Long-distance train punctuality with Deutsche Bahn showed a slight improvement in March despite a marked increase in construction sites. "The frost- and snow-rich start to the year had delayed numerous construction projects," the railway company explained on Wednesday. "With milder temperatures in March, construction teams caught up on many projects and simultaneously started planned construction work. Construction activity in March was therefore significantly higher than in February."
The punctuality rate in long-distance services nevertheless increased slightly from 59.4 percent in February to a preliminary 62.1 percent, according to initial figures. In February and especially January, DB had suffered massively from cold weather conditions. In January, the punctuality rate for DB long-distance services had dropped to 52.1 percent. An ICE or IC train is considered punctual if it arrives with less than six minutes delay.
According to the railway company, construction sites and their impact on traffic are now "largely incorporated into timetables." Many connections are already scheduled with longer journey times, meaning the high level of construction activity has not led to substantially more delayed trains.
Long-distance punctuality had reached a historic low in October with a monthly average of 51.5 percent. For 2025 overall, the average stood at 60.1 percent. Regional service punctuality remained stable at 88.2 percent in March, according to railway figures.
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