Deutschlandticket breaks records with 170.8 million sales in 2025 despite price hikes
Germany's Deutschlandticket has seen record-breaking demand in 2025, with sales reaching 170.8 million tickets for the year. The monthly pass, which allows unlimited travel on local and regional transport, has grown steadily since its launch—despite a price hike earlier this year.
The pass first launched at €49 per month but rose to €58 in January 2025. Even with the increase, sales surged, hitting 14.7 million tickets in both October and November. This follows a broader upward trend: 64.3 million tickets sold in 2023 jumped to 156.2 million in 2024.
Usage figures also climbed throughout 2025. In January and February, 13.6 million people used the ticket monthly, rising to over 14 million since April. By comparison, only 11.6 million were using it at the end of 2023, growing to 13.7 million by December 2024. Early 2024 data showed the highest adoption rates in Hamburg (38% of the population) and Berlin (31%). The ticket's popularity has reshaped travel habits. Michael Peterson, a Deutsche Bahn board member, noted that 15 million passengers had switched from expensive ICE high-speed trains to cheaper regional services. Meanwhile, advocacy groups argue the pass should become the foundation of a modern, efficient transport network rather than just a budget option. Subsidies play a key role in keeping the ticket affordable. Federal and state governments contribute €1.5 billion annually, averaging €17.56 per subscriber. Yet another price rise is planned, with the ticket set to cost €63 from January 2026.
The Deutschlandticket's rising sales and usage reflect strong demand for affordable, flexible public transport. With another price increase looming, its future role in Germany's transit system will depend on balancing cost, accessibility, and long-term funding.
