Just 52 percent of DB trains were on time in January

Deutsche Bahn’s January punctuality figures are in. Just 52,1 percent of the national rail company’s intercity trains were on time last month.

DB punctuality falls in January

According to a report by Süddeutsche Zeitung, 52,1 percent of Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance trains were on time during January 2026.

Punctuality rates were similarly low in the final quarter of 2025. After hitting a record low of 51,5 percent in October, punctuality gradually improved over November and December, when construction works were paused and 61,7 percent of long-distance trains were on time, before declining again in the new year.

Speaking to the newspaper, a Deutsche Bahn representative said heavy snow and ice was responsible for delays. “In January, there was more snow in parts of Germany than there has been for the past 15 years.”

In early January heavy snow and frost in northern Germany meant countless trains connecting Hamburg, Hanover, Dresden and Berlin were cancelled over multiple days. 5.000 Deutsche Bahn employees were tasked with de-icing frozen tracks.

DB aiming for 70 percent punctuality by 2029

Back in September, appointing Deutsche Bahn’s new CEO, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) announced that the company had set a 70 percent punctuality goal for 2029. This is actually down from the previous government goal of 80 percent punctuality in the immediate future and a long-term goal of 90 percent punctuality.

Deutsche Bahn’s new CEO, Evelyn Palla, has warned passengers to expect things to get worse before they get better. Germany’s ailing track network is responsible for many delays, and is currently undergoing widespread construction work, which is worsening delays.

The number of construction sites across the track network will increase from 26.000 to 28.000 in 2026. Only in 2027 are passengers likely to start seeing punctuality and general service improvements.