Can you buy a ticket on the train in Germany?

On ICE and IC/EC trains

• No tickets from on-board staff: On long-distance trains such as ICE and IC/EC you can no longer buy a ticket from the train crew. bahn.de
• The 10-minute window: You can still buy a digital ticket on board until 10 minutes after the actual departure from your boarding station, for example in the DB Navigator app. This does not apply if the scheduled travel time to the next stop is under 10 minutes. bahn.de
• Broken machine or booking system: If no ticket office or machine existed, was closed or out of order at your station, or the booking system failed during the 10-minute window, you pay only the normal flexible fare instead of the fine. bahn.de

If you travel without a valid ticket

• Fine: The increased fare is twice the normal fare for the distance travelled, but at least 60 euros. gesetze-im-internet.de
• Reduced to 7 euros: If you did buy a valid ticket but cannot show it, the fine drops to 7 euros once you prove within one week that you held a valid ticket on the day (the legal minimum; DB terms allow 14 days to prove it). gesetze-im-internet.de
• No payment on board: Inspectors issue a fare demand notice (Fahrpreisnacherhebung). It cannot be paid on the train. bahn.de
• Can be removed from the train: A passenger who boarded without a valid ticket and owes the fine can be excluded from carriage. bahn.de
• Upgrade or detour: If you switch to a higher train category or leave your route, you get a fare demand notice on board, which can be reduced to the fare difference plus a 7 euro handling fee when you show your valid ticket. bahn.de

These rules are for Deutsche Bahn long-distance trains. Regional operators and transport associations set their own on-board sales rules; check the operator before you rely on buying on board.

FAQ

Can I buy a ticket on a German ICE?

Not from the crew. You can buy a digital ticket in the app until 10 minutes after departure, if the next stop is more than 10 minutes away.

How much is the fine for travelling without a ticket in Germany?

Twice the normal fare for the distance travelled, at least 60 euros, under section 6 of the Railway Transport Regulation (EVO).

What if I bought a ticket but forgot to show it?

The fine can be reduced to 7 euros if you prove within the deadline that you held a valid ticket. The law says one week; the DB terms of carriage allow 14 days.