Germany has two kinds of trains. Regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) are covered by the €63 Deutschlandticket. Long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC) need a separate ticket, and that's where fares vary most.
| Train | Deutschlandticket valid? | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn, RB, RE (regional) | Yes | Trips within a region, and slow but cheap trips between cities |
| IC and EC (InterCity) | No | Mid-distance trips |
| ICE (high-speed) | No | Fast trips between large cities |
| FlixTrain and long-distance buses | No | Cheap long-distance trips if you book early |
Paying less on long-distance trains
- Saver fares (Sparpreis): book in advance for a lower price, tied to the train you booked. The earlier you book, the cheaper.
- Flexible fares (Flexpreis): take any train on the day, at a higher price.
- BahnCard 25 and 50: a yearly discount card for regular travellers. There are cheaper versions for people under 27.
- Seat reservation: optional and paid separately. Worth it on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Book tickets
Deutsche Bahn
Timetables and tickets for every train in Germany, in English. The DB Navigator app holds your tickets.
Go to Deutsche BahnFlixBus and FlixTrain
Long-distance buses and trains, often cheapest when booked early.
Go to FlixBusCommon questions
What if my train is late?
On Deutsche Bahn you're entitled to a partial refund of the fare for delays of 60 minutes or more at your destination. Claim it in the DB Navigator app.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
App and printed tickets don't need validating. Some paper tickets from machines in local transport do: look for the stamping machine at the platform or on the vehicle.
Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.