German Rail Set a Post-Pandemic Passenger Record
Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s state-owned railway operator, posted a profit from its core operations for the first time in seven years. The company also reported record passenger numbers following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s recovery.
According to the publication, Deutsche Bahn’s rail business posted a profit of 147 million euros for the first half of 2026.
The company attributes the improved results primarily to the growing popularity of rail travel due to high fuel prices.
In the first half of the year, 960 million passengers traveled on Deutsche Bahn trains. This is 17 million more than during the same period in 2025. It is the highest figure since the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla stated that the company’s rail business “ended the first half of the year with a profit for the first time in seven years.”
According to her, although modernizing the rail infrastructure takes time, the company is gradually implementing the promised reforms.
Deutsche Bahn also confirmed its forecast for the full year 2026. The company expects operating profit to rise to approximately 600 million euros, compared to 297 million euros in 2025, while revenue will increase from 27 billion to about 28 billion euros.
The company notes that the growth in passenger traffic has been particularly noticeable on commuter lines, where many people have switched from cars to trains due to rising fuel prices.
This was reported by Bild, citing the company’s financial results.
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