VBB to increase ticket prices from 2027: Berlin AB ticket to remain at 4 euros

In Berlin and Brandenburg, public transport fares will rise by an average of 3.72 per cent from January 1.

The price of a single ticket for the Berlin AB zone will remain unchanged at 4.00 euros, as announced by the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association. The four-journey ticket for Berlin AB will cost 13.20 euros in future, instead of the current 12.40 euros.

The price of a single ticket for the Berlin AB zone remains unchanged

In Potsdam, a single ticket for the AB zone will cost 3.10 euros from the start of the new year, instead of the current 3 euros. In Brandenburg an der Havel, Frankfurt (Oder) and Cottbus, single tickets for the AB zone will not increase in price and will continue to cost 2.70 euros. The price of the VBB Umweltkarte for the Berlin AB zone (currently 81.30 euros for a monthly subscription) will rise to 84.30 euros. The new prices were approved by the VBB Supervisory Board.

High costs for investment and infrastructure

The new fares apply to all journeys by bus, tram, underground, suburban rail and regional trains within the transport network, which covers Berlin and the whole of the state of Brandenburg. The VBB attributes the price rises to persistently high costs. “In particular, the rise in inflation and the necessary investments in vehicles, infrastructure and a modern, efficient public transport system are posing major financial challenges for transport operators,” the statement said. The price adjustment is necessary to ensure that existing transport services can be maintained. 

Four million passengers a day

According to its own figures, the VBB carries around four million passengers a day. The fare system is divided into zones; for example, the Berlin AB zone covers the city of Berlin, whilst Zone C comprises a belt around Berlin including Potsdam, Königs Wusterhausen and Oranienburg. In addition, there are urban and regional bus networks. A single ticket is valid for up to two hours, depending on the region.

Funding also provided through grants from the federal states and regionalisation funds from the federal government

For local public transport, fare revenue is just one of several sources of funding. A significant proportion of the costs is covered by grants from the federal states and by so-called regionalisation funds from the federal government. The federal states use these funds to commission local transport services from transport operators. If expenditure rises faster than grants and revenue, this creates additional financial pressure.