A monitoring device for monitoring a temporary rail connection of two rail portions includes a first fixing element which can be fixed to the first rail portion, and a second fixing element which can be fixed to the second rail portion. The monitoring device furthermore includes a first distance sensor for measuring a first distance between the fixing elements, and a second distance sensor for measuring a second distance between the first fixing element and a first clamping device of the temporary rail connection. The monitoring device allows reliable monitoring of the temporary rail connection. A rail connection system for creating and monitoring a temporary rail connection of two rail portions of a rail is also provided.

A monitoring device for monitoring a temporary rail connection of two rail portions includes a first fixing element which can be fixed to the first rail portion, and a second fixing element which can be fixed to the second rail portion. The monitoring device furthermore includes a first distance sensor for measuring a first distance between the fixing elements, and a second distance sensor for measuring a second distance between the first fixing element and a first clamping device of the temporary rail connection. The monitoring device allows reliable monitoring of the temporary rail connection. A rail connection system for creating and monitoring a temporary rail connection of two rail portions of a rail is also provided.