German Rail Pass Comparison 2025
Eurail vs Interrail vs Deutschland-Ticket - find the perfect pass for unlimited train travel in Germany.
National Rail Passes
Eurail German Rail Pass
For non-European residents
€258
4 days / 1 month
✅ Includes:
- • All ICE, IC, EC trains
- • Regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn)
- • Night trains (seat/couchette)
- • Some buses (KD Rhine cruises)
Compare with BahnCard and Deutschlandticket.
💰 Price Options:
- • 3 days: €228
- • 4 days: €258
- • 5 days: €298
- • 7 days: €348
Best For: Tourists making 3+ long trips across Germany. Example: Berlin → Munich → Rhine Valley → Hamburg saves €150+ compared to individual tickets.
Interrail German Pass
For European residents
€258
4 days / 1 month
Identical coverage and prices to Eurail. Only difference is eligibility based on residency.
Note: You must be a European resident for 6+ months to qualify for Interrail passes.
Deutschland-Ticket
Regional trains only
€49
per month
✅ Includes:
- • All regional trains (RE, RB)
- • All S-Bahn, trams, buses
- • Unlimited travel nationwide
❌ Excludes:
- • ICE high-speed trains
- • IC/EC intercity trains
- • FlixTrain
Best For: Budget travelers with time flexibility. Berlin to Munich takes 9h instead of 4h, but costs €49 vs €100+.
Regional Day Passes
Bayern-Ticket
Price: €27 (1 person) + €8 each additional
Valid: All Bavaria regional trains
Perfect for Munich day trips to Neuschwanstein, Salzburg, or Nuremberg. Valid 9 AM - 3 AM next day (weekends from midnight).
Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket
Price: €49 (1 person) + €8 each additional
Valid: Nationwide regional trains
Similar to Deutschland-Ticket but for single-day use. Great for groups of 2-5 people doing long regional journeys.
Baden-Württemberg-Ticket
Price: €27 (1 person) + €7 each additional
Valid: BW regional trains + local transport
Covers Stuttgart, Freiburg, Heidelberg, and Black Forest. Excellent for exploring southern Germany.
Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket
Price: €49 for up to 5 people
Valid: Weekends only, nationwide
Weekend special for groups. Valid midnight Saturday to 3 AM Monday. Perfect for weekend adventures.
Which Pass Should You Buy?
🏃 Fast Travel & Flexibility → Eurail/Interrail
Planning Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Hamburg in 5 days? Rail pass saves time and money. ICE trains get you there in 4h instead of 9h.
💰 Budget Travel & Time → Deutschland-Ticket
Staying 2+ weeks and not in a rush? €49/month for unlimited regional travel is unbeatable value. Add a few ICE Sparpreis tickets for long trips.
👥 Group Day Trips → Regional Passes
Traveling with family/friends for single-day regional trips? Bayern-Ticket for €43 (2 people) beats any other option for Munich area.
🎯 Limited Travel → Individual Tickets
Only 1-2 long trips? Book Sparpreis tickets early (3 months advance) for €19.90-€29.90. Cheaper than any pass for minimal travel.
Book Individual Train Tickets
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Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a German Rail Pass worth it for tourists?
It depends on your itinerary. If you're making 3+ long-distance trips (e.g., Berlin-Munich-Frankfurt-Cologne) within a week, a pass can save money. For 1-2 trips, individual Sparpreis tickets are usually cheaper.
What's the difference between Eurail and Interrail passes?
Eurail is for non-European residents, Interrail for European residents. Both offer the same coverage in Germany. Prices and rules are identical - just check which one applies based on your residency.
Do I need seat reservations with a rail pass?
No! Rail passes work on all German trains without mandatory reservations. However, optional reservations (€4.90) are recommended for ICE trains during peak times to guarantee a seat.
Can I use the Deutschland-Ticket instead of a rail pass?
The Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month) only covers regional trains, not ICE/IC. It's great for budget travel and city exploration, but not for fast long-distance journeys.