Last updated:
Germany’s regional train network is one of the most extensive in Europe – and with the right ticket, exploring it is surprisingly affordable. From the nationwide Deutschlandticket to state-specific day passes, here’s everything you need to know about regional train tickets in Germany in 2026.
Quick answer: The Deutschlandticket (€58/month) is the best value for regular travellers. For occasional day trips within one German state, state day tickets (Ländertickets, from €25–€31/day) are usually cheaper.
Regional Train Tickets in Germany: Overview 2026
| Ticket | Price | Valid On | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschlandticket | €58/month | All regional trains, S-Bahn, bus, tram nationwide | Commuters & frequent travellers |
| Bayern-Ticket | from €29/day | RE, RB, S-Bahn in Bavaria | Day trips in Bavaria |
| BW-Ticket | from €27/day | RE, RB, S-Bahn in Baden-Württemberg | Day trips in BW |
| NRW-Ticket | from €31/day | RE, RB, S-Bahn in North Rhine-Westphalia | Day trips in NRW |
| Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket | from €44/day | All regional trains nationwide (1 day) | Long cross-country day trips |
| City transport day passes | €8–€12/day | Local urban transport (U-Bahn, bus, tram) | City tourists & visitors |
The Deutschlandticket: Germany’s Best Regional Deal
Since May 2023, the Deutschlandticket has transformed how people travel locally in Germany. For a flat €58/month, you can ride all regional trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses throughout the entire country – unlimited, without zone restrictions.
- Price 2026: €58/month, cancel monthly (by the 10th of the previous month)
- Not valid on: ICE, IC, EC – long-distance trains only
- Jobticket: Many employers subsidise it – employees often pay just €34–€44/month
- How to buy: DB Navigator app, bahn.de, or your local transport authority
- Kids: Children under 6 travel free; bikes allowed depending on the transport network
State Day Tickets (Ländertickets): Best for Day Trips
Germany’s state day tickets cover unlimited travel on regional trains within one state for a single day. They’re ideal for tourists and visitors making day trips.
| Ticket | 1 Person | 5 People | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern-Ticket | €29 | ~€57 | Bavaria + some cross-border routes to Austria/Czech Republic |
| BW-Ticket | €27 | ~€51 | Baden-Württemberg + some routes into Switzerland/France |
| NRW-Ticket | €31 | ~€55 | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Sachsen-Ticket | €25 | ~€49 | Saxony + some cross-border routes to Czech Republic |
| Niedersachsen-Ticket | €25 | ~€48 | Lower Saxony + Bremen |
Valid Monday–Friday from 9am, all day on weekends and public holidays. Up to 5 people can travel together on one ticket with a small surcharge per additional person (usually €6–€8 each).
Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket: Cross-Country for a Day
The Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket (literally “across the country ticket”) is valid for one day on all regional trains and S-Bahn services throughout Germany – perfect for longer day trips across state borders.
- Price: from €44 for one person (+€8 per additional person, up to 5)
- Valid: Monday–Friday from 9am; all day on weekends
- Not valid on: ICE, IC, EC trains
- Tip: Hamburg to Munich on regional trains in one day? Absolutely possible – and a great adventure
City Transport Day Passes
For city visitors, local transport authorities offer their own day passes covering U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses within the city and surrounding area:
| Network | City | Day Pass (1 Person) |
|---|---|---|
| MVV | Munich | from €9.20 (inner zone) |
| HVV | Hamburg | from €8.70 |
| BVG | Berlin | from €9.90 |
| VRS | Cologne/Bonn | from €8.10 |
| RMV | Frankfurt | from €8.50 |
FAQ: Regional Train Tickets Germany
What is the cheapest way to travel by regional train in Germany?
The Deutschlandticket at €58/month is the cheapest option for regular travellers. For occasional day trips within one state, a state day ticket (Länderticket, from €25–€31) is usually cheaper.
Can I use the Deutschlandticket on ICE trains?
No. The Deutschlandticket is only valid on regional transport: RE, RB, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses. ICE, IC and EC trains require a separate ticket.
Do regional tickets work across state borders in Germany?
State day tickets are generally limited to their respective state. Some, like the Bayern-Ticket, include selected cross-border routes to Austria or the Czech Republic. The Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket and Deutschlandticket are valid nationwide.
Where can I buy regional train tickets in Germany?
All regional tickets are available at DB ticket machines, at the counter (Reisezentrum), online at bahn.de, or via the DB Navigator app. City transport day passes can also be bought directly from local transport authority apps and machines.