern-Ottenhöfen (AO), Verkehrsbetriebe Biberach-Oberhamersbach (BOH), Verkehrsbetriebe Endingen (Kaiserstulbahn (KB), Riegel-Breisach/Gottenheim), Verkehrsbetrieb Meckesheim-Aglasterhausen-Hüffenhardt (MAH), Verkehrsbetrieb Schwarzach (Mittelbadische Eisenbahnen (MEN), Bühl-Söllingen), and Verkehrsbetrieb Staufen (Münstertalbahn (MT), Bad Krozingen-Untermünstertal). Since June 1997 they operate trains on DBAG lines around Freiburg under the name "Breisgau S-Bahn" with new Regioshuttle railcars. Their subsidiary OSB took over the operation of the AO and BOH lines in June 1998, together with some DBAG lines around Offenburg.

On 31 July 2009 the line Neckarbischofsheim-Hüffenhardt closed for passenger trains, although freight to the Gmeinder factory in Mosbach is still possible. The connecting line Meckesheim-Aglasterhausen is also closed but temporarily, as it will be electrified and integrated in the S-Bahn. Trains will then be operated by DB and no longer by SWEG.

In 2013 the Münstertalbahn was electrified, after which it was operated with 2 modern Talent-2 electric trainsets from Bombardier. As these are not compatible with the new Talent-3 trainsets for the Freiburger Y network, they have been sold.
The former SWEG AO and BOH lines are now operated by the Ortenau S-Bahn, that inherited 8 Regioshuttle diesel motor cars from SWEG for these services.Since December 2019 SWEG operates the "Freiburger Y" (Freiburg-Elzach, Kaiserstuhlbahn and Münstertalbahn), until then operated by SWEG and BSB. All lines will be electrified and new electric trainsets used.

Summary of passenger services operated by SWEG in 2020: Kaiserstuhl S1 Endingen-Riegel-Freiburg, S2 Freiburg-Waldkirch-Elzach and S5 Breisach-Endingen-Riegel=Malterdingen, and Münstertal S3 (Freiburg-)Bad Krozingen-Staufen-Münstertal.

On 1 January 2018 HzL merged into SWEG, but for the time being HzL is being operated as a separate entity within the company. The Hohenzollerische Landesbahn (HzL) used to operate all trains on Hechingen(DB)-Gammertingen-Sigmaringen(DB) and freight trains only on Hanfertal-Sigmaringendorf(DB), Hechingen-Eyach(DB), Balingen - Schömberg (13km taken over from DB in 2001) and Gammertingen-Kleinengstingen(DB). They also operated the trains for the BOB, and for the DBAG they operated trains on the Zollernalbbahn Ulm - Aulendorf - Sigmaringen - Tübingen and Sigmaringen - Tuttlingen ("Donaukonzept"). Since January 2002 HzL operated local freight trains from Plochingen and Ulm to 17 stations in the region Oberschwaben and Schwäbische Alb (Mora C).
HzL has won the tender to operate the "Ringzug" from 12/2003. This involves hourly passenger trains south of Stuttgart, on the lines Bräunlingen-Donaueschingen-Villingen-Trossingen Stadt/Rottweil, Rottweil-Tuttlingen-Immendingen-Leipferdingen(-Zollhaus=Blumberg) and Fridingen-Tuttlingen. On 1 September 2003 the first Ringzug services already started. Since early 2006 HzL also operates trains on Radolfzell-Stockach, after the stock of Mittelthurgaubahn/Thurbo/SBB broke down. They won the tender to operate this line until December 2008, and the new tender for passenger trains up to December 2023 (now taken over by DB). Since June 2019 HzL operates the Ulmer Stern network (previously operated by DB), passenger services on Aalen-Heidenheim-Ulm-Ehingen-Munderkingen.

On 1 January 2018 HzL merged into SWEG, but for the time being HzL is being operated as a separate entity within the company. Summary of the services operated by HzL in 2020: seehäsle (Radolfzell-Stockach, until December 2023), Ringzug, Donaubahn (RB56 Ulm-Munderkingen), Brenzbahn (RE57/RB57 Aalen-Ulm), ZAB 1 (Tübingen-Balingen-Sigmaringen) and ZAB 2 (Hechingen-Gammertingen-Sigmaringen), plus a few walk/bike trains during summer weekends to Eyach, Schömberg and Engstingen. HzL now runs on railway lines managed by DB Netz or by SWEG Schienenwege GmbH. Freight is now also handled by SWEG.

The Ortenau S-Bahn (OSB) brand is used for services with modern Regioshuttle DMUs on Strassburg-Kehl-Offenburg, Offenburg-Appenweier-Bad Griesbach and Offenburg-Hausach-Freudenstadt/Gutach (DB Netz infrastructure) and Achern-Ottenhöfen and Biberach-Oberharmersbach (SWEG infrastructure). All lines together are about 200km of network length. From December 2023 SWEG operates these lines for 15 years with new battery trains from Siemens. In 2025 the then reopened Hermann-Hesse Bahn (Calw-Weil der Stadt-Renningen) will be included in the contract.

Breisgau S-Bahn was the brand used for trains on Freiburg-Breisach, Riegel-Endingen-Breisach and Riegel-Gottenheim, and since 2002 also for Freiburg-Elzach. In 2019 this was discontinued. Part of the system is now electrified and operated by DB. Freiburg-Elzach is also being electrified but will still be operated by SWEG.

From December 2021 SWEG wil take over Neckartal Los 1 (RB17, RB18, RE10 and IR6) from Abellio for 2 years, during which the concession will be re-tendered.

Websites: http://www.sweg.de/, http://www.hzl-online.de/, http://www.ringzug.de/ and http://www.ortenau-s-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 TD - Transdev Regio GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

After the split of Eurobahn between Rhenus and Keolis, the remaining part of Rhenus was operated under the name Rhenus Veniro. It runs passenger trains between Alzey and Kirchheimbolanden.
Since December 2009 (with a very late actual start) Rhenus Veniro operates passenger trains on Boppard-Emmelshausen (15km) for 20 years with adapted Regioshuttles. In December 2014 Alzey-Kircheimbolanden was be lost, but Rhenus started operating on Bullay-Traben=Trarbach (13km) with 2 modernised Regioshuttles. In the mean time Rhenus Veniro is part of Transdev.
Boppard-Emmelshausen is operated under brand name Hunsrückbahn, Bullay-Traben=Trarbach as Moselweinbahn.

Websites: https://www.hunsrueckbahn.de/ and https://www.moselwein-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 TDH - Transdev Hannover GmbH (S-Bahn Hannover)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

In June 2022 Transdev has taken over full operation of the S-Bahn Hannover from DB. Under the name S-Bahn Hannover lines S1 up to S8 and rush hour lines S21 and S51 are operated. All lines originate from or call at Hannover Hbf.

In December 2021 operation by TransDev already started with lines S3, S6 and S7.

Website: https://www.sbahn-hannover.de/

Stock Tables:
 TDR - Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, originally a subsidiary of Rheinische Bahngesellschaft AG, started operation on Kaisersesch-Mayen-Andernach (43km) and Kaiserslautern-Landstuhl-Kusel (44km) - both taken over from DBAG - in May 2000, and Bullay-Traben=Trarbach (13km) in June 2001.
Since December 2008 they operate (electric) passenger trains on the Mittelrheinbahn Köln-Koblenz-Mainz, the original lines were taken over by other companies.
Since 2014 Trans Regio is part of Transdev. The line Köln=Dellbrück-Koblenz-Mainz Hbf (RB26, 193km) is operated using the brand name MittelrheinBahn.

In 2021 the contract was awarded to TDR again for 10 years from December 2023, with optional extensions to 2036 and to June 2037 for the Mainz–Bingen–Koblenz section.

Website: http://www.mittelrheinbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 TDRO - Transdev Regio Ost GmbH (Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since December 2008 this new subsidiary of Transdev operates passenger trains on Leipzig-Geithain and part of the trains on Halle-Delitzsch-Eilenburg. From December 2009 to 2013 (until the Leipzig city tunnel was ready) MRB operated passenger trains on 8 lines around Leipzig. From December 2013 only Leipzig–Bad Lausick–Geithain (MRB 113) and Halle (Saale)–Delitzsch–Eilenburg (MRB 118) are still operated (until 2015), the other lines are now operated by DB.

