DB (Deutsche Bahn) launches new travel discounts you will want to take advantage of
If you are looking to plan your summer adventures around Germany and you want to save some money on travel expenses – we have exciting news! DB just announced starting May 1st, travelers will be able to purchase a new travel pass, as well as a friend’s and family discount until June 10th!
The new travel pass allows passengers to use most means of public transport, including buses, across the country for just €49 per month. This travel pass, known as the Deutschlandticket, will be available as a monthly subscription that anyone with a valid bank account can sign up for.
Even tourists visiting Germany can make use of this offer. However, it is important to note that there are some limitations to this ticket. Ticketholders may not use long-distance trains or private operators, nor travel in first-class carriages.
If you’re traveling with a kiddo under the age of 6, you can breathe a sigh of relief because they get to ride for FREE! No need to stress over purchasing a ticket for them, just hop on board and enjoy the ride.
Now, for those of you with older kiddos, let’s talk tickets. Once your little one turns 6, they’ll need their own ticket to ride. That means no more sneaking them on board under your coat (we see you!). But don’t worry, they can still travel with you using their very own Deutschland-Ticket. Just make sure to snag one for them before you hit the rails.
Unfortunately, the Deutschland-Ticket won’t cover your furry companion if they’re subject to fees. So, don’t even think about trying to sneak them on board without a valid ticket, because you’ll be busted faster than you can say “Woof!”
To make sure your furry friend is good to go, you’ll need to purchase a valid ticket for them that covers the line or tariff area you’ll be traveling through. And don’t forget, different regions have their own rules when it comes to four-legged passengers, so be sure to check the regulations before you hit the rails.
But what exactly does this ticket offer?
With the Deutschlandticket, you can use most buses, trams, subways, light rail connections, and ferries, as well as most regional express train services. This means you can easily travel around cities and regions in Germany, without worrying about additional costs for public transport.
It is important to note that there are some exclusions to this ticket. For example, you cannot use it to travel on long-distance ICE, ECE, IC, EC, or Railjet connections. Additionally, the ticket is not transferable, and every pass bears the owner’s name, so you must carry your ID with you as proof of identity.
If you’re planning to travel abroad, there are certain exceptions that apply. For instance, ticketholders may take a Bavarian regional train (BRB) to nearby Salzburg in Austria. So, it’s important to check if your pass is valid for the particular connection you wish to make.
The Deutschlandticket is an affordable and convenient way to travel across Germany. It’s available as a monthly subscription that you can sign up for and cancel whenever you please, making it a flexible option for those who need to travel frequently.
Friends and Family
Travelers in Germany have until June 10th to take advantage of the Deutsche Bahn Friends Discount, which allows groups of 3 or more to receive 20% off Super Sparpreis tickets for ICE long-distance trains. But hurry, this deal is only available while stocks last. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to travel across Germany with your favorite people at a fraction of the cost.
The Supersparpreis ticket can cost as little as €17.90, which means a group of 3 to 5 people can travel one way for just €14.30 each. This offer can also be used for a return journey. The Sparpreis ticket, which includes a “City-Ticket” for certain German cities, can get each group member a single ticket for €17.50.
BahnCards, such as the BahnCard 25 or BahnCard 50, can be used in combination with the Friends Discount to receive an even bigger discount. Tickets must be booked online or through the DB Navigator App to take advantage of this offer.
Things to consider
- strikes – If you take advantage of using the DB to travel this summer, be sure to remember there are still strikes happening by workers of the DB. This can be inconvenient, but the good news is these strikes are announced ahead of time, and travelers are given a timeframe for how long the protest will take place. Strikes have not occurred for days on end in Germany, rather a day here and a day there. We can expect these strikes to continue as long as the workers do not receive better pay.
- delays – It is not uncommon for things to occur that cause delays in the DB schedule. The good news is, this doesn’t have to be stressful. With the DB app, you can easily adjust your travel without having to book a new ticket.
What are you waiting for?
The months of beautiful weather are finally here! Enjoy some sunshine and make memories that will last a lifetime while reducing your carbon footprint. If you are unfamiliar with using the public transportation system in Germany, it can be a bit overwhelming, but we promise it isn’t as confusing as it may seem.
