Germany’s state transport ministers agreed on September 18, 2025, to another price increase for the Deutschlandticket. Starting January 1, 2026, the monthly price will rise from €58 to €63.
For private users, that means an extra €5 per month. For employers, the key question is: How will this affect the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket – and how can companies continue to offer attractive, predictable benefits?
1. Rising Costs for Transport Operators
Personnel, energy, and maintenance costs have all increased sharply in recent years. Public transport companies are under heavy financial pressure because existing subsidies from the federal and state governments are no longer sufficient to cover the deficits.
2. Funding Gap and Planned Price Index
The federal states plan to introduce a price index that will allow regular adjustments, for example to inflation. The goal is to make price changes more predictable. The Bundesrat still has to approve the price increase.
3. Political Compromise
All states agreed unanimously on the €63 price after intensive negotiations. Some had initially demanded an even higher rate.
General Users
All Deutschlandticket subscribers will pay €63 per month from 2026. The ticket’s validity in local and regional transport remains unchanged.
Discounts, Social Tickets, and Students
Certain groups such as apprentices and welfare recipients will continue to benefit from discounted versions. For students, a price of €34.80 is currently under discussion. Whether and how these reduced rates will be adjusted is still open.
Role of the Federal States and Transport Associations
Federal states may continue to offer additional discounts at their own expense. Regional transport associations can also maintain or introduce special local arrangements.
The price increase will directly affect the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket. Employers who provide the ticket to employees – either directly or through a mobility platform – will face higher subsidy costs, unless they pass the increase on to employees.
The 5% discount for the Deutschlandticket Jobticket will remain, as it is legally mandated, but the absolute amount rises with the new price.
1. Higher Subsidy Costs
Companies that subsidize the Deutschlandticket must plan for higher budgets starting in 2026. A full subsidy will rise from €58 to €63 per month per employee. For large workforces, this quickly becomes a significant cost factor.
2. Uncertainty in Benefit Planning
The Deutschlandticket remains a politically dynamic product. With the upcoming price index, annual adjustments are likely. Without a digital solution, this creates recurring coordination and administrative work for HR teams.
3. Impact on Employer Branding
Despite the higher price, the Deutschlandticket remains one of the most popular employee benefits. Many companies want to continue offering it to strengthen their employer brand and support sustainable commuting options.
With NAVIT, companies can offset price increases while keeping their mobility offering flexible and predictable.
The upcoming increase to €63 highlights that the Deutschlandticket is becoming more expensive for governments and companies alike. With digital solutions like NAVIT, employers can continue to offer predictable, tax-compliant, and appealing mobility benefits – without additional administrative effort.
Learn how NAVIT can help your company implement and manage the Deutschlandticket effectively. Contact us to find out more.
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