From May 1, you can use most buses, trams and trains across the country with Germany's new €49 euro monthly public transport pass. Here's everything you need to know about it.
The Deutschlandticket is available on most public transport apps in GermanyImage: Dwi Anoraganingrum/Panama Pictures/picture alliance
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When can you start using the Deutschlandticket travel pass?
Ticketholders can start using the pass from May 1, 2023.
Is the €49 ticket a limited-time offer?
No. But this pass is only available as a monthly subscription. You can sign up and cancel your subscription whenever you please. Be sure, however, to cancel your subscription by the 10th of the month if you wish to end the subscription by the end of said month.
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Where do I sign up?
You can take out a subscription on the Deutsche Bahn (DB) website, sign up through various public transport apps, such as Berlin's BVG ticket app, at Deutsche Bahn service points and many other places.
Who can sign up and use the ticket?
According to Deutsche Bahn, anyone who has an account with a bank that's part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) can sign up for the travel pass. This means tourists visiting Germany can also use the €49 ticket.
Germany's €49 ticket: Beautiful train routes to explore
Here are some of the most beautiful train routes you can explore with Germany's €49 travel ticket.
Image: Peter Schickert/picture alliance
Ravenna Bridge in the Black Forest
On May 1, 2023, Germany introduced the €49 travel pass, also known as Deutschland ticket. It's valid for U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus and tram services across all of Germany but also Deutsche Bahn transport offerings such as RB trains and RE trains. So why not check out the Black Forest route crossing the Ravenna bridge (pictured) in southern Germany?
Image: Jürgen Wiesler/Zoonar/picture alliance
Upper Middle Rhine
A trip along the Rhine river is sure to be memorable. One of the most beautiful parts is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which connects Bingen, Rudesheim und Koblenz. Dotted with castles and charming villages, this wine-growing area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Treat yourself to a scenic train journey though this picturesque area!
Image: Peter Schickert/picture alliance
Moselle River route
Traveling along the Moselle river by train is another breathtaking experience. You can start in the city of Koblenz where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, then continue past numerous vineyards and castles, including picturesque villages like Cochem an der Mosel. Thanks to the affordable €49 ticket, you can easily stop and taste local wines along the way.
Image: Peter Schickert/picture alliance
Lindau on Lake Constance
A train journey around Lake Constance in southern Germany makes for yet another spectacular ride. The RE5 train, for example, starts in Stuttgart and ends in the Bavarian town of Lindau, taking you past tranquil wildflower meadows, with stunning views of Alps. Once in Lindau, be sure to explore the old town.
Image: Werner Thoma/Zoonar/picture alliance
Munich to Salzburg
Did you know you can even travel abroad with the €49 ticket? Intrepid explorers will be pleased to learn they can take the train all the way from Bavaria across the Alps to the beautiful Austrian city of Salzburg with Germany's new budget travel pass.
Image: fabio lotti/Zoonar/picture alliance
Hamburg to Sylt
It’s now easier than ever to reach Sylt on a budget. Starting in Hamburg, you can hop on the RE6 train and travel directly to this popular North Sea island known for sand dunes, marshland nature preserves, and myriad outdoor activities. The journey takes just under four hours.
Image: Axel Heimken/dpa/picture alliance
Dresden to Decin, Czech Republic
Exploring Germany's Saxon Switzerland with its impressive sandstone rock formations is a breeze by train. The route takes you along the Elbe River from Dresden to the town of Bad Schandau, where many hikes begin. One can also continue to Decin, a town in the Czech Republic.
Image: Michal Fludra/NurPhoto/picture alliance
The Göltzschtal Viaduct
Train enthusiasts will love the chance to see the world's biggest brick bridge, the Göltzsch Viaduct. Regional services RB4 and RB2 from Gera to Cheb in the Czech Republic cross this impressively large structure. But keep in mind when planning your trip that the €49 ticket does not allow you to use ICE, IC, EC and Flixtrain connections.
Image: Wolfgang Thieme/dpa/picture-alliance
Munich to Tegernsee Lake
Tegernsee Lake is a truly magical place in Germany, surrounded by the Alps, and also easily reachable thanks to the 49€ ticket. Starting in Munich, one can take the Bavarian Overland Train, or Bayerische Oberlandbahn, to either Gmund at the northern end of the lake, or to Tegernsee town, the final stop.
Image: Matthias Balk/dpa/picture alliance
Berlin to the Baltic Sea
No Berlin summer is complete without a trip north to the Baltic Sea coast. Thanks to the new €49 ticket, it should be easier than ever to visit charming towns like Stralsund (pictured) with regional trains. Consider renting a bike at your destination, however, as train carriages might be very crowded in the summer months.
Image: H. Blossey/blickwinkel/picture alliance
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Which train and bus connections can I use?
You may use most means of public transport in Germany. This includes public service buses, trams, subways, light rail connections and even ferries. Most regional express (RE) train services are included too, though not all. So be sure to check whether your ticket is valid before embarking on your journey.
Which services are excluded?
The €49 ticket does not entitle you to travel on long-distance ICE (Intercity Express), ECE (Eurocity-Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity) or Railjet (RJ) connections. Private operators, such as FlixTrain, are not participating in the scheme either. The €49 ticket may not be used to travel in first class carriages.
Can a second person use the ticket along with me?
No.
Ticketholders may also use public trams like this oneImage: DW
Is there a special discount for children?
Children under the age of six can travel for free on German public transport. Children of six years and older need their own ticket, there is no discount.
Is the ticket transferable?
No, every pass bears the owner's name. It cannot be transferred to or used by anyone else. Ticketholders must carry their ID with them as proof of identity.
Can I use the ticket to travel abroad?
The ticket is largely restricted to connections within Germany. Certain exceptions do, however, apply. Ticketholders may, for instance, take a Bavarian regional train (BRB) to nearby Salzburg in Austria.
If you are planning a trip abroad, be sure to check if your pass is valid for this particular connection.
Can I take a bike?
No, taking a bike onto a train requires an extra ticket.
May I take my pet?
Owners of pets no larger than a cat may take their companions along for free. Larger pets require an additional ticket.
