Development in the first half of 2026
Punctuality significantly weaker due to additional weather- and construction-related constraints on infrastructure availability.
Improved yield management accompanied by a reduced schedule and the implementation of initial restructuring measures as part of the “restart DB-Long-Distance” led to a significant improvement in economic performance.
Income from vehicle sales and lower depreciation following the write-down of rolling stock in December 2025 had a positive impact.
| DB Long-Distance | H1 | Change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | absolute | % | |
| Punctuality (%) | 58.7 | 63.4 | –4.7 | – |
| Punctuality (whole journey) (%) | 63.2 | 68.7 | –5.5 | – |
| Customer satisfaction (grade) | 2.6 | 2.5 | +0.1 | – |
| Passengers (million) | 64.6 | 66.3 | –1.7 | –2.6 |
| Volume sold (million pkm) | 20,989 | 21,949 | –960 | –4.4 |
| Volume produced (million train-path km) | 76.3 | 80.6 | –4.3 | –5.3 |
| Load factor (%) | 46.7 | 46.2 | +0.5 | – |
| Total revenues (€ million) | 3,052 | 2,974 | +78 | +2.6 |
| External revenues (€ million) | 2,956 | 2,881 | +75 | +2.6 |
| EBITDA adjusted (€ million) | 419 | 240 | +179 | +74.6 |
| EBIT adjusted (€ million) | 148 | –59 | +207 | – |
| Gross capital expenditures (€ million) | 559 | 377 | +182 | +48.3 |
| Employees as of Jun 30 (FTE) | 19,762 | 21,045 | –1,283 | –6.1 |
| Average employees (FTE) | 19,957 | 21,112 | –1,155 | –5.5 |
In the first half of 2026, DB Long-Distance’s punctuality fell short of expectations despite intensive countermeasures. Key factors included the massive winter snap at the start of the year 2026, which had a negative impact on the availability of the rail infrastructure, as well as the heat wave in June 2026. Other major causes were the structurally poor condition of the infrastructure, capacity constraints due to extensive construction activity, and localized congestion at major hubs.
In the same way as operational punctuality, the punctuality (whole journey) declined compared to the first half of 2025.
Customer satisfaction was lower than in the first half of 2025 due to the considerable deterioration in punctuality. The numerous customer satisfaction initiatives, such as the continued modernization of the fleet, had an offsetting positive effect. In addition, the measures under the immediate action program for more comfort on long-distance trains had an impact, as satisfaction with cleanliness on board and in train toilets improved.
Performance developed negatively in the first half of 2026.
- Number of passengers and volume sold: Decline due to the lower volume produced. The high level of construction activity and low punctuality had a negative impact. The volume sold declined more sharply than the number of passengers.
- Volume produced: Decline due to an optimized schedule resulting from the reduction of traffic with low utilization, as well as restrictions caused by construction and weather conditions.
- Load factor: Slight increase due to the reduction in less utilized services.
Economic performance improved in particular thanks to optimized yield management, income from vehicle sales, lower costs resulting from the service reduction, and lower depreciation following the write-down of fixed assets in December 2025. The implementation of the restructuring program also had a positive impact. The difficult operational situation continues to weigh on performance. The operating profit figures increased significantly, while adjusted EBIT returned to positive territory.
The income development improved:
- Revenues (+2.6 % / € +78 million): Increase compared to the first half of 2025. The reduced schedule was more than offset by higher prices, increased load factor and growth in seat reservations as a result of increased demand.
- Other operating income (+16.6 % / € +45 million): Significant increase, primarily due to higher income from vehicle sales. This was offset by lower infrastructure-related compensation payments received.
Expenses declined noticeably, primarily due to lower expenses for train-path usage resulting from the reduced schedule and lower depreciation expenses following the write-down of fixed assets in the previous year.
- Cost of materials (–3.3 % / € –59 million): Decline largely driven by the development of infrastructure utilization fees in response to the reduced schedule, including due to increased construction activity and price reductions.
- Depreciation (–9.4 % / € –28 million): Significant decline resulting from a write-down of fixed assets, primarily rolling stock, in December 2025. This was offset by higher depreciation following the arrival of new vehicles.
- Personnel expenses (–0.5 % / € –4 million): Largely unchanged year-on-year. The collective bargaining effects and severance payments were offset by the smaller number of employees.
The slight increase in other operating expenses had a slight dampening effect:
- Other operating expenses (+1.4 % / € +6 million): Increase primarily due to higher rents at railways outside Germany. This was partially offset by savings in IT expenses and marketing measures.
Capital expenditures rose significantly, primarily due to capital expenditures in the vehicle fleet (including the purchase of new ICE 3neo and ICE L trains) and the construction of the new Dortmund port depot.
As of June 30, 2026, the number of employees declined due to the ongoing implementation of measures relating to the restructuring program.