Deutsche Bahn launches 99-euro family ticket for summer 2026

Deutsche Bahn has launched a new discount scheme to make long-distance train travel more affordable for families this summer.

Deutsche Bahn launches family discount

With air travel becoming increasingly unaffordable, Deutsche Bahn is seizing the opportunity to attract more people to long-distance train travel. 

Germany’s national rail company recently froze ticket prices until May 2027 and announced a discount scheme for short-notice ICE and IC bookings. Families are set to benefit from their latest announcement.

Between late June and mid-September, groups of up to five people can book long-distance train tickets for 99,99 euros, seat reservations included. At least one member of the group must be a child to purchase the “family ticket” (Familienticket).

"We are making a special offer to all families who are looking ahead to the approaching summer holidays with uncertainty in the current crisis," CEO Evelyn Palla said, according to a Tagesschau report.

How to book a Deutsche Bahn Familienticket

Travellers will be able to purchase a Familienticket on the Deutsche Bahn website starting mid-June, though an exact date has not yet been specified.

Because at least one child needs to be travelling in the group for passengers to be eligible for the ticket, the Familienticket option will only appear in the Deutsche Bahn journey search if passengers tick that they are travelling with children.

Remember, the ticket is valid for journeys across the German federal states and beyond. In recent years, Deutsche Bahn has been expanding its cross-border services, so now might be an excellent opportunity to explore Europe.

The rail company has recently launched 17 new services to Poland, plus connections to Copenhagen and Paris.