Deutsche Bahn Reports Worst Punctuality in Over Two Decades

In 2024, over a third of long-distance trains were delayed, prompting significant infrastructure investments and long-term improvement plans.

Only 62.5% of Deutsche Bahn's long-distance trains were on time in 2024, the lowest punctuality rate since at least 2003.
The company attributes 80% of delays to aging, overburdened infrastructure and has committed to a major renovation program by 2030.
A €17 billion investment in infrastructure was made in 2024, with plans to increase punctuality to 75-80% by the end of 2027.
Major disruptions included delays during the summer’s European Football Championship and upcoming route closures for renovations, such as the Berlin-Hamburg corridor in 2025.
Passenger compensation for delays cost Deutsche Bahn hundreds of millions of euros in 2024, highlighting the financial strain of ongoing issues.