Since December 2015 MRB operates the express trains on E 7 Leipzig-Chemnitz. This will continue from June 2024, with new hybrid battery-electric EMUs. Since June 2016 MRB operates the E-Netz Mittelsachsen: RE Dresden-Hof, RB Dresden-Zwickau and RB Chemnitz-Elsterwerda. For this service new Coradia Continental trainsets were ordered by the regional authorities.

In January 2016 the Leipzig and Mittelsachsen transport authorities have selected Transdev Regio Ost for the Dieselnetzes Nordwestsachsen Lot B contract to operate passenger service R6 between Leipzig, Grimma and Döbeln from June 12 2016 to December 2025. The contract covers the operation of almost 1 million train-km/year using a fleet of 10 diesel multiple-units (5x Regioshuttle and 5x Talent) which the authorities are to provide through leasing company Alpha Trains Europa.

Summary of the services operated in 2020 using the brand name Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn: Dresden-Chemnitz-Hof (RE3/RB30), Leipzig-Bad Lausick-Chemnitz (RE6), Dresden-Heidenau-Altenberg (RE19/RB72), Dresden-Königsbrück (RB33), Dresden-Kamenz(RB34), Chemnitz-Elsterwerda (RB45), Pirna-Sebnitz (RB71) and Leipzig-Döbeln (RB110), running over 553km of DB Netz railway lines.

In December 2021 DB Regio has taken over the Dieselnetz VVO (RE19/RB72/RB33/RB71) with 21 type Desiro trainsets, to be modernised before end 2022. These replaced 15 trainsets operated by TDRO.

Website: http://www.mitteldeutsche-regiobahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 TRAIN - TRI Train Rental GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

TRI Train Rental operates open-access passenger trains like football extras, and replacement trains for other operators. Its locomotive-hauled trains can often be seen when new trains have not yet been delivered after the start of a new concession period.

Website: https://train-rental.com/

Stock Tables:
  VIAS - VIAS GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since December 2005 VIAS, a subsidiary of RTB and VGF, the local public transportation company of Frankfurt(Main), operates operates passenger trains on the Odenwald-Bahn lines Hanau-Wiebelsbach-Erbach and Frankfurt/Darmstadt-Erbach-Eberbach (210km). In 2010 DSB (Danish State Railways) bought the 50% owned by VGF. This concession will run until December 2030.
Since December 2010 VIAS also operates the Rheingau network (140km): regional trains on Neuwied-Koblenz-Rüdesheim-Wiesbaden-Frankfurt with new FLIRT EMUs. In 2021 this contract was won again, and extended for 15 years from December 2023. The current fleet of trainsets will be refurbished.
Since December 2017 VIAS operates the Erft-Schwalm network (63km) for 12 years, consisting of the lines RB34 Mönchengladbach – Rheydt – Dalheim and RB38 Düsseldorf Hbf – Neuss – Bedburg (Erft).

Since February 2022 VIAS operates the Niederrhein-Netz (RE19/RB35) and Der Müngstener (S7), taken over from Abellio. Since December 2023 S7 will be operated by RheinRuhrBahn (Transdev). Also since December 2023 VIAS operates the Rhein-Ruhr-Netz for 11 years (Nokiabahn Gelsenkirchen-Bochum only for 3 years).

Website: http://www.vias-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 WEBA - Westerwaldbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company used to operate freight trains on Scheuerfeld(DB)-Oberdreisbach, and passenger service on Betzdorf-Daaden since november 1994. In 2013 the concession of WEBA for passenger traffic was extended until 2029. In July 2017 freight operation by WEBA ended, as the last locomotive was in need of major ovehaul.
WEBA manages the railway infrastructure of Betzdorf-Daaden, Scheuerfeld-Oberdreisbach, Bindweide-Rosenheim and Altenkirchen-Selters. The last 3 lines are freight-only.

Website: http://www.westerwaldbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 WEE - Weser Ems Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since 2018 WEE operates open-access passenger (tourist) trains and light freight or track maintenance trains, using two motor cars that formerly operated on the Kahlgrundbahn. As brands for these services WEE uses Artland Express, Weser Ems Express, Weser Ems Cargo and Weser Ems Service. In 2021 two large diesel locomotives (rebuilt class 216, from OHE) and an old heavy shunter (type V65, from MFC museum railway) were bought.

Website: https://www.wee.gmbh/

Stock Tables:
 WEG - Württembergische Eisenbahngesellschaft

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates trains on different lines in Southwestern Germany: Nebenbahn Gaildorf-Untergröningen (GU, "Obere Kochertalbahn", now closed), Nebenbahn Korntal-Weissach (KW, "Strohgäubahn"), Nebenbahn Nürtingen-Neuffen (NN, "Tälesbahn"), Nebenbahn Vaihingen-Enzweihingen (VE, "Stadtbahn", now closed), Böblingen(DB)-Dettenhausen (ZVS "Schönbuchbahn") and Schorndorf(DB)-Rudersberg Nord(-Welzheim) (ZVVW "Wieslauftalbahn"). The long-distance freight traffic operated by WEG was taken over by BCB (a partner in the Transdev Group) from early 2005. In October 2005 Gaildorf-Untergröningen was closed because of the bad state of the track and only minimal freight traffic left. Vaihingen-Enzweihingen was already closed in 2002 due to the same reason.

In 2020 WEG still operates regional passenger trains on RB 46 (Schönbuchbahn Dettenhausen-Böblingen), RB 47 (Strohgäubahn Heimerdingen-Korntal), RB 65 (Tälesbahn Nürtingen-Neuffen) and RB 61 (Wieslauftalbahn Oberndorf-Rudersberg-Schorndorf).
WEG also manages the railway infrastructure of these lines, plus the Roßbergbahn (Roßberg-Bad Wurzach) and Schwäbische Waldbahn (Rudersberg-Oberndorf-Welzheim), 80km in total. Only Nürtingen-Neuffen and Korntal-Heimerdingen-Weissach are actually owned by WEG.

Website: http://www.weg-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 Wendelsteinbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates rack trains from Brannenburg-Waching to the Wendelstein summit. Narrow gauge rack EMUs have recently replaced the electric locomotives and coaches.

Website: http://www.wendelsteinbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 Westfrankenbahn (DB)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Westfrankenbahn is another regional subsidiary of DBAG that is responsible for both infrastructure and the operation of (passenger) trains. It manages a network of 206km but operates over a total of 370km of DB Netz railway lines. Their own lines are Aschaffenburg-Miltenberg-Seckach, Miltenberg-Lauda and Königshofen-Crailsheim, they also operate on Würzburg-Lauda-Königshofen and Crailsheim-Heilbronn still maintained by DB Netz.

The company runs passenger trains on the Maintalbahn (Aschaffenburg-Miltenberg-Wertheim), Tauberbahn (Wertheim-Lauda-Bad Mergentheim-Crailsheim), Hohenlohebahn (Heilbronn-Crailsheim), Madonnenlandbahn (Miltenberg-Walldürn-Seckach) and on the Kahlgrundbahn ((Hanau-)Kahl-Schöllkrippen).

Website: http://www.westfrankenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 WFB - WestfalenBahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since December 2007 this new company, an alliance of Abellio GmbH, Verkehrsbetriebe Extertalbahn GmbH, Mindener Kreisbahnen GmbH and moBiel GmbH, operates the local trains on the Teutoburger Wald network. This consists of the lines Münster-Rheine (Ems-Lippe-Bahn), Münster-Osnabrück (Teuto-Bahn) and Bad Bentheim-Rheine-Osnabrück-Herford-Bielefeld/Detmold-Altenbeken (Wiehengebirgsbahn, Der Cherusker and Ostwestfalen-Bahn). In December 2017 the services over the Teutoburger Wald network were taken over by Eurobahn (including the first-generation FLIRT electric trainsets).

Since December 2015 Westfalenbahn operates passenger trains on the Emsland line (RE15, Emden-Rheine-Münster) and the Mittelland line (RE50/RE60, Rheine/Bielefeld-Minden-Braunschweig), until then operated by DB. Network length is around 600km, managed by DB Netz.

Since 2017 Abellio is the single owner of Westfalenbahn. In 2024 Westfalenbahn (together with Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland) was sold to BeNEX investment company. BeNEX already has stakes in Agilis, Cantus, Nordbahn, Metronom and ODEG.

