Train Journey Becoming Costlier: Deutsche Bahn Hikes Seat Reservation Fees
Increased Seat Reservation Prices Set; Fixed Rate for Families Decreases
feasibly, June 10, 2025, 7:46 PM
Brace yourselves, train travelers! Deutsche Bahn is upping the ante on seat reservations. Say goodbye to the family seat reservation at fixed rates, as it is getting abolished starting June 15. What does this mean for you? Well, a reservation will now cost you a hefty 5.50 euros.
Bottom Line for Families
Let's crunch some numbers. With the family reservation going extinct, parents will have to shell out money for seat reservations for their offspring too. Boom! A family of four traveling together for a round trip will part with 44 euros instead of the previous 10.40 euros.
Criticism Aplenty
Environmental transport club VCD has expressed their displeasure with this decision. Kerstin Haarmann, the federal chairwoman, says this move amounts to families facing an increased cost de facto, just half a year after the last rate hike in December 2024.
The passenger association Pro Bahn also chimes in with their frustration. Jörg Bruchertseifer from the association remarks, "Especially when traveling with family, the costs compared to the car are a significant factor."
Politicians too express their dissatisfaction. Green politician Matthias Gastel calls it a "massive increase in hidden costs," while CDU MP Christoph Ploß advises the railway to reconsider its approach.
A Look into the Future
On the brighter side, children up to 14 years of age can travel for free on the train when accompanied by an adult. The railway points out that hardly anything changes for families with this policy change; however, it remains to be seen how families of five or more will adapt to the new pricing structure.
Enrichment Data:- Approximately 6.7 million passengers have used the family seat reservation option, constituting about 5% of Deutsche Bahn's long-distance travelers.
[1] Source: German Railways website [www.bahn.de]
In light of Deutsche Bahn's decision to hike seat reservation fees, families may find their travel costs significantly increased, as a family of four would now pay 44 euros for a round trip instead of the previous 10.40 euros, making it challenging for some households to maintain their lifestyle of train travel. Critics, such as the environmental transport club VCD, have expressed concern over this move, with Kerstin Haarmann stating this boosts families' costs de facto. These concerns have been echoed by the passenger association Pro Bahn and politicians, with Matthias Gastel labeling it a "massive increase in hidden costs." Despite the railway's argument that children up to 14 years old can travel for free, the future adaptability of families with five or more members remains uncertain.
