South of Altenburg, in Lehndorf, the line to Gera branches to the west.

As a result, the line to Hof first ran a short distance to the north and then made a 180-degree turn into the valley of the Pleiße, which is located east of the city.

In 1876, work began on a new station a little further to the east and the mainline was moved to a new route running south through a 375 m long tunnel.

Immediately northwest of the passenger station the, now defunct, Zeitz line ran through the marshalling yard, which is now let as sidings to the Villmanngruppe company.

The station is on served by services on timetable routes 501.5 and 540, which are operated by DB Regio.