Deutsche Bahn raises seat reservation prices

Deutsche Bahn is increasing the prices for seat reservations. Starting June 15, a fixed second-class seat on long-distance trains will cost €5.50 instead of the previous €5.20, the company announced on Tuesday. In addition, the so-called family reservation, which allowed families to reserve seats for all family members at a fixed price of €10.40, will be abolished.

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Children and young people up to and including 14 years of age will continue to travel free on DB long-distance services when accompanied by an adult, the company emphasized. However, seat reservations will cost extra for each child in the future. Deutsche Bahn emphasized that the previous family reservation was equivalent to the price for two seat reservations, and therefore there will be no price change for individual travelers with a child.

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The German Ecological Transport Club (VCD) sharply criticized the move. "Families with children, in particular, depend on reserved seats," explained VCD head Kerstin Haarmann. "They are now effectively facing another price increase." The railway should focus less on short-term discount campaigns "and instead keep the general service affordable."

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Green Party politician Matthias Gastel spoke of a "massive increase in hidden costs." He called this "an outrage, considering the services offered by DB Fernverkehr." "DB Fernverkehr delivers poor punctuality, raises ticket prices, and degrades its services. This is too much all at once," Gastel told the Düsseldorf-based "Rheinische Post."

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According to the information, the price for a seat reservation in first class will increase from €6.50 to €6.90. For Flexpreis tickets in first class, the seat reservation will continue to be included.