Deutsche Bahn is continuing to expand its international long-distance rail services as demand for cross-border train travel across Europe continues to rise sharply.
Since 2019, almost one-third more passengers have chosen rail for European journeys, representing more than 25 million travelers, with demand still growing. One of the clearest examples is the Stuttgart–Paris route, where ICE and TGV services have effectively replaced direct flights thanks to journey times of under three and a half hours.
DB Long-Distance CEO Michael Peterson said: “Anyone wanting to experience Europe chooses the train. In uncertain times, we provide reliable mobility. With more than 300 international connections daily to over 200 cities in 14 countries, we are transporting more people comfortably and directly than ever before, and we are expanding our offer again this summer.”
Among the most popular international routes in 2025 were (growth figures are compared with 2024):
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Munich–Zurich: up 27%
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Frankfurt–Paris: up 22%
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Cologne–Brussels: up 16%
New rail additions for summer 2026 include:
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From mid-June: a new direct Copenhagen–Hamburg–Berlin–Prague service with two daily round trips
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From June 3 to August 31: an additional summer ICE between Cologne and Brussels, extended on weekends to Ghent, Bruges and the Belgian coast at Ostend
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From July 4 through July and August: a Saturday-only direct Frankfurt–Bordeaux service
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From September 7: four daily ICE services between Cologne and Antwerp, including a new stop at Brussels Airport with connections to the wider ICE network.
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In summer 2028, Deutsche Bahn, in cooperation with Vy (Norway) and DSB (Denmark), will launch a new daily direct service between Berlin and Oslo via Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg. It will become one of Europe’s longest rail routes.
Promotional fares for international train connections
DB is also highlighting affordable international fares under its “Super Saver Europe” promotion, with tickets from €19.99 to destinations including Belgium, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
The rail operator has additionally simplified international ticket booking through the introduction of the EU OSDM data standard across European railways and distribution platforms. Customers can now directly book tickets for operators including ÖBB, SBB, SNCF, Eurostar, Trenitalia and SJ through DB’s digital channels.
Travelers can now book complex international itineraries — from Rome to Naples, Toulouse to London or even Barcelona to northern Sweden — in a single transaction. More than 8,000 additional European destinations are now available, including regional and night train connections as well as local transit links.
The simplified booking system is already delivering results. Since foreign rail tickets became directly available through DB’s digital sales channels, international ticket sales have increased by 75%.
DB launches €6.99 last-minute ICE tickets
DB is also introducing a new last-minute fare initiative aimed at flexible travelers and new rail customers.
Starting May 9, passengers can book “Last Minute Saver” fares for ICE long-distance services from as little as €6.99.
Michael Peterson said the new offer is designed to provide “secure and affordable mobility” while attracting travelers who may not normally consider rail travel and are more flexible with their travel plans.
Children continue to travel free under the offer, making it particularly attractive for families, while BahnCard discounts also apply to the new fares.
The tickets will be available for booking every Saturday and Sunday for travel during the following week on selected routes across Germany. Like other saver fares, availability is capacity-controlled and limited to trains with remaining seat inventory, meaning travelers are most likely to find the best deals outside peak travel periods.
DB added that early booking still remains the best option for the lowest fares, with its fare finder available through the official booking platforms.
