Lübeck plans to maintain coastal rail route for increased passenger demand

The city of Lübeck has completed an investigation into the future organization of rail traffic between Lübeck and Neustadt in Holstein. The study addressed whether trains should continue using the existing coastal route, known as the Bäderbahn, or be moved to a faster inland route following the Fehmarnbelt crossing.

The findings indicate that the existing coastal route is expected to see significantly higher passenger numbers. Projections suggest that on a typical weekday north of Ratekau, the Bäderbahn could serve approximately 10,000 passengers, which is more than double the expected volume on the new inland route.

While fast trains heading toward Fehmarn and Denmark will utilize the new construction line, they are expected to stop at a new station in Haffkrug to allow passengers to transfer conveniently. Previous considerations for replacing rail service with buses or trams were deemed unconvincing due to high operating costs and low projected passenger growth.