Deutschlandticket breaks sales records in 2025 despite price increase

Germany's Deutschlandticket has seen record-breaking sales in 2025, despite a price hike at the start of the year. The nationwide public transport pass sold 170.8 million tickets—more than double the 2023 figures. Yet the scheme remains a point of contention between politicians, rail operators, and passenger groups.

The Deutschlandticket first launched in 2023, with 64.3 million passes sold that year. By 2024, sales jumped to 156.2 million, and in 2025, they climbed further to 170.8 million. Even after the price rose from €49 to €58 on 1 January 2025, demand stayed strong, with 14.7 million tickets sold each month in October and November.

Criticism has grown alongside its popularity. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government has framed the ticket as a financial drain, while Deutsche Bahn board member Michael Peterson claimed it pulled 15 million passengers away from high-speed ICE trains. Passenger advocates argue the pass is being unfairly blamed for deeper issues, like ageing infrastructure and a lack of rolling stock. The federal government has committed funding for the scheme until 2030, though no long-term transport strategy has been outlined. Advocacy groups are now pushing for improvements before another price rise to €63 in January 2026. The German Rail Passengers' Association notes that subsidies for the ticket cost €17.56 per subscriber annually. Usage has grown steadily, reaching 14.6 million subscribers by the end of 2025. While detailed regional data is limited, Hamburg led adoption in early 2024, with 38% of the population holding a pass, followed by Berlin at 31%.

The Deutschlandticket's rising sales show its popularity, but debates over funding and impact persist. With another price increase looming, pressure is mounting for reforms. The government's funding pledge offers stability, yet a broader transport plan remains unclear.