Have you heard about the 49 Euro ticket in Germany?
So what is it about the 49 Euro ticket in Germany that so many people are interested in?
Is this a form of public welfare that anyone can access?
Follow this article to understand more about the newly launched 49 Euro ticket policy in Germany!

“Unlimited travel in ALL of Germany!”
“Monthly pass for affordable travel in Germany!”

Honestly, these are like great commercials selling you on this “You must have this product!” (aka “49 Euro Ticket in Germany), especially for Budget Travelers in Germany!

BUT some people are hesitant about ?THIS IS TOO AWESOME!? being excited as a recommendation for all tourists.

As a 49 Euro Ticket in Germany is completely new since May 2023, everyone is learning how to buy and how to use the 49 euro Ticket (as well as the rules and complications). 

The Deutschland Ticket is brand new and has a lot of potential, but there are actually a few caveats that you absolutely need to be aware of before purchasing, otherwise you could find yourself in the unfortunate situation where your ticket is invalid or instead of taking a quick, 1-hour ICE bullet train between picturesque German towns, you find yourself sitting on a slow, crowded, non-airconditioned train for hours.

The good news is that while it all seems incredibly confusing at first, once you get the big picture, depending on what kind of travel you plan on doing while you’re here, this is still a great, cheap train ticket in Germany to consider! So, let’s go through this entire guide with My Career to the end to 

HOW TO BUY IT!

For many people, buying train tickets in Germany can feel overwhelming and confusing! So in this article, My Career will cover everything you need to know about the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany Including:

• WHAT IS A 49 Euro Ticket In Germany
• Who can buy and use it (and WHEN)
• Who is the best Deutschland ticket for?
• How foreigners can easily buy this Deutsche Bahn monthly ticket

Cost: €49
Monthly Pass is valid for the calendar month (Not a 30 day period)
Valid on REGIONAL trains ONLY
Seat reservations CANNOT be made on regional trains
⏰ Monthly Subscription Only (Automatically charged each month for a different ticket

What is a 49 Euro ticket in Germany?

Let’s get something straight first. Technically, this isn’t actually a “Deutsch Bahn Monthly Ticket”. The Deutschland Ticket is actually a GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIARIZED ticket and is simply made by local companies, such as Deutsche Bahn. For example, it’s currently only 49 Euros in Germany. It’s very likely to change with inflation and over time.

But here’s what you need to know at its core as a traveler:

49 Euro TICKET in Germany FOR REGIONAL TRAINS ONLY!!!

The other main things you need to know about the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany are:

• This is a monthly subscription, so you will be automatically charged every month.
• This ticket is valid only on regional (also known as slow) trains. Not valid on high-speed/long-distance trains.
• It allows UNLIMITED travel on most public transport systems. (S-Bahns, U-Bahns, trams, buses). There are a few exceptions to this, but I will detail those as you read on. Don’t worry, they are not deal breakers and are pretty self-explanatory once you get the hang of them.

This is a completely new ticket as of May 2023. There are still a lot of details to be worked out (like family travel) and there will likely be a lot of downsides to it very quickly (like last year when the 9 Euro ticket was released, the trains were so packed that there were often no seats!) 

Who is 49 Euro in Germany for?

While tourists can absolutely get these tickets, they are really aimed at locals ? especially commuters or people who use a lot of local public transport.

To put it bluntly, as a tourist, if you want a guaranteed seat, are only travelling short distances in Germany, are travelling long distances and have a schedule to follow, then this type of ticket is not really ideal for you.

After all, TECHNICALLY you can use the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany to get from Frankfurt to Munich, since you only need to take regional trains, it will take about 5.5-6 hours and anywhere from 1-3 transfers. Meanwhile, if you take the ICE train from Frankfurt to Munich, you can get there in 3.5-4 hours and some routes don’t even have transfers.

Cost and registration of 49 Euro ticket in Germany

So, obviously the cost of the ticket, after all, many people simply call it the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany and it is valid for the whole month. And at first glance, this seems great.

Monthly ticket

This particular 49 Euro ticket in Germany is valid for the calendar month, meaning the whole of January, February, etc.

Therefore, if your trip to Germany is from June 25 to July 15, you must purchase two monthly tickets to cover both June and July, as it is NOT valid for one month after purchase (e.g. it will not work for June 25 to July 25).

