Expansion of the Deutschland-Ticket for school students

The “Deutschland-Ticket Schüler” initiative has expanded significantly in Germany. Many federal states now offer free or heavily subsidised public transport tickets for students. The aim is to promote sustainable mobility and reduce the financial burden on families.

Federal states offering the Deutschland-Ticket Schüler free of charge

Hamburg

Since September 2024, all students residing in Hamburg have been able to receive the Deutschland-Ticket free of charge,
allowing them to use public transport throughout Germany.
An application must be submitted for the digital ticket, and students aged 16 or older must provide proof of enrolment from their school.

Berlin

In Berlin, students receive the Schülerticket free of charge, which covers the Berlin AB fare zone.
Students who live in Berlin but attend school in the federal state of Brandenburg can also benefit from this ticket. (bvg.de)

Schleswig-Holstein

In some regions, such as Kreis Dithmarschen and Kreis Stormarn, students obtain the Deutschland-Ticket free of charge, regardless of the distance to their school. (de.wikipedia.org)

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

In districts such as Vorpommern-Greifswald and Vorpommern-Rügen, students are granted free public transport tickets, enabling them to use buses free of charge. (de.wikipedia.org)

Federal states offering a subsidised Deutschland-Ticket Schüler

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

Since August 2023, students in NRW can obtain the “Deutschland-Ticket Schule” for €29 per month.
For families entitled to school transport cost coverage, the contribution is reduced to €14 for the first child and €7 for the second child. (vrr.de)

Baden-Württemberg

The “D-Ticket JugendBW” is available to students and young people up to 21 years of age, as well as to trainees and volunteers up to 27 years of age, at a price of €365 per year (around €30.42 per month).
This ticket is valid throughout Germany. (vm.baden-wuerttemberg.de)

Bavaria

Since October 2023, students and trainees have been able to purchase the Deutschland-Ticket at a reduced price of €29 per month.
As of 2025, the price has increased to €38 per month. (de.wikipedia.org)

Challenges and regional disparities

Despite these initiatives, there are still considerable disparities between federal states and even within individual states.
For example, in Saxony-Anhalt, students in some districts receive the Deutschland-Ticket free of charge, whereas in other districts they must pay part of the cost or are not entitled to the ticket at all. (bild.de)

Conclusion

The expansion of the “Deutschland-Ticket Schüler” demonstrates a growing commitment by German federal states to providing students with affordable public transport.
However, the regional disparities highlight the need for greater coordination at national level to ensure equal opportunities for all students.

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