Price increase for families: Bahn abolishes reservations!

Price increase for families: Bahn abolishes reservations!

From June 15, 2025, family reservations will be abolished at Deutsche Bahn. This has far-reaching consequences for travelers, especially families. Previously, parents were able to reserve several seats for themselves and their children for a flat rate. This is now over. Now parents have to pay for each family member individually, which increases the costs significantly. For example, the prices for seat reservations in second class increase by 30 cents to 5.50 euros per seat. In the future, reservations in first class will cost 6.90 euros, previously it was 6.50 euros. These new prices mean that a family with two children has to spend around 22 euros for the reservation, which means that the cost of seat reservation has doubled compared to the previous 10.40 euros. The return journey adds up to an impressive 44 euros, which could put off many families.

The abolition of family reservations is not only met with disappointment and incomprehension among those affected, but has also led to a broad response in politics and from various associations. For example, the Ecological Transport Club of Germany (VCD) expressed criticism and started a petition against the measure. The Pro Bahn passenger association and politicians from the ranks of the CDU, SPD, Greens and Left also express massive concerns. They accuse the railways of driving families into cars instead of promoting environmentally friendly travel. “The railway must finally make environmentally friendly travel attractive for families,” emphasizes Jörg Bruchertseifer from Pro Bahn.

Criticism and concerns

Family reservations have historically been an important offering for many travelers. According to the data, about 5% of long-distance travelers, representing around 6.7 million passengers, used family reservation. This regulation allowed up to five people to travel together, which was particularly advantageous for large families. Now there are also reports that the railway is in a tense economic situation and is in the deep red. In 2024, Deutsche Bahn recorded a loss of 1.8 billion euros. This deficit could be one reason why such measures were decided. A restructuring program, S3, is intended to help get the railway's financial problems under control.

Despite the difficult financial situation, the railway cannot ignore the outrage. Critics argue that the decision not only increases travel costs for families, but also endangers the number of users on public transport. Families rely on reserved seats to travel comfortably, and the new regulations could put many off and drive them into cars.

On the other hand, Deutsche Bahn is sticking to its decision, but points out that children up to the age of 14 can continue to travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult. This is intended to mitigate the negative effects of the new regulations somewhat. However, it remains to be seen how this significant change will affect families' travel habits.

Apart from these changes, there is also positive news: With the upcoming timetable change, Flexpreis tickets should be able to be canceled free of charge up to one day before the first day of validity. In addition, there are already some discount campaigns underway that will hopefully make the travel experience a little more pleasant despite the increased reservation prices.

How will families react to these new regulations? What alternatives are there to travel inexpensively? These questions will certainly concern many travelers.

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