The Bahnstrecke Düsseldorf–Köln is a high-capacity, double-track, fully electrified mainline running through North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most densely populated state. It stretches roughly 43 kilometers between two of the busiest railway hubs in the country: Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and Köln Hauptbahnhof. The entire route is under 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC overhead wires and equipped with PZB and LZB systems, making it a central corridor for both high-speed and regional rail. The line is a vital artery on the German network, carrying everything from Intercity-Express (ICE) and Intercity (IC) services to Regional-Express (RE), Regionalbahn (RB), S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr trains, and a significant amount of freight traffic. The sheer frequency and diversity of services mean that multiple classes of trains operate side by side on this corridor, often simultaneously—creating dense, layered operations and a sense of a truly living rail system. Both Düsseldorf and Köln stations feature massive throat sections, numerous platforms, and constant movement. Köln Hbf is particularly iconic, with its intricate track layout just before the famous Hohenzollern Bridge that crosses the Rhine, framed by the towering Kölner Dom. Just a few minutes out of the city center, the line passes Köln Messe/Deutz, another major node that handles both local and long-distance services. On the other end, Düsseldorf Hbf is a major regional interchange in its own right, with direct links to the airport and industrial outskirts. Intermediate stations like Leverkusen Mitte, Langenfeld, and Hilden serve a steady flow of commuter traffic, especially on S-Bahn line S6, which shares the corridor. The S-Bahn services typically use BR 422 or BR 420 EMUs and make frequent stops, contrasting sharply with the express services that run at higher speeds and skip many stations. On the long-distance side, ICE 3 often pass through at speed, heading toward destinations like Frankfurt, Berlin, or Brussels and Siemens Desiro HC/ 146s and dostos for RE services Freight traffic is also a constant presence on this route. The corridor intersects with several important freight lines and yards, including Köln Gremberg and Düsseldorf-Reisholz. Trains hauled by BR 185s, 186s, 187s or 152s if possible carrying everything from intermodal containers to heavy tankers and automotive traffic are a common sight, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. The visual landscape is varied but consistently urban—dense city centers, suburban sprawl, patches of wooded embankments, overhead bridges, and complex junctions. Multiple flyovers and viaducts cut through residential and industrial zones, with overhead line masts and signal gantries ever-present. Signal boxes, station canopies, advertising boards, sound barriers, and graffiti-tagged walls give the entire route a gritty realism that reflects its importance as a working corridor. Despite its urban character, the route has a lot of topographical features. It gently undulates, with subtle elevation changes and complex curves, especially around bridge approaches and city outskirts. River crossings like the Rhine at Köln and tributaries near Leverkusen break up the skyline, and the view from the front cab is rarely static, with constant switches, merging tracks, and changing signal aspects. The traffic management here is demanding—frequent speed changes, signal vigilance, and the need to stay alert for diverging or converging paths make it a route that requires attention and planning. Whether operating at 160 km/h on a Regional Express or crawling into Köln Hbf behind a yellow signal, there’s always something happening on the line. Route Map part of the map might not look very accurate since I made it by myself Rolling Stock RE (Regional) Services Siemens Desiro HC (BR 462) DB BR 146 + Dosto Coaches/ cab car ICE/ IC (Intercity) Services DB BR 406 DB BR 101 (steurwagen loco if possible) Freight Services DB BR 185.2 DB BR 412 (seprate add on/ for ICE services) S Bahn services (S6) DB BR 422/ VRR Livery DB BR 420/ ET420 Plus for the future DTG could include some DB BR 1440s, 152s, 146.0s, 120s or an s bahn service extension. AI Layers Schnellfahrstrecke Koln - Aachen DB BR 187 (operating freight