Tickets & Passes

Regional Day Tickets & Länder-Tickets

The cheapest way to travel in groups — perfect for day trips and regional exploration.

If you're planning a day trip within a German state or region, regional day tickets (Länder-Tickets) are often the cheapest option — especially if you're traveling in a group. These tickets work on regional trains and must be validated before boarding. Perfect for group travel!

Quick Answer: What Are They?

✅ Regional Day Tickets

  • Cheap day passes for regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn)
  • Valid in one state (e.g., Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg)
  • Great for groups: First person pays full price, others pay just a few euros
  • Valid all day (usually from 9 AM on weekdays, all day on weekends)

How Much Do They Cost?

Prices vary by state, but here's a rough guide:

  • First person: Usually 25-35€
  • Additional passengers: Usually 5-8€ each (up to 5 people total)
  • Total for 5 people: Often around 50-70€ for the whole day

Example: Bayern-Ticket (Bavaria) costs around 28€ for the first person, plus 7€ for each additional person (up to 5 total). For 5 people, that's about 56€ for unlimited regional travel all day.

What Trains Are Included?

✅ Usually Included

  • RE (Regional-Express)
  • RB (Regionalbahn)
  • S-Bahn (commuter trains)
  • U-Bahn (subway/metro)
  • Buses and trams (within the region)

❌ NOT Included

  • ICE (high-speed trains)
  • IC/EC (long-distance trains)
  • Trains outside the state

Time Restrictions (Important)

⏰ When Are They Valid?

  • Weekdays: Usually from 9 AM to 3 AM the next day
  • Weekends: Usually all day (from midnight to 3 AM the next day)
  • Holidays: Often valid all day (check the specific ticket)

Pro Tip: The 9 AM weekday restriction means you can't use them for morning commutes, but they're perfect for day trips starting after 9 AM.

Popular Regional Day Tickets

  • Bayern-Ticket (Bavaria): ~28€ + 7€ per person
  • Baden-Württemberg-Ticket: ~27€ + 7€ per person
  • Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket: ~25€ + 5€ per person
  • NRW-Ticket (North Rhine-Westphalia): ~30€ + 7€ per person

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary. Check current prices when booking.

When Are They Worth It?

✅ Perfect for:

  • Day trips within one state
  • Group travel (2-5 people)
  • Multiple stops in one day
  • Weekend travel (valid all day)

❌ NOT ideal for:

  • Long-distance travel (need ICE/IC)
  • Crossing state borders (need separate tickets)
  • Early morning travel on weekdays (9 AM restriction)
  • Solo travelers (may be cheaper to buy individual tickets)

How to Buy Regional Day Tickets

1

At the Station

Look for ticket machines or the ticket counter. Select your state's day ticket (e.g., "Bayern-Ticket"). Choose the number of passengers. Pay and validate if needed.

2

In Apps

DB Navigator app or regional transport apps. Search for your state's day ticket. Digital tickets usually don't need validation, but check the instructions.

Regional Day Tickets vs. Deutschland-Ticket

Comparison

Regional Day Ticket Deutschland-Ticket
Cost ~25-35€/day ~49€/month
Validity One day, one state One month, all Germany
Best for Single day trips Multiple days/weeks
Group discount Yes (cheap for groups) No (per person)

Book Long-Distance Trains in English

Regional day tickets are great for regional travel, but for long-distance journeys (ICE/IC), Omio makes booking easy in English.

Book with Omio

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).

Trademark Notice: Trainvave is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Deutsche Bahn AG, ÖBB, or any other railway company. All brand names, product names, and logos mentioned (including but not limited to ICE, IC, EC, DB, Deutsche Bahn) are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here solely for informational purposes.

Regional Day Tickets FAQ

What are regional day tickets?

Regional day tickets (Länder-Tickets) are cheap day passes for regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) within a German state or region. Great for groups and day trips.

How much do they cost?

Prices vary by state, usually around 25-35€ for one person, with additional passengers (up to 5) costing just a few euros each. Very cheap for groups.

Are they valid on ICE trains?

No. Regional day tickets are only valid on regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) and local transport. Not valid on ICE, IC, or EC.

Do I need to validate them?

Usually yes, especially if bought from a machine. Digital tickets from apps may not need validation. Always check the ticket instructions.

Can tourists buy regional day tickets?

Yes! They're available to anyone and perfect for day trips. You can buy them at stations, from machines, or in apps.

What's the difference between Länder-Tickets and Deutschland-Ticket?

Länder-Tickets are for one day in one state. Deutschland-Ticket is a monthly subscription for all of Germany. For a single day trip, Länder-Tickets are usually cheaper.

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