Regional Trains: More Seats on the Cottbus-Leipzig Line - RE10 train line expands with double seats to tackle weekend overcrowding

The RE10 regional train line between Cottbus and Leipzig is getting more seats to ease overcrowding. Demand on weekends has been rising for years, often leaving passengers struggling to find space. Now, the states of Brandenburg and Saxony have stepped in to fund an expansion of services.

Weekend journeys on the RE10 have long faced high passenger numbers. The route, connecting Cottbus and Leipzig, regularly reaches full capacity, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In response, a new hourly stop in Falkenberg (Elster) was added in December 2025 to improve service frequency.

From March 6, 2026, selected weekend trips will run with doubled train units. Instead of a single carriage, two coupled vehicles will operate, increasing seating from 180 to 360. The extra capacity aims to reduce congestion and provide more comfortable travel for passengers.

The changes follow years of growing demand on the RE10 line. With funding from Brandenburg and Saxony, the expanded service will offer more seats and better connections. The adjustments are set to remain in place for the foreseeable future.