What is a Ticket Validation Machine?
Ticket validation machines, called “Entwerter” in German, are devices that stamp your ticket with the current date and time to activate it for travel. They’re essential for regional and local transport tickets. Learn more about how to validate tickets and understand which trains require validation.
Important: Long-distance tickets (ICE, IC) purchased online or with a specific travel date are usually pre-validated and don’t need stamping. Book easily using the DB Navigator app.
How to Recognize Validation Machines
Visual Identification
- Yellow or red boxes (sometimes blue)
- Word “Entwerter” clearly displayed
- Icon showing ticket being inserted
- Usually wall-mounted or free-standing
Common Locations
- Platform entrances
- Near ticket vending machines
- Station hall exits
- Tram/bus stops (for local transport)
How to Use a Validation Machine
Find the Machine
Look for yellow/red boxes labeled “Entwerter” before entering the platform or boarding.
Insert Your Ticket
Insert the ticket in the slot indicated by arrows. Usually front side up, short edge first.
Wait for the Stamp
The machine will stamp date and time with a loud “chunk” sound. This takes 1-2 seconds.
Check the Stamp
Verify the date and time are clearly printed. If illegible, try another machine and keep both tickets.
Which Tickets Need Validation?
Must Be Validated
- • Regional day tickets (Länder-Tickets)
- • Local transport single tickets
- • Tram and bus tickets
- • Paper tickets without specific date
- • Group tickets for local transport
Pre-Validated (No Stamping)
- • Online tickets with QR code
- • ICE/IC tickets with specific date
- • Sparpreis tickets
- • BahnCard tickets
- • Mobile app tickets
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to Validate
Even if you have a valid ticket, an unvalidated ticket means a €60+ fine.
Validating Pre-Validated Tickets
Don’t validate online or date-specific tickets—they’re already valid and might become invalid if re-stamped.
Illegible Stamp
If the stamp is not clearly readable, use another machine. Keep both tickets as proof.
Pro Tips
Validate Early
Don’t wait until the last second. Machines can sometimes be broken or have queues.
Take a Photo
Snap a photo of your validated ticket as backup proof in case of controller disputes.
Group Tickets
For group tickets, validate once—the stamp applies to all travelers listed on the ticket.
When in Doubt, Ask
If unsure whether to validate, ask station staff or show your ticket to the conductor when boarding.
Book Your German Train Tickets
Skip the validation confusion—book online tickets that are pre-validated and ready to use!
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.