Deutsche Bahn plans to offer one million discount tickets in March to regain passenger trust, particularly targeting young travelers with promotions like the Super Sparpreis Young Tickets. Prices for short-distance routes will start at €9.99, with advice to book less busy travel times. Despite a recent increase in flexible ticket prices, 80% of customers prefer discounted fares. The railway aims to improve reliability amid growing competition from other transport options, especially for climate-conscious travelers.
Deutsche Bahn Introduces One Million Discount Tickets in March
In a strategic move to regain the trust of passengers lost due to delays and high ticket prices, Deutsche Bahn is set to offer an impressive one million additional discount tickets starting in March. This initiative comes in response to a challenging year for the railway, as it aims to enhance its appeal in the competitive market of long-distance travel.
Special Offers for Young Travelers
Deutsche Bahn is particularly targeting younger travelers with its new promotions. “Last year was a tough experience for many of our customers,” remarked Stefanie Berk, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at DB Fernverkehr, during a press conference in Berlin. To attract this demographic, the railway is doubling the availability of Super Sparpreis Young Tickets to 30,000 per day, allowing anyone aged 26 or younger to travel on ICE trains starting at just €12.99. Additionally, BahnCards will see a price reduction in March, making them more accessible for all age groups.
The discount ticket initiative includes affordable short-distance travel options, with fares starting at €9.99 for routes like Stuttgart-Heidelberg or Hamburg-Bremen, and €14.99 for popular connections such as Frankfurt-Cologne or Berlin-Leipzig. While these discounted prices are considerably lower than standard flexible fares, travelers should note that they are required to book specific trains, which may vary based on demand.
To make the most of these offers, Berk advises travelers to consider early morning or late-night journeys, and to plan their trips on less busy days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturday afternoons. This strategy not only helps passengers save money but also aids the railway in managing train occupancy more efficiently.
Despite the rise in discounted ticket options, Deutsche Bahn recently increased the average price of flexible tickets by 5.9 percent. However, it’s important to note that a substantial 80% of customers typically opt for discounted fares. The starting prices for super discount tickets are around €17.99, while regular discount tickets begin at €21.99, catering primarily to business travelers who may need to book last-minute.
Reflecting on the challenges faced in 2024, Deutsche Bahn reported that 37.5% of long-distance train stops experienced delays of six minutes or more, marking the highest rate in over two decades. The railway acknowledges the need to improve reliability, especially among young travelers who are increasingly drawn to climate-friendly transportation options. Plans are in place to enhance crucial routes by 2030, ensuring a more dependable service for passengers.
As Deutsche Bahn seeks to combat competition from both personal vehicles and the Germany ticket, which has gained popularity for short routes, the railway is keen to maintain its relevance in the evolving travel landscape. In addition to its own promotions, competitors like Flix are also enticing travelers with low fares, further intensifying the competition.