Erfurter Bahn operates services every two hours using Regio-Shuttle diesel multiple units.

As early as 1884, the line between Arenshausen and Friedland was abandoned, so that trains from Gotha to Göttingen had to be change direction in Eichenberg.

By 1945 the railway the Leinefelde-Gotha line was mainly used for regional services with a few D-trains (D-Zügen, long distance express trains) between Erfurt and Hanover.

During the period of East Germany’s existence (1945–1990) there were no direct services between Erfurt and the Eichsfeld district.

Following German reunification the line between Arenshausen and Eichenberg was re-opened in 1990, with services operating to Kassel.