What is described is a middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles, comprising two coupling halves (2, 2′) to be coupled together attached to vehicle parts (A, B), each of said coupling halves (2, 2′) comprising a coupling rod (8, 8′) with a coupling head (12, 12′), and comprising a connecting element (16) for manually connecting the two coupling heads (12, 12′). Disposed at each coupling head (12, 12′) is an electrical contact element (32, 34) for contacting with the contact element of the other respective coupling head (12, 12′) when the two coupling halves (2, 2′) are coupled. Routed within each coupling rod (8, 8′) are electrical lines (18, 18′) that lead from the contact elements (32, 34) of the associated coupling head (12, 12′) to the vehicle part (A, B) to which the coupling halves (2, 2′) comprising said coupling rods (8, 8′) are attached, respectively.