Which discounts is Deutsche Bahn offering for summer 2026?

Another energy crisis, skyrocketing airline prices, and a series of train discounts mean long-distance train travel is becoming a more affordable and appealing option for holidaymakers. If you live in Germany, which discounts are available in summer 2026?

Deutsche Bahn responds to another energy crisis

In 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices, and consequently, the cost of living, soaring. Among other measures, the SPD-Greens-FDP German government and Deutsche Bahn attempted to cushion the financial blow for residents by introducing the 9-euro ticket and then the Deutschlandticket.

In 2026, the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Lebanon have sparked another energy crisis. The CDU/CSU-SPD German government has reduced its aviation tax (Luftverkehrsabgabe), but the tax cut for airlines is unlikely to make tickets cheaper for passengers. 

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn is trying to get more people on its trains this summer. “The top priority is to keep running, keep running, keep running,” CEO Evelyn Palla said in April. “[A]nd ensure that people in Germany can continue to afford to travel. The railways are a source of stability in uncertain times”.

To keep train travel affordable, the national rail provider has announced a series of discount schemes. Here’s an overview of which Deutsche Bahn discounts are available for summer 2026:

1. The 99-euro family ticket

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

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.

2. Discounted tickets on a Saturday and Sunday

In early May, Deutsche Bahn launched a new last-minute offer scheme for long-distance train tickets. Every Saturday and Sunday, the rail company heavily discounts long-distance train tickets for services running the following week.

Long-distance train tickets for the following week are available for as little as 6,99 euros per person, and passengers with a BahnCard are eligible for an additional discount.

3. Flexpreis Young for under 27s

Deutsche Bahn has three ticket categories: Super Sparpreis, Sparpreis and Flexpreis. Passengers who purchase Super Sparpreis tickets cannot get a refund if they cancel their journey, and those with a Sparpreis ticket can cancel up to one day before the journey to receive a 10-euro refund and a voucher for the remaining cost.

Passengers with a Flexpreis ticket can take any train on the booked travel day, cancel up to one day before and receive a full refund, and use public transport for free at either end of their journey.

Between April 1 and July 31, young people under the age of 27 will get 20 percent off Deutsche Bahn’s Flexpreis tickets. 

4. BahnCard25 free for young people

Another discount for young people. From mid-June until September, all six to 18-year-olds will be able to get a BahnCard25 for free. The BahnCard25 entitles the holder to 25 percent off long-distance train tickets. A subscription usually costs 7,90 euros per month.

Since children aged between six and 14 can generally travel for free on Deutsche Bahn, it is mainly those aged 15 to 18 who will benefit from the free Jugend BahnCard25 scheme. You can sign up on the Deutsche Bahn website.

5. The good old Deutschlandticket

Nothing facilitates some spontaneous summer holiday adventures like the good old Deutschlandticket. The Deutschlandticket allows anyone registered at an address in Germany to use unlimited public and regional transport for just 63 euros per month.

You could go and explore the next town, the next Bundeshauptstadt or go the whole hog and get a Deutsche Bahn train which terminates in Poland, France, Denmark, Switzerland, or another of Germany’s neighbouring countries.