Website: http://www.westfalenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
  AULOC - Augsburger Localbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on the ring line around Augsburg, Augsburg=Morellstrasse-Augsburg=West-Haunstetten, Augsburg=West-Göggingen and on the connections to the DB: Abzweig Pfersee and Abzweig Lechhausen. They move quite a lot of freight, around 400000 tonnes every year. From 1997 they also started operating freight over the DB line Augsburg-Kaufering-Schongau, which ended in 2018.

In 2020 they operate around 1 million tonnes of freight a year. The railway lines from Augsburg West to Haunstetten and to Göggingen (together 9km) are now out of use, leaving the ring line and the branch to Augsburg-Lechhausen still in use.

Website: http://www.augsburger-localbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 BASF - Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This chemical company is licensed as a railway operator and even used to operate potash trains between Ludwigshafen and Heimboldshausen. They own and operate a large factory network in Ludwigshafen. All remaining old locomotives and shunters were sold to Gmeinder in 2015, leaving only the new shunters type G6 and locomotives type DE12 and DE18 from Vossloh.

Website: http://www.basf.de/

Stock Tables:
 BR - Bayernhafen Bahnservice

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Bayernhafen Bahnservice manages railway infrastructure in ports in the Bavaria (Bayern) province and provides shunting services and railway transport to main stations in Aschaffenburg (former Aschaffenburger Hafenbahn), Bamberg, Nürnberg, Regensburg and Passau.

Website: https://www.bayernhafen.de/

Stock Tables:
 BYB - BayernBahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company is the "commercial" part of the Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum in Nördlingen. BayernBahn is the infrastructure manager of Nördlingen-Dinkelsbühl-Dombühl (54 km), Nördlingen-Gunzenhausen (39 km) and Landshut-Neuhausen b. La. (15 km). They operate freight services to Wassertrüdingen and work trains to Dinkelsbühl, Dombühl and Gunzenhausen. They can also provide traction for freight and work trains on DB lines Germany-wide, for which they have a large collection of second-hand (DB) locomotives.

Website: http://www.bayernbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 CCW - Captrain CargoWest GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The Teutoburger Wald Eisenbahn (TWE) operated freight trains on Hövelhof(DB)-Gütersloh Nord(DB)-Ibbenbüren(DB)/Hafen Saerbeck. In December 2015 Versmold-Ibbenbüren and the branch to Hafen Saerbeck (50.6km) were sold to LWS Lappwaldbahn Service.
Bayerische Cargobahn (BCB) was closely related to the BOB (Bayerische Oberlandbahn). It operated open access freight trains in southeastern Germany. In early 2005 it also took over long distance freight traffic from WEG with some of the locomotives.
In August 2015 TWE and BCB merged into Captrain CargoWest GmbH, part of the Captrain group.

Website: http://www.captrain.de/

Stock Tables:
 CLG - Chemion Logistik GmbH - Bahnbetriebe

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Köln=Mülheim(DB) - Leverkusen=Bayerwerk, shunting duties at other locations and open-access freight trains over DB Netz railway lines. Until July 2001 its name was EKML - Eisenbahn Köln=Mülheim-Leverkusen der Bayer AG.
The infrastructure manager of its own line is still known as EKML, now a subsidiary of Currenta GmbH & Co. OHG.

Website: http://www.chemion.de/

Stock Tables:
 DE - Dortmunder Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on a line 'around' Dortmund: Dortmund Nord-Dortmund Obereving(DB)-Dortmund Remberg. At the end of 2004 Connex (later Transdev, now Captrain) has taken over 65% of the rail operations of DE and 19% of the infrastructure. The infrastructure is owned and managed by DE Infrastruktur GmbH.
In 2004 DE transported around 16 million tonnes of freight.

Website: https://www.captrain.de/

Stock Tables:
 DH - CARGO-Rail GmbH (Dillinger Hüttenwerke)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company is a owned by Dillinger Hüttenwerke (DH), and operates freight trains on Dillingen(DB)-Limbach, plus shunting duties in Dillingen.

Website: https://www.dillinger.de/

Stock Tables:
 DHE - Delmenhorst-Harpstedter Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Harpstedt-Annenheide-Adelheide/Delmenhorst(DB). The line Delmenhorst-Lemwerder (20km, owned by the communities) was closed in 2011/2013.

Website: http://www.dhe-reisen.de/

Stock Tables:
  DPR - Duisport Rail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company - subsidiary of the port of Duisburg, - operates freight trains in the port of Duisburg and in "Logport Rheinhausen".

Website: https://www.duisport.de/

Stock Tables:
 EEB - Emsländische Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, formed out of the MHE(Meppen-Haselünner Eisenbahn) and the HKB(Hümmlinger Kreisbahn) operates freight trains on Meppen-Essen(Old.)(MHE), (Meppen-Haren-)Lathen-Werlte(HKB) and since 2001 also (Oldenburg-)Westerstede=Ocholt-Sedelsberg. In 1993 they moved 25000 tonnes of freight.

Website: http://www.eeb-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 EVG - Eifelbahn Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company started off as Rheinische Eisenbahn, a subsidiary of the Brohltal-Schmalspureisenbahn Betriebs-GmbH (BSEG) and the Eifelbahn-Verkehrs GmbH. It is based in Linz am Rhein.
EVG owns the infrastructure of Linz(DB)-Kalenborn (Kasbachtalbahn) and Grenzau-Siershahn(DB) (Brexbachtalbahn). They operate freight trains over these lines and up to DB freight yard Köln Gremberg, and historic passenger trains with railbusses over both lines. In 2021 they bought their first (old) electric locomotive.

Website: http://www.zugtouren.de/

Stock Tables:
 GET - Georgsmarienhütten-Eisenbahn und Transport GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company shunts trains for the iron ore works and in the shunting station of Georgsmarienhütte, now that regular freight trains on Georgsmarienhütte-Hasbergen have been taken over by DB AG. This line is still owned by GET.

Website: https://www.gmh-gruppe.de/

Stock Tables:
 HFM - Hafen Frankfurt Management Gesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

HFM operates freight trains in the Main ports of Frankfurt, and open access freight trains around Frankfurt since the end of 2004.

Website: http://www.hafen-frankfurt.de/

Stock Tables:
 HTB - Hörseltalbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates the freight trains for Opel-Eisenach GmbH and a few other industries at Eisenach Opelwerk(DB). HTB is now part of Captrain (former Transdev, Connex and DEG-Verkehrs-GmbH).

Website: https://www.captrain.de/

Stock Tables:
 HVLE - Havelländische Eisenbahn AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains between Spandau Yard(DB) and Oberhavel Power Station. In 1996 they moved 0.5 million tonnes of freight. In 2020 from the original lines only Berlin=Spandau=West-Johannesstift (1.7km) is still open, but hvle now operates many more industrial tracks in and around Berlin. In 1997 the total network length was 22km.
In 2005 they won a contract to operate trains for Fels-Werke from Rübeland to Salzgitter, Peitz and Chemnitz. Originally new "Blue Tiger" locomotives were leased to operate this traffic, in 2020 these were replaced by dual-mode locomotives.
Early 2006 the company was renamed from OHE-Sp (Osthavelländische Eisenbahn Berlin-Spandau AG) into hvle - havelländische eisenbahn ag.

Website: http://hvle.de/

Stock Tables:
 IGB - Industriebahn-Gesellschaft Berlin

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains between Neukölln Yard(DB) and Neukölln/Treptow Container Terminal (12km), but owns some more short freight lines around Berlin. In 1996, traffic amounted 1.4 million tonnes of freight. IGB is now part of Captrain.

Website: https://www.captrain.de/

Stock Tables:
 ILM - Ilmebahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company used to own the railway line Einbeck-Dassel, but the part from Sachsenbreite to Markoldendorf is now out of use and Markoldendorf-Dassel was broken up in 2003.
Ilm still operates freight trains on Einbeck Salzderhelden - Einbeck Mitte - Sachsenbreite, and on the DB Netz lines Kreiensen-Holzminden-Höxter, Kreiensen-Kalefeld and Kreiensen-Bad Gandersheim.

Since December 2018 passenger trains have returned to Einbeck Mitte, operated by DB.

