Deutschlandticket price rise forecast for 2026

The cost of a monthly Deutschlandticket subscription is likely to increase in January 2026. A dpa report has revealed how much the price rise is expected to be.

Deutschlandticket could cost up to 64 euros in 2026

The dpa has reported that the cost of a monthly Deutschlandticket is expected to rise to between 62 and 64 euros from January 2026, citing negotiation circles. 

The Deutschlandticket was first introduced in May 2023 and initially cost 49 euros per month, before the price was increased to 58 euros in January 2025. The ticket grants holders unlimited use of public and regional transport across the whole of Germany.

On September 18, federal and transport ministers are expected to continue price rise negotiations at a conference in Munich. Speaking to Rheinische Post, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) said he was in “intensive negotiations” with state representatives.

According to the dpa reports, many state ministers are favouring a price rise to 62 euros per month, while states governed by the CDU are favouring an increase to 64 euros.

How the Deutschlandticket is financed has long been a controversial topic. While the ticket was introduced by the federal government, both the federal and state governments contribute 1,5 billion euros to funding the ticket each year. But state governments argue that the federal government should contribute the lion’s share.

Social associations criticise Deutschlandticket price rise plan

Ahead of the price rise being finalised, some have criticised the plan. Michaela Engelmeier of the Social Association of Germany (SoVD) told Mediengruppe Bayern that the increase would be “fatal” for the sustainable transport transition.

“The previous increase already had negative consequences; every extra euro in price increases could have negative consequences here,” Engelmeier continued. 

In July, a report by the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and Deutsche Bahn found that Deutschlandticket subscription numbers fell significantly in the month following the previous price rise, from 14,5 million to 13,4 million.

Meanwhile, Oliver Wittke of the Rhein-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) welcomed the news of a prospective rise. “We need more money in the system,” Wittke said, suggesting that the price of the ticket be linked with the German inflation rate or an index which considers transport operators’ expenses, such as employment and energy costs.