49 Euro in Germany Monthly Subscription (AutoPay/Debit)

You will need to provide a payment method that can be automatically debited or charged monthly.

My Career will mention this a few times in the article because it’s quite important, but if you want to cancel your subscription, you need to cancel before the 10th of the month before you travel.

For example, if you purchased tickets in August for your September Festival Trip, then in order to not be charged for October, you would have to cancel your subscription by September 10. This means you may even have to cancel your subscription before your trip! Just keep this in mind as it may seem like it could be a lot to remember. 

Regional trains vs other trains

49 Euro ticket in Germany only for regional trains!

So regional trains are great . They can take you all over Germany and many even go to small villages. In fact, many people almost exclusively use regional trains, for example the Bayern Pass is very popular here in Bavaria. But they are called “Regional” for a reason. They only travel within the region they operate in. To travel longer distances, you need to use a combination of regional trains (which connect regions together) or use an ICE/EC train (NOT covered by the DeutschlandTicket)

So how do you know what a regional ship is compared to other types of ships?

It is important to know the difference because, even though you have purchased a ticket, you still need to know what you are looking for when looking up train times/schedules/timetables on the Bahn.com website or the DB Navigation Smartphone App.

Know Which Train is at the Station

So before you go to the train station, My Career recommends that you check the website or app and know which line (Gleis) you need to take. This will automatically eliminate a lot of confusion about which train is good for your Deutschland Ticket.

However, trains vary, many run on the same tracks, and some parts of Germany are notorious for delays (and cancellations), so use this rough guide to help you figure out whether you’re getting a good train ride.

Regional trains

When at a train station, these are usually Red Trains. The abbreviations include:

• RB: These are standard regional trains. They run slowly and can stop even in small villages.
• RE: This stands for Regional Express- they are sometimes a little “faster” than RB trains and will usually make fewer stops
• You may see names like “Alex, Agilis, Abellio, Eriz” – these are operators other than Deutsche Bahn and provide regional transport. Your Deutschland ticket is also valid on these

Some examples of regional trains in Germany are:

• RE1: This train travels between Aachen and Hamm with some major stops in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg and Essen
• RE2: This train goes between Wismar and Cottbus and stops in Berlin (between other towns)
• RB17: This regional train travels between RB17. It operates between the cities of Tübingen and Ulm with many stops including Reutlingen and Blaubeuren
• RB37: This train will go from Regensburg to Munich
• RB 270: This train goes from Munich to Salzburg (and IS covered on the Deutschland Ticket!) Yes- a 49 Euro ticket can get you to Salzburg!

Trains NOT IN USE

In short, any long-distance and high-speed trains cannot be used. If you buy the wrong train ticket in Germany, the ticket inspector can check and fine you if you violate the above regulations.

The German word for “long distance trains” is DB Fernverkehr and you will see in the small print that all DB Fernverkehr trains are not included on the 49 Euro Ticket.

However, when you are at the train station, again it is a general statement that this will be a WHITE TRAIN with Red Lettering. The abbreviations include:

• ICE
• IC
• EC
• Nightjet

For example:

• ICE100 goes between Munich and Berlin (NOT including the stop in Nuremberg ? even if you only travel a short distance in the area between Munich and Nuremberg!)
• The ICE 25 train from Frankfurt to Munich is not valid with a Deutschland ticket

Private transportation

There are some buses, shuttles, etc. that are privately owned. Therefore, your Bavarian Pass is not suitable for that.

Same with transportation like cable cars, many shuttle services, etc.

Flix Bus

Flix Bus, another great option for getting around Germany, is also NOT included in the Deutschland Ticket

Exceptions to the Rule

Not complicated but in the fine print of it all, it specifically says, ?Deutschland tickets are not valid on trains operated by DB Fernverkehr AG or other long distance providers.? 

The way to find out if the train you want is operated by “Fernverkehr AG” is to click on the “More information” drop-down menu when viewing a specific route.

In this example, it is clearly an ICE train so that should be the first sign that your Deutschland ticket is not valid for this route. However, always double-check this “Additional Information” section even if it says it is an RE/RB train to make sure that your regional train is not also operated by DB Fernverkehr AG.

