My BahnCard 25 (Youth) — Best Value
€39.90/year
25% off all train tickets (regular price: €55.90)
What You Get:
- ✅ 25% off all tickets (ICE, IC, regional)
- ✅ Valid for 1 year
- ✅ No minimum trip requirement
- ✅ Combines with Sparpreis discounts
- ✅ Works on all DB trains
Compare with regular BahnCard and other discounts.
Requirements:
- • Must be under 27 years old
- • Valid ID required when traveling
- • Any nationality accepted
- • Auto-renews annually
Break-even: You only need to save €40 to break even. Two €80 trips become €60 each with BahnCard = €120 spent instead of €160. You've already saved €40!
Sparpreis Tickets: Cheapest Option
Sparpreis (Saver Fare) tickets are the cheapest way to travel, starting from €17.90 for long-distance journeys. They're not youth-specific but offer the best savings for everyone.
How to Get Cheapest Fares:
- Book 3-6 months in advance
- Travel Tuesday-Thursday (cheaper)
- Avoid Friday/Sunday peak times
- Use DB price calendar
Sparpreis + My BahnCard:
Stack the savings!
- €40 Sparpreis ticket
- - 25% BahnCard discount
- = €30 final price 💰
Group & Regional Day Tickets
Länder-Tickets (State Day Passes)
Perfect for day trips with friends! Unlimited regional trains in one state, all day.
Example Prices:
- • Bavaria: €27 (1 person) + €9 each additional
- • NRW: €34 (1 person) + €7.40 each additional
- • Berlin-Brandenburg: €33 for up to 5 people
- • Max 5 people per ticket
Cost Per Person (5 travelers):
€11-14
for all-day unlimited travel!
Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket
Travel across all of Germany on regional trains for one day.
- 💶 €44 (1 person) + €8 each additional (max 5)
- 🚂 Valid on RE, RB, S-Bahn (not ICE/IC)
- 📅 Weekdays from 9am, weekends all day
- 🎒 Great for backpacking trips
Other Ways to Save Money
Weekend Tickets
Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket: €44 for up to 5 people, valid Saturday or Sunday on regional trains nationwide.
Off-Peak Travel
Book trains departing after 9am on weekdays or anytime weekends for cheaper Sparpreis fares.
DB Navigator App Deals
Occasional flash sales and special offers. Enable notifications to catch limited-time discounts.
FlixTrain Alternative
Private trains on some routes (Berlin-Stuttgart) with tickets from €9.99. Budget option but less frequent.
Pro Money-Saving Tips
🎯 Compare Routes
Sometimes taking regional trains (with day ticket) is cheaper than ICE, even if it takes longer. Great for budget travel!
🎟️ Split Tickets
For some routes, buying two separate tickets (e.g., A→B + B→C) can be cheaper than A→C direct. Use comparison websites.
👥 Always Travel in Groups
Group tickets offer massive per-person savings. Organize day trips with 4-5 friends for best value.
📱 Book Online, Not at Station
Sparpreis and early bird discounts are only available online. Station counter tickets are always full price.
Cost Comparison: Munich → Berlin
| Ticket Type | Price | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sparpreis (advance) | €17.90 - €40 | 4-5 hours | Planning ahead |
| Sparpreis + My BahnCard | €13.50 - €30 | 4-5 hours | Best value! |
| Flexpreis (flexible) | €139 | 4-5 hours | Last minute |
| Quer-durchs-Land (regional) | €44 solo / €9 pp (group of 5) | 10-12 hours | Budget travel |
Book Your Budget-Friendly Journey
Find the cheapest fares and book early for maximum savings!
Book Your Train Ticket
Book easily in English with Omio. No confusion, just clear options.
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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
Is there a student discount on German trains?
DB offers My BahnCard 25 (Youth) for travelers under 27, giving 25% off all tickets for €39.90/year (regular BahnCard 25 costs €55.90). No general student discount exists, but Sparpreis tickets offer the best savings.
At what age do you count as "youth" for DB?
Youth discounts apply to travelers under 27 years old. You'll need to show ID proving your age when purchasing or using youth tickets.
Can international students get discounts?
Yes, as long as you're under 27, you qualify for My BahnCard 25 (Youth) regardless of nationality. You just need a valid ID showing your birth date.
Do I need an ISIC card for discounts?
No, ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is not recognized by Deutsche Bahn for discounts. Age is the only requirement for youth pricing.
Are there group discounts for students?
Yes! Länder-Tickets (regional day tickets) offer huge savings for groups. 5 people can travel all day for €54-68 depending on the state—perfect for student trips!