Compiled by USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
The digitization of the Stuttgart S-Bahn main line is entering the next (and hopefully final) phase with construction set to continue this summer. Beginning at 1:30 a.m. on July 26 through Sept. 6 at 3.30 am, Deutsche Bahn (DB) is continuing renovations of the inner-city tunnel section between Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof and Stuttgart-Vaihingen. During this time, S-Bahn trains will not run to the stations Hauptbahnhof (tief), Stadtmitte, Feuersee, Schwabstraße, Universität and Österfeld.
The work is part of a multi-year project centering on digitizing and improving the decades-old tunnel segment to increase capacity. Summer closures began in 2021 and construction is expected to be completed this year. Most of the renovation work is planned during the summer in hopes that schoolchildren and commuters are affected as little as possible.
Expect longer transit times while the work is completed
USAG Stuttgart community members are highly encouraged to use mobile apps such as DB Navigator, SSB Move, and VVS Mobil during the closure period. These apps will use the adjusted routes and schedule when determining the best way from one location to another and also provide live information about any temporary closures or adjustments on a particular day. Information is also available from DB Regio customer service at CIV: 0711 4692825387.
Operating concept for main line closure (as of June 30, 2025)
As in previous years, S-Bahn trains run every 30 minutes and largely at the usual times.
At Stuttgart main station, lines S1 and S2 (northbound only) as well as lines S4 to S6 will depart from tracks 1 to 4. Regional express trains (RE-Pendel) run hourly between Stuttgart main station (platform 5) and Böblingen with a stop in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Regional trains between Stuttgart main station and Rottweil or Freudenstadt supplement the service every two hours. These trains also stop in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Due to the reduced track capacity, there will be timetable changes to regional services. Further information can be found at bahn.de/bauarbeiten
Buses will run to the S-Bahn stations along the main line
During the construction work, buses will run to the inner-city S-Bahn stations along the main line.
- SEV1 buses run between Stuttgart main station (Arnulf-Klett-Platz) and Stuttgart-Vaihingen station (ZOB/bus platform 1) to the stops Stadtmitte (Wilhelmsbau/Büchsenstraße), Feuersee, Schwabstraße, Universität and Österfeld (Alter Friedhof). On weekdays, buses run every five minutes during peak times (6 to 10 a.m. and 3.30 to 7.30 p.m.) and every 10 minutes at all other times.
- The SEV3 buses replace the early connection to the airport with the S-Bahn and run from Monday to Friday at 4:50 a.m. as a direct connection from the main railway station (Arnulf-Klett-Platz) to the Stuttgart Airport Bus Terminal.
Follow Deutsche Bahn detour signs to bus stops or ask a DB employee for help
You can follow green and purple floor markings to your replacement bus service.
Deutsche Bahn marks routes along the ground that say Ersatzverkehr (Replacement) or Haltestelle Ersatzverkehr (Stop Replacement). DB also deploys service staff to make changing between S-Bahn trains and buses run as smoothly as possible. Look for staff wearing high-visibility vests to get your questions answered.
Additional construction work on some S-Bahn and regional services
- From July 26 to Sept. 6, there is a detour due to construction work at Bad Cannstatt station. The Nürnberger Straße and Sommerrain stops on the S2 line will be closed in both directions. The S3 line will only run between Fellbach and Backnang.
- From Aug. 25 to Sept. 6, there will be construction work in the Stuttgart Nordbahnhof area. The Feuerbach and Nordbahnhof stops on lines S4 and S5 will be canceled. The S6 line will only run between Weil der Stadt and Feuerbach, the S60 line only between Böblingen and Zuffenhausen.
- During the night of July 31/Aug. 1, 10 pm to 4 am, the S2 line will be canceled due to maintenance work between Stuttgart-Vaihingen and Filderstadt and will be replaced by a replacement service with buses (S2E).
Up-to-date information on construction sites and disruptions on the S-bahn network can be found at any time at bahn.de/bauarbeiten. Alternative travel connections and further information can be found in the DB Navigator and VVS Mobil apps or at vvs.de For additional information (in German), visit the VVS website or the S-Bahn website.
(Info from Deutsche Bahn, July 2025)