Website: http://www.ilmebahn.de/

Stock Tables:
  ITB - Industrie Transportgesellschaft Brandenburg mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The ITB shunts freight trains for the steel industry in Brandenburg, and also operates work trains for other companies.

Website: http://www.villmann-gruppe.de/

Stock Tables:
 KSW - Kreisbahn Siegen-Wittgenstein GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company - formerly known as Siegener Kreisbahn - owns the infrastructure and operates freight trains on Weidenau(DB)-Dreis=Tiefenbach (Kleinbahn Weidenau-Deuz), Herdorf(DB)-Pfannenberg (Freien Grunder Eisenbahn), Siegen(DB)-Siegen=Eintracht (Eisern-Siegener Eisenbahn), Siegen Ost-Kaan=Marienborn and Kreuztal-Buschhütten (Siegener Kreisbahn). They also operate freight trains around Siegen on behalf of DBAG, from December 2002 also on Kreuzberg-Erntebrück.

Website: http://www.ksw-siegen.de/

Stock Tables:
 LEUNA - InfraLeuna GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company originates from the Leuna chemical industry, and now operates local freight trains for customers along the Merseburg - Großkorbetha railway line. Its own network is connected to the DB Netz network at Großkorbetha.

Website: http://www.infraleuna.de/

Stock Tables:
 LWB - Lappwaldbahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The Lappwaldbahn was founded from the remains of a preservation society. It was founded to supply locomotives for work trains, and is based in Weferlingen.

In 2000/2006 Lappwaldbahn leased the railway lines Helmstedt-Wefelingen and Haldensleben-Weferlingen, and rebuilt them for freight use.
In December 2015 Lappwaldbahn Service bough the railway lines Versmold-Ibbenbüren and the branch to Hafen Saerbeck from Teutoburger Wald Eisenbahn.
In January 2019 the railway line Altenkirchen-Siershahn in the Westerwald area was taken over. Also this railway line will be modernised.

Lappwaldbahn Cargo operates open-access freight trains and performs shunting duties all over Germany, including on their own lines.

Website: http://www.lappwaldbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
  MKB - Mindener Kreisbahnen GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2024):

This company operates four short freight-only lines to Hille, Aminghausen and Kleinenbremen, connecting in Minden Rangierbahnhof(DB).

Website: http://www.mkb.de/

Stock Tables:
 MVG - MEG Märkische Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company used to operate freight trains on Plettenberg(DB)-Plettenberg Mitte, which now seems to be broken up. They still perform shunting duties around the DB station and have their own distribution center close by.

Website: https://www.mvg-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 NIAG - Niederrheinische Verkehrsbetriebe AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Moers(DB)-Hoerstgen Sevelen and Moers(DB)-Rheinsberg(DB). In 2005 the majority of the stock was sold by Kreis Wesel to Rhenus-Keolis. At the end of 2007 NIAG took over the operations of Stadtwerke Krefeld, on Krefeld Süd(DB)-Hülser Berg/St. Tönis. These lines are now operated by RHKE (Hafen Krefeld).

Website: http://www.niag-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 NME - Neukölln-Mittenwalder Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains between Neukölln Yard(DB) and Berlin Rudow Nord. In 1997 they transported 2.04 million tonnes of freight.

Website: http://www.nmeg.de/

Stock Tables:
  NRS - Nordic Rail Service GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2003):

NRS is a subsidiary of LHG Service-Gesellschaft mbH (SG) which is by itself owned by the Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft mbH. NRS operates trains on the railways in the port of Lübeck. Main destinations are Nordlandkai, Konstinbahnhof, Terminal Schlutup and Skandinavienkai.

Website: https://nordic-rail-service.de/

Stock Tables:
 RBB - Regiobahn Bitterfeld-Berlin GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains over industrial lines between Wolfen, Bitterfeld and Delitzsch. Exchange with DBAG takes place in Bitterfeld Nord. The service is carried out by Transdev (Connex Cargo Logistics, DEG-Verkehrs-GmbH).
Since May 2000 it also operates freight trains in the Dessau, Roßlau and Coswig areas on behalf of DBAG. Since 2001 they also operate local freight trains to Leipzig=Grosszschocher, Reinsdorf, Bebitz, Thalheim, Stassfurt, Bad Lauterberg and Scharzfeld (Mora C).
In 2005 the old RBB (Regionalbahn Bitterfeld) merged with Rail Cargo Berlin to form the new RBB (Regionalbahn Bitterfeld-Berlin). In 1996 RBB has become part of Captrain, a subsidiary of the French national railways SNCF.

Website: http://www.captrain.de/

Stock Tables:
 RBH - RBH Logistics GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2017):

This company mainly operates coal trains for the Ruhrkohle AG (RAG), but as the mines are closing in the next years RBH is more and more focussing on open-access freight traffic. The network owned by RBH is slowly being closed. In 2017 18.0 million tonnes of freigh was transported (15.7 million tonnes in 2016), producing 7.3 billion tonne-km (2016: 5.0 billion).

RBH is now a subsidiary of DB with many second-hand DB (Cargo) locomotives. Many DB Cargo class 145 locomotives have replaced older electric locomotives used by RBH.

Website: http://www.rbh-logistics.com/

Stock Tables:
 RHC - RheinCargo GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

RheinCargo is the freight operating arm of Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (HGK) and Neuss-Düsseldorfer Häfen (formerly known as NE - Neusser Eisenbahn) since 2012. It operates freight trains in the ports of Cologne, Neuss and Düsseldorf, and open-access freight trains in Germany and The Netherlands.

HGK in Cologne took over the former KBE and KFBE. Both lines are connected over a strech of the "Rheinbraun", electrified at 6kV 50Hz. Passenger service of the former KBE and KFBE is now operated by the city tram companies of Cologne and Bonn (electrified at 750V=).
ND-Häfen owns the tracks in the ports of Neuss and Düsseldorf, exchange with other operators takes place at Neuss Hessentor and Düsseldorf Hafen yards.

Websites: http://www.rheincargo.com/, http://www.hgk.de/ and https://nd-haefen.de/

Stock Tables:
 RHKE - Hafen Krefeld GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

RHKE (Rheinhafen Krefeld) used to be known as SE - Städtische Eisenbahn Krefeld and later HBSK - Hafen und Bahnbetriebe der Stadt Krefeld. It operates freight trains on Krefeld Linn(DB)-Krefeld=Osthafen and open-access freight trains over DB tracks around Krefeld. RHKE has also taken over the infrastructure of the former Krefelder Eisenbahn: Krefeld Süd(DB)-Hülser Berg and Krefeld Süd(DB)-St. Tönis.

Website: http://www.rheinhafen-krefeld.de/

Stock Tables:
 RIS - Regio Infra Service Sachsen GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

RIS mainly maintains and operates railway lines around Chemnitz: Stollberg(Sachs)–Chemnitz, Stollberg(Sachs)–St. Egidien, Hainichen–Niederwiesa, Freiberg-Nossen and Zwotental-Adorf.
With their own locomotives they also operate freight and track maintenance trains outside their own network.

Website: https://ris-sachsen.eu/

Stock Tables:
 RLG - Regionalverkehr Ruhr-Lippe GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Hamm(DB)-Vellinghausen(Lippborg), Hamm Abzw. Geithe-Uentrop Süd and Neheim Hüsten(DB)-Sundern/Arnsberg Süd. Since autumn 2001 they also operate local freight trains to Messinghausen (Mora C).

Website: http://www.rlg-online.de/

Stock Tables:
  RRI - Rhenus Rail St. Ingbert GmbH (former Wincanton Rail/Unisped Spedition und Transport GmbH)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

During 2011 Wincanton Rail was taken over by Rhenus, renaming the company into Rhenus Rail St. Ingbert. RRI operates shunting duties on branch lines, a.o. on lines in the Saar area between coal mines and the main network (17km owned by RAG Saarland) and on the port line in Worms (21km owned by Hafen Betriebs GmbH Worms). They also operate open-access freight trains on DB Netz lines around Worms. In 2009 they took over the branch from Grünstadt to Neuoffstein (5.6km), operated by Wincanton with sugar beet traffic.
In 2013 some 2.5 million tonnes of freight was transported in total.

