Ringbahn

The Ringbahn is a circular railway around central Berlin that forms the orbital backbone of the city’s S-Bahn network. It is composed of two lines, the S41 and S42, which run in opposite directions to form a continuous loop of about 37 kilometers.

The loop passes through central districts and provides an orbital alternative to the radial routes into the core. It connects with multiple radial S-Bahn lines and intersects U-Bahn networks at various stations, enabling transfers across the city. The Ringbahn links residential areas with business districts and cultural sites, making it a key component of Berlin’s public transport system.

Construction of the Ringbahn began in the late 19th century to relieve congestion on inner routes and to improve city-wide mobility. The circle was largely completed by the end of that century and became part of Berlin’s S-Bahn network in the early 20th century. During the division of Berlin after World War II, the line’s operation was affected by political and logistical changes; after German reunification in 1990, the Ringbahn was restored and modernized as part of the unified S-Bahn network.

The Ringbahn uses standard electric traction and is served by the Berlin S-Bahn rolling stock fleet. Sections have undergone modernization, including signaling upgrades and accessibility improvements, to increase reliability and speed along the loop.

The Ringbahn remains a vital transit corridor for orbital travel around Berlin, facilitating transfers and reducing travel times between outer radial lines. It is also a reference for other German-speaking cities, where similar circular railways are known as Ringbahnen.