Germans ditch cars for trains as Easter travel surges amid high fuel prices
Easter travel in Germany is shifting towards trains as fuel prices climb. Deutsche Bahn has reported a sharp rise in ticket sales, with many holidaymakers opting for rail over cars. The surge comes amid soaring gasoline costs linked to the ongoing Iran conflict and oil market instability. High petrol prices have pushed more people to book train journeys for the Easter break. A recent Insa poll found that 36% of respondents have cut back on travel plans due to expensive fuel. Deutsche Bahn is responding by adding extra services on popular routes.
The company will increase capacity on key connections like Berlin–Cologne, Berlin–Munich, and Frankfurt–Cologne. New direct ICE trains will run from Cologne to Konstanz, serving Lake Constance, while the 'Adria-Express' will connect Munich to Italian destinations Rimini and Ancona. Additional trains are also planned for Sylt, the Black Forest, and other holiday hotspots.
However, some routes will face disruptions. Construction work between Baden-Baden and Freiburg means replacement buses will operate over the Easter weekend. Despite this, demand remains strong, with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday expected to be nearly fully booked.
Evelyn Palla, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, welcomed the high booking numbers, noting that many travellers are switching from cars to trains. Certain long-distance routes have seen booking increases of over 10% compared to earlier forecasts. Deutsche Bahn's extra services aim to meet the Easter travel rush, but some passengers will still face delays due to engineering works. With fuel prices driving more people to rail, the company expects packed trains on key dates. The shift highlights how rising costs are changing holiday travel habits this year.
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