Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway operator, announced plans to introduce a new digital system this autumn to simplify cross-border rail travel across Europe. This initiative supports the European Union’s efforts to unify fragmented national rail networks and improve passenger experience. The move follows upcoming EU legislation that will enforce full passenger rights—including rebooking and refunds—on journeys involving multiple train operators.
Michael Peterson, DB’s board member for long-distance transport, said, “This gets us closer to the goal. Soon you’ll book international trips as easily as domestic ones.” The digital upgrade will use the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM), a European Commission-backed standard for data sharing. This system lets rail companies across Europe access each other’s ticketing data in real time.
Starting with Austria’s ÖBB and Switzerland’s SBB, DB plans to expand partnerships and offer integrated bookings for national railways and local transport through its website and DB Navigator app by late 2026. However, rail expert Jon Worth clarified this won’t create a single “pan-European ticket.” Instead, it will connect separate tickets into one seamless itinerary, simplifying travel but still requiring multiple tickets.
Currently, passengers must buy separate tickets for many international routes, which can be confusing and more costly. For example, a traveler cannot book a full trip from Berlin to Barcelona with one provider. The new system aims to change that.
Beyond convenience, passenger rights are central to the reform. When travelers use separate tickets, they often lose compensation if delays cause missed connections. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted this problem, stating, “People should be able to book journeys with several providers without losing their right to compensation.” New EU rules expected later this year will make passenger protections mandatory across all operators involved in a trip.
Despite progress, critics say OSDM alone does not solve all problems. Jon Worth pointed out, “It’s a technical standard—not a complete solution. We need binding rules on data sharing, commissions, and strong passenger rights.”
DB has raised concerns about potential alternative EU standards that could invalidate its current investments. “That would cost both time and money,” Peterson warned. Still, DB remains optimistic. Cross-border ticket sales rose 22% in 2024, marking the company’s best year yet. New high-speed connections like the Berlin–Paris ICE line also support this growth.
With technological upgrades and stronger EU regulations, European rail travel could soon become truly seamless and accessible. This progress offers hope for travelers and the environment, as more people may choose trains over planes or cars for cross-border trips. For climate-conscious Europeans, seamless rail journeys could soon be the norm, not the exception.