Traveling Expats

Are you wondering what the Deutschland ticket is?

It’s a monthly subscription that costs €49, granting access to all public transportation in Germany, with the exception of most ICE, IC or EC trains so any long distance and high speed trains are not able to be used.  Upon subscription, €49 will be deducted from your account every month. This ticket has been available to use since May 1st, 2023. The ticket is accepted across various modes of transportation in Germany, including buses, U-Bahns, S-Bahns, trams, and local and regional trains. It’s essential to note that the ticket is valid in all federal states, irrespective of your location in Germany.

Despite previous uncertainty regarding its future, the Deutschland ticket (commonly referred to as the €49 ticket) will remain available until May 2024. The ticket will maintain its coverage of transport on all Deutsche Bahn trains, buses, and trams throughout the country, but it’s probable that there will be a price increase.

Even if your stay in Germany is shorter than a month, it can still be a cost-effective option, especially if you don’t intend to rent a car and prefer to rely on public transportation while traveling within the country. Since the €49 ticket can be used on ALL local public transportation throughout the city, it can be beneficial if you plan on using public transportation regularly throughout your time in Germany especially in larger cities. With this ticket you can travel from the airport to the city center and vice versa.

It’s important to note that the exclusive use of regional trains may increase the duration of your trip relative to purchasing a ticket for fast trains. For instance, if your travel route is from Frankfurt to Munich using regional trains, it will take you 5.5-6.5 hours, with 2-3 connections along the way. However, opting for an ICE train from Frankfurt to Munich will take roughly 3.5-4 hours, and some routes may even require no transfers.

When deciding between modes of transportation for your trip, it’s vital to consider the frequency of public transportation usage and your itinerary. If your schedule is tight, and you plan to visit multiple destinations throughout Germany or throughout Europe, the ICE trains could be a more efficient option. These trains allow you to reserve a seat in advance and move at a faster pace. However, if you plan to stay in a particular region of Germany and explore surrounding areas for an extended period, the €49 ticket could be a more cost-effective choice. It’s crucial to consider your travel needs and budget when making your decision.

How to purchase the Deutschlandticket:

The €49 Deutschlandticket is only available through a monthly subscription. You may purchase the subscription via the Deutsche Bahn website, Deutsche Bahn Navigator App, or at any Deutsche Bahn travel center throughout the country. Once purchased, you can choose between a digital ticket on your phone or a physical microchip card that will be mailed to you.

To ensure that your subscription is valid for the following month, you must purchase it before the 20th of the current month. For instance, if you want to have a Deutschlandticket from July 1st, you’ll need to order it before the 20th of June.

In order to purchase the Deutschland ticket via the DB website, DB App or DB Travel Center, you must have a bank account that utilises the IBAN system which all German bank accounts utilise. Most tourists/travellers from the US don’t have a bank account with an IBAN so it can be a bit tricky figuring out how to purchase the Deutschland ticket but don’t worry. We’ve figured out how to purchase it even if you don’t have a German bank account.

You can use the Rheinbahn App (this is not an affiliate link) and use a credit card to pay for the monthly subscription. You will use your digital app as your ticket.

Going Abroad with the Deutschland Ticket:

Why is the €49 ticket considered valid outside of the country? This is because certain German federal states have trains and buses that extend into neighboring countries given their proximity to the border. The tariff limits are not confined to the national border, but rather at the nearest train station, which could be in the neighboring country in certain cases. The following list comprises just a few examples, as there may be other cities you can visit with the €49 ticket in the following countries.

• Netherlands: Venlo, Arnhem, Hengelo, Enschede.
• Denmark: Tønder.
• France: Lauterbourg, Wissembourg.
• Austria: Griesen, Salzburg, Kufstein.
• Poland: Świnoujście Centrum, Zgorzelec, Krzewina Zgorzelecka.
• Switzerland: Basel, Schaffhausen.
• Czech Republic: Hradek nad Nisou, Vejprty, Varnsdorf

Things to Consider:

Keep in mind that most ICE, IC or EC trains are not able to be used for the €49 ticket. When at the train station, a general observation is that white trains with red writing are the ones to look out for. It’s important to note that this is not a hard and fast rule, but rather a broad guideline. The abbreviations to keep in mind include:

• IC
• EC
• ICE
• Nightjet

It’s worth noting that the Deutsche Bahn monthly pass is valid for an entire calendar month, meaning that it covers the entirety of January, February, and so on. If your travel plans include a visit to Germany from January 30th to February 15th, it would be necessary to purchase two monthly passes to cover both months, as the pass is not valid for a month after purchase. For example, it would not be sufficient for travel from January 30th to February 30th.

To ensure the validity of your Deutschland travel ticket, it’s essential to purchase it by the 20th of the prior month of your planned travel. For instance, if you’re attending spectacular Christmas markets in December, you must purchase your ticket by November 20th.

It’s worth emphasizing that canceling your subscription before the 10th of the prior month of travel is a crucial step. For instance, if you bought your ticket by the 20th of November for a December trip to visit Christmas markets, you must cancel your subscription by December 10th to avoid being charged for January. This implies that you may have to cancel your subscription even before your planned trip. To ensure you don’t forget, it’s advisable to set a reminder on your phone or calendar.

Final Thoughts:

The amount of information pertaining to train travel in Germany can be overwhelming. It’s our hope that as the system evolves, it will become more user-friendly and accessible for tourists. However, we can’t help but wonder if the government is intentionally making it challenging for the average traveler. Despite the country’s interest in attracting tourists for economic benefits, last year’s struggles with the 9 Euro Ticket show how the rail system’s complexity can negatively impact tourism.

The Deutschland Ticket may appear attractive initially to an average tourist with a limited schedule of one week in Germany or 10 days in Bavaria. However, for travelers aiming to explore as many destinations as possible within a short timeframe, it might not be the most practical option.

If you’re on a tight schedule and have only one week to spend in Germany, the 49 Euro ticket may not be the best choice. On the other hand, if you plan to spend an extended period of time in the country and anticipate using public transportation frequently, the Deutschland Ticket could be a viable option. Additionally, if you’re a budget traveler willing to compromise on travel time to save money, opting for a longer train journey instead of a shorter one may be worthwhile.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any queries or feedback. We are delighted to assist you in making your travels in Germany as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Happy Travels!

Betty and Lee

Want to know more about traveling in Germany? Watch our YouTube Videos!