services as part of AI Traffic) Haupstrecke Munchen - Augsburg DB BR 403 (operating ICE services as part of AI Traffc) Kinzigtalbahn Frankfurt - Fulda DB BR 411 (operating ICE services as part of AI Traffic) Schnellfahrstrecke Kassel - Wurzburg DB BR 401 (operating ICE services as part of AI Traffic) Haupstrecke Rhein Ruhr DB BR 425 (operating RE services as part of AI Traffic) Frankfurt S Bahn (not released yet) DB BR 420 (operating s bahn S6 services) DB BR 143 + dostos (operating RE services) Linke Rheinstrecke DB BR 103 (operating IC services for railtours only) Ruhr Sieg Nord DB BR 155 (operating freight services as part of AI Traffic) Bahnstrecke Salzburg - Rosenheim DB BR 111 + dostos/ cab car (operating RE services as part of AI Traffic) Mittenwaldbahn DB BR 111 (hauling coaches as part of AI Traffic for IC services) + DB N wagen coaches from bahnstrecke bremen - oldenberg Scenarios 1. RE5 Morning Express Duration: 45 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ️Train: Siemens Desiro HC Description: Take charge of a morning RE5 service from Düsseldorf Hbf to Köln Hbf. Deal with tight scheduling, yellow signals, and heavy commuter traffic. 2. Industrial Freight South Duration: 60 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆️ Train: DB BR 185.2 Description: Haul mixed freight from Düsseldorf-Reisholz yard to Köln Gremberg. Navigate a congested corridor with precision, keeping up with signals while managing a long, heavy train. 3. ICE Line Sprint Duration: 30 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ ️Train: DB BR 406 (ICE 3M) Description: Perform a high-speed ICE service from Köln Hbf to Düsseldorf Hbf, with a stop at Köln Messe/Deutz. Keep up to line speed while managing platform approach precision. 4. Regional Rain Run Duration: 40 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ️Train: 766.2 Dosto Cab Car (Push-Pull with BR 146.2) Description: Drive a Dosto cab car regional stopping service from Leverkusen to Düsseldorf during heavy rain. Expect slippery rails, full stations, and tight signal spacing. 5. Intercity Southbound Duration: 50 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆️ Train: DB BR 101 (pulling IC coaches) Description: Operate a traditional Intercity service from Düsseldorf Hbf to Köln Hbf, with limited stops and a focus on smooth, fast acceleration with a heavy load. 6. Steuerwagen on the Lead Duation: 50 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ️Train: IC Steuerwagen (pushed by BR 101) Description: Run the same Intercity route but from the driver’s seat in the Steuerwagen. Face signal anticipation challenges and braking control from the cab end of the train. 7. ICE 4 Debut Run (Separate Add-On) Duration: 35 minutes Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Train: DB BR 412 (ICE 4) (Add-On) Description: Introduce the new ICE 4 on a semi-fast run from Wuppertal to Köln Hbf. Handle a longer unit with modern braking and acceleration profiles in mixed traffic. Timetable Inclusions Each of the above trains would also feature heavily in Timetable Mode: Siemens Desiro HC: RE5 and RE6 services every 30–60 minutes throughout the day. DB BR 146.2/ 766.2 Cab Car: Operates RB48 and other local services with full regional stopping patterns. DB BR 185.2: Freight services at off-peak times and overnight, including intermodal, mixed freight, and tankers. DB BR 406 (ICE 3M): Frequent ICE services between Düsseldorf, Köln, Frankfurt, and Brussels with 1–2 stops. DB BR 101: Hourly Intercity services, with alternating direction runs and push-pull operations. IC Steuerwagen: Active in alternate IC runs where it leads from Köln to Düsseldorf (or vice versa). DB BR 422: Operating S Bahn Koln S6 services. DB BR 412 (ICE 4) (Add-On): Optional long-distance and substitution layers, offering a different high-speed driving style and seating layout. Mastery Rewards Tier 1 Bahnstrecke Dusseldorf - Koln Decals Tier 2 Bybdzf 482 steuerwagen Why DTG should consider this route to come to TSW5 The Düsseldorf–Köln route isn’t just a busy corridor—it's one of the most gameplay-rich and diverse sections of German rail, and that’s exactly what would make it an incredible experience in Train Sim World 5. This route isn’t about scenic mountains or postcard-perfect landscapes. It’s about pure operational density, varied traffic, tight dispatching