The Deutsche Bahn alcohol ban will expand from about 30 stations to all 5,400 locations the company manages across Germany by 15 October 2026.

Alcohol-ban sign beside Deutsche Bahn trains at Frankfurt Central Station
Alcohol-ban signage beside Deutsche Bahn trains at Frankfurt Central Station. Photo: Deutsche Bahn AG / Stefan Wildhirt.

Nationwide rollout will finish in mid-October

In its official announcement⁠, Deutsche Bahn said it will introduce the restriction under its right to set rules for access and behaviour on railway premises. Local station regulations will be amended over the coming weeks in coordination with municipalities, authorities and administrations.

Around 30 stations are already designated alcohol-free, including locations in Cologne, Munich and Hamburg. The company says experience at those stations indicates that restricting alcohol consumption is associated with fewer violent incidents and less litter.

Don’t miss…North American Transit Projects Reach New Milestones

Berlin, Kiel and Braunschweig join on 1 September

The next rollout stage will begin on 1 September at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig. Deutsche Bahn plans to add the remaining managed stations in stages and complete the nationwide implementation by 15 October.

The measure concerns public areas controlled by Deutsche Bahn, including station halls and platforms covered by local house rules. It does not prohibit passengers from buying or transporting alcoholic drinks, provided bottles and other containers remain sealed.

Restaurants and station shops remain exempt

Restaurants, bars and other catering businesses inside stations may continue serving alcohol. The exemption separates licensed hospitality operations from drinking in the general public areas of the station.

Passengers found consuming alcohol will first be directed to leave the premises. Repeat violations may lead to a formal ban from Deutsche Bahn property. The operator has not announced its own system of financial penalties, with security personnel and relevant station employees responsible for applying the revised rules.

Deutsche Bahn presented the policy as a safety measure for passengers and employees. Chief Executive Evelyn Palla linked the decision to the company’s view that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of violence and referred to a recent attack on railway premises as further justification for the nationwide change.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Southern Shorthaul Railroad Suspension Eased Again