After a challenging year in 2024, Deutsche Bahn is now hoping to win back passengers with a series of highly discounted tickets. In a recent statement, Stefanie Berk, member of the board responsible for Marketing and Sales at DB Fernverkehr, acknowledged that last year was particularly difficult for customers. “2024 was, in parts, a real burden for our passengers,” said Berk during an interview in Berlin. “Now, the goal is to regain their trust.”
Targeting Younger Audiences with Special Offers
In a move to attract more customers, especially younger people, Deutsche Bahn is rolling out offers that include significantly cheaper travel options. These offers are seen as an effort to repair the reputation of the state-owned company, which has suffered from delays and poor service in the past year. The train service had been plagued by reliability issues, with more than one-third of its trains running late in 2024.
The new discount strategy comes as a response to the rising competition from alternatives like Flixbus and Flixtrain, which have also been attracting passengers with low-priced tickets. Flixbus, for instance, offers tickets starting at just 3.99 euros for trips until April 11, with the purchase window closing on March 7.
Trust Building Through Better Service
Berk emphasized that while there is significant interest in climate-friendly travel, last year’s performance left many customers frustrated. The state-run railway company plans to address these concerns with an extensive renovation program. Key routes are expected to be upgraded, improving reliability and reducing delays.
Despite these efforts, Deutsche Bahn is facing growing competition from other forms of transportation. Many travelers, especially those on short journeys, are opting for regional trains and the Germany-wide 49-euro monthly ticket, known as the Deutschlandticket. Young travelers, in particular, are increasingly using the Deutschlandticket for longer trips, according to Berk.
Introducing More Youth-Friendly Travel Options
To appeal to younger customers, Deutsche Bahn is increasing the availability of its “Super Sparpreis Young” tickets. Starting in March, the number of these discounted tickets will rise to 30,000 per day. These tickets allow people under 26 to travel on ICE trains for as little as 12.99 euros. In addition, the company is reducing the price of BahnCards throughout March, offering more affordable options not only for younger passengers but for all travelers.
Additional Savings for March Travelers
In addition to the youth-oriented offers, Deutsche Bahn is introducing over one million discounted Sparpreis tickets in March. These tickets are valid for travel until December 13, 2025. Short- and medium-distance routes such as Stuttgart-Heidelberg or Hamburg-Bremen will be available for as low as 9.99 euros, while longer routes like Frankfurt-Cologne or Berlin-Leipzig can be booked for 14.99 euros without a BahnCard.
These special prices are significantly lower than the regular Flexpreis fares. However, passengers opting for Sparpreise tickets must choose a specific train, and prices may vary depending on demand and booking time. Berk advises travelers looking for the best deals to consider traveling early in the morning, late at night, or on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday afternoons, when demand is typically lower.
Flexibility Comes at a Price
Deutsche Bahn has recently increased the price of its Flexpreis tickets by an average of 5.9%. While this price hike has raised concerns for some customers, the company points out that the majority of passengers (around 80%) continue to travel with discounted tickets. Flexpreis tickets are primarily useful for business travelers who need the flexibility to book last-minute trips.
What This Means for the Future of Travel
With these new offers, Deutsche Bahn aims to not only regain the trust of its passengers but also strengthen its position against other forms of transport. The company is determined to provide more affordable options and improve service reliability in hopes of reversing the damage done in 2024. By targeting younger audiences with attractive ticket deals and improving the travel experience, Deutsche Bahn hopes to solidify its reputation as a sustainable and reliable mode of transportation.
For more updates on Deutsche Bahn’s latest offers and ticket information, visit Berliner Tagespost.
Bildquelle: dawndigest.com
