Germany’s Train Stations Go Dry
Consuming beer, wine or liquor is now forbidden throughout Deutsche Bahn’s network. Officials promise a measured approach to enforcement.
Starting October 15th, 2026, consuming alcohol is no longer permitted at any of Deutsche Bahn's 5,700 train stations across Germany. The ban applies to platforms, access areas, and station buildings where DB's house rules are enforced. Exceptions are made for shops inside stations, restaurants, and bars located within station premises.
The measure aims to create a calmer, cleaner, and safer environment, responding to suggestions from travelers, employees, railway staff of other operators, cities, municipalities, and tenants. A DB spokeswoman explained that the rule is meant to enhance the overall station experience. The ban has been in effect at large stations in cities like Cologne, Kiel, Heidelberg, Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin since July.
It has also been enforced at Berlin's Zoo station and Ostbahnhof since May, and Hauptbahnhof and Gesundbrunnen since September. DB reported a decline in litter and fewer conflicts since the implementation, with about 80% of respondents in a survey supporting the ban. Enforcement is the responsibility of DB's security staff, who will inform violators about the changed rules during regular patrols.
Offenders can be expelled from a station, with repeat violators potentially receiving a ban from entering. The Federal Police can be called in to assist if needed. The ban applies every day, including on days with major events such as Bundesliga soccer match days, where DB will rely on tact and discretion. The charity Bahnhofsmission supports the initiative but cautions against unequal treatment or stigmatization of partygoers and soccer fans, emphasizing that rules must apply equally to everyone.
Trains themselves are not covered; passengers can still consume alcohol onboard, and DB sells it in bistro cars of long-distance trains. Regional transport associations in cities like Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, and Nuremberg have already banned alcohol consumption on local trains. Berlin's Infrastructure Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) welcomed the new rule and plans to extend the ban to local public transport trains, securing funding for an expanded "Safety and Cleanliness" program.
Berlin's public transport operator BVG currently lacks a blanket ban but regularly examines relevant measures and enforces rules consistently.
Written by urgent.news from The Berlin Spectator's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
