Cost of tickets to Germany from 2026 revealed
The price of the Germany Ticket, a nationwide travel pass used by approximately 14 million people, is set to increase from 58 euros to 63 euros per month starting from January 2026. This decision, made by the conference of the transport ministers of the German federal states (Verkehrsministerkonferenz der Länder) on September 18, 2025, in Munich, comes amidst an ongoing financial dispute between the federal government and the states.
The Germany Ticket, introduced in May 2023, offers a more flexible and cost-effective option for travel compared to previous subscriptions. However, the ticket's price has previously been raised from 49 euros, and the current increase is a result of the financial dispute between the two parties.
Both the federal government and the states have been providing 1.5 billion euros each to offset additional costs at transport companies. But the states do not want to contribute more than this amount, while the federal government is planning to continue providing 3 billion euros per year to support the Germany Ticket.
The negotiations have been ongoing, with the sticking point being the allocation of costs to offset. In Munich, a price mechanism was discussed, and it was stated that from 2027, the price of the Germany Ticket should be adjusted based on a cost index to be developed by the transport ministers' conference by autumn 2025. The cost index should reflect personnel and energy costs and should be determined after consultation with the industry.
The dispute has led to revenue losses for the Germany Ticket, as its current price is cheaper than previous subscriptions. The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) expects a financing gap of around 800 million euros by 2026 without a "dynamic" adjustment of the three billion euros from the federal government and the states.
State ministers have criticized the federal government for the price increase, claiming they are not keeping their promises from the coalition agreement. Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU) was not present at the talks in Munich, but was represented by a state secretary.
It's important to note that all projects in the coalition agreement are subject to a financial reservation. The transport ministers' conference (VMK) of the states sets the price of the Germany Ticket, with the federal government being a guest. The decision to raise the price of the Germany Ticket is formally decided in the Bundesrat.
The Germany Ticket enables travel on all public regional and local transport networks in Germany, providing a convenient and affordable option for millions of commuters. The increase in its price from January 2026 will undoubtedly impact these commuters, and the ongoing financial dispute between the federal government and the states will continue to be closely watched.
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