Say Goodbye to All-Inclusive Family Train Bookings: July 15, 2025 Timetable Change
Elimination of Family-Based Train Reservation System - Train station ceases to offer family reservations.
Gather 'round, folks! Here's some news that might make your wallet cry: as of the recent July 15, 2025 timetable change, the German Railways has kicked off the good old family booking system. That's right, folks, from now on, every Tom, Dick, and Harry in your family squad needs their own reserved seat—individually paid for. And guess what? The price for reserving a seat in second class has rocketed up by 30 cents to a hefty 5.50 euros per seat. Fancy-pants first-class travelers will now fork over 6.90 euros for their reserved seats, up from the original 6.50 euros. So, a family of four need to cough up twice the dough for a round trip: a steep 44 euros.
Cue the fury and finger-pointing! The abolition of family bookings has caused quite a stir among politicians, associations, and concerned citizens. The ecological transport club, VCD, has already collected a whopping 66,000 signatures on their petition to roll this blunder back. Why, you ask? Well, beyond the expensive seat charges, this move has given the German Railways a dose of negative image vibes. Bzzzz, sound of kneecaps hitting the ground.
The Federal Ministry of Transport's spokesperson isn't exactly on board with this one-sided shindig either. On the Friday before the change, they expressed their doubts about the wisdom of this move. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider joined in the chorus of opposition, saying, "The DB has dropped the ball on this one." Toot toot, DB, Toot toot.
Now, before you think the German Railways has lost its marbles completely, let's remember: kids under 15 still travel for free with an adult—so there's that little silver lining. Still, this decision has left a sour taste for many travelers, espeically those with larger families on a budget.
But it's not all bad news on the tracks. Alongside the family booking fiasco, the July 15, 2025 timetable change has brought in some friendly adjustments for passengers. The Flex-price tickets can now be refunded for free, up to one day before the journey. Additionally, there are some student-friendly discount campaigns going on.
So, as you prepare for your next long-distance journey, remember to grab your wallet and keep those little fingers crossed for more pleasant surprises along the way.
- Family booking
- Timetable change
- July 15, 2025
- Children
- Long-distance journey
- Seat
- VCD
- Berlin
- DB
- German Railways
The controversial July 15, 2025 timetable change by the German Railways has sparked outrage, with the VCD collecting over 66,000 signatures on their petition to reinstate the family booking system. Despite the abolition of family bookings, children under 15 still travel free with an adult.
Communities concerned with health-and-wellness, lifestyle, travel, and science might find solace in the timetable change's positive adjustments. For instance, Flex-price tickets can now be refunded for free, up to one day before the journey, and there are student-friendly discount campaigns available for vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, and vocational training.
