Germany has slipped one place to fifth in Greenpeace’s latest Europe-wide public transport ranking, with the rising price of the Deutschlandticket identified as a major factor behind the change. The comparison looks at public transport ticket systems in 30 European countries, including their affordability and accessibility. Germany’s nationwide ticket continues to give it a relatively strong position, but its price has risen significantly since its introduction in 2023.
Greenpeace places Germany fifth among the 30 countries included in its 2026 comparison. Malta and Luxembourg take the top two positions, where public transport is free nationwide. Slovenia and Austria also rank ahead of Germany, while Finland receives the lowest ranking. The comparison examines long-term public transport ticket systems in 30 European countries, looking at their availability, coverage, affordability, social discounts and VAT rates.
Germany’s nationwide Deutschlandticket is an important part of its result. The ticket provides nationwide validity at a uniform monthly price and can be used on local and regional public transport throughout Germany.
When the Deutschlandticket was introduced in May 2023, it cost €49 per month. The monthly price has since increased to €63. Greenpeace calculates that this represents an increase of almost 30 percent, which the organisation describes as the strongest price increase among the national tickets included in its comparison. The ticket is also expected to become more expensive again, with the price set to rise to around €66 per month in 2027.
The higher price has affected Germany’s position in the ranking. At the same time, the nationwide validity of the ticket remains a significant feature of Germany’s public transport system and contributes to its comparatively strong placement.
Greenpeace points out that passengers in Slovenia and Austria can currently use public transport more cheaply than in Germany. Both countries rank above Germany in the 2026 comparison. The comparison also shows how different European countries approach nationwide public transport. Malta and Luxembourg provide free public transport nationwide, placing them at the top of the ranking.
Germany therefore remains among the countries offering broad access through a nationwide public transport ticket, but its position is affected by the cost passengers now have to pay for that access.
Greenpeace’s ranking considers several elements of public transport ticket systems. Affordability carries the largest weighting, alongside the availability and scope of long-term tickets, social discounts and VAT rates. For Germany, the Deutschlandticket provides a single nationwide option rather than requiring passengers to purchase separate local or regional tickets when travelling across the country.
However, the increase from €49 to €63 has made the ticket considerably more expensive than when it was launched. The ranking therefore reflects both the broad coverage of Germany’s ticket and the change in its price over the past three years.
Greenpeace mobility expert Marissa Reiserer called for the price of the Deutschlandticket to be reduced rather than increased further. The organisation argues that affordable public transport can help reduce the financial burden on households, lower dependence on expensive oil and support climate protection. Greenpeace also links greater use of buses and trains with protection against the effects of recurring oil price shocks.
Germany’s fifth-place result in the 2026 Greenpeace ranking consequently highlights the role of ticket prices in determining public transport affordability. While the Deutschlandticket continues to provide nationwide access at a uniform price, its rising cost has become an increasingly important factor in Germany’s position in the European comparison.
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