Which deadlines rail travelers should know now

Timetable change in December

Updated on October 13, 2026, 7:03 p.m

The new long-distance timetable will apply from December 13th, but travelers can book train tickets for Christmas from October 14th. (archive image)
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Deutsche Bahn’s new long-distance timetable comes into force on December 13th. But important dates are already scheduled weeks in advance – from the start of advance sales to the comeback of the family ticket. What changes and when is the best time to book.

The countdown to the next major timetable change at Deutsche Bahn is running. From December 13th, new connections and timings will apply to long-distance transport. If you want to secure cheap tickets early, you should mark October 14th in your calendar: Advance sales for the new timetable start on this day, as Deutsche Bahn announces.

Good news for everyone who is watching their budget: prices for long-distance transport remain stable. Saver prices continue to start at 6.99 euros, the flex price does not change, and the BahnCard 25, 50 and 100 also cost the same as before.

Family ticket is celebrating a comeback – when can it be booked?

One of the most striking innovations concerns families: the DB family ticket will be permanently added to the range from October 26th. This means that up to five people can take a round trip through the whole of Germany on long-distance trains for 99.99 euros – seat reservation already included.

However, certain requirements apply: A maximum of two fellow travelers may be 15 years or older. Bookings for trips from November 1st are possible from October 26th. So if you want to travel with your family during the autumn holidays or around the turn of the year, you should save this date.

Commuters will save 25 percent on monthly tickets in the future

From October 21, 2026, the offer for commuters will change fundamentally. According to Deutsche Bahn, the prices for monthly tickets and student monthly tickets are falling by 25 percent. At the same time, the previous season ticket subscriptions will no longer apply. Instead, travelers should be able to purchase their monthly tickets flexibly and according to their needs.

The advantage of this model: There are no costs for an unused ticket during your vacation. If there is only a short period of time between the expiry of a monthly ticket and the start of your vacation, this can be bridged with a weekly ticket or a multi-trip ticket. Weekly tickets, student weekly tickets and multi-trip tickets remain available.

Group trips: New booking options already available

A lot has changed for travel groups of six or more people since October 1st. The Sparpreis Group can now also be reserved online free of charge or secured with a deposit – immediate full payment is no longer absolutely necessary.

In concrete terms, this means: The offer can be reserved for 14 days without obligation up to 60 days before the trip. A deposit of 6 euros per person and direction of travel is sufficient up to 30 days before departure. In addition, travelers will be able to independently adjust the number of people in their group online in the future.

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Youth BahnCard and last-minute bargains remain

Deutsche Bahn has extended two popular offers until December 2026: The free Youth BahnCard for everyone under 18 is retained. Likewise, the last minute savings prices from 6.99 euros, which are activated every weekend for the following week.

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So if you want to travel with the new timetable in December, you should keep an eye on the railway’s booking platform from October 14th – booking early usually ensures the best prices. (red)