Data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) indicates a modest rise in passenger numbers across Germany’s public transport system during the first half of 2025. Overall ridership increased by one percent compared to the same period in the previous year. The long-distance transport sector experienced an even more significant rise, with passenger numbers increasing by four percent year-on-year.
The growth rate appears to be slowing compared to the immediate aftermath of the Germany Ticket’s introduction. In the first half of 2023, passenger numbers surged by ten percent compared to 2022, followed by a seven percent rise in the first half of 2024 versus 2023.
Within the public local transport (ÖPNV) sector, which accounts for 99 percent of scheduled services, ridership increased by one percent, reaching a total of 5.7 billion passengers. Rail-based local transport saw a one percent increase to 1.4 billion passengers. Bus services in local transport experienced a two percent rise, with 2.6 billion passengers utilizing the network. Tram ridership saw only a slight increase, reaching approximately 2 billion passengers.
Long-distance transport saw passenger numbers reach 76 million, a four percent increase compared to the first half of 2024. Within the rail-based long-distance sector, passenger numbers rose to 71 million, representing a four percent increase over the previous year, which was impacted by industrial action. Coach services in the long-distance sector saw around five million passengers, with no discernible change in ridership.
