Train chaos between Luxembourg and Bettembourg: buses instead of rails!

Train chaos between Luxembourg and Bettembourg: buses instead of rails!

In the next two months, commuters between Luxembourg and Bettembourg will have to reschedule. From today, July 13, 2025, until September 14, all train traffic on this important route will be suspended in order to carry out urgently needed construction work. This disruption particularly affects cross-border commuters and residents of Esch-sur-Alzette who rely on the daily train connection to commute to and from work. The infrastructure expansion is intended to better connect trains with the French rail network in the future, but currently presents some challenges, as similar interruptions have occurred in the summer months in recent years, as already reported in 2022 and 2024 RTL Luxembourg.

The construction work is focused on the new train line that is being built between Luxembourg and Bettembourg. Around 500 meters of existing tracks will be laid so that the new line can cross the old ones. This new connection is planned to be put into operation by 2026. There are also measures to improve noise protection, including the installation of 150 meters of noise barriers to relieve residents of the inconvenience of the construction work, such as lessentiel reported.

Replacement buses and travel advice

However, there is an alternative for affected travelers: replacement buses will be offered between the bus station in Luxembourg City and Bettembourg every five minutes during peak hours. During less busy times, buses run every 15 minutes. Travelers can then change directly to the usual train connections towards France or to Esch-sur-Alzette and Rodange. The CFL (CFL – Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Luxembourgeois) recommends that you allow for an additional travel time of 25 to 45 minutes, as the buses in the direction of Bettembourg also use short diversions via the A3 motorway. However, on the return journey to Luxembourg, the A3 will not be used due to potential traffic problems, as can be seen from the information provided by RTL Luxembourg emerges.

Particular attention is also paid to TGV travelers, who are supported by special bus connections to and from Bettembourg and Thionville. These measures are intended to ensure that a seamless travel experience remains despite the rail restrictions.

Additional construction projects and renovations

The construction work is part of a larger investment program aimed at improving train connections in Greater Luxembourg and beyond. Numerous routes across Germany are also on the list for general renovation, such as the railway website bahndampf.de reported. From August 2025, for example, the route between Berlin and Hamburg will be subject to extensive renovation work that will last until April 2026. The aim of these renovations is to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of the railway lines. The route between Mannheim and Dortmund and various other connections are also affected.

In summary, it can be seen that commuters directly affected will have to accept increased travel time during this conversion phase. However, with the planned replacement bus connections, those responsible hope to keep the inconvenience as low as possible and create a smooth transition to the new transport structure. The summer will therefore also be a time of change for many rail users.