What is BahnCard 25?
The BahnCard 25 is a subscription-based discount card for Deutsche Bahn (German Rail). Its primary function is to provide a 25% discount on ticket purchases.
- Discount Scope: It gives you 25% off Flexpreis (flexible fares) and, crucially, Saver Fares (Sparpreis and Super Sparpreis).
- Validity: It is valid for long-distance travel (ICE, IC, EC) and regional trains, provided they are part of a long-distance journey.
- Format: It is a digital-only product. No plastic cards are issued. You must display it via the DB Navigator App or a printed QR code.
Cost & Variants
Deutsche Bahn BahnCard 25 options, organized by target group and price.
General Information
- Discount: All cards offer a 25% discount on Flexpreis and Saver fares.
- Validity: All subscriptions are valid for 1 year and renew automatically, except for the Probe BahnCard (Trial) which is valid for 3 months.
Standard & Age-Based Options
BahnCard 25 (Standard)
- Target Group: Adults aged 27–64
- 2nd Class: €62.90
- 1st Class: €125.00
My BahnCard 25 (Youth)
- Target Group: Anyone under age 27
- 2nd Class: €39.90
- 1st Class: €81.90
Senioren BahnCard 25 (Seniors)
- Target Group: Seniors aged 65+ (Proof of age required)
- 2nd Class: €40.90
- 1st Class: €81.90
Jugend BahnCard 25 (Children)
- Target Group: Children aged 6–18
- Price: €7.90 (One fee covers both 1st & 2nd Class)
- Note: This is the best value option available.
Special Status & Trial Options
Ermäßigte BahnCard 25 (Reduced)
- Target Group: Travelers with a disability (GdB 70+)
- 2nd Class: €40.90
- 1st Class: €81.90
- Note: Requires valid proof of disability status.
Probe BahnCard 25 (Trial)
- Target Group: New users or short-term travelers
- 2nd Class: €19.90
- 1st Class: €39.90
- Validity: Valid for 3 months only.
Need to Know
1. The Subscription Trap (Auto-Renewal)
- Rule: The BahnCard 25 is a subscription, not a one-time purchase. It automatically renews for another year if you do not cancel it.
- Cancellation Deadline: You must cancel at least 4 weeks before the card expires.
- Trial Card Warning: The Probe BahnCard (Trial) automatically converts into a full annual subscription if not canceled 4 weeks before the 3-month period ends.
- Exception: The Jugend BahnCard 25 (for ages 6-18) is the only card that does not auto-renew; it expires automatically.
2. Digital & ID Requirements
- You must show the digital QR code (in the app or printed) during ticket inspection.
- Mandatory ID: You must present a valid official photo ID (Passport, ID card, Driver’s License) that matches the name on the BahnCard.
- Battery Power: If your phone battery dies and you cannot show the code, you will be fined (though you can contest this later for a processing fee).
3. No “City-Ticket” Included
- Unlike previous years, the BahnCard 25 discount does not apply to the “City-Ticket” portion (local trams/buses) of your fare. Local transport is often charged at full price.
Is it Worth It?
- The Break-Even Point: For the standard adult card (€62.90), it pays for itself if you spend more than ~€250 a year on tickets.
- Vs. BahnCard 50: The BahnCard 25 is often better for people who book in advance. The BahnCard 50 offers no extra discount on Saver Fares (it stays at 25%), yet costs significantly more.
- Vs. Deutschland-Ticket: The BahnCard 25 is for long-distance (ICE/IC) trains. The €49+ Deutschland-Ticket is only for local/regional transport. They are different products for different needs.
