Frankfurt’s S-Bahn faces months of closures for €180M tunnel upgrades
Major upgrades are coming to Frankfurt’s S-Bahn network, with construction set to begin on 28 April. The work will affect key routes, including the S1, S2, S8, and S9 lines, as well as parts of the S3 through S7 services. Nearly €180 million has been allocated for the project, which will run until late October.
The construction will focus on the tunnel section between Frankfurt-Mühlberg and Offenbach-Ost. Crews will replace old tracks, switches, and emergency tunnel lighting. Fire safety systems will also receive improvements.
During the work, the line will shut completely over the summer and autumn school holidays. Four replacement bus services will operate, connecting Frankfurt city centre and the airport. Passengers on routes like RE 4 and RE 14 will see rail replacement buses instead of trains. The S1, S2, S8, and S9 lines will face the biggest changes, with some services rerouted or shortened. The S3 through S7 lines will also experience disruptions—two nights of restrictions, followed by a continuous closure from 30 April to 5 May.
The upgrades aim to modernise infrastructure and improve reliability on the network. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, as replacement buses will serve key routes during the closures. The full project is scheduled to finish by the end of October.
