Every year again, before the Christmas holidays, this little heartwarming ritual takes place, as Deutsche Bahn once again raises ticket prices. Last year, the railway also increased the flexible prices, as well as the Bahncard 25. Both became more expensive by an average of around 5 percent.

With the timetable change in December 2022, the flexible fare increased by 6.9 percent.

How expensive it will be this time

Starting in mid-December, some passengers in the long-distance services of Deutsche Bahn will have to dig deeper into their pockets for their tickets: so-called flex prices will increase by an average of 5.9 percent, and the price for the Bahncard 100 will rise by an average of 6.6 percent, as announced by the state-owned company.

The prices for the BahnCard 25 and 50 remain unchanged. In contrast, subscription tickets will, on average, become 5.9 percent more expensive. The Germany ticket will also become more expensive: from 2025, it is set to cost 58 euros instead of the previous 49 euros.

According to the Deutsche Bahn, the savings and super savings prices remain stable. The railway offers a specific contingent for each trip. The starting prices are set to be 17.99 euros for the super saver tickets and 21.99 euros for the saver tickets at the schedule change. If the contingents are exhausted, passengers will have to book the more expensive flex tickets.

The railway company points out, however, that eight out of ten customers are currently benefiting from the discounted tickets.

The railway justifies the price increase with "economic challenges and the significantly risen costs, especially due to the recent collective bargaining agreements." The new prices for the Bahncard 100 also take into account the price increase of the Deutschlandticket by nine euros.

Tickets for the new timetable, which will be valid from December 15, can be booked starting October 16. Until December 14, the old prices will still apply, so anyone planning a train trip home for Christmas should book as soon as possible.