Due to the ongoing heat with temperatures up to 40 degrees, DB Fernverkehr is enabling free cancellation of tickets for trips between June 25 and June 30, 2026. The requirement is that the booking was made by June 23, 2026, inclusive. The regulation applies to digital, paper, and machine-issued tickets – international tickets are excluded.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant for train travelers because it may have concrete impacts on planning, connections, or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutsche Bahn, long-distance services, ICE, heat, cancellation, special goodwill, and rail traffic. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- The special goodwill applies to long-distance tickets (ICE/IC) with a travel date from June 25 to June 30, 2026, that were booked by June 23, 2026, inclusive.
- Cancellation of digital tickets via the Bahn goodwill form (also for non-cancellable tickets such as Super Sparpreis); cancellable tickets (e.g., Flexpreis) can be cancelled directly via bahn.de or the DB Navigator app.
- Paper and machine-issued tickets must be cancelled at a DB sales counter on site.
- Partial cancellations are not possible for digital tickets – the entire ticket is cancelled, including partial routes outside the period.
- Regardless of the heat cancellation, the regular passenger rights apply in case of train cancellation or a delay of more than 60 minutes.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, it is worth taking a close look at the time period, route, and booking conditions. It is crucial whether the report already triggers concrete timetable changes or initially describes a political or strategic development.
Context
Deutsche Bahn is responding to the forecast heat stress of up to 40 degrees with a special goodwill policy, allowing passengers to cancel already booked long-distance tickets free of charge.
What to watch now
- Check concrete timetable or construction notices only once travel dates are set.
- Plan connection times more generously for international journeys.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.