In the past Rhenus also took over Bahngesellschaft Waldhof AG (Mannheim=Waldhof(DB) - Mannheim=Sandhofen, 4.5km).

Website: http://www.de.rhenus.com/

Stock Tables:
 RSBG - Rennsteigbahn GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This new company owns and operates the partly very steep railway line Ilmenau-Schleusingen-Themar. Tourist trains are operated by the Verein Dampfbahnfreunde mittlerer Rennsteig e.V. (DmR).

Website: https://www.rennsteigbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 RSE - Rhein-Sieg-Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The RSE started by operating freight trains on Bonn=Beuel(DB)-Großenbusch (now open until Bahnhof Hangelar Industriebahn). In 1998 RSE bought 4 old diesel motor cars (plus one driving trailer) from the SWEG, to be used for occasional passenger trains. In spring 2000 Hoyer bought the Rhein-Sieg-Eisenbahnbetriebs-GmbH. Since 2002 they also operated local freight trains from Andernach to Weißenthurm (Mora C) with a second-hand Köf from DBAG.
Since the year 2000 RSE has bought several regional railway lines from DB Netz, of which quite a few are operational.

Website: http://www.rhein-sieg-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 RSVG - Rhein-Sieg Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Troisdorf=West(DB)-Niederkassel=Lülsdorf. The depot is located in Sieglar.

Website: http://www.rsvg.de/

Stock Tables:
  RVM - Regionalverkehr Münsterland GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Altenrheine(DB)-Osnabrück Eversburg(DB), continuing over DBAG tracks to Osnabrück Rbf, and on Rheine(DB)-Spelle.

Website: http://www.rvm-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 RWE - RWE Power AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

RWE Power used to be known as Rheinbraun (Rheinische Braunkohlenwerk) and operates heavy ore trains over its own network, between two large opencast mines and 3 power station. The main "Nord-Süd" line runs from the Garzweiler mine to Goldenberg power station, and the "Hambachbahn" branch runs from the Hambach mine to Auenheim (connetion with the main line). There is limited interchange with the DB network and HGK network.

Website: http://www.rwe-power.de/

Stock Tables:
 SWT - Stahlwerk Thüringen (CSN Gruppe)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In 2001 the Stahlwerk Thüringen became a real railway operator. Based in Unterwellenborn, it operates trains on Könitz-Saalfeld-Bad Blankenburg over DBAG lines. Arcelor took over the business and the company was renamed, in 2007 it was taken over again by Grupo Alfonso Gallardo. In 2020 it is part of the Brasilian CSN Gruppe.

Website: http://www.stahlwerk-thueringen.de/

Stock Tables:
TKSE - ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG (former Eisenbahn und Häfen GmbH)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains in the 'Ruhrgebiet', partly over DB(AG) tracks to Duisburg and Oberhausen. It used to be known as EH - Eisenbahn und Häfen GmbH. The company is owned by Thyssen Stahl AG (90%) and Ruhrkohle AG (10%). Electric operation (600V= with electro-diesel locomotives) has ended around 2013. Network length in 1997 was 608km of which 183km was electrified at 600V=.

Website: http://www.thyssenkrupp-steel.com/

Stock Tables:
 VGH - Verkehrsbetriebe Grafschaft Hoya GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Syke(DB)-Hoya-Eystrup(DB). The section Heiligenfelde-Syke was reopened in 2006. In cooperation with the Deutscher Eisenbahn-Verein (located in Bruchhausen-Vilsen) they operate historic passenger trains on the line (Kaffkieker).

Website: http://www.vgh-hoya.de/

Stock Tables:
 VLO - Verkehrsgesellschaft Landkreis Osnabrück GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The original VLO line runs from Bad Holzhausen(DB) through Bohmte Ost(DB) to Schwegermoor (Wittlager Kreisbahn). Only the part Bohmte Bruchheide - Bohmte Ost(DB) - Preußisch Oldendorf (18.5km) is still in use. VLO is also the infrastructure manager of Osnabrück-Dissen/Bad Rothenfelde (23km,Haller Willem) over which passenger service has been reinstated.

From 2015 and probably up to 2022 the line is being modernised and the part from Preußisch Oldendorf to Bad Holzhausen is to be reinstated.

Website: http://www.vlo.de/

Stock Tables:
 VPS - Verkehrsbetriebe Peine-Salzgitter GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on a network (VPS Infrastruktur) that connects different freight stations around Salzgitter with the DB stations/yards at Peine, Beddingen, Broistedt and Salzgitter Bad. It actually consists of two separate networks connecting at Broistedt: Peiner Eisenbahn (34km) and Salzgitter Eisenbahn (50km).

Website: http://www.vps-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 VWE - Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Verden Süd(DB)-Stemmen(12.1km). The line used to continue to Böhme and Walsrode but this section is now closed (Stemmen-Hollige) or operated by other companies (Hollige-Walsrode, 7.2km, VWE is still infrastructure manager). The remaining freight operation uses the brand name vweBahn.

Website: https://www.allerbus.de/bahn.html

Stock Tables:
 WHE - Wanne-Herner Eisenbahn und Hafen GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains on Wanne Westhafen/Osthafen-Wanne Herzogstraße/Bochum Graetz.

Website: http://www.whe.de/

Stock Tables:
  WLE - Westfälische Landeseisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight train on their main line Münster Ost(DB)-Neubeckum(DB)-Lippstadt(DB)-Warstein, on Neubeckum(DB)-Ennigerloh and Belecke-Rüthen. They also operate freigh trains on behalf of DBAG around Lippstadt.
A new 4.2km connection to the brewery in Warstein was recently built. WLE transported some 200,000 tonnes of beer annually from 2005.

Website: http://www.wle-online.de/

Stock Tables:
 AHG - AHG Industry GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates local freight trains around Cottbus and from Cottbus to Forst and sidings on the former Forst-Weisswasser line.

Website: https://www.ahg-industry.com/

Stock Tables:
 AIX - AIXrail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

AIXrail operates open-access freight and track maintenace trains, and hires locomotives and drivers to other operators. The company is located in Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle in french).

Website: https://www.aixrail.de/

Stock Tables:
 AMEH TRANS (EKO) - ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt Transport GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates trains of heating oil (about 160,000 tonnes a year) between Stendell and Eisenhüttenstadt over DBAG tracks. In 2000 it started operating block trains between its works and the Ruhr area (600km), hauled by a pair of locomotives. It used to be known as EKO TRANS.

Website: https://ehst-transport.arcelormittal.com/

Stock Tables:
 BBL - BBL Logistik GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

BBL operates freight and work trains for other operators. The company is based in Hannover. Its depot is located in Oebisfelde and about 10km of sidings is owned in Hannover Leinhausen, Misburg and Oebisfelde.

In 2023 BBL took over many assents and operations of IGE (based in Hersbruck) that was declared bankrupt.

Website: https://bbl-logistik.de/

Stock Tables:
 BEBRA - Holzlogistik & Güterbahn Bebra GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

HLG Bebra mainly operates wood trains throughout Germany (from different yards to sawmills) but also operates other mainline freight trains. They have their own wood loading facilities in Bebra, Breitenbach am Herzberg, Gießen, Hanau and Gemünden/Main.

Website: https://www.hlg-bebra.de/

Stock Tables:
 BLC - Bahnlogistik24 GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Bahnlogistik24 is a company that mainly provides locomotives and drivers (Bahnpersonal24) for open-access freight operators and shunting duties. The company is based in Dresden.

Website: http://www.bahnpersonal24.de/Bahnlogistik24/

Stock Tables:
 BOEG - Bocholter Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This rather new company started operating freight trains between Bocholt and Mussum in December 2002. For some time they performed shunting duties on behalf of DB Cargo in Emmerich, and operated freight trains from there to Zevenaar in The Netherlands whith hired DB Cargo-locomotives. BOEG now operates open-access freight trains all over Germany and still performs some duties for DB Cargo, e.g. local freight trains on Emmericht-Oberhausen.

Website: http://www.bocholter-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 BOXX - BoxXpress.de GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

BoxXpress operates open-access trains all over Germany, with a focus on intermodal trains from the North Sea ports around Hamburg and Bremen. The company is owned by Rail & Intermodal Terminal Holding B.V., EUROGATE Intermodal GmbH, Hamburg and TX Logistik AG.

