Germany's 'Deutschlandticket' to see jump in price from 2025

From the beginning of 2025, the Deutschlandticket will likely cost €58 instead of €49 per month, following a decision by the transport ministers of Germany's 16 states. 

The travel pass allows people in Germany to use local public transport, such as buses, the U-Bahn, trams and regional trains, across the country for a fixed price. 

The ticket is a subscription, but can be cancelled monthly. For commuters, especially in big cities, it is often cheaper than other season tickets.

Launched in May 2023 as a follow-up to the €9 monthly offer in summer 2022, it has been credited for getting more people to use public transport.

However, local politicians and transport operators have been saying for months that the price would go up to deal with factors such as rising inflation. 

"The agreement reached at the special conference of transport ministers shows that the federal states want to hold on to the successful Deutschlandticket model and develop it further," said North Rhine-Westphalia transport minister Oliver Krischer of the Greens following a decision on Monday.

"With this price, we will be able to keep the ticket attractive and put its financing on a more solid footing."

Krischer called the expected increase of €9 to €58 "moderate" and a "very favourable offer for the use of all public transport throughout Germany".

The politician admitted that a price increase "is never a nice thing", but that it was a good day for local public transport. 

What does the draft agreement on the Deutschlandticket say?

The agreement struck by transport ministers says that a price increase for the ticket in 2025 is necessary "in order to balance a suitable financing concept together with the state subsidy from the federal and state governments". 

The state ministers also outlined the importance of continued subsidies from the federal and state governments to ensure the ticket in the long term.