It's a done deal for Deutsche Bahn. With the start of the winter timetable on 10 December, the German national rail company is increasing its flexible fares by 4,9%. However, this increase is still lower than inflation in Germany, which currently stands at over 6%.
In addition to its 'Flex' fares, the increase of 4.9% also applies to.., BahnCard 25 season tickets. The latter, which offers an immediate discount on all trains and in some cases on regional transport networks, will in future cost 62.90 euros per year instead of 59.90 euros in second class. On the other hand, there will be no increase in the price of the BahnCard 50, nor in the entry prices for the super-economy and economy fares (€17.90 and €21.90 respectively).
Deutsche Bahn also states that few passengers will actually be affected by the increase. According to the carrier's data, eight out of ten one-way long-haul tickets are economy fares and two are Flex fares.
Public transport tickets no longer included in Sparpreis offer
This fare adjustment comes with a few new features. By buying your ticket well in advance, DB to offer lower Flex fares. However, the Sparpreis fare (above the Supersparpreis) will no longer include pre- or post-transportation to the destination city (City-Ticket).
Until now, the City-Ticket was automatically included in all Flex and Sparpreis fares. However, a large number of passengers now have the Deutschland Ticket at €49. As this includes public transport, DB estimates that the superfluous City Ticket on its economy fare. However, the City Ticket is still included in the Flex fare. The DB booking site allows you to include a public transport ticket at the normal price.
Bookings for the new timetables have been online since 11 October. All journeys booked up to and including 9 December still travel at the old prices. Throughout October, there are also a special offer for the purchase of a BahnCard. Until 31 October, the BahnCard 25 is available at the special price of 33 euros for 2nd class and 66 euros for 1st class.
