Commuters and family tickets: Bahn makes monthly tickets for long-distance transport cheaper

Owners of monthly tickets for long-distance Deutsche Bahn can look forward to a price reduction. The company is reducing the prices for season tickets from October 21st. “The monthly ticket will then cost 25 percent less than before,” announces the responsible railway board member Michael Peterson. In this way, the railway continues to offer affordable mobility to customers who rely on daily long-distance journeys.

Another innovation can also save costs. The monthly tickets and the student season tickets are only offered without a subscription. The company explains that this gives passengers more flexibility. For example, you would no longer incur expenses for an unused subscription while on vacation. The most popular connections for long-distance commuters include trips between Munich and Ingolstadt or Augsburg as well as from Düsseldorf to Cologne and between Frankfurt and Mannheim.

Given the total number of passengers on long-distance transport, the price reduction only affects a relatively few passengers. Around 10,000 commuters use the monthly passes. All other customers have the consolation that railway boss Evelyn Palla suspended the usual price increases when the timetable changed in December. Ticket prices will remain stable until May 2027.

The railway is also reintroducing the family ticket, which was originally limited to the summer months. Up to five people can use it to travel back and forth throughout Germany for 99.99 euros. The one-way trip costs 59.99 euros. Seat reservation is included. The tickets can be booked permanently from October 26th for trips from November 1st.

However, the family ticket is subject to certain requirements. At least one adult aged 15 or over must travel with up to four children, or two adults with up to three children. There is also a train connection. A local transport route can be booked for an additional charge. “The ticket is subject to a quota,” is how the railway restricts the offer. This ensures that there are enough seats. The railway does not provide any more precise information about the number of family tickets available.

The digitalization of ticket sales continues to advance. From the timetable change on December 13th, the Flextickets will only be offered in the travel centers as personalized, digital tickets. Even if the classic ticket on thicker paper is no longer available: “If desired, the tickets can still be printed out,” assures the railway. Passengers do not need an email address or a smartphone. When you buy, you just give them their names.

The company is introducing further simplification when booking group travel. It will be possible to reserve the group savings price for two weeks free of charge and without obligation. The cancellation period will also be extended. Currently, group trips can be canceled up to seven days before departure; in the future, this will be possible up to the evening before the first day of validity of the tickets.