windows, and the sheer thrill of navigating through an urban rail artery where every mile demands your attention. You're constantly balancing high-speed express services with frequent regional stops, dealing with live signal blocks, braking strategy, station timings, and interleaved freight moves. It’s a proper challenge, not just a drive. From a gameplay perspective, this is a route that delivers across multiple fronts. Regional express services like the RE5 and RE6 offer immersive, fast-paced stopping patterns using the modern, sleek Siemens Desiro HC, with the added depth of acceleration and braking management under pressure. The RB48 and other local runs using the BR 146.2 and 766.2 Dosto cab car introduce a more suburban rhythm, perfect for players who enjoy stop-start operations with tricky signal spacing and constant vigilance. Then there’s the Intercity layer—beautifully brought to life with the DB BR 101 and Steuerwagen running classic IC coaches—where you can either haul or push-pull through the corridor and truly feel that long-distance weight in your hands. Add to the high-speed thrill of the DB BR 406 and optionally the BR 412 (ICE 4) the modern, futuristic highspeed train slicing through the line with precision at 250 km/h, and you’ve got the modern backbone of Germany’s rail future. Every one of these trains provides a unique driving profile, and importantly, they all naturally run on this route. There’s no need to force in extra stock to fill the gaps—it’s already alive. But then, just when you think it’s only about passengers, freight hits you with another layer. The DB BR 185.2 handles core freight moves to and from Köln-Gremberg, a vital and incredibly active node for German logistics. With Reisholz yards in Düsseldorf and freight weaving through the same fast tracks as your ICEs and RBs, you’ve got actual conflict to manage—priority movements, looped overtakes, held reds. It’s gameplay that’s organically difficult, without being frustrating, because you know the logic behind every wait. The magic here is in the balance. You get high-speed, regional, suburban, and freight in one corridor, all realistically layered with existing locos, and all tied together by some of the most recognizable modern German rail operations. No fantasy. No overreach. Just a compelling, layered, and challenging real-world route that already has the core ingredients in place—visually dense urban sprawl, operational traffic complexity, and a wide range of service patterns from all-day, everyday trains. Köln and Düsseldorf are also iconic, high-traffic hubs that are busy by nature, making this route ideal not only for solo driving but also for timetable mode and potential multiplayer layering in the future. The time period? Modern-day, absolutely. These trains are current, in-service, and reflect what you’d see if you stood at any station along this line today. And that's key—the sense of relevance. Players who travel this line in real life will instantly recognize it. Those who don’t will still be hooked by its depth and pace. It doesn’t need 300 miles. It just needs 40 absolutely packed with gameplay. The Bahnstrecke Düsseldorf–Köln is ready for TSW5. It's not just some average german route. It’s a gameplay blueprint that works right out of the box, with plenty of room to grow via add-ons like the BR 412 or more freight layers down the line. DTG should absolutely be looking here next.
I remember when it came out for TS Classic. It was the first dlc I bought. I never understood why Cologne-Dusseldorf didn't appear in Train Sim World. It was really a great DLC at the time. Not to forget a desiro HC train would really be the masterpiece of this route!
Hi, I love this proposal. What would be great would be to have a DLC with BR 412 and with BR 408. I'd be willing to pay more for DLC like that. However, if DTG were to make this DLC, it would have to integrate all the safety systems present in these machines. Not just the PZB, LZB and SIFA, but also the ETCS Lv2 and the ATB for the Netherlands and the TBL for Belgium, as well as the corresponding voltages if DTG were to release new DLCs in these countries.
Even better why not go all the way to Duisburg Hbf via the Flughafen Rhein-Rhur Düsseldorf stop. That way this route bridges the gap between Schnellfahrstrecke Köln Aachen & Hauptstrecke Rhein-Rhur.
