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.