How long is a bus ticket valid in Germany?

Single ticket (Einzelfahrt) Single tickets are generally valid for a set time period (often 90 minutes). You can change modes of transport as many times necessary to complete your journey (but return journeys or round trips are not permitted) and you must stay within the valid zone(s).



In 2026, the validity of a German bus ticket depends heavily on the type of fare, but for a standard "Einzelticket" (Single Journey), it is typically valid for 90 to 120 minutes from the moment of validation. This allows you to travel in one direction and change buses or move to a U-Bahn/S-Bahn within the same city zone. However, you cannot use a single ticket to travel back toward your starting point or make a "round trip." A major 2026 update: the Deutschland-Ticket (D-Ticket) now costs €63 per month and remains the most popular option for residents and long-term tourists, offering unlimited travel on all local buses and regional trains for a full calendar month. If you are using a paper ticket from a machine, always remember to "validate" (stamp) it in the red or yellow boxes on the bus or platform, as a 2026 "Schwarzfahrer" (fare dodger) fine has increased to €70 in most major German cities.

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Bus and subway prices in Germany are affordable and also comparable to one another (i.e. it doesn't cost more to get the metro than a bus). Single bus, tram, or metro trips usually cost between ?1 to ?2. Monthly travel cards usually cost around ?80 to ?90.

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How the Deutschland Ticket works in Berlin
  1. It costs 49€ per month.
  2. It lets you use local public transit everywhere in Germany.
  3. It's only available as a monthly subscription, payable by bank transfer.
  4. Tourists must buy it from a different place.
  5. In Berlin, you can get it from the BVG or the Deutsche Bahn.


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Always have a valid ticket Some tickets are already validated as they come out of the machine, others you still have to validate. Look for posts with validation stamp devices on the train platform, or inside the bus or train. If the ticket is not validated, you are travelling without a ticket.

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Practices in Europe vary, but in Germany you can usually buy a ticket from the bus driver when you board (cash only, exact change), or using the ticket machine on trams. (In some Swiss cities you must have a ticket before you board a bus or tram.)

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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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Bus tickets in Germany work similarly to the way train tickets do. You can usually buy them at the station on the day of travel or online in advance. With Trainline, you can check and compare different bus and coach times to suit your schedule.

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