Increased Costs for Public Transportation in Berlin and Brandenburg: A Look Ahead
Transport Prices to Rise Across Germany and Europe
Transport prices are set to increase in various cities across Germany and Europe, following decisions made by local authorities and transport associations.
In Berlin and Brandenburg, the Supervisory Board of the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) has decided to raise public transport prices by an average of 6 percent from January. This will affect single journeys, monthly subscriptions, and various ticket types, such as the four-journey ticket and the 10 a.m. card in Berlin. The four-journey ticket for the Berlin tariff area AB will cost 12.40 euros, an increase of 80 cents, while the single-journey ticket for the city area will rise to 4.00 euros, an increase of 20 cents.
Similarly, in Potsdam, passengers will have to pay 3.00 euros for a single journey, also an increase of 20 cents. The BC tariff stage, 7-day cards, annual cards for all target groups, the 10 a.m. card in Berlin, and the 9 a.m. cards in Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel, and Frankfurt (Oder) will also be discontinued.
The increase in prices is not limited to Berlin and Brandenburg. In Brandenburg an der Havel, Frankfurt (Oder), and Cottbus, single tickets will increase by 20 cents to 2.70 euros. Munich, however, will maintain its current ticket price of 4.10 euros for zone M.
The rise in transport prices is not just a German phenomenon. Across Europe, public transportation is often significantly cheaper compared to Germany. For example, in Rome, a single ride typically costs 1.50 euros, while in Paris, it's 2.50 euros, and in Barcelona, 2.65 euros. In London, a ticket for the Underground starts at 2.90 euros.
The reasons for the price increase are multifaceted. Fuel and lubricant costs for vehicles have significantly risen, and electricity has become around 38 percent more expensive. These increased costs for companies have led to reduced revenue for transport companies and associations nationwide, including the introduction of the Germany ticket.
It is not yet known if there will be price increases in Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich at the turn of the year. In Hamburg, the current single-journey fare is 3.90 euros, with a 7 percent discount for online purchases. In Cologne, a single fare for the city area is 3.70 euros.
In Vienna, a single fare will cost 3.20 euros (3.00 euros online) from January 1st. However, public transportation in other European cities remains comparatively cheaper. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the inflation rate for passenger transport between the end of 2015 and August 2025 was almost 35 percent.
The single journey in the tariff area ABC will increase by 30 cents to 5.00 euros. The monthly subscription price for the VBB environmental ticket for the Berlin tariff area AB will increase to 81.30 euros. The VBB 65Plus subscription for seniors will no longer be available. The nationwide Germany ticket currently costs 58 euros per month. The Germany ticket is also likely to play a role in the price increase.
Despite these increases, public transportation is usually funded equally by fare revenues and federal 'regionalization funds'. This means that a significant portion of the costs are covered by the government, ensuring that transport remains accessible to a wide range of people.
