The main train stations of Zurich and Vienna have taken places one and two in the “European Railway Station Index 2023”. Many German train stations are only in the weakest positions and Bremen main station even has the “red lantern”.

In general, the study conducted by the US Consumer Choice Center shows that many train stations in Germany perform disastrously. The 50 largest stations in Europe in terms of passenger numbers were compared. Zurich Central Station took first place, followed by the derivative in Vienna.

From a German perspective, it seems quite shocking that six German train stations take the last places. Essen Hbf, Berlin-Ostkreuz, Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, Berlin-Zoological Garden, Munich-Pasing and Bremen Hbf performed particularly poorly. The last-mentioned station only achieved 39 points. In comparison: Zurich Hbf has 102 points and Vienna Hbf has at least 94 points.

If you look at the study in detail, it quickly becomes apparent that not only dilapidated or non-existent infrastructure has catapulted the results of German train stations downwards, but a lack of cleanliness and punctuality have also been massively criticized. It is also noted that the nine-euro ticket, which was offered for three months last year, showed that the infrastructure and offerings in many locations are not able to cope with the heavy use of rail transport. This led to massive overloading of stations and trains and, as a result, to significant delays in regional transport. Long-distance transport is said to have been completely empty during the nine-euro ticket phase. This is probably due to the peculiar German regulation that long-distance trains (for example Intercity, Eurocity, Intercity Express and so on) were just as exempt at the time as they are now from the 49-euro ticket.

While in Zurich and Vienna the availability and opening times of ticket offices, the cleanliness and options for shopping and food were rated positively, in Germany some train stations were literally hit on the lid, because if there was free Wi-Fi at all, in some cases it was even supposed to be available didn't work. The study shows what many commuters know: especially in Germany, the railways obviously have a lot of catching up to do.

The ranking at a glance: