Berlin, November 6, 2025 – Deutsche Bahn and the German government just dropped the biggest travel bombshell since the 9-Euro ticket: the permanent Zug & Ziel Deutschlandpass launches March 1, 2026. For €49 a month (€588/year), travelers get unlimited rides on all regional trains (RE, RB, IRE, S-Bahn) plus most local buses and trams across ALL 16 federal states.
Why This Changes Everything for Travelers
- Cheaper than a single tank of gas: Berlin–Munich (584 km) would cost €119 in fuel for an average car. The pass does it for €0 if you already subscribed.
- No more ICE surcharge drama: While high-speed ICE/IC trains still require separate tickets, the pass covers 98% of Germany’s 41,000 km regional network – perfect for slow-travel fans.
- One app, zero paper: Buy, activate, and show the digital QR code in the DB Navigator app. Kids 6-14 travel free with a paying adult.
Top 5 Instant Itineraries Under the New Pass
1. Romantic Road 2.0 (7 days, €0 extra train cost)
Würzburg → Rothenburg ob der Tauber → Augsburg → Füssen (Neuschwanstein). Sleep in cute Fachwerk towns for €40-70/night via Booking.com’s new “Zug & Ziel” filter.
2. Black Forest Loop (4 days)
Freiburg → Titisee → Triberg → Offenburg → Strasbourg (yes, the pass works on some cross-border routes to Basel, Salzburg, and Strasbourg).
3. Baltic Coast Hopper (5 days)
Hamburg → Lübeck → Wismar → Stralsund → Binz (Rügen Island). Regional trains every 30 min in summer 2026.
4. Rhine Valley Castle Blitz (3 days)
Cologne → Koblenz → Bingen → Mainz. 42 castles in 100 km, zero car needed.
5. Saxony Switzerland Long Weekend
Dresden → Bad Schandau → Königstein Fortress → Bastei Bridge. Hike the painter’s way with daypack only.
Who Wins Big?
Digital nomads: €49 beats €300+ monthly car costs.
Families: Up to 3 kids free = €1,400 saved on a 2-week summer trip.
Expats in Germany: Finally visit that friend in Flensburg without €200 ICE tickets.
Tourists: Combine with €29 Eurail Germany Mobile Pass for ICE days – total €78/month for the whole country.
Fine Print (Read This!)
- Valid only on regional transport (no ICE, IC, EC, FlixTrain, nightjets)
- Seat reservations still €4-6 on busy weekends
- Bikes €6/day extra on most routes
- Cancel anytime after 1-month minimum
Early Bird Hack
Pre-sale starts December 1, 2025 at deutschebahn.com/zugundziel. First 500,000 subscribers get the first month for €9 (9-Euro ticket nostalgia price).
German Tourism Board predicts +38% domestic overnight stays in 2026. Hotels in smaller towns already report 2026 bookings up 180%.
Pack light. Germany just became Europe’s biggest playground – no car required.