Major rail disruptions to hit Stuttgart-Munich route for two weeks

Major rail disruptions will hit services between Stuttgart and Munich from May 11 to May 23. The closures come as construction work takes place in the Pragsattel Tunnel, affecting long-distance, regional, and S-Bahn trains across the region. Passengers are being warned of reduced services, cancellations, and overcrowding during this period.

The work on the Residenz Route, specifically in the Pragsattel Tunnel between Feuerbach and Nordbahnhof stations, will force significant changes. Not all long-distance trains between Stuttgart and Munich will run, while ICE services to and from Austria will be diverted via Esslingen. Only direct connections from and to Karlsruhe will continue to Paris.

The 196XX trains will operate every two hours between Stuttgart Central Station and Karlsruhe, skipping intermediate stops. In the alternate hours, a replacement bus will run hourly on the same route. Meanwhile, every other RE1 train between Stuttgart and Mühlacker will be cancelled, leaving fewer options for commuters. Local S-Bahn services in Stuttgart will also face delays and cancellations due to track closures. Passengers travelling between Pforzheim and Mühlacker or Stuttgart must now change trains at Bietigheim-Bissingen. With fewer trains running, overcrowding is expected on the remaining services.

The construction work will last until May 23, forcing travellers to plan alternative routes. Replacement buses and rerouted trains will help maintain some connections, but delays and reduced capacity remain likely. Passengers are advised to check schedules before travelling during this period.