Deutschlandticket (D-Ticket): 2026 guide for expats in Germany

The 63-euro Deutschlandticket is the saviour for those who use public transport frequently. You can save money, explore Germany and stop worrying about the one-purchase tickets – this article will help you get the most out of this opportunity.

What is the Deutschlandticket

The Deutschlandticket is a monthly 63 EUR public transport subscription valid across Germany. It was originally launched for 49 EUR in May 2023, following the temporary 9 EUR ticket offered in summer 2022. In 2026, the Deutschlandticket costs rose to 63 EUR per month.

The ticket allows unlimited travel on participating local and regional public transport services:

1. buses,
2. trams,
3. U-Bahn,
4. S-Bahn,
5. regional trains (RB, RE and IRE trains)

It’s generally not valid on long-distance services such as ICE, IC and EC trains.

• Validity period

The Deutschlandticket is valid for a calendar month rather than for 30 days from the date of purchase. Each monthly ticket is valid from the first day of the month until 03:00 on the first day of the following month. This means that buying it late in the month may not offer good value.

• Usage rules

The ticket is personal and cannot normally be transferred to or shared with another passenger. Other adults and children aged six or over usually need their own tickets. You should also carry an accepted photo ID while travelling.

If you regularly use local transport or plan several regional journeys during the same calendar month, the Deutschlandticket may cost less than buying separate city tickets and regional train tickets.

By the way, if you are looking for a way to transfer money from Germany to another country, make sure to check out our offer!

Public transport in Germany

Before we explain how to buy the Deutschlandticket, here is a quick overview of Germany’s main forms of public transport.

S-Bahn, U-Bahn and Stadtbahn

The S-Bahn is an urban and suburban rail system connecting different parts of a city and its surrounding area. U-Bahn is short for Untergrundbahn and refers to an urban metro system. Despite the name, some U-Bahn routes also run above ground. A Stadtbahn is a light-rail system that may run on streets, on dedicated tracks or through underground sections. Its exact design and ticketing system vary by city.

Large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt have extensive S-Bahn and U-Bahn networks. At many stations, passengers can change between these services and connect to buses, trams or regional trains. In Berlin, for example, S-Bahn and regional trains also provide connections to Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

The Deutschlandticket generally covers participating S-Bahn, U-Bahn and Stadtbahn services. Need to ask for directions in Berlin or Munich after getting the Deutschlandticket? Check out the top language schools where you can learn German.

Buses and trams

Buses and trams are another way to travel around German cities. Timetables are normally displayed at stops and are also available through local transport apps and journey planners. Participating local buses and trams are generally covered by the Deutschlandticket.

Where to buy the Deutschlandticket

One option is the Deutschlandticket App, where you can purchase the ticket, manage your subscription and store the mobile ticket on your phone. You can also buy it through DB Navigator, Deutsche Bahn sales channels, or the apps and websites of participating regional transport providers.

The Deutschlandticket can be bought by both tourists and residents, but it is important to remember that it is a recurring subscription rather than a one-time tourist pass. As it is a subscription, it normally renews automatically each month until you cancel it.

The Deutschlandticket is not generally sold through ordinary ticket machines as a standard single ticket. Before purchasing it, visitors should check whether the provider accepts their preferred payment method and how the subscription must be cancelled.

Some employers offer the Deutschlandticket as a subsidised job ticket or employee benefit – check out our German CV guide to get the best job offer.

How to cancel the Deutschlandticket

You normally need to cancel the Deutschlandticket through the company or app where you purchased it. The exact cancellation process may therefore differ between providers.

• Deutschlandticket App: Open your account, go to “My Deutschlandticket” and then “My Contracts,” select the relevant subscription, and choose the cancellation option.
• Deutsche Bahn: Cancel it through the DB subscription portal or by selecting the cancellation option for your mobile ticket in DB Navigator.

Deutsche Bahn generally requires you to cancel by the 10th day of the month for the subscription to end on the final day of that same month. If you cancel later, you may also be charged for the following month.

Check the provider’s cancellation deadline and conditions before completing your purchase, particularly if you only need the ticket for a short stay.

Places to visit with the Deutschlandticket

The Deutschlandticket can offer good value if you plan to make several local and regional journeys during the same calendar month. However, it may not be the cheapest option for a short trip or a journey that mainly involves long-distance trains.

You will find more destinations while you explore the country, especially during holidays and major events in Germany, such as Christmas or Oktoberfest. Below are just a few places you can reach using eligible local and regional services with the Deutschlandticket:

• Munich: Explore the Bavarian capital, famous for its beer gardens, historic architecture and museums.
• Hamburg: Visit Germany's second-largest city, with its impressive harbour and modern HafenCity district.
• Dresden: Discover the baroque architecture and art collections of this historic city.
• Heidelberg: Wander through this picturesque university town and visit its famous castle.
• Rhine Valley: Travel to towns along the Rhine, such as Rüdesheim or St. Goar.
• Black Forest: Explore this scenic region and visit towns such as Freiburg or Baden-Baden.
• Baltic Sea coast: Enjoy seaside destinations such as Warnemünde or travel towards the island of Rügen.
• Nuremberg: Explore the medieval old town and learn about the city's complex history.

The Deutschlandticket can take you to or close to these destinations, but not every tourist service is included. Ferries, cable cars, sightseeing boats, tourist railways and other special services may require separate tickets. Always check the conditions for the specific route or attraction.

Remember that while the ticket covers participating local and regional trains, it generally does not include ICE, IC or EC long-distance services. This means journey times may be longer and you may need to change trains more often, but you will have the opportunity to see more of the German countryside.

When planning a journey in DB Navigator, select the option for local or regional transport only. This will help you avoid connections that require a separate long-distance ticket.