Deutsche Bahn records profit for first time in 7 years

Figures from the first half of 2026 show that Deutsche Bahn has returned to making a profit for the first time in seven years. Passenger numbers are also the highest since the coronavirus pandemic.

Bahn back in the black

According to Tagesschau, between January and June 2026 Deutsche Bahn made profits in the hundreds of millions. During the same period last year, the national rail operator saw losses of 760 million euros.

There has also been a significant increase in passenger numbers so far in 2026. Between January and June, 960 million passengers used Deutsche Bahn’s regional transport and long-distance trains. This is 17 million more passengers than during the same period last year and the highest figures seen since the coronavirus pandemic.

Why are more people choosing the train?

Deutsche Bahn cited increasing fuel prices sparked by the US-Israeli war on Iran as a central reason for many people in Germany leaving their cars at home and heading to the station.

In the past six months, Deutsche Bahn has also launched multiple new deals and policies to get more people on trains, including the 99-euro family ticket, the last-minute ticket deal, the Flexpreis Young for under 27s and the free BahnCard25 for young people.

According to the rail company, the 99-euro family ticket and the last-minute ticket offer are among the most popular offers, and around 50.000 young people have claimed their free BahnCard25.