more Train Connections Coming to Baden-Württemberg

The upcoming timetable change will bring improvements, especially in the Rhine-Neckar region and on the Hermann Hesse Railway. In 2026, the state will continue to expand, renew, and modernize its rail network.

more Connections, More Places Than Ever Before

Every december, train schedules across Europe are updated. In 2026, regional and S-Bahn trains in Baden-Württemberg will travel a total of around 103 million train kilometers – a new record.Just the regional trains ordered by the state will cover 87.8 million train kilometers. In 2025, the state ordered 87.6 million kilometers, compared to 80.3 million in 2022.

Winfried Hermann, Baden-Württemberg’s Transport minister, said, “For 2026, the state has ordered more train journeys than ever before – a total of 87.8 million kilometers.The new timetable will offer more direct connections, more frequent service, and more space for passengers. However, we can only fully deliver these improvements when Deutsche Bahn provides the necessary infrastructure and the Stuttgart 21 project is complete.”

Construction for Modernization and Digitalization

In 2026, significant work will continue to expand, renew, and modernize rail infrastructure throughout the state. This is important because the rail network across Germany hasn’t been updated for many years. Public transport will only be reliable if we build, modernize, and renovate it. There will be ongoing construction and related disruptions to local transport. Railway companies will provide data about specific route changes due to construction.

“Reliability and quality are our top priorities. Passengers need to be able to rely on the timetable, so the railway must renew, expand, and digitize the rail infrastructure, fixing years of neglect. This may mean changes to daily routines and commutes,which I regret.But ultimately, we will all benefit. Stuttgart, for example, will become a leading region and the first digital hub in the near future,” said the Transport Minister.

the Stuttgart 21 project will cause continued construction and uncertainty for passengers in the Stuttgart area for the next several years. Digitizing the Stuttgart network will prepare rail transport for the future and help protect the climate. New digital technology will allow trains to travel closer together.