ÖBB: More freight connections in the European network

(Vienna, 8 January 2026) – The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is launching two new TransFER connections for single wagonloads between Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, while adapting its intermodal offering with new routes toward Romania. With the new TransFER Duisburg–Rotterdam and TransFER Salzburg–Offenbach connections, RCG is expanding its network for wagonloads and containers.

TransFER connections are trains that transport goods according to fixed timetables and predefined stops. The principle is similar to that of passenger trains. Freight customers can easily and flexibly book conventional freight wagons or intermodal units such as containers or swap bodies onto the train connections. There are currently over 60 such connections between economic centres in Europe and as far as Asia. In addition, first and last mile services as well as forwarding services such as transshipment, warehousing and professional customs clearance are available.

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group CCO Christoph Grasl is delighted with the expansion of the network: ‘The further development of our TransFER connections shows how consistently we align our services with the needs of our customers. With new direct and reliable connections, we are improving access to key logistics hubs and creating attractive conditions for the switch to rail.’

TransFER Duisburg–Rotterdam connects logistics hubs
The new TransFER Duisburg–Rotterdam, initially with three round trips per week, creates a direct link between the logistics hub Rheinkamp near Duisburg and the Port of Rotterdam (terminals Waalhaven, Europoort, Botlek, Pernis and Maasvlakte) – one of Europe’s most important seaports. From Duisburg, it is possible to efficiently reach other destinations in Western and Northern Europe, as well as Central and South-Eastern Europe, by rail.

TransFER Salzburg–Offenbach runs twice a week
There is also a new non-stop TransFER connection between Austria and Germany: it connects the central railway hub of Salzburg directly with Offenbach – an important logistics and industrial location in the Rhine-Main area near Frankfurt am Main. Two weekly round trips provide a reliable and high-performance transport solution.

Romania: Rail Cargo Group takes customer needs into account and changes intermodal connections
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group is also adapting its intermodal transport services to changing customer needs. The previous TransFER between Genk and Curtici becomes TransFER Liège–Curtici and now operates with seven weekly round trips from Liège. Located in the heart of the Benelux region, this site offers strong connections to the North Sea ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge and serves as a powerful hub between seaports, industrial centres and inland markets. At the same time, RCG is introducing the new TransFER Duisburg–Curtici for continental flows – with three weekly round trips. This means that traffic to Curtici will now be consolidated via both Liège and Duisburg.


Rail Cargo Group: the freight transport division of the ÖBB 
As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we are shaping the industry.  365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and beyond into Asia. With our presence in 18 countries – and our own traction in 14 of them – we connect people, businesses and markets from the first to the last mile. It’s  thanks to our 6,014 logistics professionals that 418,114 trains a year, respectively 1,150 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport 79,9 million net tonnes of freight each year.