2025 Deutschlandticket cost. News. From January 1, 2025, the price of the Deutschlandticket will rise from 49 to 58 euros per month. This change was agreed upon by state transport ministers, as announced by Oliver Krischer, the transport minister of North Rhine-Westphalia. He explained that the price increase is needed to keep the ticket appealing and ensure stable funding.
“This agreement shows our commitment to keeping and improving the successful Deutschlandticket model,” said Krischer, a Green Party member and president of the Conference of Transport Ministers.
Debates over price
At first, the states couldn’t agree on the price. Bavaria suggested a price of 64 euros per month to cover costs, while other states like Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Baden-Württemberg supported smaller increases, warning that a high price might make the subscription less appealing.
Before the increase, the Deutschlandticket cost 49 euros per month. It was valid across Germany for all local and regional buses and trains, but didn’t include long-distance trains. For many commuters, especially in cities, this pass was more cost-effective than other options.
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The financing problem
The debate over how to fund the Deutschlandticket has been ongoing since it was introduced in May 2023. Due to its low price, transport companies are facing major revenue losses. At first, the federal government and the states agreed to split these losses equally, with each contributing about 1.5 billion euros.
To lessen the financial burden on the states, the Bundestag passed a change to the regionalization law last July, allowing unused funds from previous years to help finance the Deutschlandticket.
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Critical reaction
Ramona Pop, head of the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband, criticized the price increase, stating that passengers needed stability rather than higher prices. She warned of a potential “price spiral.” Detlef Neuß, president of Pro Bahn, also pointed out that a high price could lower the number of passengers and hurt the pass’s success.
Lena Donat from Greenpeace said recent surveys showed that almost half of those using or planning to use the Deutschlandticket might be discouraged by the price hike. The environmental group BUND also reiterated its call for a nationwide social ticket with a maximum price of 29 euros, which is currently available only in certain states.