'Still great value': Deutschlandticket price hike divides foreigners in Germany

Whether jumping on a regional train to travel to the mountains or using it to commute, the Deutschlandticket has certainly made a mark on Germany. 

Around 13 million people currently have a subscription to the travel pass which was launched in May 2023 and costs €49 per month. But the price will soon go up.

From January 1st 2025, holders will have to shell out €58 per month to ride local public transport, like the U-Bahn, buses or trams all over the country. Politicians say this increase is needed to keep the offer afloat. They say inflation and rising operating costs as the main drivers behind this decision. 

So is this hike fair? And will it stop people from buying or renewing it?

READ ALSO: What we know so far about the Deutschlandticket €9 price rise

The Local put together a snap survey this week asking our readers what they thought about the price increase - and the reaction was mixed. 

Of the 60 responses we received, the biggest group of readers - just over 49 percent - said they felt it was reasonable to raise the cost by €9 per month. 

Just over 25 percent said they felt the price of the travel pass should remain the same or be cheaper next year. And just over 23 percent said they believe a smaller increase would be better. 

Out of the respondents, over 86 percent said they hold a Deutschlandticket subscription, while just over 13 percent said they did not currently have one. 

'If they raise the price, it's not worth it'

A study commissioned by the government and states recently predicted that a price increase of €10 could cause 10.3 to 21.1 percent of Deutschlandticket subscribers across Germany to drop out. Although no scenarios were put together for a hike of €9, the outlook doesn't appear to be great. 

Some readers of The Local said they were considering stopping the subscription due to the price increase.

Joseph, 36, who's from India and lives in Berlin said the hike "seems completely unjustified".

Another respondent, Abdul, 43, in Hamburg, said he was thinking about cancelling even though the travel pass was encouraging him to use his car less. 

Laura, 38, who's from San Francisco in the US and living in Nuremberg, said she was considering cancelling too. "Forty-nine euros was already borderline for me," she said. "I like having it, even though I don't use it to get to work.

"I'm definitely contributing more than I'm receiving by having it, but currently the convenience is worth it. If they raise the price, it won't be anymore."

READ ALSO: 9 of the best day trips from Frankfurt with the €49 ticket

A reader, who wished to remain anonymous, said unreliable transport - including delays and cancellations - meant it was hard to justify a price hike. 

A few people pointed out that the increase in cost would put off people on lower incomes from taking up the offer.  

Other respondents said they hadn't decided yet but would consider dropping out of the travel offer when the price increase happens next year. 

"It does put me off a bit, but I still need it," a 27-year-old in Berlin said. "I'll keep it for now but may consider cancelling."

Better deal than other subscriptions

The majority of respondents shared that the travel pass was worth the money - even with the price rise. 

Richard, 70, who's from the USA and has lived in Germany for 37 years, said: "It is still a great deal compared to regional monthly tickets I paid in the past."

Another respondent, Helen, who's from the UK and lives in Nuremberg, shared a similar point of view. "It‘s (still) great value for money," said the 43-year-old.

Nick, 55, in Hesse, added: "I use the ticket extensively and feel I get excellent value for money. This will certainly continue even with the increase."

Another reader, Akbar, 43, who's from India and lives in Aachen said that "the benefits far outweigh (the negatives) - even with the new price".

A few people said they really weren't happy about the increase but didn't have a choice. 

Meanwhile, some readers said they would be fine with paying even more because they want to see Germany's rail system significantly improved.

"I would gladly contribute more with the hope that Germany catches up to it's neighbours in rail infrastructure," said 34-year-old Patrick, who's originally from India and living in Munich.

READ ALSO: Why has German train punctuality got so bad?

'I love the Deutschlandticket'

One thing that was clear from our survey is that people really enjoy the transport offer. Several respondents cited not having to buy local transport tickets when you travel around Germany as a major positive.  

Tyson, 40, who's from the US and lives in Berlin, said he found it difficult to decide whether to give up being able to bring a friend on the U-Bahn which is allowed under some other regional subscriptions - but ultimately he decided on the nationwide offer. He added: "I love it (the Deutschlandticket). I can go anywhere and not think about having to buy tickets."

"It an amazing initiative and very helpful for commuters," added Fábio, 40, who lives in Munich.

Andrew, a 39-year-old Brit in Berlin, said the management and rollout of the ticket could be improved on but said: "Being able to use public transport anywhere without navigating local ticket systems is truly an achievement in Germany!"

Others said it encouraged more climate friendly behaviour. 

Richard from the US added: "For someone who needs to travel and leave the car at home it is a great alternative."

Another reader, Denis, from Stuttgart summed it up. He said: "For those that use public transportation it’s still a good deal and makes traveling within Germany a no-brainer."

Thank you so much to everyone who completed our survey. Although we weren't able to use all the responses, we read them all and they helped inform our article.