Overview

• Entry prices for Spar and Flex fares and for BahnCards will not increase for a year, marking the first December timetable change without a hike in six years, and DB says extras such as seat reservations and bike tickets also remain unchanged.
• The new long-distance timetable takes effect on 14 December, with mid-December journeys on sale from 14 October, adding frequency on busy corridors and trimming lightly used services.
• The decision applies only to long-distance services, as regional fares are set locally; the Deutschlandtarif is slated to rise 5.4% on 14 December and the Deutschlandticket increases to €63 per month from January 2026.
• DB cites economic and environmental considerations alongside service disruptions and poor punctuality as reasons to hold prices, a signal early in the tenure of new chief executive Evelin Palla.
• On money-saving tactics, the company rejects integrating split-ticketing apps into its sales channels, and consumer advocates warn that split tickets can erode passenger rights despite occasional savings.