The end of cheap tickets in Germany. The Deutschlandticket will be more expensive starting in 2025, and single bus and train tickets will also cost more. Currently priced at 49 euros per month, the ticket will see a price increase from January 1. It allows unlimited travel across the country on all buses and local or regional trains, excluding long-distance trains. Around 13 million Germans use this ticket. German media note that the debate over how to fund the Deutschlandticket has been ongoing since the subscription was introduced.
The end of cheap tickets in Germany
“The transport ministers have agreed on a 9-euro price increase,” said Oliver Krischer, head of the transport department in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), to the German Press Agency. Krischer, who is also the current chairman of the transport ministers’ conference, stressed that the states are committed to continuing and improving the successful Deutschlandticket model. “With this price, we can keep the ticket attractive while ensuring a more stable financial foundation,” added the Green Party politician.
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The Deutschlandticket will increase to €58 starting January 1, 2025
The Deutschlandticket, which currently costs 49 euros, has been a success with over 13 million users since its introduction in May 2023. However, Bavarian Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter explained that a price increase is necessary because sales are below expectations, and a large deficit is expected in 2025. “The agreed price of 58 euros for 2025 is still affordable, considering the wide range of services it covers,” he said.
German media note that the debate over how to fund the Deutschlandticket has been ongoing since it was launched. Transport companies have been facing significant income losses due to the lower ticket price. Originally, the federal and state governments agreed to share the burden by increasing regionalisation funds, which the federal government provides to support public transport.
So far, both the federal and state governments have contributed about 1.5 billion euros each to fund the ticket. In July, the Bundestag passed a law allowing unused funds from previous years to help cover the cost of the Deutschlandticket next year. The new price aims to secure long-term funding and address potential budget gaps for the states.