Are train tickets in Germany free?

(And kids under 6 ride free without a ticket — whereas train travel in most neighboring countries is free only for kids under 4.) The Deutschland-Ticket, currently €49 per person (including kids 6 and up), covers regional trains, buses, and urban transit for one calendar month.



No, train tickets in Germany are not free in 2026, but they are exceptionally affordable thanks to the Deutschlandticket (D-Ticket). As of January 1, 2026, the price of this unlimited travel pass is €63 per month. While this is an increase from the original €49 price point, it remains one of the best value-for-money transit deals in the world. The D-Ticket allows for unlimited travel on all local and regional transport throughout Germany, including buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), and regional trains (RE/RB). However, it is important to know that this ticket is not valid on long-distance high-speed trains like the ICE (Intercity Express), IC, or EC. If you want to take the fast "bullet" trains between major cities like Berlin and Munich, you must still purchase a separate, full-price ticket. The only people who truly travel for "free" are children under the age of 6, who do not require a ticket when accompanied by an adult. For students and low-income residents, many federal states offer a further discounted "Social Ticket" or "Semester Ticket" version of the Deutschlandticket.

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The entry-level price is EUR €19.90 (Standard) and €29.90 (First class). Cheap Deutsche Bahn tickets for journeys within Germany. Saver tickets are available for most domestic trains in Germany including high-speed ICE. Book from 180 to one day in advance.

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In major cities, residents tend to buy a monthly travel card that covers rail, bus, and tram services (and in cities like Berlin, some ferry services too!). Prices for some different major cities are as follows: Munich €66. Berlin €81.

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In Germany, ticket checks on trains are usually carried out by the train attendant or designated ticket inspectors. When you board the train, you may encounter ticket barriers or validators at the entrance.

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You simply take the next train. If you have savings fares which are bound to a specified connection, you need to obtain a written confirmation from the conductor on the delayed train (i.e. BEFORE the change) that the train is delayed, then you can use the next available train without any extra fees.

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The offer aimed at reducing energy use amid the 2021–2022 global energy crisis. Another aim was to ease the cost of living crisis. The 9-euro ticket was valid in the second class, throughout Germany for all local public transport and on regional trains.

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Originally Answered: Why are German trains so expensive ? For the longest time, the Deutsche Bahn (German Railway) had a monopoly on inter city ground travel. That let them set the price at whatever rate they want. Although this company is 100% owned by the German state it's still a private company.

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Generally, if someone is caught without a valid train ticket they will face fines and/or a criminal charge.

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Hbf – Hauptbahnhof, the main or central station of a town or city.

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