# Germany: Rail freight operators face approximately 12.6 percent higher track access charges in 2027

**Category:** Industry News  |  **Source:** Verkehrsrundschau / beck-aktuell (VG Köln 18 L 1831/26)  |  **Published:** 2026-10-10  |  **Updated:** 2026-10-23

**Tags:** Trassenpreise, Schienengüterverkehr, DB InfraGO, Deutschland, Bahn, Intermodal, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, LKW Transport, Schienentransport, Digitalisierung

> Rail track fees for freight trains could rise significantly in Germany by 2027. For operators, freight forwarders, and shippers, rail transport will become more expensive.

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Germany's rail freight sector is facing a significant cost increase in 2027. Following a ruling by the Cologne Administrative Court, Deutsche Bahn is permitted to apply higher costs for track access charges than originally approved by the Federal Network Agency.

For freight transport, an increase of approximately 12.6 percent is currently anticipated. An average per-kilometer rate of around 3.92 euros is cited (previously approximately 3.48 euros). On an annual basis, this could result in around 112 million euros in additional costs.

Track access charges are, in simplified terms, the toll for rail infrastructure. Railway operators pay these charges for the use of the DB InfraGO network.

This is important for freight forwarders and shippers because such costs are reflected in quotes for full train loads, combined transport, and other rail products. Particularly for routes that currently compete only marginally with truck transport, a double-digit increase can become problematic.

This does not yet mean that every individual rail route will automatically become 12.6 percent more expensive. Operators calculate differently, and other costs such as energy, rolling stock, personnel, and terminal handling also play a role.

However, the direction is clear: Those preparing rail or intermodal budgets for 2027 should not base their calculations on 2026 prices.

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For dispatchers, this means: obtain rail quotes for 2027 early and don't wait until shortly before the year-end.

Shippers with fixed intermodal quotas should plan for cost buffers.

In tenders, continue to calculate rail and trucks separately rather than simply adding a flat percentage surcharge.

In short: rail is expected to become noticeably more expensive in 2027.

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The Administrative Court of Cologne (18 L 1831/26, 01.10.2026) ruled in favor of the higher DB revenue cap.

For freight transport, approximately 12.6 percent higher track access charges are cited.

Stated average price: increase from approximately 3.48 to approximately 3.92 euros per track kilometer.

Stated additional costs for the freight transport industry: approximately 112 million euros per year.

DB InfraGO operates the German rail network.

The approved revenue cap is approximately 8.2 billion euros (BNetzA requirement: approximately 7.3 billion euros; DB application: approximately 7.55 billion euros).

Regional (+7.7%) and long-distance transport (+5.3%) are also affected by higher track access charges.

According to the court, the ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

## Related Entities

### Countries

- [Germany](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/de)

### Glossary

- [Combined transport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/combined-transport-2)
- [Freight forwarder](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/freight-forwarder)
- [Additional Costs](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/additional-costs)
- [Rail freight transport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/rail-freight-transport-5)

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