German rail operator Deutsche Bahn posted a profit in the first half of the year for the first time since 2019. Revenue increased and the first effects of cost-cutting measures were becoming noticeable, the group announced on Thursday. Punctuality, however, remained poor: only 59 percent of long-distance trains ran on time between January and June.
Deutsche Bahn made a net profit of 147 million euros. Revenue rose by 1.8 percent to 13.6 billion euros, while the number of passengers also increased by 1.8 percent to 960 million. In the same period last year, DB had reported a loss of 760 million euros. "We made good progress in the first half of 2026 and reached an important milestone," said DB chief executive Evelyn Palla. "Even though nothing happens quickly when it comes to overhauling the rail network, we are now delivering step by step on what we promised."
DB is describing 2026 as a "super construction year." In the first half of the year, 14,000 construction sites were completed. This construction activity is also reflected in investment figures: spending rose by 18 percent to 8.7 billion euros, "the highest half-year figure in DB's history." Most of the funding came from the federal government and from DB itself. As a result, DB's net debt rose by one billion euros to 21.6 billion euros.
Alongside the large number of construction sites and the dilapidated rail network, the winter cold snap in January and February and the heatwave in June also contributed to poor punctuality figures, DB explained. Fifty-nine percent of long-distance trains reached their destination with a delay of less than six minutes, and 76 percent arrived with a delay of less than 15 minutes. In regional transport, the rate for delays under six minutes stood at 88.2 percent.
According to the company, the financial results improved across all business divisions. This was also attributed to "initial cost savings as well as staff reductions in corporate management and among internal service providers." Staff reductions are reportedly progressing faster than planned.
Long-distance services also returned to profit, according to DB, generating a profit of 148 million euros, even though operating performance was lower than the previous year because of the large number of construction sites. In long-distance transport, ticket sales increased in the second quarter, which DB also attributed to its fares.
DB Regio posted a profit of 89 million euros for the first half of the year. "Demand rose especially on commuter routes, as employees switched from car to train because of high fuel prices," DB explained. Revenue in this division rose by four percent.
DB's freight division, DB Cargo, narrowly missed breaking even, posting a loss of just one million euros. The division remains a trouble spot, however: "The pressure to restructure remains high, particularly given persistently weak economic conditions and an unstable infrastructure situation," DB stated.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
