Check prices & buy a Bahncard However, you can also upload a digital Bahncard to the DB Navigator app and start using it immediately on your phone. You can use your Bahncard to buy discounted tickets at int.bahn.de, www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.

Yes, in 2026, the German BahnCard is almost exclusively digital. Deutsche Bahn (DB) completed a significant transition in mid-2024 by discontinuing the issuance of physical plastic cards for new and renewed BahnCard 25, 50, and 100 subscriptions. Travelers now access their card primarily through the DB Navigator app, where the digital barcode is scanned by conductors alongside a valid photo ID. This shift was part of a broader sustainability initiative to reduce plastic waste and streamline the ticketing process. For those who do not own a smartphone or prefer a non-digital option, a paper "replacement certificate" can be printed from the DB website or obtained at a travel center, but the standard experience is entirely mobile-integrated. The digital BahnCard is automatically updated upon renewal, meaning users no longer have to wait for a card to arrive in the mail, allowing for immediate use of the 25% or 50% discount on "Sparpreis" and "Flexpreis" tickets across the entire German rail network.