Delays and use of any train In these situations, you can use another DB train to reach the destination you booked (up to 10 a.m. the following day). If you have enough time, please obtain written confirmation from a train attendant or from an employee at a DB information desk.

Whether you can take a different train on Deutsche Bahn (DB) depends entirely on the type of ticket you purchased. If you have a "Flexpreis" (Flexible Fare) ticket, you are not tied to a specific train or time; you can board any train on the route specified on your ticket for that day (and sometimes the following day for long distances). However, if you have a "Sparpreis" or "Super Sparpreis" (Saver Fare) ticket, you are subject to "Zugbindung," meaning you are legally required to take the exact train numbers and times listed on your itinerary. The only exception to this is if a DB delay causes you to miss a connection or if your original train is cancelled; in such cases, the "train binding" is automatically lifted, and you can take the next available service to your destination. In 2026, the DB Navigator app will automatically update your digital ticket to "Open" if a significant delay is detected, allowing you to use any alternative DB train to reach your final stop.