It will say very clearly:

• Operated by: Fernverkehr AG
• “Deutschland Ticket is invalid”

Book 49 Euro tickets in Germany

IMPORTANT: Seat reservations are not possible on regional trains!

This is because there are really no reserved seats on ANY regional train, regardless of what type of ticket you purchased.

So will you find an open seat?? Most likely. In fact, only in rare situations like around Oktoberfest or during rush hour near major cities is it sometimes harder to get a seat.

Use the 49 Euro ticket in Germany to get to neighboring countries!

Fact : You can actually use the 49 Euro Ticket to travel to a number of border cities in other countries! Right now, they include:

• Salzburg, Austria
• Strasbourg, France
• Tønder, Denmark
• Veno, Netherlands
• Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Is a 49 Euro ticket in Germany worth it?

How do you know if the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany is a good option for YOU? It may take some time and calculation, but just analyze the costs for YOUR trip. Go to Bahn.com and price out all your individual trips, including local transportation. Don’t forget to factor in things like group day tickets. Write down the costs and ALSO the time it takes.

And then compare.

How to Buy a 49 Euro Ticket in Germany

Hopefully you now have a full understanding of the 49 Euro Germany Ticket (as well as all the possibilities for budget travel along with its limitations). So now you need to know where to buy the Deutschland ticket.

If you’re already feeling a little dizzy with all the information, don’t worry. While it may seem like there are a lot of little details, it’s pretty basic if we sum it up:

• Tickets are for regional trains only.

• It is an automatic subscription based model.

But hey, if you feel overwhelmed by all those details, buckle up because it’s about to get even more confusing…especially if you don’t live in Germany. 

When to buy your 49 Euro ticket in Germany?

There are a lot of different sources for this answer now and really it all boils down to WHERE do you buy your tickets from.

As tickets go live, most companies are open to when to buy your ticket, but ultimately you will need to purchase your Deutschland Ticket at least by the 10th of the month before your trip.

TL;DR : Buy your Deutschland ticket before the 10th of the month before travel.
For example, if you are planning to go to the wonderful Almabtriebs in September, you need to buy your ticket before August 10th for it to be valid!

For those living in the EU / Have IBAN

If you already live in Germany or another country that uses the IBAN system, you can buy tickets online anywhere you can buy other Deutsche Bahn Tickets.

For example, you can download the DB Navigator App and buy in there. Additionally, you can go through any other local service, such as MVV of Munich, BVG of Berlin, etc.

For foreign visitors without IBAN

First, let’s answer your first question: What is IBAN???

IBAN stands for “International Bank Account Number”. Basically, instead of using a SWIFT number (like in the US), IBAN is used for things like Direct Debit in Europe and since Deutschland Tickets are subscription based they require Direct Debit. However, it is not the same as a “Debit Card” as Americans think of it. It is only linked to this IBAN (not credit/debit cards etc.)

1. Get a WISE account (Automatically provide you with IBAN)

If you don’t have a Wise account, you can sign up for free. Setting it up is really easy, just follow the prompts. You will have to verify your identity with an official ID document. This is for your protection and again. Once you have your account set up, getting your IBAN number is also pretty easy, but it does require a few steps. Here’s exactly how to do it.

• Click “+Open”
• Click on “Balance”
• Select the option to “Deposit”
• Select your currency, in this case it will be Euro

Voila!!! You now have a European IBAN number! Since Deutsche Bahn needs to automatically debit your account, you will now need to add some money to this account in WISE. 

• Click “+Add”
• Add to your money. Example: 49 Euro
• Click “Pay in USD” (Or whatever currency you are using, such as CAD, etc.)
• Add funds with your payment option

This will now allow Deutsche Bahn to automatically debit your account (this is required for this Deutsche Bahn Registration Ticket).

2. Set up your Deutsche Bahn account

Now that you have your IBAN, you can actually buy your Deutschland Train Tickets. First, you need a Deutsche Bahn Account.

3. Buy a 49 Euro ticket in Germany

The catch here is that when you buy your ticket they will want a German Address. They have verified that you can enter the address of the first hotel you stay in Germany and the system will accept this.

