I know there have been many posts and questions, but please allow me to ask specific to my situation. I live in the US. I leave the US on 9/2, arriving in Frankfurt on 9/3. I definitely want to purchase the D-Ticket and travel using it in the month of September. Exactly when do I purchase it? Do I do it this summer and then cancel it after I get to Germany, or do I have to wait until Sept. 1 to purchase, which would mean I would have to remember to purchase it on the last, crazy day before my trip? And when would I cancel it, in the next day or two after arrival in Germany? And which has been the best app to use to purchase and which to cancel it? I know there was a lot of discussion about this, but the info I have found is from at least 7 months ago. Please give this older lady some specific, current, step-by-step answers, and please be kind. I have an iPhone 12Pro, if that make any difference. Thanks.
Posted by
Berlin
3008 posts
Until which date do you plan to use the Deutschland ticket?
Basic faq about Deutschland-Ticket by Deutsche Bahn, read esp. cancellation period info.
You can book the ticket via various apps, e. g. BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich), HVV (Hamburg).
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
...arriving in Frankfurt on 9/3
Lots of good questions. One question for you first... are you aware that the D-Ticket excludes travel on all long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC, etc.?) Most train travelers will need to use these trains at some point and will need additional tickets for them. Such tickets should be bought ASAP for the best fares. How many of those tickets you might need depends on your specific train journeys (which we do not know.)
Posted by
Australia
1072 posts
This is how the Man in Seat 61 recommends buying and using a Deutschland ticket:
How to buy a Deutschland ticket:
Don't bother trying to use the German Railways (DB) website www.bahn.com to buy a Deutschland ticket as it only accepts payment by direct debit and setting up a direct debit with a non-German bank account results in an error message. #fail!
The easiest way for foreign visitors to buy a Deutschland ticket is to buy from Bremen area transit authority VBN using their FahrPlaner app because (a) it accepts payment by credit card, (b) it's in English, and (c) it has no problem with overseas users, overseas addresses or UK postcodes. #result!
Step 1, download the FahrPlaner app for iPhone or MFahrPlaner app for Android (please let me know if those links stop working).
Step 2, the app should open in English. Click the menu icon top left and go to Tickets. Then select Deutschlandticket.
Step 3, click the red PROCEED TO LOGIN button at the bottom. Then click Sign up for free and register, it lists most countries including United Kingdom and United States and has no problem with UK postcodes.
Step 4, select Credit Card and buy your Deutschland ticket.
This is a rolling subscription which you can cancel at any time.
You show the Deutschland Ticket as a QR code in the app on your phone. Easy!
If you only want one Deutschland ticket for one month, buy it before the 10th of the month then cancel your subscription also before the 10th of the month. That prevents payment being taken for the following month.
To cancel the subscription, you must open the order confirmation email they sent you when you bought it and click on the cancellation link. You cannot cancel your subscription from the app.
Posted by
OP
Castle Rock, Colorado
185 posts
Thanks, Russ. I am aware of the restrictions on which trains I can use. I plan to use it from arrival on 9/3 to leaving Germany on 9/14. I'm just not clear on when I can buy it and when and how to cancel it. I apologize if I am asking too many specific questions, but it seems quite confusing to me and I want to be sure to do it right so it works how I think it will.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
Posted by
Berlin
3008 posts
" specific, current, step-by-step answers"
Joy, just open the provided links and you will find specific answers covering your case. Also step-by-step guides you will find there.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
680 posts
Buy it on 9/1. Make sure it is for September.
Also on 9/1, cancel your subscription for October using the provided email link.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8886 posts
the MVV app is the least confusing. I guarantee this is straightforward
1. Download the MVV app.
2. Open an account. I think I did this on MVV website.
3. Any time about Mid August you can but your D ticket for September
4. It will show up as a QR code on the app.
5. You will receive an email from MVV confirming your purchase and including a link to cancel subscription.
6. Wait 5 minutes. Follow link and cancel subscription effective Oct 1st.