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Travelling in a group by train in Germany is not only comfortable – it can also be significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets, if you know the right offers. Whether you’re planning a family trip, school excursion, sports club outing or corporate event, Deutsche Bahn has special group fares starting from just 6 people.
Quick answer: Groups of 6 or more qualify for the Gruppenreise-Sparpreis (Group Saver fare) – bookable online at bahn.de, train-specific, and often 30–70% cheaper than individual tickets.
Group Train Tickets in Germany: Your Options
| Ticket | Group Size | Train-bound? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gruppenreise-Sparpreis | 6–99 people | Yes | Cheapest long-distance option |
| Gruppenreise-Flexpreis | 6–99 people | No | Flexible plans, free cancellation |
| State Day Tickets (Ländertickets) | 2–5 people | No | Regional day trips (best value for small groups) |
| Large Group (100+) | 100+ people | Individual | Special rates via DB group service |
The Gruppenreise-Sparpreis: Cheapest Group Fare
The Gruppenreise-Sparpreis is Deutsche Bahn’s best deal for groups of 6 or more. Prices are calculated per person – and the more people in your group, the lower the per-person cost.
- Minimum group: 6 people (maximum 99)
- Train-specific: You must travel on the booked train – no changes, no refunds
- Book early: Best prices available up to 6 months in advance
- Valid on: ICE, IC, EC and regional trains depending on route
- How to book: bahn.de/groups, DB Service Centres, or travel agencies – not at ticket machines
Example: Berlin → Munich with 10 people. Individual Sparpreis: ~€29/person = €290. Group Sparpreis: ~€19–22/person = €190–220. Saving: up to €100.
State Day Tickets for Small Groups (2–5 People)
For smaller groups on regional day trips, Germany’s state day tickets (Ländertickets) often beat the group fare. Each ticket covers up to 5 people for a flat price:
| Ticket | 1 Person | 5 People | Valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern-Ticket | €29 | ~€57 | All regional trains in Bavaria |
| BW-Ticket (Baden-Württemberg) | €27 | ~€51 | All regional trains in BW |
| NRW-Ticket | €31 | ~€55 | All regional trains in NRW |
Valid Monday–Friday from 9am, and all day on weekends and public holidays. Perfect for day trips within a single German state.
How to Book Group Train Travel in Germany
- Go to bahn.de → select „Group Travel” (Gruppenreisen)
- Enter travel date, route, and number of passengers
- Choose Sparpreis (cheapest, non-refundable) or Flexpreis (flexible)
- Add seat reservations – strongly recommended for groups (€5.90/person)
- Pay and download tickets as PDF or save in the DB Navigator app
For groups over 100 people, contact DB’s dedicated group service directly for custom pricing and carriage reservations.
Seat Reservations for Groups: Highly Recommended
Without a reservation, your group may end up scattered across the train. A seat reservation costs €5.90 per person per journey and ensures you all sit together. Options include:
- Family zone: Play table, space for pushchairs – ideal for groups with young children
- Compartment (Abteil): Available for groups of 6–8 – private, great for team trips
- Table seats: Four seats facing each other around a table
5 Tips to Save on Group Train Travel
- Book early: Group Sparpreis is capacity-limited – earlier = cheaper
- Travel mid-week: Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days for long-distance travel
- Use state tickets for day trips: Cheaper than group fares on regional routes
- Split the booking: Sometimes two Sparpreis tickets for sub-groups beats one group fare
- Check for BahnCard discounts: BahnCard 25 holders save 25% on Gruppenreise-Flexpreis tickets
FAQ: Group Train Travel Germany
How many people do you need for a group ticket on Deutsche Bahn?
Deutsche Bahn’s Gruppenreise fares start from 6 people. For 2–5 people, state day tickets (Ländertickets) are usually the best value on regional routes.
How much cheaper is a group ticket vs. individual tickets?
Depending on the route and how early you book, the Gruppenreise-Sparpreis is typically 20–50% cheaper than individual Sparpreis tickets, and up to 70% cheaper than individual Flexpreis fares.
Can I cancel a Deutsche Bahn group ticket?
The Gruppenreise-Sparpreis is non-refundable and non-changeable. The Gruppenreise-Flexpreis can be cancelled free of charge up to shortly before departure.
Are there special rates for school groups in Germany?
Yes. School groups and youth organisations can request special rates via the DB group service. Children under 15 also often travel free when accompanied by an adult on certain tickets.
Do I need a reservation for group travel?
Reservations are not mandatory but strongly recommended for groups. Without a reservation your group may be spread across the entire train. Seat reservations cost €5.90 per person per journey and can be added when booking.