Website: http://www.boxxpress.de/

Stock Tables:
 BSAS - BSAS EisenbahnVerkehrs GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company started as Bahnservice Alexander Stein, and operates since 2015 as BSAS. It operates trains for its partners, with its own/leased locomotives and personnel. The company is based in Mülsen/Sachsen.

Website: https://www.bsas-evg.de/

Stock Tables:
 CFLDE - CFL Cargo Deutschland

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In 2004 the Luxemburg railways CFL SA bought railway company NEG, formerly know as Uetersener Eisenbahn. With this move the company gained access to the German railway network. The infrastructure of the mentioned line is still managed by NEG, while CFL Cargo Deutschland now operates open-access freight trains, both over NEG and over DB Netz railway lines.

Website: http://www.cflcargo.de/ 

Stock Tables:
 CLR - Cargo Logistik Rail Service GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

CLR operates open-access freight services and infrastructure maintenance and construction trains. The company is based in Barleben near Magdeburg, with a depot at Möser.

Since April 2023 CLR operates passenger trains on Klostermansfeld-Wippra (Wipperliese) for 5 years, with second-hand DB DMUs class 628.2.

Website: http://clr-service.de/ 

Stock Tables:
 CTD - Captrain Deutschland GmbH (former Veolia Deutschland)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Captrain is the brand name used for international operations of the French national railways (SNCF). Before Captrain, the names Veolia and Connex were also used.
Many mainly freight operating companies in Germany have been taken over by Captrain, like BCB and TWE (now Captrain CargoWest) and ITL.

Captrain Deutschland GmbH is a nation-wide operating company of open-acccess freight trains, until 2010 known as Veolia Cargo Deutschland. They also used to operate the Interconnex long-distance open-access passenger trains.

Website: http://captrain.de/

Stock Tables:
 DELTA - DeltaRail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

DeltaRail operates open-access logistics services and shunting duties. The company is based at Frankfurt(Oder). They own a large collection of second-hand DB class 143 electric locomotives.
DeltaRail is owned by Via Cargo S.A. from Poland since 2011. It is part of the Exploris S.A. Group from Luxembourg which also owns the different HSL subsidiaries.

Website: https://exploris.eu/

Stock Tables:
 EBS - Erfurter Bahnservice GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

EBS started as a track maintenance train operator in 2005. The company is based in Erfurt. In recent years the portfolio had been extended to Germany-wide open-access freight trains and mainline runs of historic trains.
EBS also operates a major railway workshop: Fahrzeugwerk Karsdorf.

Website: http://www.erfurter-bahnservice.de/

Stock Tables:
 EGOO - e.g.o.o. Eisenbahngesellschaft Ostfriesland-Oldenburg mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

e.g.o.o. is the railway operating subsidiary of ENERCON and mainly transports parts of windmills for the generation of energy. One base is at Aurich, with e.g.o.o. being the only operator using the reactivated branch from Abelitz to Aurich.

Website: https://www.egoo-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 EGP - Eisenbahn Gesellschaft Potsdam mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company mainly operated materials for track building, but in Autumn 2006 they took over the freight business of the Prignitzer Eisenbahn, including the Imotrans stock leasing activities. They are now also an open-access freight operator.

At the end of 2008 EGP won the tender to operate passenger trains on the "Kamenzer Netz" (Dresden-Kamenz, Dresden-Königsbrück, Pirna-Sebnitz-Bad Schandau and Heidenau-Altenberg) from December 2010. This network was operated under the name Städtebahn Sachsen until 2019.

Website: http://www.eg-potsdam.de/

Stock Tables:
 HGB - Hessische Güterbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

HGB started as a company to provide drivers and other personnel for work trains, but has in the mean time acquired its own locomotives, even one brand new TRAXX F140 AC3 (and 3 more leased). Is now operates open-access freight trains and track maintenance trains all over Germany.

Website: http://www.hgb-online.com/

Stock Tables:
 HHPI - Heavy Haul Power International

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company started in Haldesleben and is now based in Erfurt. Is started operating trains of stone from Vollrathsruhe to Berlin-Nordost. In April 2002 they also started to operate coal trains on Hamburg-Lahde with the new locomotives. In the mean time HHPI operates Germany-wide, focused on bulk transport.

Website: https://hhpi.de/

Stock Tables:
 HPCD - Hupac Deutschland GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Since the beginning of 2001 this company operates its own trailer trains in Germany and Switzerland. 3 locomotives have been acquired through Siemens Dispolok. In 2005 Hupac freight traffic grew by 15.9%.

Website: http://www.hupac.de/

Stock Tables:
 HRS - Hamburger Rail Service GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

HRS operates open-access freight trains and shunting duties. The company is based in Ahrensburg, to the northeast of Hamburg.

Website: https://hamburgerrailservice.de/

Stock Tables:
 HSL - HSL Logistik GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

HSL Logistik is an open-access freight operator based in Hamburg. They are also active in The Netherlands and Poland (with their own subsidiary) and other countries in Europe.

Website: http://www.hsl-logistik.com/

Stock Tables:
 ISL - Infraserv Logistics GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

ISL provides logistics services mainly for the chemical and pharmeceutical industry. It is a subsidiary of the Infraserv-Höchst-Gruppe and based at Industriepark Griesheim in Frankfurt-Höchst.

Website: https://www.infraserv-logistics.com/

Stock Tables:
 ITL - ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, based in Dresden, operates freight and work trains on DB AG tracks in Saxony. Most of the locomotives can be seen for track maintenance trains, but more and more open access freight trains are operated.
In April 2008 it was announced that French incumbent operator SNCF took over 75% of the shares of ITL, in this way penetrating the German market. ITL is now part of Captrain, a subsidiary of SNCF. It operates open-access freight trains across Germany and into neighbouring countries, cooperating with subsidiaries ITL Praha and ITL Polska (now Captrain Polska).

Website: http://www.captrain.de/itl.html

Stock Tables:
 KOMBI - Kombiverkehr GmbH&Co KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This large logistics company used to lease some locomotives of its own, especially for international traffic to The Netherlands. It now only uses services of other operators.

Website: http://www.kombiverkehr.de/

 LEG - Leipziger Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company started with operating track maintenance and building trains for other companies. It is based in Leipzig, and used to be known as ASP Schienenfahrzeugdienst.
now LEG operates open-access freight trains in entire Germany using their own electric and diesel locomotives.

Website: http://www.leipziger-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 LM - Lokomotion Gesellschaft für Schienentraktion mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, a subsidiary of Deutsche Kombiverkehr and RTC from Italy operates open access freight trains. Mainly from the North Sea ports in Germany and other origins over the Alps to Italy. Lokomotion also has an Austrian subsidiary and now also plans operation into Hungary and Slovenia. Inside Italy RTC operates the Lokomotion trains, partly with their own locomotives (in similar livery).

Website: http://www.lokomotion-rail.de/

Stock Tables:
 LOCON - LOCON Logistik & Consulting AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

LOCON started with mainly providing locomotives and crews for track maintenance trains and for shunting duties. Nowadays it is a full open-access freight operator. The company is based in Berlin. In 2019 LOCON was bought by EP Logistics International.

Website: http://www.locon.de/

Stock Tables:
 MEG - Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn Gesellschaft

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company is the railway division of the Buna-Werke. They operate long-distance trains from Schkopau in the former GDR, and local freight on Köthen-Aken, from Halberstadt to Ströbeck/Oschersleben/Heudeber=Danstedt, and from Böhlen to Altenburg, Espenhain, Ammelshain, Seelingstädt and Trebsen (Mora C). In the mean time they operate open-access freight and work trains all over Germany.

Website: http://www.meg-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 MTEG - Muldental Eisenbahnverkehrsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

MTEG started in Meerane close to Glauchau in the former GDR, and has now moved to Zwickau. It operates open-access freight trains and performs locomotive and shunting duties for other operators. MTEG is the railway operator for museum company IG 58 3047.

Website: http://www.mteg.de/

Stock Tables:
 NESA - Neckar-Schwarzwald-Alb Eisenbahnverkehrsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This new operating company is the commercial branch of the EFZ - Eisenbahnfreunde Zollernbahn. The locomotives operate timber and works trains, and the "Nostalgie Orient Express".

