Travel by train through Germany and beyond for just €63

With the D-ticket, you can travel by train throughout Germany—and parts of Europe—for €63 a month. The German government launched this initiative to encourage more people to use public transportation. They hope this will bring about a shift in residents’ travel habits.

Fortunately, this great green initiative also applies to non-German public transit users. If you view the train ride itself as part of the journey and plan plenty of time for any transfers, this is a really fun way to travel through Germany like a local. In fact, with your ticket, you can travel on to Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic for free. Read here to find out how to do it and how it works.

*Starting January 1, 2026, the monthly rate will be €63 instead of €58

Traveling Through Germany by Train with the D-Ticket

The most beautiful routes through Germany with the D-ticket are:

• The Schwarzwaldbahn ( Route 720 in the Kursbuch): a journey through beautiful landscapes and architectural history.
• The Saxon Switzerland National Park Railway: the U28 line from Dečín in the Czech Republic to Rumburk. The National Park Railway operates in cooperation with the Czech regional railway.
• Travel along the Moselle on the Moseltahlbahn from Koblenz to Trier or vice versa (RE81/RE82 and RE1) with new stations and trains.
• The Mittelrheinbahn: Travel along the Rhine from Bingen to Koblenz through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
• The Höllentalbahn: through the Höllental valley in the Upper Black Forest, from Freiburg to Donaueschingen. A spectacular route through the Ravenna Gorge.

Traveling Through Europe with the D-Ticket

With the German ticket, you can travel to:

• Austria
• The Netherlands and Belgium
• Switzerland
• Poland
• France
• Denmark
• Luxembourg
• Czech Republic

Travel to the Netherlands with the D-ticket

On some routes operated by the Aachen Transport Association (AVV) and the Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR), you can travel to the Netherlands. Here is a selection:

• RE 13: Mönchengladbach – Viersen – Venlo
• RB 61: Rijne – Oldenzaal – Hengelo
• Bus Route 60: Kleve Bf – Millingen de Gelderse Poort
• Bus Route 91: Emmerich Bf – ‘s-Heerenberg Molenpoort
• Line 24 (ASEAG Aachen Tram and Energy Company): Aachen Bus Station − Preusweg − Kelmis
• Line 25 (ASEAG): Stolberg Mühlener Bahnhof – Vaals
• Line 27 (ASEAG): Herzogenrath – Kerkrade Eurode Park

Travel to Luxembourg with the D-ticket

From certain locations in Rhineland-Palatinate, you can cross the border into Luxembourg. You can do this by taking bus routes 410, 455, and 460. Note: Public transportation in Luxembourg is free for residents and travelers alike. The beautiful city of Luxembourg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. You can take a modern tram to the (free) “Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg” cable car for a stunning view of the city.

Travel to Austria with the D-ticket

With the Bavarian Regional Railway (BRB), among others, you can use the D-ticket to travel on the BRB to beautiful Salzburg and Kufstein in Austria. Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a beautiful historic center and traditional inns. You can also travel for free to Vils and Reutte as far as Griessen. The BRB’s RE5 takes you from Munich to Salzburg, and the ÖBB’s S3 takes you from Freilasing to Salzburg.

Travel to Switzerland with the D-ticket

You can travel from Baden-Württemberg to Switzerland using individual connections. The ticket is valid on SBB trains from Zell im Wiesental to Basel Bad (line S6). Basel is a wonderful city with many museums, galleries, and theaters. The medieval city center, featuring a^16th-century town hall, is a delightful place to stroll. Basel has several parks with lush greenery and colorful flowers. You can also use your ticket on DB regional trains from Weil am Rhein to Basel and from Erzingen to Trasadingen, Schaffhausen, and Thayngen. In Schaffhausen, you’ll find one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. Please note: on other cross-border lines, the ticket is valid only up to the German border.

Travel to Poland with the D-ticket

With the RB 23, you can travel from Züssow to Swinoujscie on your D-ticket along the Polish coast. Swinoujscie is located on the Polish part of the island of Usedom. The seaside resort has one of the longest beach promenades in Europe. The lighthouse, with its windmill-like sails, is a beautiful landmark on the coast. You cannot cross the border for free on trains operated by the VBB (the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association); you must purchase a ticket at the regular fare at the last stop within the VBB area.

Travel to France with the D-ticket

You can take the Alsace and Wine Route Express excursion trains operated by Vlexx GmbH from Mainz or Koblenz to Alsace in France. The train ride itself is well worth the trip, as it follows one of the most scenic rail routes, including the Middle Rhine Valley and the German Wine Route. The medieval town of Wissembourg is located right on the German-French border and features a historic old town. In addition to Wissembourg, your ticket also allows you to visit the border towns of Creutzwald and Carling.

Travel to Denmark with the D-ticket

You can even travel to Denmark on your €58 German ticket. You can take the train to Tøndern, about five kilometers from the German-Danish border, on the regional train from Niebüll (RB66) in North Frisia. In Denmark’s oldest city, you’ll find romantic Baroque-style houses. Tøndern was once an important port city. Just 5 kilometers from here lies the beautiful town of Møgeltønder with its thatched-roof houses.

Travel to the Czech Republic with the D-ticket

With the L7 line from Saxony to the Czech Republic, you can use your ticket to travel to Hrádek nad Nisou, located at the tri-border area of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. This will take you close to the Lusatian Mountains. The small town of Hrádek nad Nisou, situated on a riverbank, features a Gothic church and is the ideal starting point for hikes in the beautiful green surroundings.