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-distance 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-distance 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-distance 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-room-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.
