Bus and train services in NRW to become more expensive in many places from 2026 - North Rhine-Westphalia raises public transport fares by up to 4.9% in January 2026
The Westphalia Tariff is set to introduce minor price adjustments on January 1, 2026, while abolishing the fare boundary between Cologne and Aachen on June 1, 2026. The affordable short-distance fare in the VRS and AVV has been extended for two more years.
The Germany Ticket will see a price hike from €58 to €63 per month starting January 1, 2026. The fare reform aims to simplify the system by initially reducing the number of fare tiers in the VRS and AVV to five, and then to four in the second phase.
The VRR has approved an average fare increase of 4.9 percent, effective January 1, 2026. The 'eezy.nrw' fare for occasional travelers will also increase by 2.2 percent on the same date. In the AVV, prices will rise by 1.9 percent on January 1, 2026, with the planned fusion with the VRS expected to result in an overall average price increase of 4.4 percent for the year. In comparison, the VRR's price increase is about 4.9 percent. Across North Rhine-Westphalia, bus and train fares are set to increase by an average of 1.9 percent on January 1, 2026.
The Westphalia Tariff's fare adjustments aim to balance affordability and service improvements. While some ticket prices will increase, the extension of the affordable short-distance fare in the VRS and AVV offers relief to commuters. The simplification of fare tiers and the abolition of the Cologne-Aachen fare boundary are expected to enhance travel convenience.
