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.

That’s an excellent question, but there’s no single answer—train ticket prices in Germany vary dramatically based on several key factors.

Here’s a detailed breakdown to give you a realistic idea of costs (all prices are approximate as of early 2024).

1. Type of Train & Speed

• ICE (InterCity Express): High-speed, long-distance. Most expensive, but fastest and most comfortable.
  • Example: Frankfurt to Berlin (≈550 km, 4 hours) can cost from €19.90 to €150+ one-way.
• IC/EC (InterCity/EuroCity): Slower than ICE, but still long-distance and comfortable.
  • Slightly cheaper than ICE for similar routes.
• RE/RB (Regional Express/Regional Bahn): Local and regional trains. Slower, stop frequently, but much cheaper.
  • Prices are fixed by region and distance. Example: Munich to Nuremberg (≈170 km) costs a fixed €29 for the regional ticket, regardless of when you book.

2. The Biggest Factor: Flexibility vs. Price

This is the most important concept in German rail pricing. Flexpreis (Flexible Price): Fully refundable, changeable, valid on any train on that route that day. Very expensive. (e.g., Frankfurt-Berlin might be €130+). Sparpreis/Super Sparpreis (Savings Price): The most common ticket for travelers. Non-refundable, tied to a specific train and time. The earlier you book,