Website: http://www.nesa-bahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 PRESS - Eisenbahnbau- und Betriebsgesellschaft Preßnitztalbahn mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates narrow gauge tourist trains on the remains of Wolkenstein-Jöhstadt (Pressnitztalbahn), and started to lease standard gauge diesel locomotives to other operators. In the mean time the company operates its own freight and track maintenance trains.

From January 2008 PRESS operates the Rasender Roland steam trains on the island Rügen under the name Rügensche BäderBahn (see there). It also operates the standard gauge Bergen-Lauterbach shuttle train, PRESS won the tender to operate this line from December 2018 to December 2027.

Websites: http://www.pressnitztalbahn.com/ and http://www.ruegensche-baederbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 RADVE - RailAdventure GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

RailAdventure mainly transport new trains from factories to test sites and to their future operators. Apart from Germany they also operate in France and Switzerland.
The locomotive data is based on the page by Ghim Meng Low (Jimmy).

Website: https://railadventure.de/

Stock Tables:
 RAILS - Redler-Service

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In the railway business, Redler-Service mainly hires locomotive to other operators (Redler-Rail) and runs a large locomotive and freight car maintenance workshop (Ausbesserungswerk Oberröblingen) with 7km of own tracks for stabling. They own a large collection of former DB class 211/212 locomotives.

Website: http://www.redler-service.de/

Stock Tables:
 RCCDE - Rail Cargo Carrier Germany

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In September 2015 Rail Cargo Austria (the freight branch of ÖBB from Austria) bought EBM Cargo and renamed it into Rail Cargo Carrier - Germany, becoming the freight operating branch of RCA/ÖBB in Germany.

EBM Cargo (Eisenbahnbetriebsgesellschaft Mittelrhein) was based in Gummersbach east of Köln and mainly operated (open access) waste and work trains.

PCT was set up by ARS Altmann AG for shunting duties and mainline operation of trains with new cars. In 2016 PCC was bought by Rail Cargo Austria and renamed into RCC - PCT. In 2019 RCC - PCT was integrated in RCC Germany.

Website: https://www.railcargo.com/

Stock Tables:
 RDX - Raildox GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Raildox is a large open-access freight operator, with services all over Germany and abroad operated since 2007. The company is based in Erfurt.

Website: https://www.raildox.de/

Stock Tables:
 RPRS - Railsystems RP GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Railsystem RP mainly provides locomotives, track maintenance trains and personnel to other railway operators. The company is based in Gotha.

Website: https://www.railsystems-rp.de/

Stock Tables:
 SLRS - Salzland Rail Service GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Salzland Rail Service mainly provides locomotives and drivers to other companies, for operating freight or track maintenance trains. The company is based in Bernburg.

Website: https://www.salzland-rail-service.de/

Stock Tables:
 STARK - Starkenberger Güterlogistik GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Starkenberger Güterlogistik is part of the Starkenberger Group. This company originates from Wismut AG, the former GDR uranium mining company. The company mainly transports ore with its own locomotives and shunters.

Website: https://www.starkenberger.de/

Stock Tables:
 TLVG - TrainLog GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2022):

TrainLog is an open-access passenger and freight operator. They own large diesel locomotives (former DB 232) and shunters (former DB 362/363). The company is based in Germersheim.

Website: https://www.train-log.com/

Stock Tables:
 TXL - TXLogistik

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates a network of container trains over long distances in Germany, exchanging freight in Gemünden. All of their locomotives are leased from Siemens Dispolok. It used to be known under the name of one of its subsidiaries, NetLog.
In 2005 Trenitalia(I) acquired 51% of the shares and acquired the rest in 2010. TXLogistik is now a full subsidiary of Trenitalia. The company partly owns BoxXpress.de.

In 2023 TXL bought Exploris Deutschland Holding, which owns Via Cargo Logistics, HSL Logistik, Delta Rail and Schienen-Logistik Hamburg. With this aquisition TXL will become the second-largest railway freight operator in Germany.

Website: http://www.txlogistik.de/

Stock Tables:
 VEB - Vulkan-Eifel-Bahn Betriebsgeselllschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company is the operating arm of the EBM and operates freight trains in the Eifel area, and open access freight, special or work trains over longer distances. For some years they also operated tourist passenger trains over the Eifelquerbahn Gerolstein-Kaisersesch. Now the VEB railbusses are available for hire, VEB cooperates with AKE-Eisenbahntouristik.

Website: http://www.veb.de/

Stock Tables:
 VTGRT - Retrack GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Retrack is the rail logistics subsidiary of VTG AG. VTG is one of the largest freight car leasing companies in Europe. Retrack operates open-access freight trains, mainly for chemical and automotive industry.

Website: https://www.vtg.de/

Stock Tables:
WFL - Wedler Franz Logistik GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

WFL has a large collection of electric and diesel locomotives, mainly originating from former Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR). The company is based in Potsdam and runs trains for other companies, both passenger, freight and track building/maintenance trains.

Website: http://www.wfl-lok.de/

Stock Tables:
 BELog - Baustoffe- Entsorgung- Logistik GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):

BELog Baustoffe- Entsorgung- Logistik GmbH & Co. KG is a young company. It started in 2017 and mainly runs gravel and construction material trains. It is part of the Schwenk conglomerate of companies. The current fleet comprises both electric and diesel locomotives.

Website: https://www.schwenk.de/

Stock Tables:
 BBIGB - DB Bahnbau Gruppe GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In August 2010 (dated back to 1 January 2010) the DB Bahnbau group was created, consisting of all previous DB subsidiaries concerning track building and maintenance: Deutsche Gleis- und Tiefbau (DGT), DB Gleisbau (DBG) and DB Netz Instandsetzung.

Website: http://www.bahnbaugruppe.de/

Stock Tables:
 BUGAG - BUG Verkehrsbau AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This new track maintenance company originates from the company Bau und Unterhaltung von Gleisanlagen (BUG), founded in 1990. It is based in Berlin.

Website: http://www.bug-ag.de/

Stock Tables:
 DUD - D & D Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The former DBAG depot in Hagenow land is the base of this company. It operates freight, infrastucture and special trains for other operators.

Website: http://www.dud-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 EfW - EfW-Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company mainly operates track maintenance trains in entire Germany.

Website: http://www.efw-verkehrsgesellschaft.de/

Stock Tables:
 EGB - Erfurter Gleisbau GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Erfurter Gleisbau was founded in 1906, and re-privatised asa GmbH in 1990. The company is based in Erfurt.

Website: https://spark.adobe.com/page/G4yupiCmhUJDV/

Stock Tables:
 HFW - Wiebe Gleisbau GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This track maintenance company is based in Achim close to Bremen.

Website: http://www.wiebe.de/

Stock Tables:
 KNAPE - Knape Gleisbau GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Knape Gleisbau is a major track building and maintenance company. It cooperates with Eurailpool GmbH on large projects. Knape owns some locomotives.

Website: http://www.knape.de/

Stock Tables:
 SBAU - Schweerbau Logistik GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Schweerbau Logistik GmbH used to be known until 2019 as Logistik Dienstleistungen Service GmbH, based in Eutin. It mainly provides locomotives for hauling Schweerbau track maintenance and construction trains.

Websites: http://www.ldsgmbh.de/ and http://www.schweerbau.de/

Stock Tables:
 SEL - Schlünß Eisenbahn Logistik

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

SEL started as a company to provide drivers for freight and work trains. Since 2017 they also own locomotives that can be hired for shunting or for work trains.

Website: https://sel-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 SGL - Schienen-Güter-Logistik GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

SGL mainly operates track maintenance trains. SGL is was subsidiary of the Knape Group, but was bought by EP Logistics International from Czechia (the owner of LOCON and LokoTrain).

Website: http://www.sgl-net.de/

Stock Tables:
 SLG - Spitzke Logistik GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Also Spitzke operates locomotives for maintenance companies.

Website: http://www.spitzke.de/

Stock Tables:
 STRABAG (EIVEL) - STRABAG Rail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In 2006 EiveL (Eichholz Verkehr & Logistik GmbH) was in financial trouble and it was taken over by the large construction company STRABAG. With this move STRABAG entered the rail building and maintenance market. The rail department is based in Berlin and in Lauda-Königshofen.

Website: http://www.strabag-rail.com/

Stock Tables:
 ALS - Alstom Lokomotiven Service GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

In 2002 Alstom took over the DBAG Stendal works. ALS leases/hires locomotives to operators, mainly rebuilt DBAG class 202.

