Unlimited train travel pass to Germany for less than £2 a day

Travelers who want to explore Central Europe’s largest country in an affordable and sustainable way can sign up for tickets to Germany (“Germany ticket”).

For €63 (£55) per calendar month, or around £1.85 per day, you can travel to anywhere in the country on all but the fastest trains. You can explore from the Baltic coast to the Black Forest; travel around the country along some spectacular routes; and visit major cities such as Cologne, Munich and Berlin. The ticket also covers unlimited local transportation. think of it as a European Rail Ticket For Germany – and like those unlimited pan-European travel passes, it does not include all fast trains.

However, it also has the huge advantage of not requiring any planning or purchasing separate tickets. Once you have a German ticket you can take any (non-rapid) train, tram, bus or even ferry that is part of the transport system, for example in Hamburg.

The deal is aimed at people living in Germany on a subscription model, with automatic monthly renewals – not ideal for occasional visitors. Happily, there’s a simple way to fix this problem.

These are the key questions and answers.

What’s the background?

As Germany emerges from coronavirus pandemic, government decides to get people traveling again Amazing 9€ per month unlimited travel promotion. It captured the public imagination in June, July and August 2023, while also causing some serious overcrowding as travelers tried to benefit from the best transport deal in European history.

The pass has since been withdrawn and tickets are now seven times the original price – but this is still fantastic value. You can save money by simply traveling between Berlin and Erfurt.

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So how do I get it?

You can only buy tickets to Germany within the first 10 days of the month you want, from 12:01 am on April 1st to 11:59pm on April 10th German time and any time in subsequent months.

Tickets are valid for the month you purchase them. If your planned trip spans two calendar months, you will need to purchase two consecutive tickets (the second one, while you are in Germany).

I think the best source for German train tickets for people outside of Germany is the transport organization based in Bremen: Verkehrsverbund Bremen/Niedersachsen (VBN).

Don’t worry – there’s no need to type it into a computer. Just search online for FahrPlaner (yes, there’s just an “n” in the name). Click on “Tickets” and select “Germany Tickets”. A few more clicks, some personal data, plus your credit card details, and you’ll receive your tickets.

After the deal is completed, VBN said: “From now on, you will automatically receive a new ticket every month.”

But I don’t want an unlimited subscription…

Relax. You may receive an email within a few minutes that reads: “If you would like to cancel your Germany ticket at the next possible date, please use the link below.”

The link says “UNSUBSCRIBE” in capital letters. Once completed, you should receive a confirmation email assuring you that no further charges will be made.

How slow is the train?

This is not a good deal for those in a hurry, as the Deutschlandticket does not allow access to the fastest IC/ICE (InterCity/InterCityExpress) trains. But if you’re prepared to travel on slower Regional Express (IRE) and local trains, you can cover thousands of miles for just a few dozen pounds.

The fastest ICE train takes 3 hours and 35 minutes between Frankfurt and Hamburg. For those with a German ticket, the fastest journey is more than twice as long, requiring three train changes.

However, you can wisely use cheap FlixTrains to speed up your journey – for example, Berlin to Hamburg in two hours for just €12.50 (£10.50) if you book in advance. This will cut the journey in half, giving you more time to explore.

Beyond Germany…?

The ticket is valid at stations bordering neighboring countries:

Is this the best travel deal in Europe?

Not exactly. Luxembourg abolished all public transport fares five years ago. But Germany’s proposal undoubtedly beats other major countries.