Germany bans alcohol consumption at all Deutsche Bahn stations

From 15 October 2026, a nationwide ban on alcohol consumption at Deutsche Bahn railway stations came into force in Germany. The new rules apply to approximately 5,700 stations across the country, including passenger platforms.

This was announced by the German railway company Deutsche Bahn. The stated aim of the restrictions is to increase the safety of passengers and railway staff, as well as to reduce conflicts and littering at stations.

The ban applies to the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas of stations, including platforms and waiting rooms. At the same time, it does not mean a complete ban on the sale or transport of alcohol.

Passengers can still carry sealed bottles and other alcoholic beverages in their luggage. Alcohol may also be ordered and consumed in restaurants, bars and cafés located on station premises.

There is no general ban on alcohol consumption on Deutsche Bahn trains themselves. In particular, alcoholic beverages continue to be sold in dining cars of long-distance trains. However, additional restrictions may apply on certain routes by the operators.

Deutsche Bahn security staff will monitor compliance with the new rules. Company employees will warn passengers about violations during patrols. If the ban is repeatedly ignored, a person may be banned from the station premises.

The new rules are part of the internal regulations for station use. The company will apply them in accordance with its powers as the owner and operator of the stations.

A similar ban was already in force at around 40 major stations in Germany, including Cologne, Munich, Hamburg and Heidelberg. From 1 September, the restrictions were also introduced at Berlin's main station, Gesundbrunnen station, as well as at Kiel and Braunschweig stations.

According to Deutsche Bahn, the experience at these stations showed a decrease in the number of conflicts and litter. The company also conducted a representative survey, according to which about 80% of respondents support the ban on alcohol consumption at stations.

Thus, from now on, the restrictions apply across the entire Deutsche Bahn station network: approximately 5,400 DB InfraGO stations and another 300 DB RegioNetz stations.

Based on materials from: Deutsche Bahn, Tagesschau