When settling in a new country, expats come across new services and routines. It is vital to get used to them – not only to blend in with the locals but also to save money. If you live in Germany, you may have heard of the 49-euro ticket – and this article will help you get the most out of it.
What is the 49-euro ticket
Public transport in Germany
Where to buy the 49-euro ticket
How to cancel the 49-euro ticket
Places to visit with the 49-euro ticket
What is the 49-euro ticket
The 49-euro ticket, officially called the 'Deutschlandticket," is a monthly public transportation pass valid throughout Germany. It was introduced in May 2023 as a successor to the temporary 9-euro ticket from summer 2022. This flat-rate ticket allows unlimited travel on local and regional public transport across the country, including buses, trams, subways, S-Bahn, and regional trains (excluding long-distance services like ICE or IC/EC trains). If you are an avid traveller, buying a 49-euro ticket may be less expensive than paying for, say, Berlin public transport tickets and your weekend trips to other cities separately.
By the way, if you are looking for a way to transfer money from Germany to another country, make sure to check out our offer!
Public transport in Germany
Before we find out how to buy the 49-euro ticket, let us take a quick overview of the public transport in Germany.
S-bahn, U-bahn, Stadtbahn
S-bahn is short for the German Stadtschnellbahn, which means 'state rapid train'. U-bahn is an abbreviation for Untergrundbahn – underground train. The system is commonly known in big German cities: Berlin public transport tickets allow one to board both underground and ground trains, and some stations have transitions from S-Bahn to U-bahn and vice versa. The German trains are a swift way to travel between the districts of big cities and even to the Berlin airport. Stadtbahn, the light trains, are common in the cities without the underground train system.
Need to ask for directions in Berlin or Munich after getting the 49-euro ticket? Check out the top language schools where you can learn German.
Buses and trams
Buses and trams are another way to travel around the German cities. The timetable is usually available at public transport stops.
Taxi services in Germany
While the 49-euro tickets are a common way to get around Germany, for tourists and expats who have just arrived, a taxi can be a more convenient option. In addition to Uber, local services like MyTaxi and door2door are also available.
Where to buy the 49-euro ticket
The 49-euro ticket in Germany can be bought both by tourists and locals. There are several ways to get it. The 49-euro ticket app is called Deutschlandticket, and it allows you to. If you do not want to download the 49-euro ticket app, you may also purchase the pass online through the Deutsche Bahn app or website. You may also get to the local transport providers' apps or websites to get a 49-euro ticket in Germany. Tourists may find ticket offices or vending machines at train stations more convenient to get the pass.
Some employers offer the 49-euro ticket as a benefit – check out our German CV guide to get the best job offer. The pass is typically available as a digital ticket on your smartphone or as a chip card. It's a subscription model that automatically renews each month.
How to cancel the 49-euro ticket
If you are wondering how to cancel the 49-euro ticket, go to the Deutsche Bahn website or app and open the 'Subscription' section.
Must-see places to visit with the 49-euro ticket
You definitely need to buy a 49-euro ticket if you are looking for a way to save money on travelling around Germany. You will find more destinations while you explore the country, especially during the holidays in Germany, like Christmas and Octoberfest.
Below are just a few places you can travel to with the 49-euro ticket:
Munich: Explore the Bavarian capital, famous for its beer gardens and museums
Hamburg: Visit Germany's second-largest city with its impressive harbour and modern HafenCity district
Dresden: Discover the baroque architecture and art collections of this historic city
Heidelberg: Wander through this picturesque university town with its famous castle.
Rhine Valley: Travel along the romantic Rhine, stopping at charming towns like Rüdesheim or St. Goar.
Black Forest: Explore the scenic region, visiting towns like Freiburg or Baden-Baden.
Baltic Sea coast: Enjoy beach towns like Warnemünde or the island of Rügen.
Nuremberg: Experience the medieval old town and learn about its rich history.
Remember that while the ticket covers regional trains, it doesn't include high-speed trains. This means travel times might be longer, but you'll have the opportunity to see more of the German countryside.
