Is the BahnCard Worth It for Tourists? (Trial Cards Explained)
If you are planning a trip to Germany that involves more than one long-distance train ride (e.g., Berlin to Munich), you should almost certainly buy a Probe BahnCard 25 (Trial BahnCard 25).
It is a 3-month discount card that costs roughly €19.90 and gives you 25% off almost all tickets.
However, there is a catch: It is a subscription. If you do not cancel it, you will be charged for a full year automatically. This guide explains how to use it and how to cancel it immediately so you save money without the headache.
The “Probe BahnCard 25” (Trial Card)
This is the “sweet spot” for tourists. It functions exactly like a full annual BahnCard but is valid for only 3 months.
- Price (2nd Class): ~€19.90
- Price (1st Class): ~€39.90
- Discount: 25% off Flexpreis (Flexible fares) AND Sparpreis/Super Sparpreis (Saver/Super Saver fares).
- Validity: 3 months from the start date you choose.
The Math: When does it break even?
The card costs €19.90. Since it saves you 25%, you need to spend €79.60 on train tickets for the card to pay for itself.
Example: A Round-Trip from Berlin to Munich
- Without BahnCard: You buy a standard saver ticket for €100.
- With BahnCard: You pay €19.90 (for the card) + €75 (ticket discounted by 25%). Total: €94.90.
- Result: You have already saved money on one trip. Any further trips (e.g., Munich to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Heidelberg) are pure savings.
Why NOT the BahnCard 50?
Many tourists see the “BahnCard 50” and think, “Wow, 50% off is better than 25%!”
Do not fall for this.
- The Problem: The BahnCard 50 gives you 50% off Flexpreis (expensive, full-price flexible tickets). It gives you only 25% off Sparpreis (the cheaper Saver tickets you will likely buy).
- The Cost: The Trial BahnCard 50 costs roughly €76.90.
- Verdict: Unless you are buying expensive flexible tickets last-minute, the BahnCard 50 is almost never worth it for a short vacation. Stick to the BahnCard 25.
CRITICAL WARNING: The Subscription Trap
This is the most important section of this guide.
Every BahnCard, including the 3-month “Trial” (Probe) card, is a subscription.
If you do not cancel it, it will automatically renew into a full annual contract (approx. €62/year) after the 3 months are up. You cannot simply let it expire.
- Cancellation Deadline: You must cancel at least 4 weeks before the end of the 3-month period.
- The Strategy: Do not wait. You can cancel the subscription immediately after you buy it. You will keep the card valid for the full 3 months, but the renewal will be blocked.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy and Cancel
Follow this exact workflow to get the discount safely.
Step 1: Create a DB Account
Do not buy as a “guest.” Create an account on bahn.com or the DB Navigator app so you can manage the subscription.
Step 2: Buy the “Probe BahnCard 25”
Search for “Probe BahnCard 25” (make sure it says “Probe” or “Trial”). Select the start date as the first day of your trip.
- Note: You do not need a physical address in Germany. You can use your hotel or home address; the digital card is all you need.
Step 3: Add it to the App
Open the DB Navigator app. Log in. The card should appear under the “BahnCard” section. If not, enter the card number manually to load it.
Step 4: CANCEL IMMEDIATELY
Once you have the confirmation email and the card is in your app:
- Log in to the DB Website.
- Go to My BahnCard (or “Manage BahnCard”).
- Look for an option that says “Options” or “Cancel”.
- Follow the steps to cancel.
- Reason: Select “No longer need it” or similar.
- Confirmation: Ensure you receive an email confirming the cancellation.
Result: Your card is now valid for your 3-month trip, but it will self-destruct afterwards and charge you nothing else.
Summary Verdict
| Feature | Probe BahnCard 25 | Probe BahnCard 50 |
| Best For | Tourists & Saver Fares | Business Travelers / Flex Fares |
| Cost | ~€19.90 | ~€76.90 |
| Discount | 25% off ALL fares | 50% Flex / 25% Saver |
| Break Even | ~€80 spend | ~€150+ spend (on Flex) |
| Risk | Must cancel or it renews | Must cancel or it renews |
Recommendation: Buy the Probe BahnCard 25 if you plan to spend more than €80 total on trains. Cancel it the same day you buy it.
If you’re looking for more blog like How to Use the DB ‘Komfort Check-in’ to Avoid Ticket Inspections and German Train Delays: How to Claim Compensation via the DB App subscribe to join us.
