Nuremberg-Regensburg railway line: Month-long replacement buses from February 2026!

Nuremberg-Regensburg railway line: Month-long replacement buses from February 2026!

In Bavaria, preparations are underway for a comprehensive general renovation of the railway line between Nuremberg and Regensburg, which will take place from February 6th to July 10th, 2026. During this time the route will be closed and extensive replacement buses will be deployed. Loud BR.de Around 90 buses are provided on eight routes, covering over 45,000 kilometers every day.

The replacement buses run every 20 minutes, and even more frequently during peak hours. But passengers have to be prepared for longer journey times. The buses also have some amenities: storage space for luggage, WiFi and toilets are on board. Regional trains, including the S3 to Neumarkt and the Regionalexpress 22, will be replaced by these buses. The buses have the same numbers as the respective train lines, making it easier for travelers to orientate themselves.

Reinforcements and diversions

For affected travelers, the alternative RE 40 railway line between Nuremberg and Regensburg via Schwandorf will be reinforced during the renovation work. In addition, the ICE trains between these two cities will be rerouted via Ingolstadt, which will extend the travel time by around an hour. An ICE trip from Munich via Landshut, Regensburg and Passau to Vienna is offered once a day.

The long-distance transport offering is being reduced in cities such as Regensburg, Passau and Plattling; Long-distance transport is no longer offered in Straubing. Freight trains are also affected by the diversions, and bus connections are being set up between Neustadt an der Donau and Regensburg as well as Landshut and Plattling. Despite the construction work, hourly travel options will remain.

Extensive construction work

The general renovation includes the replacement of over 90 kilometers of overhead lines and a comprehensive modernization of the technology. All 20 train stations between Regensburg-Prüfening and Feucht will be made barrier-free and made more attractive. Signal boxes are being upgraded to the “European Train Control System” (ETC), new switches are being built, and renovation work is underway on the railway embankment near Deining and the bridge near Burgthann.

In order to inform passengers in good time, an information mobile will tour along the route from October 20th and explain the construction work and the traffic concept. Deutsche Bahn recently awarded contracts for rail replacement services, including to deu.mobil GmbH and go.on Gesellschaft für Bus- und Eisenbahnverkehr mbH. In total, the project covers almost 60 million bus kilometers and thus ensures a reliable and high-quality replacement offer for travelers. German railway emphasizes that replacement transport during this important construction phase is always developed in close coordination with relevant partners.