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heres some helpful info for the completely new rolling stock on the route if DTG has problems starting with: ICE 4 General Information Manufacturer: Siemens, Bombardier/Alstom, Voith Assembly Locations: Wrocław (body shells), Graz (bogies), Krefeld (electronics), Hennigsdorf (cabs) Replaces: Intercity trains Construction Period: 2015–2024 Total Units Built: 137 7-car sets (Class 412.2): 37 12-car sets (Class 412.0): 50 13-car sets (Class 412.4): 50 Train Formation 7-car (K1n/K1s): 3 powered cars (M), 4 trailer cars (T) 12-car (K3s): 6 powered cars (M), 6 trailer cars (T) 13-car (K4s): 7 powered cars (M), 6 trailer cars (T) Capacity7-car sets (K1n/K1s): 499 passengers 10-car sets (K3s): 724 passengers 12-car sets (K3s): 830 passengers 13-car sets (K4s): 918 passengers Operators DB Fernverkehr (German Railways) Dimensions Train Length: 7-car: 202 m (662 ft 8+3⁄4 in) 12-car: 346 m (1,135 ft 2 in) 13-car: 374 m (1,227 ft 3⁄8 in) Car Length: Driving car: 29.106 m (95 ft 5+7⁄8 in) Intermediate car: 28.75 m (94 ft 3+7⁄8 in) Width: 2,642 to 2,852 mm (8 ft 8 in to 9 ft 4+1⁄4 in) (internal/external) Height: 4,111 mm (13 ft 5+7⁄8 in) Platform Height: 550 to 760 mm (21.7 to 29.9 in) Wheels Driving Wheel Diameter: New: 920 mm (3 ft 1⁄4 in) Worn: 840 mm (2 ft 9+1⁄8 in) Carrying Wheel Diameter: New: 825 mm (2 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Worn: 750 mm (2 ft 5+1⁄2 in) Performance Maximum Speed: K1s: 250 km/h (155 mph) K3s/K4s: 265 km/h (165 mph) Weight: K1n: 470 t (463 long tons; 518 short tons) K3s: 820 t (807 long tons; 904 short tons) K4s: 890 t (876 long tons; 981 short tons) Acceleration: K1n: 0.55 m/s² (1.23 mph/s) K3s: 0.53 m/s² (1.19 mph/s) Power and Traction Traction System: Siemens SIBAS PN IGBT–VVVF Power Output: K1n/K1s: 4,950 kW (6,638 hp) K3s: 8,250 kW (11,063 hp) K3s (12-car): 9,900 kW (13,276 hp) K4s (13-car): 11,550 kW (15,489 hp) Electric System: 15 kV 16+2⁄3 Hz AC (nominal) via overhead catenary Current Collector: Pantograph Safety and Classification UIC Classification: K1n: 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+2′2′ K3s: 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+2′2′ K4s: 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+2′2′ Safety Systems: ETCS, LZB, PZB Coupling System: Scharfenberg Type 10 Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) (standard gauge) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Desiro HC Configuration Options: Four-piece units: 257 sets Five-piece units: 18 sets Six-piece units: 165 sets Manufacturer: Siemens Mobility Production Period: Since 2017 Track Gauge: 1435 mm (Standard gauge) Axle Formula by Train Length 4-piece: Bo'Bo' + 2'2' + 2'2' + Bo'Bo' 5-piece: Bo'Bo' + 2'2' + 2'2' + Bo'Bo' 6-piece: Bo'Bo' + 2'2' + 2'2' + 2'2' + Bo'Bo' Dimensions Length over couplings: 4-piece: 105,252 mm 5-piece: ~131,000 mm 6-piece: 157,252 mm Height: 4,640 mm Width: 2,820 mm Minimum curve radius: 120 m Weight 4-piece unit: 198 t 6-piece unit: 284 t Performance Max speed: 160 km/h standard 190 km/h (6-car, Franconia-South Thuringia) Power ratings: Short-term power: 6,000 kW Hourly rating: 4,000 kW (Israel: 4,800 kW) Continuous output: 3,290 kW Starting tractive effort: 300 kN Braking force: 240 kN Acceleration: 4-piece: 1.1 m/s² 6-piece: 0.91 m/s² Electrical and Control Systems Power supply: 15 kV, 16.7 Hz AC (Germany, Austria, etc.) 25 kV, 50 Hz AC (international use) Collection method: Overhead catenary Train control systems: PZB (standard) Partial: ETCS, LZB Passenger Capacity Seats: Between 400 and 655, depending on configuration (420s and 422s are included in the route since its set in early 2023)
Ok, that will do, might bring a route Hopping experience but the route runs from Dusseldorf - Koln so it's not meant to extend beyond Koln or Dusseldorf so but if there are branches that that's fair enough.
