BahnCard
The BahnCard is a discount card, not a ticket
A BahnCard takes a percentage off fares you still have to buy. It is aimed at people who travel in Germany repeatedly over a year — which is why it rarely suits a two-week visit, and often suits anyone spending a season here.
Two details catch people out: the card runs for twelve months and renews automatically, and you must give notice before it does.
BahnCard 25
25% off Flex, Saver and Super Saver fares
€62.90
second class, 12 months
€125.00
first class, 12 months
12 months, cancel up to 4 weeks before it renews
- Discount applies to advance-purchase fares too, which is what makes it pay off quickly
- A 3-month trial card is sold separately at a lower price
BahnCard 50
50% off Flex fares, 25% off Saver fares
€244.00
second class, 12 months
€492.00
first class, 12 months
12 months, cancel up to 4 weeks before it renews
- Worth it mainly for travellers who book late and pay full Flex fares
- Reduced versions exist for over-65s and for people with a disability pass
BahnCard 100
Unlimited travel on the whole DB network
€4,899.00
second class, 12 months
€7,999.00
first class, 12 months
12 months
- The Deutschlandticket is included at no extra cost, so local buses and trams are covered too
- Under 27s pay less with My BahnCard 100: 3,199 € second class, 5,999 € first class
- Not valid on FlixTrain
When each one breaks even
A BahnCard 25 at €62.90 pays for itself once you have saved that much at 25% — roughly €252 of fares over the year. On typical long-distance journeys that is a handful of trips.
A BahnCard 50 at €244.00 only reaches 50% on flexible fares; on advance-purchase Sparpreis tickets it gives 25%, the same as the far cheaper card. It suits people who book late and need the flexible fare.
A BahnCard 100 replaces tickets entirely and includes the Deutschlandticket. It is a commuter and business-traveller product.
Things to check before buying
- It renews automatically. Cancel in time if you only want one year.
- Trial cards exist at a lower price with a shorter term — check the current offer.
- Reduced prices apply for over-65s, students under 27 and holders of a disability pass.
- The discount applies to DB fares, not to FlixTrain or foreign operators.
- From mid-2026 the card is issued digitally only, in the DB Navigator app.
For a single visit, compare it against the German Rail Pass in the comparison tool.
Source: Deutsche Bahn — BahnCard price pages. Checked on 4 September 2026.