Tardiness is not the only problem. The company has been consistently posting losses in recent years and is currently more than €30 billion ($32.6 billion) in debt. Passengers routinely complain of overcrowded trains and expensive tickets.
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Last year, a third of all long-distance trains operated by Germany's national railway company Deutsche Bahn ran late, the worst showing in 10 years, deepening an existential crisis in a country where failing to show up on time is verboten.
Deutsche Bahn train punctuality in Germany 2022-2023This data shows the monthly share of punctual trains of the Deutsche Bahn in passenger transport from September 2022 to September 2023. In September 2023, around 89 percent of trains arrived punctually with a delay of no more than 5.59 minutes.
You should book high-speed German trains early to get the best price—fares rise as the departure date approaches. For example, a ticket purchased on the day of travel can cost 3x-4x the price as one bought a month or two in advance.
If you are on a rush hour train (0700-0900 and 1600-1900) it will be crowded, especially on the major inter city lines like Z?rich to Bern and Luzern and Geneva to lausanne.
German trains are clean, comfortable, reliable and fast. Between the downtown areas of most German cities the travel time by train is as fast or faster than the travel time by plane, when you calculate in the time it takes to get to and from the airport. Buy your ticket before boarding!
A Deutsche Bahn spokesperson blamed the delays on rising traffic, aging infrastructure and construction projects. “We expressly regret this,” he said. The delays are forcing Germans, who learn from a young age that “pünktlichkeit (punctuality) is the politeness of kings,” to make ever-more-complex travel plans.
Deutsche Bahn train punctuality in Germany 2022-2023In August 2023, around 91 percent of trains arrived punctually with a delay of no more than 5.59 minutes.
Seat reservations are optionalIt's not usually necessary to reserve a seat on German trains, you can just get on and sit i9n any empty unreserved seat. However, it's a good idea at busy times such as Fridays.