Cologne main station closed for 10 days: chaos in train traffic is imminent!

Cologne main station closed for 10 days: chaos in train traffic is imminent!

A significant change for all travelers: Cologne Central Station will be completely closed from November 14th to 24th, 2025. This has far-reaching effects on train traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond. According to information from Ruhr24 The lockdown begins on November 14th at 9 p.m. and ends on November 24th at 5 a.m. The reason for these comprehensive measures is the commissioning of the second construction stage of the new electronic signal box, which is worth an investment of around 360 million euros for Deutsche Bahn.

The first construction stage was already converted for S-Bahn traffic at the end of 2021, and now the next step follows. Both regional and long-distance traffic will be severely affected throughout the closure. Travelers should prepare for significant changes as most trains will not stop at Central Station.

Long-distance and regional traffic affected

In particular, the ICE trains to and from Aachen and Brussels will not stop at Cologne Central Station and will instead stop in Cologne-Ehrenfeld. There are also changes for travelers heading to Amsterdam: The trains do not stop in Cologne, but in Köln Messe/Deutz. Connections to Berlin will also be severely limited, with direct two-hourly connections from Cologne Messe/Deutz, while many other connections will be cancelled. The stop on the routes to Frankfurt will also be in Cologne Messe/Deutz.

There are major restrictions in regional transport. All lines that normally run in Cologne Central Station are affected, with one exception: the RB 25 remains unaffected. The S-Bahn lines are largely running normally, although there will be temporary restrictions on the night of November 18th to 19th and the night of November 19th to 20th, including an eight-hour complete closure of the S-Bahn.

Cologne and its important transport network

Cologne, with almost 1.1 million inhabitants, is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth largest in Germany. The city is picturesquely located on the Rhine and plays an important role as a transport hub. Cologne Central Station is important not only for local residents, but also for numerous commuters and travelers from the surrounding area. The station not only connects the local transport network, but also international connections, making Cologne a central point in the Rhine-Ruhr region.

The city has a rich history dating back to its founding as an Oppidum Ubiorum in 38 BC. BC. Even though Cologne was heavily damaged during the Second World War, the city has recovered and is now a vibrant center for culture and trade with over 30 museums and numerous universities. For many, the city is also known for its famous carnival celebrations and rivalry with Düsseldorf.

Given these widespread closures, travelers and commuters should inform themselves well in advance and consider alternative connections to avoid hassle and delays. Even if the entire city is not affected, the people of Cologne feel the effects of this extensive construction work in their daily lives.