Are you tired of juggling multiple tickets and subscriptions for your daily commute? Have you ever wished for a simpler, more affordable way to travel across Germany using public transport? Look no further! The 49 Euro Ticket is here to revolutionize the way you travel within the country.
In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this new all-in-one ticket, compare it with existing subscription options, and answer all your questions.
We will also discuss how the Deutschland Ticket benefits job seekers and ex-pats in Germany. So, let’s dive in!
What is the 49 euro ticket?
The 49 euro ticket also known as the Deutschland Ticket is a new, all-inclusive ticket valid throughout Germany for just €49 per month.
Starting from May 1, 2023, this ticket will be financed by the federal and state governments and will allow you to travel on all public and regional transport within the country.
However, the Deutschland Ticket cannot be used on long-distance IC, EC, or ICE trains.
The Deutschland Ticket is only available through a subscription, and it’s non-transferable.
This means that only the ticket holder can use it, and it doesn’t allow for additional passengers or bicycles.
Children under the age of 6, however, always travel free of charge on public transport in Germany.
49 euro ticket v/s VBB Eco Ticket
Here is a comparison between the 49 euro Deutschland ticket and the most common VBB Eco ticket in Berlin.
| 49 Euro ticket (Deutschland Ticket) | VBB Eco Ticket |
|---|---|
| Allows you to travel across Germany | Allows you to travel only within Berlin (Zone A, B, C depending on the type of subscription) |
| The annual subscription costs you 49 Euros per month. | The annual subscription costs you at least 66.83 Euros per month for Zone A, and B. For other zones, the cost is higher. |
| You are not allowed to take another person over the age of 14 years along with you. | You can take another person who is over 14 years of age with you on weekends, public holidays, and weekdays (between 8 pm and 3 am) |
| You are allowed to take along a dog within the Berlin/Brandenburg region | You are not allowed to take a dog with you. |
| The 49 Euro deutschland ticket is non-transferrable. | The VBB Eco Ticket is transferrable. |
Do you have further questions?
Join our community of job seekers and expats from Germany. You can ask your doubts and get suggestions on topics related to getting a job in Germany and several other related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. Read the full list of questions and their answers on the official BVG website.
How much does the 49 euro Deutschland Ticket cost?
The Deutschland Ticket costs €49 a month. It might sound obvious but is amongst the most frequently asked questions 🙂
Where can I use the 49 euro Deutschland Ticket?
The ticket is valid on all public and regional transport throughout Germany, excluding long-distance IC, EC, or ICE trains.
Is the new ticket only available by subscription?
Yes, the 49 euro Deutschland Ticket is only available by subscription.
How long will the Deutschland Ticket be valid?
The introductory period for the Deutschland Ticket will run for at least two years.
How do I cancel my Deutschland Ticket?
Here is a complete guide on how to cancel 49 euro ticket.
Can children travel with the Deutschland Ticket?
Yes, children under 6 years of age travel free of charge on public transport in Germany.
Is there a reduced-fare option for this ticket?
No, the Deutschland Ticket costs €49 by subscription with monthly debiting, and no further discounts are available.
What do I need to have on me when traveling?
The 49 euro ticket is only valid together with an official photo ID for the person printed on the ticket.
Are there any discounts for school students, trainees, students, pensioners, or recipients of social benefits?
No, there are no further reductions or discounts available for the 49 euro ticket.
Can I display the Deutschland ticket as a mobile ticket in a BVG app, even if I have not purchased the subscription from BVG?
No, the Deutschland ticket can only be displayed in a BVG app if it was purchased through BVG.
Who can buy the 49 euro Deutschland Ticket?
Anyone can purchase the Deutschland Ticket, but under-18s require a legal representative and can only purchase it at BVG customer centers.
When and how do I pay for the Deutschland Ticket?
The ticket price is debited from your account at the beginning of each month.
When can I use the new 49 euro ticket?
If you already have a subscription, the ticket is valid from the nationwide launch on May 1, 2023. Otherwise, it’s valid from when your subscription starts.
In what form do I get the ticket?
You can receive it as a smartphone ticket or an electronic chip card by post.
Is the ticket also available at sales outlets?
Yes, but there may be a long wait. It’s quicker and easier to order it online at abo.bvg.de.
Is the ticket also available at ticket machines?
No, the easiest way is to order it quickly and conveniently online at abo.bvg.de.
By when do I have to take out a new subscription if I want to use it from the next month?
You’ll need to take out a new subscription online by the 10th of the previous month.
Do I have to cancel my existing subscription to switch to the new ticket?
If you already have one, the BVG will send you further information by email or post from the end of February.
Can the 49 euro ticket be used by someone other than myself?
No, only the holder of the Deutschland Ticket can use it. It’s not transferable to other persons.
Can I take other people, a dog, or a bicycle with the Deutschland Ticket?
Children under 6 travel for free. No other persons or bicycles can be taken with the Deutschland ticket. Dog transport is limited and varies based on local regulations.
How does the Deutschland Ticket Benefits Job Seekers and Expats in Germany?
The Deutschland Ticket offers numerous advantages for job seekers and ex-pats in Germany, making it easier for them to explore job opportunities and integrate into German society. Here are a few ways the Deutschland Ticket helps them:
Cost-effective: At just €49 per month, the Deutschland Ticket offers an affordable means of transportation, reducing the financial burden on job seekers and expats who may be working with limited budgets.
Nationwide coverage: The Deutschland Ticket’s coverage of public and regional transport across the country allows job seekers and expats to explore opportunities in different cities and regions without the hassle of managing multiple transport tickets.
Simplified commuting: The Deutschland Ticket eliminates the need for managing several tickets, making daily commutes and long-distance trips more convenient and stress-free.
Encourages networking: The affordability and accessibility of the Deutschland Ticket enable job seekers and expats to attend networking events, job fairs, and workshops throughout the country, increasing their chances of finding a job or expanding their professional network.
Enhances quality of life: With the Deutschland Ticket, job seekers and expats can explore Germany’s cultural and recreational offerings, helping them integrate into the country and improving their overall quality of life.
Conclusion
The Deutschland Ticket is a game-changing transportation solution for people living and working in Germany.
With its affordability, nationwide coverage, and simplicity, it is set to revolutionize the way people travel within the country.
For job seekers and expats, the Deutschland Ticket is a practical and cost-effective solution that makes finding work, networking, and integrating into German society a whole lot easier.
If you’re considering making the switch, now’s the time to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and explore the unlimited possibilities of traveling across Germany with the Deutschland Ticket.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. We strongly advise readers to conduct their due diligence or consult with a professional legal or immigration consultant before taking any action based on the content of this post. "Germany Is Calling" or the author of this post does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided.
Nicely put together Anoop !!
For all long distance modes as exclusion, are Flix Bus/Trains covered ? I think they excluded them?
Hi AG
I think so too that these services are excluded. The only long-distance trains that are covered are the regional trains R* (RB, RE, etc).
I hope this helps.
Thanks!
Hi AG,
Thanks for putting the key FAQs. Could you please let me know if I just would like to travel in May only and subscription is no longer required for the rest of the year, in such a scenario, do I need to cancel the subscription in the end of May and follow the same procedure every month? Thanks!
Hi Amit
Thanks for the feedback even though it was given to AG 🙂
If you are planning to use it only for the month of May, You need to apply before the 10th of April to get it for May and you will have to cancel the subscription in May to stop the payment from June.
I am not sure if this is allowed multiple times. You will have to try it yourself.
Can we use this ticket for which other countries serviced by regional trains ? How do the tourists from India buy this ?