Deutsche Bahn plans nationwide alcohol ban at all 5,400 German stations by October
Germany’s state-owned railway operator is extending a patchwork of local drinking restrictions to its entire network in a bid to curb rising violence and improve passenger safety.
Deutsche Bahn is preparing to prohibit the consumption of beer, wine and spirits across all 5,400 of its train stations in Germany. The state-owned railway operator confirmed to the German Press Agency that the nationwide restriction will take effect on October 15, 2026.
The prohibition will apply to platforms and station halls, though drinking inside station restaurants will remain permitted. Compliance will be enforced by federal police and railway security personnel, who can eject violators and issue permanent bans to repeat offenders.
Chief Executive Evelyn Palla framed the move as a necessary intervention for public order. "Enough is enough," Palla told Bild, adding that the primary goal is the protection of both railway employees and passengers.
Until now, drinking restrictions have been applied on a localized basis at major transit hubs in cities like Frankfurt, Cologne and Hamburg. Berlin also introduced similar measures at the busy Zoologischer Garten and Ostbahnhof stations in May of this year.
The nationwide rollout reflects a broader struggle to manage safety at critical transport infrastructure across the country. Federal police statistics show that violent crimes at major stations rose last year, with hubs in Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt and Leipzig each recording hundreds of incidents in 2025.
Railway management points to early trials as justification for the broader expansion. After banning alcohol at Hamburg Central Station in April 2024, the company recorded a noticeable drop in disputes, alongside improvements in cleanliness and passenger confidence.
Local authorities and municipalities will coordinate with the railway over the coming weeks to adapt regional regulations. Notably, the restriction does not extend to the trains themselves, where high-speed ICE services will continue to serve alcohol in their dining cars.
The railway expects the comprehensive ban to reduce disputes caused by intoxication and create a more secure environment for daily commuters. While smoking remains prohibited on board, it is still permitted in designated areas at the stations themselves.
