Particle.news
Download on the App Store

NRW Transit Fares to Rise in 2026 as VRS Confirms Hike and Sets VRSAVV Reform Dates

Officials cite higher operating costs, launching a two-step overhaul to simplify fares across the VRSAVV area.

Overview

  • The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg will increase fares by an average of 1.9% on 1 January 2026.
  • App-based eezy.nrw per-distance pricing in the VRS/AVV area will rise by 2.2% on the same date, with monthly second-class charges capped below the Deutschlandticket price.
  • VRS and AVV will begin a joint tariff reform on 1 June 2026 that removes the CologneAachen fare boundary and cuts price levels from 10 and 6 to five, then to four in a second stage.
  • The short-distance fare will be retained longer but is scheduled for abolition on 1 June 2028 as the reform’s second phase takes effect.
  • VRR has approved a 4.9% average increase for 1 January 2026, the Deutschlandticket rises to €63 per month from that date, and AVV is set to vote on its own 2026 fares on 26 November 2025.