The German Rail (DB) Records a Significant Increase in Passengers on Cross-Border Routes. With 24 million international journeys in 2023, the company exceeds pre-Corona pandemic figures by 21 percent. This growth is particularly due to the rising demand for sustainable travel options. DB has responded to this trend by introducing new connections and increasing the capacities of existing routes. As a result, the number of seats on international journeys grew by 13 percent compared to 2019.

Particularly strong growth was recorded on the Berlin-Amsterdam, Berlin-Warsaw, and Munich-Verona routes. As part of efforts to further improve the service, a new high-speed train will be put into operation between Munich and Italy this month. Also on the Frankfurt-Brussels route, the new ICE 3 Neo is expected to reduce disruptions from the middle of the year.

Despite advances in expanding offerings and technical modernization, the punctuality of international connections is comparable to the general situation in DB long-distance traffic, with around one-third of trains experiencing delays last year. However, the punctuality rate varies greatly depending on the route.

A Milestone in the Development of International Rail Traffic: The Planned Introduction of the OSDM Standard by the End of 2025, Which Aims to Simplify Booking of Cross-Border Travel. DB Executive Board Member Michael Peterson Emphasizes the Vision of a Future Where Intra-European Flights Are Replaced by More Eco-Friendly Train Travel.