Can I use Deutschland Ticket on regional trains
Yes, the Deutschland Ticket covers regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) nationwide. Here is exactly what is included and where you need an extra ticket.
Yes — you can use the Deutschland Ticket on regional trains throughout Germany. The 49-euro monthly subscription is built around local and regional public transport, and that is exactly where it saves the most money. The short answer is yes; the useful answer is which trains, and where the ticket stops working.
Which trains the Deutschland Ticket covers
The ticket is valid on all local and regional services operated by DB and other carriers, in every federal state. That includes:
- RE (Regional-Express) — faster regional trains between cities.
- RB (Regionalbahn) — slower regional trains stopping at every station.
- S-Bahn — suburban commuter trains in and around major cities.
- U-Bahn and trams (Straßenbahn) — city underground and street networks.
- Buses — local city buses and many regional bus routes.
Where the Deutschland Ticket does NOT work
The ticket is not valid on long-distance trains. You cannot use it on:
- ICE (InterCity Express) — high-speed trains.
- IC (InterCity) and EC (EuroCity) — long-distance express trains.
- Some long-distance buses run by private operators.
- Tourist or heritage railways that charge a separate fare.
If you want to travel long-distance, buy a separate DB ticket or use the Deutschland Ticket for the regional legs and a single long-distance ticket only for the ICE part.
Deutschland Ticket vs other options at a glance
| Feature | Deutschland Ticket | ICE / IC ticket | Single regional ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €49 / month | Per journey (€10–€150+) | Per journey (€5–€30) |
| Regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) | Included nationwide | Included if route matches | Included for one trip |
| Long-distance (ICE, IC, EC) | Not included | Included | Not included |
| U-Bahn, trams, buses | Included | Not included | Sometimes included |
| Seat reservations | Not available | Optional extra | Not available |
| Best for | Daily commuters & regular regional travel | Fast city-to-city trips | One-off short journeys |
Using the ticket on regional trains in practice
- You do not need to buy a separate ticket — the Deutschland Ticket (digital or physical) is your proof.
- There is no seat reservation on regional trains, so travel outside rush hour when you can.
- You can break your journey as often as you like on regional services within Germany.
- Some cross-border regional trains (e.g. into Austria or Poland) allow the ticket up to the last German station — check the route before boarding.
How to subscribe and cancel
Buy the Deutschland Ticket through your local transport association (Verkehrsverbund), the DB Navigator app, or most city transport apps. It is a monthly subscription you can cancel at any time before the first of the next month — there is no long contract. For everyday savings beyond transit, see how the German Pfand system works and get your bottle deposits back.