Increase in VBB Prices Possibly Imminent, Suggesting Single Ticket Costs Above 4 Euros?
In a move that will affect millions of commuters, public transport prices are set to increase across various cities in Germany from January 2026. The Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) has announced an average ticket price increase of 6%, with several cities, including Berlin and Potsdam, seeing significant hikes.
The single ticket in Berlin (AB) is likely to cost at least 4.00 euros, up from the current 3.80 euros. Similarly, in Potsdam, the single ticket price could exceed 3.00 euros, with the current price being 2.80 euros.
The price of the Deutschland-Ticket, which offers nationwide travel for 58 euros per month, is set to rise to 63 euros from January 2026, an increase of 5 euros. This price was agreed upon by the transport ministers of the federal states.
The increase in prices is attributed to a variety of factors, including a rise in electricity costs for public transport, which have become around 38% more expensive. Fuels and lubricants for vehicles used in public transport have also seen a similar increase.
The introduction of the Germany ticket has led to reduced revenue for transport companies and associations nationwide. As a result, the federal government and the states are looking to compensate for these losses.
The financing of the Germany ticket and the distribution of funds from the federal government and the states have been ongoing points of contention since its introduction. Whether the Germany ticket will also become more expensive at the turn of the year remains to be seen, and will be discussed at a conference of transport ministers taking place in Munich today.
The recent increase will see the single fare in Berlin rise by almost 50% over the past decade. If the VBB had always adjusted ticket prices in line with the general inflation rate in Germany, the AB fare would now cost around 3.50 euros. The general inflation rate from the end of 2015 to August 2025 was around 29%.
In comparison, cities like Hamburg and Munich currently have higher single fares, with Hamburg's comparable ticket costing 3.90 euros (with a 7% discount for online purchases) and Munich's ticket for zone M costing 4.10 euros.
Notably, the Berlin social ticket is also set to increase in price, costing 27.50 euros from January, up from the current 19 euros. If the price now increases to at least 4.00 euros, the ticket will have risen by 1.30 euros in ten years.
As the new year approaches, commuters in Germany can expect to pay more for their public transport journeys. The VBB and transport ministers will continue to discuss the implications of these price increases and the future of public transport funding in Germany.
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