Deutsche Bahn long-distance train comfort programme: 2026 changes

Deutsche Bahn long-distance train comfort programme was presented by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German federal government as a joint effort to improve passenger experience on long-distance services, with changes due to take effect during 2026, as outlined by Deutsche Bahn and reported by Railway-News.

Meanwhile, the initiative sits within the government’s broader Agenda for Satisfied Customers on the Rails, focused on operational improvements across the network.

Cleaning staff increase on busy long-distance services

A central element of the programme is a stronger daily cleaning presence on busy services. DB says around 220 employees will be deployed each day on heavily used routes, roughly double the current number. At the same time, additional cleaning teams will be stationed at selected major stations so they can respond to short-notice requirements when needed.

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Inside ICE trains, carpet cleaning is set to be carried out more frequently. The weekly cleaned area is planned to rise from an equivalent of four football pitches to around six, covering about 60 trains each week. Separately, the programme introduces mobile technical teams to handle minor repairs and special cleaning tasks during operation. These teams are expected to focus in particular on onboard bistros and toilet facilities, with preventative replacement of components intended to reduce service disruptions.

Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport said:

From now on, it’s all about noticeably more comfort on long-distance trains. This immediate action program is part of a larger package that the federal government and Deutsche Bahn have jointly launched. Three programs – one goal: a better travel experience for everyone who travels by train. We are improving what needs improving. Not sometime in the future, but now. My thanks go to all employees for their already outstanding commitment. They more than deserve to be proud of their railway again.

More reliable onboard catering and stock management

The reliability of onboard catering is another focus of the programme. Changes to logistics and stock management are designed to improve the availability of food and beverages on long-distance trains. In addition, maintenance of coffee machines and other equipment will be intensified, supported by mobile technicians based at stations in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Berlin.

Onboard equipment upgrades across the ICE fleet

DB also plans further upgrades to onboard facilities. This includes wider installation of mobile-signal-permeable windows and the continued provision of dedicated areas for families and young children on ICE services.

Overall, Deutsche Bahn will invest an additional 20 million EUR during 2026 in measures covering cleanliness, catering and onboard equipment availability, according to Deutsche Bahn. Still, the plan is framed as an “immediate action program” focused on comfort in long-distance services.

Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport said:

We want to be an even better host for our customers on board our trains. That’s why our immediate action program focuses on significantly more comfort. Passengers will notice: things are changing on our long-distance trains, and quickly! This year, we are investing an additional 20 million euros in improved cleanliness, a more reliable catering service, and greater availability of onboard facilities. Furthermore, all our ICE trains already feature attractive areas for toddlers and families. We are also equipping more and more trains with windows that allow mobile phone signals to pass through.

Passengers should begin to notice changes during the course of 2026 as the measures are introduced across the core long-distance network.

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