MainTauberBahn

Main-Tauber-Bahn, written as Main-Tauber-Bahn in German sources, is a regional railway line in southern Germany named after the Main and Tauber rivers. It serves the Main-Tauber region in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and provides a north–south connection through the valley areas, with Würzburg as a major northern gateway and Tauber valley towns toward the southern end. The line is primarily used for regional passenger traffic and links several smaller communities with larger rail networks.

Route and operations

The Main-Tauber-Bahn path runs roughly along the Main and Tauber river valleys, connecting the greater Würzburg area with communities in the Tauber region. It intersects with other lines at major hubs such as Würzburg and at intermediate junctions that connect to neighboring routes. Services are focused on regional mobility, offering connections for commuters, students, and travelers, and are operated by DB Regio as part of the local transport network. Rolling stock typically consists of standard regional trains used by DB Regio on non-long-distance routes; electrification status varies by segment, and many stretches rely on diesel traction for passenger services.

History

The Main-Tauber-Bahn comprises multiple line segments built in the 19th and early 20th centuries by state railways of Bavaria and Baden. Over time these sections were linked and integrated into the wider German railway system. Postwar periods brought continued use for regional mobility, and modernizations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries included infrastructure upgrades, signaling improvements, and investments to improve accessibility and service reliability.

Today, the Main-Tauber-Bahn remains an important regional corridor for residents and visitors, supporting daily travel and regional tourism along the Main-Tauber landscape.