Simplified Cross-border Rail Travel Set for Easier Journeys
Streamlined International Train Travel Across Europe: DB Navigator set to Unify Ticketing System
Passengers traveling across Europe can anticipate a simplified ticket purchasing process starting autumn 2025, as Deutsche Bahn (DB) plans to connect to a technical interface that is expected to consolidate the previously fragmented system. By the end of 2026, DB aims to sell tickets from mainland European rail operators directly via bahn.de and the DB Navigator app.
Michael Peterson, board member of DB Long-Distance, shared that international long-distance traffic is thriving, with the company reporting its strongest year in this area in 2024, marking a 22% growth compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
The current European rail network lacks integration, posing challenges for travelers such as the need for multiple tickets for cross-border journeys and inconsistent application of passenger rights. According to Green politician Matthias Gastel, who has been deeply involved in the rail industry, purchasing tickets and dealing with technical issues upon reaching national borders are some of the most significant problems.
To alleviate these issues, European railways have agreed to adopt the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM) interface standard. Peterson described OSDM as the "language in which European railways and distribution service providers will exchange their data." Consequently, DB will have access to the entire ticket portfolio of corresponding railways, and vice versa.
Austria's ÖBB and Switzerland's SBB will be the initial OSDM partners, followed by a gradual addition of new partners. DB anticipates that Europe will be almost completely covered by this technology by the end of 2026, allowing travelers to book trips effortlessly across the continent. The convenience of booking a single ticket for journeys, such as Oslo to Athens or Warsaw to Barcelona, will be possible via usual distribution channels.
Train operators and distribution service providers are welcome to implement the OSDM standard, with no effect on existing compensation arrangements between trains. However, it is important to mention that train competitor Flix, while acknowledging OSDM's positive attributes, has expressed concerns regarding costs and complex implementation.
DB customers, on the other hand, stand to benefit from improved ticket access and information during travel. The 'Price inquiry' note for international connections will be largely a thing of the past, while passengers will receive direct and transparent pricing information. Additionally, lower ticket prices from other trains can be combined, providing travelers with lower ticket prices across borders. Mobile phone updates will keep passengers informed during their journey.
While the introduction of OSDM is a promising development, some challenges remain, as Regions Beckon for Improved Cross-Border Train Journeys. The EU Commission is expected to present a legislative proposal to ensure a uniform digital booking and ticketing service, aiming to give European citizens the option to purchase trans-European journeys with multiple providers while preserving their rights to refunds or replacement journeys.
- Deutsche Bahn
- Europe
- Transport Policy
- Consumer Protection
Deutsche Bahn, in its commitment to streamlining European train travel, plans to incorporate vocational training for its employees to efficiently handle the anticipated increase in tickets sales due to the unified ticketing system. As technology advances and the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM) interface becomes mainstream, sports events across Europe could potentially benefit from this improved transportation system, offering a seamless travel experience for athletes and fans alike.
