How many DB trains were late in the first half of 2025?

Deutsche Bahn has released its punctuality figures for the first half of 2025. How many trains were late so far, and are there any signs of improvement?

More than a third of DB long-distance trains late in 2025

According to Deutsche Bahn’s latest punctuality figures, 34,7 percent of long-distance (ICE, IC and EuroCity) trains the company has run so far in 2025 have been delayed. 

“The first quarter [of 2025] went relatively well,” Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz told the dpa, “Punctuality was lower in the second quarter because of equipment malfunctions and unplanned construction work”. 

Deutsche Bahn considers a long-distance train delayed when it arrives at its final destination more than five minutes and 59 seconds after the scheduled arrival time. In 2024, just 62,5 percent of Deutsche Bahn long-distance trains arrived on time or within this grace period window. The figure has increased to 66,3 percent so far in 2025.

Transport minister says DB should reach 80 percent punctuality

Speaking to German tabloid Bild am Sonntag, the current Transport Minister Patrick Schneider (CDU) said Deutsche Bahn’s 2025 delays were so far “out of the question” and that punctuality rates must reach 80 or 90 percent.

In September 2024, then-Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) stated that Deutsche Bahn bosses had until 2027 to develop a service and financing plan to improve the rail operator's punctuality. In the meantime, Deutsche Bahn is required to submit regular updates on improvements to the federal government.

The rail company has also recently begun a significant network upgrade, replacing ageing tracks, signal lines, noise reduction measures, and train carriages. The construction projects were initially scheduled to last until 2030, but their completion date has now been pushed back to 2035.