On the first day of the month you have chosen to travel, you will then receive your digital ticket.
IMPORTANT : You will receive a confirmation if you have purchased this ticket ahead of time, but will only receive your digital ticket after you have entered the correct month of travel.

Foreign Tourists Alternative to WISE Account

So while Deutsche Bahn is the national rail company in Germany, most individual cities also have their own public transport systems (and Apps). And ironically, more and more of them are starting to offer the option of using a (foreign) credit card if you buy tickets directly from their Apps.

I’m sure there are more but the ones I know of that offer the option to purchase Deutschland Tickets with a Credit Card are:

• Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund. They have verified that you can purchase with a credit card in both the App and the website
• Bremen VBN Fahrplanner App 
• HVV Hamburg App

Important Note: You do not need to be traveling within the regions, cities or areas of these local apps to purchase a Deutschland Ticket with a credit card! Just make sure you keep the App on your phone to keep your digital ticket, no matter where you are traveling in Germany!

Where CAN’T you buy a 49 Euro ticket in Germany?

Since this is subscription-based, buying this particular Deutsche Bahn monthly pass isn’t as simple as buying it anywhere else that sells tickets. For example, right now, you still can’t buy them

• At kiosks (e.g. on platforms)
• On the train/from the conductor

Are children free with a 49 Euro ticket in Germany?

As of now, only children under 5 can travel for free if one parent has a Deutschland Ticket. This means that any child over 6 will have to pay the full adult fare of a 49 Euro Deutschland Ticket.

Cancel your 49 Euro ticket in Germany

So one of the “hurdles” of this ticket is that it is not a one-time purchase. You do NOT make a one-time purchase for the month you want to travel. Instead, you sign up for a “Monthly Subscription” and it will automatically debit your account for 49 Euros each month to redeem a new ticket. My Career recommends putting a few months’ worth of money into the account that will be debited, just in case you forget to cancel or something goes wrong. That way you won’t be charged an overdraft fee through your bank.

However, you can cancel at any time. (There is no “minimum usage” period currently)

The most important thing you need to know is that you *MUST* Cancel your ticket before the 10th of the month .

For example, if you travel in July (and that’s the only month), that means I need to cancel by June 10 to not be charged for August.

HOW to cancel it may vary depending on exactly who you purchased the ticket through. However, if you purchased directly through DB, you will need to create a “Registration Portal” in your account.

• Once logged into your account, look for the “Add my subscription” menu
• Select “German Tariff Rate”
• You should have previously received an email with your registration number (Numbers only ? NO letters). You will need to enter this information along with the date of birth you used to register and your zip code
• Now you can edit your registration. Click on “Deutschland-Ticket”
• It will ask “What do you want to do?”
• Select “Cancel”
• Select your “Reason for Cancellation”
• Enter your cancellation date
• To confirm the cancellation, you must confirm your email.
• Click “Continue”
• If you do not receive a confirmation email, it means something went wrong.

Concerns over 49 Euro tickets in Germany

The train is too crowded.

We saw this last year when the 9 Euro Ticket was introduced. The regional trains were CRAZY!!!! They were so crowded that it was often standing room only (for hours!)

Train delayed

Due to the general strain on the Deutsche Bahn system, we also saw a lot of delays last summer. In Bavaria, I rarely had problems with delays or cancellations but I have friends in other regions who really dislike using the trains as some areas are notorious for delays. However, with SO many passengers, this meant that simple things like people getting on and off the train took longer than usual, leading to more delays across Germany.

Clean

Normally you will have NO problem using the bathroom on a Deutsche Bahn train! In fact, for the most part they are fine as they are public trains!!! But then again, with so many people using the trains, it goes without saying that things like bathrooms will probably need more attention than usual.

Pro travel tip:   Always carry Kleenex in your bag. 

Conclusion

My Career hopes that when the 49 Euro ticket in Germany and the information here, the use and understanding of tourists will become much simpler.

This is a great option for those living in Germany. In short, if you are an average tourist with a week in Germany or something like 10 days in Bavaria, the Deutschland Pass may sound very appealing at first, but it is still not practical for tourists who are trying to see as much as possible in a short period of time.

