May 20, 2026, 3:02 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Affordable, digital, uncomplicated: At first glance, there are many reasons to choose train travel with Flixtrain. Even TRAVELBOOK author Laura Pomer was temporarily charmed by the unique appeal of the small Deutsche Bahn competitor and willing to accept minor–and, it must be said, almost obligatory–complications during the journey. However, as time went on, it became clear that there’s a significant gap between “not perfect” and “massively unreliable.” In TRAVELBOOK, she explains why she would never travel with Flixtrain again–or even attempt to. After all, the experiences of numerous passengers show that a booked connection with the provider doesn’t necessarily mean the train will actually run.
Even last-minute bookings with Flixtrain are usually cheaper than with Deutsche Bahn–although prices have recently become more similar (at least on the route between Berlin and Frankfurt). It’s also a plus that trips can be easily rebooked or canceled digitally, often up to 15 minutes before departure. The concept seemed convincing for a long time: fewer trains, but as full as possible and therefore comparatively efficient. There was also an almost familial atmosphere, making trips with FlixTrain sometimes feel more like a school trip than traditional long-distance travel.
These were once my arguments for preferring the provider over Deutsche Bahn for a while despite some weaknesses. I explained more about this in this personal article. Today, however, I must retract this assessment.
Why I Will No Longer Book Train Trips with Flixtrain
As a regular train traveler, I keep an eye on the operations of both companies. Flixtrain connections can also be viewed in Deutsche Bahn’s travel information, although not booked directly there. Many would probably avoid doing so anyway: The connections often seem unreliable, delays are frequent, and cancellations are not uncommon. “Trip canceled,” and often at very short notice.
A passenger reported on the user platform Reddit in early 2026 that his Flixtrain from Frankfurt to Berlin was canceled just four minutes before departure. This information came via SMS and email–the travelers were, of course, already at the platform.
Last-Minute Cancellations and Chaotic Communication
A cancellation is, of course, annoying, but there is at least a small silver lining: Affected passengers can get a refund for the fare, as well as for delays of 60 minutes or more. Alternatively, there is the option to arrange alternative transportation to the destination, even with Deutsche Bahn. This is effectively a flexible ticket, which is often significantly more expensive on the day of travel. Flixtrain usually covers the cost. This goodwill is certainly to the company’s credit.
But then it can sometimes happen that the effort wasn’t needed. Because it happens that Flixtrain cancellations are initially announced, but the supposedly unavailable train still arrives. Users on Reddit also report such experiences.
Forced Togetherness at the Platform
What I once described as a familial atmosphere among passengers–or rather among those waiting who would like to be–is, as my experiences vividly show, in reality less an expression of relaxed travel and more a community of necessity at the platform; or with some “luck” on the train. Especially when trains are canceled or information is lacking, the supposed ease of the concept quickly turns into a shared endurance. People inevitably huddle together, if only due to the cramped situation at the platform.
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The Main Problem: Uncertainty Becomes Normalized
Flixtrain messes up and at least financially takes responsibility, such as through refunds or alternative ticket arrangements. Nevertheless, there is an increasing impression that delays and cancellations are not exceptions but almost part of the system. Flixtrain also uses Deutsche Bahn’s overloaded rail network and is thus equally affected by construction sites, track closures, or technical problems. Unlike DB, however, the company has significantly fewer reserves, vehicles, and personnel to handle such situations. For passengers, this makes a noticeable difference.
“Why don’t you also write about the chaos when a Flixtrain is canceled,” a frustrated reader recently wrote to me in response to a critical TRAVELBOOK article about DB’s open system, which can sometimes lead to spontaneous travelers being removed from overcrowded trains. “Then the train is the alternative because Flixtrain runs so infrequently and doesn’t provide replacement trains.” As a state-influenced company, DB has different obligations than private providers.
In hindsight, I would agree with the reader. I would phrase the previous criticism of Deutsche Bahn somewhat differently today. Because especially recently, I have repeatedly noticed very consciously that DB had to step in when Flixtrain connections failed and passengers still needed to be brought to their destinations somehow.
How Can Flixtrain Be Taken Seriously?
Summarizing, the claim with which Flixtrain recently appeared seems almost absurd. The company officially announced billion-dollar investments, new high-speed trains, and serious competition to the ICE. Publicly, it positions itself as a modern alternative to Deutsche Bahn–cheaper, more digital, more efficient.
Yet in everyday travel, it is increasingly difficult to take Flixtrain seriously as a reliable long-distance provider. Because anyone who regularly fails to keep their few daily connections running smoothly hardly seems like a company on the verge of seriously challenging Deutsche Bahn.