Deutsche Bahn launches new family ticket for summer travel

Deutsche Bahn's latest ticket offer is aimed at making train travel more affordable for families. 

During the summer holiday weeks across German states – from late June to mid-September – up to five people can travel to and from their holiday destination on long-distance trains for €99.99. At least one child must be travelling in the group. 

While unveiling the ticket on Tuesday, Deutsche Bahn (DB) said seat reservations are included in the price. The offer will be available for booking from mid-June.

The new ticket is being introduced in response to rising gas prices, and disruption to air travel due to conflict in the Middle East.

"Family summer holidays must not be ruined," said DB CEO Evelyn Palla. "Germany needs stability and security right now."

Palla noted that nobody knows at this stage how petrol and airfares will develop.

"We are making a special offer to all families who are looking ahead to the approaching summer holidays with uncertainty in the current crisis," she added. 

READ ALSO: Deutsche Bahn offers discounted tickets for last-minute travel

By way of comparison, DB calculated that a journey by car from Hamburg to Munich currently costs over €200, which is more than twice as much as the family holiday flat rate.

How will the ticket work?

Some details still remain unclear but here's what we know so far.

The Familienticket or family ticket will be valid for journeys across Germany regardless of the distance, but not for trips to other European countries.

It will automatically appear in the search results on the Deutsche Bahn website when a user is looking for journeys with children. 

On Deutsche Bahn trains, children under six generally travel free of charge and do not need to be listed on the ticket. For children up to and including 14 years of age, long-distance travel is free when accompanied by an adult aged 15 or over, but they must be specified in the ticket. 

READ ALSO: 10 tips for travelling with kids in Germany

A word of caution for anyone else considering purchasing the ticket as a budget option: a DB spokesperson told German media that it is a prerequisite for at least one child to travel with the group.

The company plans to provide further details on the offer in June before sales begin. 

Across Germany, the summer break period differs between the 16 states. 

Vacation in some states like Hesse starts on June 29th, while holidays begin in Berlin and Hamburg on July 9th. In Bavaria, the break doesn't begin until August 3rd. 

READ ALSO: When do schools across Germany start summer holidays?