Average regional rail passengers per train, Germany
Average regional rail passengers per train, Germany stood at 90 persons in 2025, according to Bundesnetzagentur. It is one of the indicators in the Rail and public transport market table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 2019 to 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Rail and public transport market table
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average load | ||||||||
| Regional passengers per train | 90 | 92 | 81 | 73 | 45 | 50 | 82 | |
| Long-distance passengers per train | 291 | 282 | 293 | 261 | 171 | 167 | 307 |
Understanding average regional rail passengers per train, Germany
Expressing the mean passenger occupancy of local passenger services across Germany, this series measures the average number of persons aboard each regional train. The figure represents the mathematical quotient of regional passenger-kilometres divided by regional train-path kilometres. Long-distance intercity express trains and rail freight services are excluded from the calculation. While total passenger-kilometres indicate absolute volume and operating performance measures scheduled train runs, this metric captures operational utilisation per service, providing an indicator of passenger density across regional rail networks.
Since passenger loadings diverge sharply between commuter rush-hour windows and quieter midday intervals, the annual figure provides a consolidated average across all operating hours. Adjustments to historical values can occur whenever constituent passenger transport performance or train-path totals undergo statistical revision. Evaluating changes on a year-on-year basis provides an objective perspective on regional fleet loading patterns. Observers should recognize that an increase in average passengers per train can stem from either growing passenger patronage or reductions in scheduled train frequencies, meaning higher occupancy does not automatically indicate superior service availability.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the average regional passenger load per train derived?
- It is calculated by dividing annual regional passenger-kilometres by annual regional train-path kilometres.
- Does this indicator measure the percentage of seats occupied on regional trains?
- No, it measures the absolute average number of persons per train rather than a percentage load factor against seating capacity.
- Why can average passenger loads rise during service disruptions?
- If train cancellations reduce train-path kilometres while passenger demand remains steady, the remaining trains carry more passengers on average.