Website: http://www.alstom.de/

Stock Tables:
 ATDE - Alpha Trains Europa GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

From 1 January 2010 former Angel Trains International is known as Alpha Trains. Angel Trains had two subsidiaries, one for locomotives (Angel Trains Cargo) and one for passenger trains (Angel Trains Europe). The last one is 10% owned by Vossloh AG. The company used to be known as LC - Locomotion Capital, but was renamed in 2003.

Website: http://www.alphatrains.eu/

Stock Tables:
 BRLL - Beacon (Beacon Rail Leasing Ltd.)

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Beacon Rail has taken over the locomotives formerly ownd by BTMU Capital Corporation Boston and Bank of Tokyo/Mitsubishi. They have also acquired HSBC Rail Ltd. in March 2009. Since January 2009 this company leases freight locomotives to companies all over Europe. In 2016 the leasing business of Ascendos Rail (former Porterbrook) based in Luxemburg was taken over. Since 2020 the company simply uses brand name "Beacon". It is actually based in Luxemburg.

In September 2023 Beacon has taken over MRCE, creating one of the largetst leasing companies in Europe. The former MRCE fleet is slowly being integrated with new logos and repaints.

Website: http://www.beaconrail.com/

Stock Tables:
ESGBI - Eisenbahn-Service-Gesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company hires out second-hand rolling stock to other companies, mainly for track maintenance trains. The company started in Rudersberg, but is now based in Vaihingen.

Stock Tables:
 NRAIL - northrail GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

northrail is a relatively new stock leasing company, related to Paribus. It owns modern electric locomotives (Smartron/Vectron), modern diesel locomotives (Voith Gravita) and many types of MaK/Vossloh locomotives, from small shunters to heavy freight locomotives.

Website: http://www.northrail.eu/

Stock Tables:
 RPOOL - Railpool GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

Railpool is a relatively new player (2009) on the locomotive lease market. In the mean time they have bought a large number of TRAXX and Vectron locomotives The company is based in München.
In 2019 Railpool has taken over most of the locomotives of LocoItalia, the former locomotive leasing company of Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM). In the mean time (02/2023) LocoItalia has started its lease business again, buying some locomotives back from Railpool.

Website: http://www.railpool.eu/

Stock Tables:
 SRI - SRI Rail Invest GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

SRI is a small company that leases locomotives and passenger coaches to other operators. It does not operate trains by itself.

Website: https://sri-rail-invest.de/

Stock Tables:
 ABE - Ankum-Bersenbrücker Eisenbahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company manages freight trains on the short line Bersenbrück(DB)-Ankum. The service is actually carried out with DBAG locomotives and personnel. Special passenger trains are operated by Weser Ems Eisenbahn, e.g. Ankum-Bersebrück-Osnabrück (Artland-Express).

Website: http://www.abe-gmbh.net/

 BHE - Bremische Hafeneisenbahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company operates freight trains in the ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven. Although the main (electrified) lines are in total only 29km long, the total track lenght is 440km because of the many connections to industry and ports. The service is actually carried out using DBAG and EVB locomotives and personnel.

Website: http://www.bremenports.de/

 BSM - Bahnen der Stadt Monheim GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company used to operate freight trains on lines north of Cologne: Langenfeld(DB)-Abzw. Wasserwerk-Monheim=Blee/Monheim Nord (9.5km). In 2013 they ceased operating their own trains, BSM is still infrastructure manager. The line has been reduced in length, now running from Langenfeld(DB) to Wasserwerk and Homburg/Hammesfahr.

Website: http://www.bahnen-monheim.de/

Stock Tables:
 DRE - Deutsche Regional-Eisenbahn GmbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company tries to save railway lines that are closed by DBAG. Since 1996 they operate freight trains and passenger specials on Burgkemnitz-Gräfenhainichen-Möhlau. In January 1999 they took over Beeskow-Lübben-Luckau-Uckro-Herzberg but this line sees hardly any trains. In August 2000 they took over freight operation on Ebrach-Frensdorf, and also want to re-open Lüchow-Dannenberg. From January 2002 they also own Bayreuth-Warmensteinach and from December 2004 they took over Riesa-Falkenberg (only trains in summer weekends). In the mean time (2020) DRE and its Bayern subsidiary BRE own 735km of railway lines, of which 362km are operational.

Since January 2002 DRE operated local freight trains over their line originating from Lübben Hbf (Mora C). In 2020 DRE doesn't operate its own trains anymore and only provides infrastructure to other operators.

Website: http://www.regionaleisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 KIEL - Seehafen Kiel GmbH & Co. KG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company, formerly known as HVB, operates freight train on Kiel Hgbf(DB)-Kiel Seefischmarkt, Neuwittenbek(DB)-Kiel=Schusterkrug and Suchsdorf(DB)-Kiel=Wik-Kiel=Scheerhafen. For DB it operates freight trains to Raisdorf (Kiel-Lübeck) and performs shunting duties in Kiel Hbf.
It looks like in 2020 SK does not operate any trains anymore by itself, the locomotives have all been sold or handed back to the leasing company.

Website: http://www.port-of-kiel.de/

Stock Tables:
 OHE - Osthannoversche Eisenbahnen AG

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company used to operate freight trains on many lines to the northeast of Hannover. Their network connects to the DB network at Celle, Wittingen, Soltau, Munster(Örtze), Winsen and Lüneburg. Last years they also started operating freight trains on behalf of DBAG on DBAG lines. In March 2000 they took over operation on Wunsdorf West(DB) - Bokeloh from the StMB. In March 2002 they took over the operation on the Werkbahn Wolff Walsrode (Walsrode-Bomlitz). The faith of the former WWW locomotives is unknown, they have been included here.
In the year 2003 OHE has transported around 1.2 million tonnes of freight. In early 2007 the company was sold to Arriva and Bachstein.

In 2011 Arriva Deutschland was sold to Trenitalia and renamed into Netinera. In 2014 DB Schenker took over the operation of freight trains on the OHE network. All locomotives have been sold or withdrawn.
OHE still takes part in passenger operators Erixx, Metronom and Enno.

Website: http://www.ohe-transport.de/

Stock Tables:
 RPE - R.P. Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

The RP Eisenbahn owns the railway lines Alzey-Kirchheimbolanden and Freiberg-Holzhau, operated by Eurobahn and FEG respectively. In July 1999 they took over (from DBAG) the freight operation on and maintenance of the railway line Langenlosheim - Morbach. They also own Heimbach-Baumholder.
RP Eisenbahn is now (2020) only an infrastructure owner and operator.

Website: http://www.rp-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 TE - Trossinger Eisenbahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

This company used to run regular electrical trains on Trossingen(DB)-Trossingen Stadt. The future was very uncertain because the HzL with their "Ringzug" took over the operation in 2004. But from December 2004 TE operated two morning rush hour trains again, to free a diesel motor car for other "Ringzug" services. Nowadays (2020) TE still owns the infrastructure and operates historic trains over its line, when not in use for regular passenger service.

Website: https://www.trossinger-eisenbahn.de/

Stock Tables:
 UBB - Usedomer Bäder-Bahn

Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):

UBB used to operate passenger trains on the island Usedom (Züssow-Wolgast-Zinnowitz-Seebad Heringsdorf-Ahlbeck-Swinoujscie and Zinnowitz-Peenemünde) and on Velgast-Barth. In December 2017 DB took over the operation on Usedom, and in December 2019 of Velgast-Barth. UBB is now only an infrastructure manager.

History: UBB used to operate both passenger and freight trains on the island Usedom: Ahlbeck Grenze-Seebad Heringsdorf-Zinnowitz-Peenemünde Dorf/Wolgast Fähre. Since 26 September 1999 they also operate trains on the mainland line Wolgast Hafen-Züssow, from May 2000 connected over a new bridge.
Since the end of 2002 some trains continue from Züssow to Stralsund and Barth, UBB now also owns the infrastructure between Velgast and Barth. UBB is a 100% subsidiary of DB Regio. In September 2008 the line was extended from Ahlbeck Grenze to Swinoujscie in Poland (1.4km).

Website: http://www.ubb-online.com/

Stock Tables:
Last update: 30-11-2024