If you’re on a tight schedule and only have a week in Germany, then no, My Career doesn’t think the 49 Euro ticket is going to be your best option. However, if you’re here for a fun, long vacation and plan on using buses, trains and local transport a lot, then yes, it could be a great deal for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 49 Euro Ticket In Germany

Can tourists buy a 49 Euro ticket in Germany?

Yes. Tourists can buy a Deutschland Ticket. It is designed more for commuters and people living in Germany but that doesn’t mean tourists can’t use it. There are a few difficulties at the moment, for example you may need to get an IBAN number, which means signing up to a service, such as WISE, to get one. Also, some local public transport companies (IE: Bremen Fahrplanner App and RMV are allowing direct credit card purchases)

How do I get the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany?

You can buy the 49 Euro Ticket from all public transport companies in Germany. This includes Deutsche Bahn as well as all local and regional transport companies (e.g. Individual cities like Munich’s MVV or the main Rhineland RMV)

Can you buy a 49 Euro ticket in Germany at the train station?

If the station has an office operated by Deutsche Bahn (most larger cities will) then you can buy your Deutschland Ticket there, but not at the kiosks. Almost all other Deutsche Bahn tickets (e.g. ICE tickets, Bayern Pass, etc. can be bought at kiosks at the stations)

Where is the 49 Euro ticket valid in Germany? Where can I use the ticket?

The Deutschland Ticket is valid nationwide throughout Germany on all local transport as well as Regional Trains. It is also valid for: Strasbourg (France), Salzburg (Austria), Tønder (Denmark), Veno (Netherlands) and Luxembourg (Luxembourg). However, once you arrive at these locations, you will need to purchase a local transport ticket (bus, etc.) to travel locally.

What does 49 Euros in Germany cover?

You can use the 49 Euro ticket to travel on all Regional Trains within Germany as well as all local public transport, including buses, Ubahns, Sbahns and trams.

What do I need when traveling with the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany?

Your paper or digital ticket as well as a valid ID that matches the name on your ticket.

I bought a 49 Euro Ticket in Germany but have not received my Digital Ticket, why not?

When you purchase your 49 Euro ticket online, you will receive confirmation that it has been purchased. However, your digital copy will not appear in the App or your inbox until the first day of the month you choose to start your subscription. For example, if I purchase a Deutschland Ticket in May so I can travel in June, the ticket will not appear until June 1.

Can you buy a 49 Euro Ticket in Germany at a ticket machine/Kiosk?

No. You currently have to buy it directly at a Deutsche Bahn office (at most larger train stations) or online.

Does a 49 euro ticket in Germany go to Salzburg?

Yes! Using the Regional trains, you can get to Salzburg with the Deutschland Ticket. However, it only covers the regional train ride TO Salzburg. Once in Salzburg, you will need to purchase additional local transport tickets (buses, trams, etc.) to get around.

Can children travel with the 49 Euro Ticket in Germany?

Yes. Children over 6 years old must pay full price for the Deutschland Ticket. Children under 6 years old are free.

What is IBAN in Germany?

IBAN stands for “International Bank Account Number” and allows people to make international bank transfers easily. Each country has its own code. For example, the German IBAN starts with “DE” followed by the individual’s bank account number. You can use IBANs from other countries (not just the German IBAN) to purchase Deutschland Tickets.

Is ICE included in the 49 euro ticket in Germany?

No. The Deutschland ticket does not include long distance/high speed trains. That includes ICE, IC and EC trains which are not valid with the ticket.

Is an ICE train the same as a regional train?

No, regional trains will only operate in one region of Germany while ICE trains can take you all over Germany quickly. Regional trains do not have a reservation system available but ICE reservations are highly recommended.

What is the difference between RE and RB trains?

RE and RB trains are both Regional Trains. RE stands for “Regional Express” and can be slightly faster than standard RB “RegionalBahn” trains, have more stops and can go to smaller towns. Both RE and RB trains are valid on the Deutschland Ticket

What is the difference between RE and IC trains?

Regional express trains only operate locally, within a region. For example, only in Bavaria where IC (Inter City) trains (as well as ICE and EC trains) are a form of Deutsche Bahn high-speed train. IC trains may operate regionally but have very few stops (usually in larger cities) providing a much faster mode of transport than the slower RE trains. Even if an IC train only stops in one region on its journey, it is still not covered by the Deutschland Pass