VAT reduction for public transport will be directly reflected in train ticket prices starting 1 Jan
Parliament is supporting public transport by temporarily changing the value added tax from 10 per cent to zero between 1 January and 30 April 2023. We are passing the VAT reduction directly to the ticket prices. In January–April, train tickets can be bought tax-free as far into the future as tickets are available at any given time.
The VAT reduction applies to all VR train tickets purchased between 1 January and 30 April, regardless of the time of the journey. Tickets that are already discounted, such as those for students, children and pensioners, will also be tax-free. The VAT reduction is also taken into account in group and corporate tickets.
In addition to train tickets, the VAT reduction applies to almost all additional services, such as the seats and compartments in the upstairs of the restaurant car or in Ekstra Class. Cars, pets and bikes can also travel tax-free when the ticket has been purchased between 1 January and 30 April. The exception is journey cancellation insurance, which is subject to a different tax rate and remains at the normal price.
In January, when the tax reduction begins, night train journeys can be purchased until August, day train journeys for long-distance traffic until 19 June and commuter traffic journeys until 25 March. Other tickets for the summer season will be made available during the spring.
A train is a cheaper choice than a car for many journeys
Depending on the length of the journey and the number of passengers, a train is a cheaper option than a car for many journeys, even without tax reductions. The price of driving cars has risen significantly as fuel prices have risen. In a comparison of emissions, trains outperform cars many times over.
The tax reduction is temporary and the normal VAT rate of 10 per cent will return to train ticket prices from 1 May.