Want to slash your public transportation expenses in Germany? Here's how to do it in 6 simple steps.
1. Scout for discounts
Before purchasing a ticket, explore ongoing promotions. You might strike gold, especially for long-distance trips, offering reduced fares or vouchers.
2. Embrace Bahncard
For frequent travelers, Deutsche Bahn's Bahncard can be a game-changer. The trial versions of Bahncard 25 and Bahncard 50, costing €17.90 and €71.90 respectively for a three-month term, offer discounts of 25% and 50% on selected journeys.
3. Evaluate ticket options
Choose your ticket wisely based on your travel frequency. Monthly passes are more economical for frequent commuters, while occasional travelers might benefit from other ticket types.
4. Utilize group tickets
Group tickets can be a more affordable option than individual trips. Explore platforms offering cheaper or free seats as part of shared tickets.
5. Opt for alternative connections
When booking online, select slower, but cheaper EC or IC trains instead of ICE trips after unchecking the "Prefer fast connections" option on the DB page. In some cases, you may even save time with these trains without breaking the bank.
6. Profit from loyalty programs
Participating in railway loyalty programs can help accumulate points, often granting free trips once sufficient points have been collected. Regular users stand to gain the most from these programs.
Additional Insights:
Frequent travelers also benefit from Bahncard 50's 50% discount on flexible fares and 25% discount on saver fares for long-distance travel. During the Valentine's promotion, BahnCard 50 holders can take a second passenger at the same discount without requiring a separate BahnCard for the other passenger.
For unlimited travel in local and regional areas across Germany, opt for the monthly subscription Germanyticket, priced at €58. Consider split-ticketing strategies for multi-segment journeys and international discounts from the NS subscription that offers 40% or 100% discounts on domestic sections of your trip for participating companies in Deutsche Bahn's Climate Cup.
