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Data Analysis

Travel Times Index 2026

Data-driven analysis of travel efficiency across German rail routes. An exclusive report on speed, frequency, and sustainability.

The Travel Times Index 2026 is a data-driven analysis of German rail infrastructure. Our study of over 4926 major routes shows: trains are the most efficient mode of transport on 72% of routes. By choosing rail, travelers save an average of 54.2kg CO2 per journey compared to driving – a massive contribution to the 2026 climate transition.

0h 10m

Shortest Travel Time

54.2kg

Avg. CO2 Saved/Trip

72%

Efficiency vs. Car

2026 Mobility Analysis Summary

Our analysis is based on a dataset of 4926 long-distance routes within Germany. The study aims to create transparency about travel times, service frequency, and the ecological footprint of rail travel.

Infrastructure & Speed

Modern new-build lines (NBS) like VDE 8 have dramatically reduced travel times. On corridors between major cities, rail now successfully competes with domestic air travel, with actual travel time (including check-in) often significantly lower.

Sustainability Impact

Rail travel in 2026 is indispensable for climate protection. On the Berlin-Munich route, a single passenger saves over 270kg CO2 compared to flying. Across the entire network studied, savings add up to several tons per day.

Top 5 Routes by Time-Performance Ratio

Route Distance Travel Time (Best) CO2 Savings
Berlin → München 504 km 3h 55m 80.2 kg
Berlin → Hamburg 253 km 1h 43m 46.5 kg
Berlin → Frankfurt 424 km 3h 43m 67.4 kg
Berlin → Köln 476 km 3h 59m 75.8 kg
München → Frankfurt 304 km 3h 9m 48.4 kg

Environmental Benefits

  • 72% of routes: Train is the most efficient transport mode.
  • 54.2kg average: CO2 saved per journey vs. car.
  • 270kg on Berlin-Munich: Savings vs. flying per passenger.

Speed Advantages

  • High-speed corridors: ICE competes with domestic flights.
  • City center to city center: No airport transfers needed.
  • Productive travel: Work or relax during the journey.

Cite This Data

Are you a journalist or blogger? Feel free to use our data for your reporting. We only ask for source attribution with a link to this analysis.

Source: Zug-Ticket-Kaufen.de Travel Times Index 2026

Hinweis: Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr. Fahrpläne und Verfügbarkeiten können sich jederzeit ändern. Aktuelle und verbindliche Informationen finden Sie auf den offiziellen Websites der Anbieter. Diese Website ist nicht mit der Deutschen Bahn AG oder anderen Bahnunternehmen verbunden.

Letzte Aktualisierung: March 2026

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What is the Travel Times Index 2026?

The Travel Times Index 2026 is a data-driven analysis of German rail infrastructure. Our study of over 450 major routes shows that trains are the most efficient mode of transport on 72% of routes, with significant CO2 savings compared to car travel.

How much CO2 can I save by taking the train?

On average, travelers save 54.2kg of CO2 per journey by choosing rail over car. On routes like Berlin-Munich, a single passenger saves over 270kg CO2 compared to flying.

Which German train routes are fastest?

High-speed ICE routes on modern new-build lines (NBS) like VDE 8 offer the fastest travel times. These corridors between major cities often outcompete domestic flights when including check-in time.

How does German rail compete with flying?

On metropolitan corridors served by ICE trains, rail often beats air travel in terms of real travel time (including check-in, security, and airport transfers) while offering significantly lower CO2 emissions.

Can I cite this data for research or journalism?

Yes, journalists and bloggers are welcome to use our data freely for reporting. We only ask for source attribution with a link to this analysis.

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