Deutsche Bahn AG Reviews 

How can EVERY train be delayed? I have never experienced a DB train be less than 15 minutes delayed.
Is it due to neoliberal incompetence, like with DSB in Denmark?

Just hate them and their bloody delays

This review specifically concerns the reservation process for the Paris–Stuttgart TGV when traveling with an Interrail Pass, after being redirected from the Interrail app to the DB booking website.

I’ve travelled across several European countries using an Interrail Pass, and this was by far the most confusing and frustrating reservation experience of my entire trip.

For virtually every other train requiring a reservation, Interrail pass holders are instructed to book “Seat reservation only.” That’s exactly what I did—and exactly what any experienced Interrail traveller would reasonably expect to do.

However, for the Paris–Stuttgart TGV, this apparently isn’t the correct reservation. The problem is that nowhere during the booking process is it indicated or explained that “Seat reservation only” is not valid for this train. Interrail directs you to the DB booking page, yet there is no clear warning that this option is the wrong one.

As a result, I boarded the train believing I had done everything correctly, only to be told that my reservation wasn’t valid and that I had to pay an outrageously expensive onboard fee.

The issue isn’t the conductor—they were simply enforcing the rules. The real problem is a booking system that sets passengers up to fail.

If “Seat reservation only” is not the correct product for Interrail pass holders on this train, why is there no clear warning before purchase? Why are passengers expected to discover this only after boarding the train?

A simple notice explaining that this option is not valid, together with clear instructions on how Interrail pass holders should book the correct reservation, would prevent countless passengers from making the same expensive mistake.

I’ve travelled extensively by train across Europe, and this is honestly the worst booking experiences I’ve encountered. A booking system should help passengers get the correct ticket—not mislead them into buying the wrong one.

Almost everyday, planning to take a train is a gamble!! Elevators are broken oftentimes!!

DB is causing a lot of mess and stress to many people! This irresponsible behavior can cost people a fortune in some cases if they have bookings or time critical appointments! I cannot stand it anymore!!

Another annoying point: some days the weather can be extremely cold or extremely hot and the train driver prevents people from onboarding until the train time is soon enough then he moves to the platform or opens the doors, This is really selfish behavior!

trains dont arrive or come late, it gets worse and worsewhile prices go up and up - when i know i have to take a train, i get anxiety.

If this company is run by people, they should be ashamed of themselves. Its a disgrace. How can 5 out of 5 trains on different days on different segments be delayed by an average of 60min. Its pathetic. How the review score is not 1.0 on here is beyond my comprehension.

Every second train is way too late and the payment of a Deutschlandticket is way too complicated for no reason. They want a full identity verification, it is buggy and their form do not accept forign home addresses.

Services seem to be improving last years. Hopefully they can keep making it better

Overcrowded, expensive terrible experience

I am extremely disappointed with my recent experience traveling with DB First Class between Hamburg and Copenhagen.

The trip to Copenhagen was cancelled and replaced by a bus. One of the main reasons I paid extra for First Class was because I needed to work during the journey and expected the comfort and services advertised, including catering, electricity, and a proper working environment. Instead, I could not work at all, and the catering service I paid for was effectively unavailable. Not even basic things like water or food were properly provided after the cancellation.

The return trip was also unacceptable. Although I had again paid for First Class, the wagon was cold and without electricity, making it impossible to work. I eventually had to move to another carriage myself just to continue the journey in acceptable conditions.

To make matters worse, the train arrived with more than one hour delay, yet my compensation request was rejected and I received no refund at all. This is honestly very frustrating considering the amount paid for a First Class experience that was far below expectations.

Overall, the quality of the service was unacceptable. The catering offering was also extremely poor and disappointing.

The experience was nowhere near the level of service provided by companies like Trenitalia or Italo in Italy, which offer a significantly better and more reliable premium experience. DB should seriously benchmark and learn from them as soon as possible.

Paying extra for First Class should mean reliability, comfort, and proper service. Unfortunately, this journey delivered none of those things.

I agree with all 1 start review here

Reposting a perfect summery of another traveller from 2 years ago:

Probably the worst railway service in western Europe.
Delayed trains, outdated infrastructure in dire need of renovation, poor communication.
The one star is for the employees, train engineers and ticket controllers who soldier through these hurdles and do a good job despite the critique from upset travelers. It’s not their fault. The company management is utterly incompetent.

Train cancelled without warning a minute before it was supposed to arrive, no email, no nothing.
They gave me wrong information telling me I should get to a WestBahn train to get to my destination, which costed me 135 euros additionnally to my base ticket price, 50 euros.
Contacted the Schlichtungsstelle Reise & Verkehr to ask for help, they offered mediation, after almost a year of mails they were telling DB it was fair to refund me my WestBahn ticket, they refused. DB is the worst train company I ever used, and I will never use it again

I'm writing this complaint while sitting on a delayed train from work.
I take the regional train on daily basis, the delay is becoming the new normal, now we reached a new low that i would be surprised if my train arrive and take me to my destination on time. Really horrible company that indirectly forces you to pay 3000€ for a driving license and getting a car.

I was at the train 11.17 and the train was to leave 11.18. So admittedly a bit late so could make it, but was blocked at the door by the personel. I have never experienced anything like this. She simply said ‘no’.

The famous german efficiency won't apply to the Deutsche Bahn. Trains are frequently late, wrong informations about platforms, crowded trains. Our train was late, so we lost the conection. We had to wait in a big queue to get another ticket,then go to another station and there wait for 2 hrs in order to get to our final destination. They just give you a pre-stamped envelope to place your claim to refund and maybe, you can get this refund. If possible, go buy bus and forget about this horrible service.

Paying 200€ for a train ticket and not having any seat.
The controller said it is perfectly legal in Germany. Germany is like the US, a beautiful third world country. State with less tax income have better train system.

Terrible train company. Pretty much always delays or cancelled trains. Awaited in the bord bistro today while having paid for 1st class ticket and was ignored for 30 minutes, finally staff came but they were too busy to take my order. After a friend already ate all his food someone finally came after an hour passed but half the menu wasn't available and I was done at that moment, I preferred to order bread at the train station to not spend a single cent more on this terrible company.

Trains are frequently delayed or canceled, making it hard to rely on the service. The app is not intuitive and basic functions are harder to find than they should be.

The most frustrating part is the subscription system: BahnCards renew automatically without being clearly communicated. If you are not extremely careful, you end up paying for something you don’t want.

Overall, a very disappointing experience.

I am on a train traveling from Berlin to Gottingen and the sun is beating down on me making my ride extremely uncomfortable with my eyes being in a squint most of the time. I pulled down the shade which is there for that purpose and the lady behind me said no and pushed it back up. I said the sun is in my eyes and her man said then close your eyes and go to sleep. I said I am not tired and the sun is in my eyes. He said then put on some sunglasses. I asked the conductor why I have to be uncomfortable and why what they wanted was more important than my comfort. He told me to work it out with them. I tried once again to explain to them how uncomfortable I was and that half way would be a compromise although not perfect. I paid the same price for my ticket as they did and the screen is there for a reason.
Then the person across from me had to interject and said do you not have bigger problems in your life…..I said not at the moment.