Deutschlandticket 2026: price, where it's valid and how to cancel
In German: Deutschlandticket (D-Ticket)
Worth it if you use public transport regularly or travel regionally.
Who needs it
The Deutschlandticket (also D-Ticket) is optional. It is usually worth it if you commute by bus or train, or if you often travel within a region. One ticket covers local transport in every German city, so you don't need to learn each city's fare system.
It may not pay off if you walk or cycle most days, or only travel occasionally.
What it covers
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Buses, trams, U-Bahn and S-Bahn everywhere in Germany | Long-distance trains: ICE, IC, EC, EuroNight (a few listed exceptions) |
| Regional trains (RE, RB, IRE) | First class (only with a paid upgrade where the local operator offers one) |
| Around the clock, as many trips as you like | Special tourist services, such as some historic railways |
| Some routes that continue into neighbouring countries | Other people (the ticket is personal and not transferable) |
Children under 6 travel free with you. Bikes and dogs follow local rules, and in some areas cost extra.
Price
- Standard price: €63 per month (2026). There is also a yearly subscription option.
- From 2027: the price is no longer set politically each year. It follows a cost index, and the new price is due to be announced by the end of September, taking effect on 1 January. The 2027 price was not yet published when we checked this page. An increase is expected.
- Jobticket: if your employer pays at least 25% of the price, you get an extra 5% discount. Your employer needs a contract with a transport provider. Ask HR.
- Students: at many universities the Deutschlandsemesterticket is part of the semester fee, at €37.80 per month (60% of the full price). Ask your university or student union.
What you need
- Your name and date of birth (printed on the ticket)
- Photo ID, which you must show when your ticket is checked
- A payment method, usually a SEPA direct debit from a bank account. See bank account.
- A smartphone for the app ticket, or a chip card from a local transport company
How to do it
- Choose a seller. Only buy from an official seller: local transport companies, Deutsche Bahn and approved apps. Tickets from unlisted sellers are not valid. The list is on deutschlandticket-verkaeufer.de.
- Choose the start month. The ticket always starts on the 1st of a month. If you buy mid-month, you usually pay the full monthly price.
- Set up the subscription. The Deutschlandticket is a monthly Abo (subscription) that renews automatically.
- Carry your ticket and photo ID. Inspectors check both.
How to cancel
Tell the seller by the 10th of the month. The ticket then ends at the end of that month. If you cancel later, it runs for one more month. Use the cancellation form or button of the seller you bought it from.
Common problems
Is there a paper Deutschlandticket?
Not as a normal format. The regular ticket is digital: an app ticket on your phone or a plastic chip card. The tariff only allows a paper ticket valid for a single month, as a temporary solution. Ask your seller if you cannot use a smartphone.
Can I use the Deutschlandticket on the ICE?
No, except on a few specific routes listed in the tariff. For long-distance trains you need a separate ticket.
Can someone else use my ticket?
No. The ticket carries your name and date of birth. You may take children under 6 with you for free.
I was ill for a long time. Can I get money back?
Possibly. If a doctor or your health insurer confirms that you were ill for more than 21 days and could not use public transport, take the certificate to the seller you bought from. They check whether you get money back.
Can tourists buy it?
Yes, anyone can buy it wherever tickets are sold. It is still a subscription, so remember to cancel by the 10th of the month if you only need one month.
Costs
- €63 per month in 2026; the 2027 price will be set by the new index.
- Jobticket: at least 25% paid by the employer, plus 5% extra discount.
- Deutschlandsemesterticket: €37.80 per month (60% of the full price).
Official sources
Rules can change. These are the pages we checked — they have the final word. How we check facts
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