Rail flat rate for 44 euros: What's the catch with the new offer
A cheap flat rate for train travel? That sounds great at first. Many of us have flat rates in our everyday lives, for example, for our cell phones or television. And a flat rate for train travel is also very popular – the Deutschlandticket . However, as is well known, this only applies to regional and local transport. So why not try it out for long-distance travel, thought Deutsche Bahn .
Under the slogan "44 hours for 44 euros," Deutsche Bahn is selling tickets in July that are designed to enable flexible and affordable travel. Starting June 30, 2025, tickets can be booked on the DB website or in the DB app. We answer the most important questions about the ticket and explain why the offer isn't attractive for everyone.
The ticket is a weekend ticket, so it can only be used from Friday from 6 p.m. to Sunday at 2 p.m.
In addition, the promotion is limited to July 2025: July 4-6, July 11-13, July 18-20, July 25-27.
During this period, the ticket can be used for any number of journeys; prior booking is not necessary.
What looks like a great offer at first glance, however, has a few catches and is therefore not necessarily worthwhile for all travelers.
- The ticket is officially called the 44-Hour Young Ticket, as it's only for people under 27 years of age—the first day of travel is the deciding factor. So, anyone turning 27 in July might be out of luck.
- Additionally, the ticket is only valid until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Anyone planning a weekend trip to a more distant destination will have to get back on the train fairly early to be home on time.
- The ticket is valid only for second class on long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC, RJ, RJX, TGV and ECE); it cannot be used on local and regional trains.
- Similar to DB's saver tickets, the 44-hour ticket cannot be changed or canceled. As with all train tickets, you only have the right to cancel it free of charge up to three hours after purchase.
The railway is currently trying to attract more passengers to the trains with special offers.
Source: IMAGO/Daniel Kubirski
The 44-hour ticket can still be an attractive option for young travelers. With a little advance planning, it allows for relatively inexpensive and hassle-free travel through Germany. If you also have a Deutschlandticket, you can easily hop on any train or tram in Germany for almost an entire weekend – without worrying about tickets.
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
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