Fernbahnhöfen

Fernbahnhöfen are railway stations in Germany that are served by long-distance passenger traffic, notably trains of the Intercity-Express (ICE) and Intercity (IC) networks, and by some international services such as EuroCity. They function as national or regional transport hubs, enabling connections between long-distance routes and local transport networks.

They are typically designed to handle high passenger volumes and provide a range of facilities and services. Fernbahnhöfen usually feature multiple platforms, large or segmented passenger halls, ticket offices, information desks, shops, and accessible facilities. They are integrated with regional rail networks (S-Bahn and Regionalbahn) and with urban transport connections such as buses and trams, and in larger cities may offer direct access to airport terminals. Clear signage and timetable information emphasize long-distance travel and platform assignments.

Operation and organization: In Germany, long-distance services are operated by Deutsche Bahn, while station infrastructure and general station services are managed by DB Station&Service. Fernbahnhöfen are designed to support frequent long-distance services and often include passenger lounges, service desks, and barrier-free access to platforms.

Examples: Major Fernbahnhöfen include Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof, München Hauptbahnhof, Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Köln Hauptbahnhof, and Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, among others that host ICE and IC services. Some cities also have other significant stations that handle long-distance trains without being the city’s single Hauptbahnhof.

History and development: The concept gained prominence with the expansion of the ICE network from the 1990s onward, leading to rebuilt or newly constructed stations to accommodate high-speed and high-capacity services.