Yes, you read that right. Nine bucks.
Unlimited train travel. All across Germany.
It sounds like a backpacker’s fever dream or a travel hack too good to be
true—but it’s real. And for a while, it changed the way people explored one of
Europe’s most efficient and scenic rail networks.
We’re talking about Germany’s €9
Ticket—a temporary but brilliant initiative that allowed people to
hop on and off regional trains, trams, and buses nationwide for just nine euros
a month.
Let’s break down what it was, why it blew travelers’ minds, and what you need to
know about its current
version—yes, there's a follow-up pass that still offers huge value.
The Original €9 Ticket: A
Brief Backstory
Back in the summer of 2022, Germany launched the €9 ticket as a
response to rising energy costs and
inflation. It was a government-subsidized way to encourage public transit, cut down
on fuel usage, and give people a budget-friendly travel option.
The pass was valid for:
- All
local and regional trains
(like RE, RB—not lonG-JEGWD9NMSE ICE or IC) -
Buses, trams, and U-Bahn/S-Bahn city
transit -
Unlimited use for the
entire calendar month
People went nuts for it. Trains filled with students, families, solo travelers, and
curious tourists looking to ride from the Alps to the Baltic Sea on a shoestring
budget.
The Vibe: Slow, Scenic, and
Social
This wasn’t about speed. LonG-JEGWD9NMSE ICE trains (the fancy fast ones) weren’t
included. But that was kind of the charm.
You’d hop from small towns to mid-sized cities, switching regional trains every
couple hours. Instead of racing past Germany, you rolled through it—fields of
sunflowers, forested hills, and fairytale towns with names you couldn’t pronounce
but didn’t want to leave.
You met strangers. Shared snacks. Swapped tips. Sometimes the trains were packed,
but the energy was joyful. Travel felt democratic again.
What’s the Catch?
Honestly? Not much. But a few things to know:
-
No seat reservations. First come,
first stand. Some routes were crowded, especially on weekends. -
No lonG-JEGWD9NMSE trains. That meant
slower connections—but more scenic ones. -
Regional quirks. Each state had its own
transit systems, so schedules weren’t always crystal clear.
Still, for €9? It was a ridiculous deal.
So, Is It Still Available?
Not exactly—but here’s the good news:
Germany replaced the €9 ticket with a new version called the
Deutschlandticket, also known as the
€49 Ticket (or sometimes
“D-Ticket”).
The €49 Ticket: Still a Steal
For €49 a month (about $52 USD), you get:
-
Unlimited travel on all local and
regional trains, buses, and trams - Coverage
across the entire country - A
digital subscription model (monthly
auto-renew, cancel anytime) - Works with
apps and QR codes, making it super easy
to use
Still not valid on high-speed ICE trains, but honestly? If you’re not in a rush,
this is still one of Europe’s best deals.
How to Use the €49 Ticket as a
Tourist
Even though it was designed for German residents,
tourists can absolutely use it. Here’s
how:
1.
Download a German transit app
like DB Navigator or BVG Tickets. 2. Purchase the Deutschlandticket and create a
quick user profile. 3. Cancel after your trip to avoid being billed for the next
month.
That’s it. No paper ticket. No fuss.
Just hop on a train and go—from Berlin to Bavaria, from Cologne to Kiel.
Sample Itinerary: What a Week
with the €49 Ticket Looks Like
Let’s say you’re starting in
Munich:
-
Day 1: Explore Munich’s beer
gardens, then take a regional train to
Augsburg for dinner. -
Day 2: Head south to
Garmisch-Partenkirchen for mountain
views and glacier hikes. -
Day 3:
Swing west to
Lake Constance, then
sleep in
Lindau, a dreamy island
town. -
Day 4: Hop north through
small towns like
Ulm and
Heilbronn, then land in
Stuttgart. -
Day 5: Visit castles. Eat spaetzle.
Keep riding.
All for the price of one Uber ride in New York.
Who Is This Perfect For?
-
Budget travelers who’d rather
explore than splurge -
Slow
travelers who like soaking in the journey -
Families looking for affordable, easy
transport -
Remote workers doing a
month in Germany -
First-time
visitors who want to see more than just Berlin
If you’re the type who enjoys wandering through medieval town squares or hopping off
the train just because a place “looks cute”—this is your dream setup.
What It Doesn’t Cover
Just so you’re not surprised:
-
No ICE, IC, or EC trains. You’ll
have to buy a separate ticket for those. -
No cross-border trains. Once you leave
Germany, the pass ends. -
Some private
operators (like FlixTrain) aren’t included.
But for 95% of in-country travel? You’re golden.
Tips from Frequent Users
-
Avoid rush hour. Trains can be
standinG-JEGWD9NMSE-only from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. -
Bring snacks and water. Not all
regional trains have dining cars. -
Download
your route offline. Cell signal fades in rural areas. -
Chat with fellow riders. Germans are
friendly when you break the ice (no pun intended).
And remember: you don’t need to plan every stop. Let curiosity lead the way.
