The Deutschlandticket in 2026: Is the €63 Ticket Still Worth It? (Price & Rules)

GermanInsightsByInsights Team Published Updated
Deutschlandticket price and rules

From January 1, 2026, the Deutschlandticket price will increase to €63 per month, and it will remain a personal monthly subscription for unlimited travel on Germany’s local and regional public transport networks. 

The ticket provides unlimited travel on local and regional public transportation throughout Germany, including buses, trams, S-Bahns, U-Bahns, and regional RB and RE trains. It does not include use of long-distance trains like IC, EC, or ICE trains. 

Transport ministers from the German federal states agreed unanimously to the price hike during a special conference. The increase aims to address a funding gap that arose because the ticket’s price does not fully cover the operating costs and revenue losses experienced by transport companies. Both the federal and state governments contribute €1.5 billion each annually to subsidize the Deutschlandticket. 

While the price increase has drawn criticism from mobility advocates who fear it might lead to cancellations, many still consider it a good value compared to other transportation options. For example, a monthly ticket for the M zone in Munich costs more than the Deutschlandticket.

For regular users of public transport, be it for daily commuting or frequent leisure travel, the €63 ticket will almost certainly continue to be a worthwhile investment.

Price and purchase

  • Price: The monthly subscription fee will be €63. This marks the second increase since the ticket was introduced in 2023 at €49 and later raised to €58 in January 2025.
  • Subscription: The Deutschlandticket is offered as a monthly subscription that automatically renews unless canceled. You must cancel by the 10th of a given month for it to end at the conclusion of that calendar month.
  • Payment: Payment is typically made monthly via direct debit or credit card, though options can vary by transit provider.
  • Format: The ticket is available as a digital mobile ticket (Handyticket) or a physical chip card. 

Rules and validity

  • Scope of validity: The ticket is valid nationwide for unlimited travel on all local and regional public transport, including:
    • Buses, trams, and subways (U-Bahn)
    • Regional trains (RE, RB, and S-Bahn)
  • Exclusions: The Deutschlandticket is generally not valid on long-distance trains (e.g., ICE, IC, EC) or other private long-distance providers like FlixTrain.
  • Personal and non-transferable: The ticket is personalized with your name and is not transferable to other people. You must carry a valid photo ID for checks.
  • Children: Children under six years old generally travel for free when accompanied. Older children require their own ticket.
  • Bicycles and dogs: The ticket does not automatically include the transport of bicycles or dogs. Specific rules and additional costs vary by region, so you should check with the local transport authority for details.
  • First-class travel: The ticket is only valid for second-class travel. Upgrades to first class are possible but require purchasing a separate upgrade ticket, with conditions varying by region. 

Deutschlandticket price in 2025 and beyond

  • Price in 2025: The monthly price increased to €58 at the beginning of 2025.
  • Price in 2026: A further increase to €63 is scheduled for January 2026.
  • For existing subscribers: If you were already a subscriber with a provider like Deutsche Bahn (DB), you must have agreed to the price increase by the end of November 2024 to continue your subscription.
  • For new subscribers: You can purchase a new subscription at any time, but it is valid for the remainder of the calendar month, regardless of when you buy it.
  • Discounts: Reduced prices may be available for specific groups, such as students or welfare recipients, depending on the municipality or institution. 

Included services

The Deutschlandticket allows you to use all forms of local and regional public transport throughout Germany. 

  • Regional trains: This includes Regional Express (RE), Regionalbahn (RB), and S-Bahn (suburban) trains.
  • Local transport: This covers all U-Bahn (subway), trams, and buses.
  • Additional services: In some locations, the ticket also covers certain ferries and cable cars integrated into the public transport network. 

Excluded services

  • Long-distance trains: The ticket is not valid for high-speed long-distance trains, including ICE, IC, and EC services.
  • First class: Travel is limited to the 2nd class.
  • Other long-distance transport: It does not cover private long-distance buses like FlixBus. 

How to purchase

You can buy the Deutschlandticket through various channels:

  • Digital: As a mobile ticket on a smartphone app (such as DB Navigator).
  • Chip card: As a physical chip card.
  • Transport providers: Websites and sales offices of regional transport companies (e.g., BVG, RMV) and Deutsche Bahn (DB).

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