The New Deutsche Bahn Schedule in Germany: Enhanced Connections, Frequency, and Fares
Get ready for a more convenient train travel experience in Germany! Deutsche Bahn (DB) has upgraded its schedule, offering more frequent services and new connections between some of the country's major cities. Here's what you should know about the latest updates:
New Services and Connections
Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia
The new Deutsche Bahn schedule brings more frequent services between Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as between Berlin and Munich. Oh, and there's even a second direct high-speed ICE connection between Berlin and Vienna in the mix.
Saale Valley (Saxony-Anhalt)
In the Saale Valley (Saxony-Anhalt), there will now be five IC trains per day, compared to just one previously. Magdeburg residents will be particularly pleased with the first connection to Hamburg and more direct trains to Berlin and Rostock.
Berlin, Brussels, and Paris
As part of a joint initiative with Austrian national railway services and other companies, Deutsche Bahn has added night trains between Berlin, Brussels, and Paris three times a week. The very first of these so-called "night flights" will depart from the capital on Monday evening.
Fare Adjustments
Though tickets for the new schedule have been available since October, starting November 7, you'll notice a fare increase of about 4.9% on average for "flexible tickets." These tickets provide more flexibility in choosing which train to board.
However, good news for frequent travelers! Both the Bahncard 50 (which halves the price of individual tickets) and economy and super-economy tickets remain unchanged. The Bahncard 25, which offers a 25% discount on each booked journey, now costs 62.90 euros per year, 3 euros more than previously.
Additional Information
In Magdeburg, travelers can now enjoy a direct connection to Hamburg and more frequent trains to Berlin and Rostock. The first night flight between Berlin and Brussels/Paris departs from the capital on Monday evening. For more tips on saving on public transport in Germany, .
[Enrichment Data]
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has several significant changes and additions to its schedule in Germany. Key points include:
- New Connections and Services
- DB and SNCF have announced a new direct train service connecting Munich and Paris, set to launch by the end of 2026.
- A joint service between Berlin and Paris, launched in December 2024, has proven successful with high advance bookings and occupancy rates.
- Construction of the rail connection for the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link has begun. The project is scheduled to enter service at the end of 2029.
- Frequency Increases
- The frequency of Hamburg-Copenhagen trains has been increased from 3 to 5 per day all year round and to 7 in high summer.
- Fare Adjustments
- Despite a price rise from 49 euros to 58 euros per month, Deutschlandticket subscriptions have remained stable.
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof Upgrades
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof will undergo major rail upgrades from February to April 2025, affecting train schedules. Temporary platform closures, route adjustments, and two full-station shutdowns are planned.