Transportation

DB Navigator (App).

The DB Navigator app is a mobile application provided by Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German railway company, and is a MUST DOWNLOAD when you first land in Germany. It serves as a comprehensive tool for travellers using Germany's extensive train system and other public transport services.

Here are the main features of the DB Navigator app:

• Real-time Timetable Information:

  • The app provides up-to-date schedules for trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation. You can check real-time departures and arrivals for trains, with details such as platform numbers, delays, and cancellations.

• Route Planning:

  • You can plan your journeys from one station to another. The app offers route options using trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation. It will suggest the fastest or most convenient routes, factoring in connections and any delays.

• Ticket Booking:

  • The app allows you to purchase tickets directly through your smartphone. It supports various ticket types, including single journeys, return tickets, and season passes. Tickets are stored in the app, eliminating the need for paper tickets.

  • You can pay for your tickets by using any credit card information, as well as Apple- and Google Pay. This eliminates the need for a German bank account.

• Ticket Validation:

  • The app enables digital ticket validation, which means you can simply show your phone during ticket inspection instead of having a paper ticket.

Deutschland-Ticket (D-Ticket).

The Deutschland-ticket is a nationwide public transportation pass introduced in Germany to offer affordable and unlimited travel on local and regional transport. It was introduced as a part of the government's efforts to make public transport more accessible and encourage more sustainable travel.

Here is what you should know:

• Valid Nationwide:

  • t’s not limited to a specific city or region. The Deutschlandticket can be used on public transportation networks throughout Germany.

• Unlimited Travel:

  • The Deutschlandticket allows for unlimited travel on all local and regional public transportation across Germany, including trains, trams, buses, and metro systems (within the regions covered by the ticket). This means you can use it for unlimited journeys on the local transportation networks of major cities as well as on regional trains (such as RE, RB, and S-Bahn).

  • NOTE - You cannot use the Deutschland-ticket for Fernverkehr, meaning you need to buy a separate ticket if you want to use ICE or IC trains.

• Cost:

  • The ticket is priced at €58 per month. (As of January 2025)

  • NOTE - The Deutschland-ticket is only available as a subscription service.

• Exclusions:

  • Due to the Deutschland-ticket being offered on subscription, only those who have completed their Anmeldung may subscribe to the ticket.

Deutschland Ticket For Students:

Students are entitled to a discounted price on the Deutschland-ticket.

Where non-students will pay the full €58, students pay €38.

• NOTE - Some universities include the discounted price on the Deutschland-ticket, as part of their Semester fee.

  • This means that if your university does this, you will have a valid Deutschland-ticket for as long as you are registered at your university.