The Return of the Deutschlandticket in Germany

After almost a year since its wildly popular launch, Germany’s favorite train ticket is back and open for pre-order.

BVG, Berlin’s main public transport company, has launched the pre-order of the Deutschlandticket. This ticket is considered a significant step toward a more affordable and environmentally friendly culture of public transportation. It also serves as an excellent opportunity for travelers wishing to explore Germany this year.

Expectations have been high since the ticket was initially launched last year at an exceptional price of just €9. Over 52 million tickets were sold, significantly contributing to Germany’s goal of reducing traffic jams and lowering carbon emissions. Moreover, the surge in train travel has produced a notable boost in local tourism, helping communities affected by rising energy prices throughout the country in 2022.

Although the cost of this new ticket has increased this year, it remains one of the best offers for traveling around Germany on a budget.

What is the Deutschlandticket?

The Deutschlandticket is the successor to the successful €9 ticket introduced last summer. Starting May 1, travelers will be able to use all forms of public transportation throughout Germany – including buses, U-Bahns, S-Bahns, trams, and local and regional trains – for one calendar month for just €49. Despite the significant price increase compared to last year, this ticket still costs a small fraction of what travelers and locals typically pay when moving within and between cities in Germany.

With the Deutschlandticket, you can take as many rides as you want within a month; however, it does not cover long-distance trains like the IC or ICE trains, nor does it include buses and trains from private companies like Flixbus and Flixtrain.

How to Obtain a Deutschlandticket

Firstly, it’s essential to note that the Deutschlandticket will primarily be sold digitally as a monthly subscription (which is cancellable) and will not be transferable to others. To acquire one, it is necessary to use the DB Navigator app from Germany’s official railway company or any website or app of Germany’s regional transport entities. Currently, information about non-residents purchasing tickets remains unclear; however, you must provide a German address and a European international bank account (IBAN) number to proceed with the pre-order.

Once your subscription is approved, your ticket will be digitally accessible through the app, allowing you to board any regional train you choose. Given that this is a monthly subscription, you can cancel it before the 20th of each month if you do not wish to continue using it. For those planning to use the Deutschlandticket for only one month, it’s advisable to cancel the subscription one day after signing up to avoid any concerns regarding automatic renewals.

Do keep in mind, if you intend to use the ticket in a specific month, you should purchase the subscription by the 20th of the previous month. For instance, if you wish to use your ticket from the start of May, you should acquire it before April 20. If you buy it after April 20, it will only be valid for the following month (June in this case).

Maximizing the Benefits of the Deutschlandticket

The Deutschlandticket primarily serves residents in Germany; however, all travelers can leverage its benefits and enjoy what it offers. That said, it is important to acknowledge that the Deutschlandticket may not cater to every kind of traveler.

Individuals visiting the country for only a few days might not find significant value in this offer: for instance, 24-hour tickets in Berlin cost just €8.80, while a train ride to Berlin’s airport is merely €3.60. Nevertheless, if you plan to visit multiple cities or arrange day trips from any urban center, the Deutschlandticket can help significantly reduce travel expenses.

A great way to maximize your experience with the Deutschlandticket is by combining it with an Interrail Pass. The Interrail Pass allows for long-distance travel through high-speed trains, while the Deutschlandticket provides an effective option for moving around cities and planning local activities or day trips.

Thanks to the flexibility of the Deutschlandticket, consider spending an entire month in Germany to explore as much of the country as possible at a leisurely pace. This way, you can search for your favorite fairy-tale towns, compare the famous Currywurst of various regions, or venture off the beaten path to discover the German coastline.

This article was first published on Nov 7, 2022, and updated on Mar 2, 2023.