The cost of the Germany ticket (Deutschland-Ticket, or D-Ticket for short) is set to rise in 2025, sparking significant interest and concern among its approximately 13 million users. Since the announcement of the price hike in July, speculation has been rife about how many users might drop their subscriptions due to the increase. The federal states, however, see the price adjustment as necessary to alleviate the financial strain on their budgets. This fall, the transport ministers of the states will finalize the new price.
Germany ticket is a monthly pass that offers unlimited travel on regional public transportation throughout Germany. It’s designed to provide a cost-effective way for users to access various modes of public transit, including trains, buses, and trams. The ticket is currently priced attractively, but there are upcoming plans to increase its cost starting in 2025.
Potential impact of price increases on ticket holders
To gauge the effects of potential price hikes, the federal and state governments commissioned a study, with results recently published by the newspaper Spiegel. The study indicates that approximately seven percent of current ticket holders would cancel their subscription if the price increased by five euros.
The research assessed how current users would respond to various price increases, which is crucial in determining whether a price hike could generate more revenue for public transportation.
According to the study, a five-euro increase (10.2 percent) would likely result in a loss of 6.7 to 7.1 percent of customers. For a ten-euro increase (20.4 percent), the impact is less clear, with the study projecting a potential drop of 10.3 to 21.1 percent of Germany ticket holders. A smaller increase of 2.50 euros would lead to a cancellation rate of 2.4 to 3.9 percent.
Uncertainty over funding beyond 2025
The study assumes that all three scenarios would result in higher overall revenue for public transport—provided that other ticket prices also rise proportionally. However, a simultaneous 20 percent increase in all tickets, including the Germany ticket, is considered unlikely.
The German Association of Public Transport Companies (VDV) has urged policymakers to ensure funding for 2026 and beyond. “The federal and state governments have commissioned the Germany ticket and are contributing three billion euros annually for 2023 to 2025. The funding for this amount remains completely unresolved for 2026 and is not included in the federal financial planning,” said Oliver Wolff, VDV’s Managing Director.
Speculation and recommendations for ticket pricing
Speculation about the new price for the Germany ticket has been ongoing for weeks. The passenger association Pro Bahn suggested to Rheinische Post that a “medium-term” increase to 59 euros per month is expected. However, they consider a smaller increase of five euros, bringing the price to 54 euros per month, to be “acceptable.”
Michael Theurer, the Federal Government’s rail transport commissioner, has called on states and transport associations to enhance their promotion of subscription sales. He urged them to attract more employers to offer job tickets, which could help companies improve their climate profiles in sustainability reports. Some employers are already offering the Germany ticket at a reduced price of 34.30 euros as part of job ticket schemes.
Bernhard Knierim, a transport policy advisor with Allianz pro Schiene, suggested expanding or potentially mandating job ticket programs. “We should discuss extending this or making it mandatory. If all employers were required to offer job tickets, it would truly reach the masses,” he said.
