The cheapest way for students to travel is the Germany semester ticket, if your university offers it. It costs 37.80 euros a month in 2026, which is 226.80 euros per semester (Studierendenwerke). The regular Germany Ticket costs 63 euros a month (as of October 2026). Bicycles and car sharing complement the ticket for trips that buses and trains do not cover.
Key points at a glance
- The Germany semester ticket costs 37.80 euros a month in 2026 (226.80 euros per semester), the Germany Ticket 63 euros a month.
- For 2027, 40.08 euros (semester ticket) and 66.80 euros (Germany Ticket) per month have been agreed.
- Whether you get a semester ticket depends on your university: you only get it where it is offered.
- A used bicycle and car sharing complement local transport for trips that buses and trains do not cover.
What does the semester ticket cost, and what does the Germany Ticket cost?
Both tickets are valid nationwide on local transport. The semester ticket is linked to the Germany Ticket and costs 60% of the regular price. It is only available to students whose university takes part.
| Ticket | Price 2026 (monthly) | Price 2027 (monthly, agreed) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany Ticket | 63 euros | 66.80 euros |
| Germany semester ticket | 37.80 euros (226.80 euros per semester) | 40.08 euros |
Example (assumption: the semester ticket applies in both semesters, together twelve months): two semesters cost 2 × 226.80 euros = 453.60 euros. The regular Germany Ticket costs 12 × 63 euros = 756 euros over twelve months. The difference is 302.40 euros.
The prices for 2027 were set by the coordinating council of federal and state governments on 30 September 2026 and apply from 1 January 2027. The Studierendenwerke are calling for the price of the semester ticket to be decoupled from the standard price. So far this has not been implemented.
How do I get the semester ticket?
The semester ticket is usually part of the semester fee and is paid when you re-register. The fee is made up of contributions for the student body, the Studierendenwerk and, where applicable, the semester ticket. It differs from university to university. Whether and how you receive the ticket is set out in the fee regulations and on the website of the AStA or student body of your university. If you need a regular Germany Ticket, for example because your university does not offer a semester ticket, the conditions are available from the transport operator.
Is the Germany Ticket worth it for students without a semester ticket?
That depends on how often you travel. If you commute daily or travel home regularly by local transport, 63 euros a month is often good value. Add up the journeys you make in a month and compare them with the ticket price. For long-distance trips, different fares apply. More on this is in the article on travelling on a small budget (in German).
Is there a rail card for students?
For long-distance travel, Deutsche Bahn offers BahnCards and saver fares. Whether a BahnCard pays off depends on how often you travel: calculate the long-distance journeys of a year with and without the card. Current prices and conditions, including possible discounts for young people, are published on bahn.de.
How can a bicycle save money?
If you make many short trips in your university town, a bicycle saves you ticket costs. A used bike is usually the cheaper option. Check the frame, brakes, gears and lights, ask to see the frame number, and do not buy offers that sound too good to be true. More tips on buying second-hand are in the article on buying smart second-hand (in German). Always secure the bike with a good lock.
Is car sharing worth it as a student?
Car sharing is worth it for rare, larger trips, for example when moving house or transporting furniture. If you only need a car now and then, you avoid the fixed costs of your own car. Compare the providers in your city: basic fee, price per hour and per kilometre, insurance and excess. Also check whether there are cars available near you at all.
How do I plan mobility within my budget?
Travel costs are a fixed item, just like rent and food. Start with your everyday routine: semester ticket or Germany Ticket, plus occasional long-distance trips or car sharing. More ways to save on household costs are collected in the household cost guide (in German). The article on benefits for students (in German) shows which discounts you may also be entitled to.
Frequently asked questions
What does the semester ticket cost in 2026?
The Germany semester ticket costs 37.80 euros a month in 2026, which is 226.80 euros per semester. You only get it where the university or student body offers it. For 2027, 40.08 euros a month has been agreed.
How much does the Germany Ticket cost for students?
The regular Germany Ticket costs 63 euros a month. From 1 January 2027 it will be 66.80 euros. If you get a Germany semester ticket, you pay 60% of that price. Check first whether your university offers it.
Is a used bicycle worth it?
For short trips in a university town, yes. A used bike is cheaper than a new one. Pay attention to condition, lights and brakes, and ask for the purchase to be confirmed in writing.
Is car sharing worth it for students?
For occasional trips, yes, especially if you do not own a car. Compare the basic fee and the hourly and kilometre rates. If you travel often, compare the monthly costs with the costs of a ticket and a bicycle.
What to do now
- Check whether your university offers a Germany semester ticket and what it costs.
- If not, compare the Germany Ticket with the trips you actually make per month.
- Plan journeys home and long-distance trips early and compare train and bus offers.
- Decide whether a used bicycle or car sharing fits your everyday life.
Related guides
- Travelling cheaply as a student: tips for wanderlust on a small budget (in German)
- Second-hand instead of new: saving smartly during your studies (in German)
- Budget planning during your studies: a monthly budget in three steps (in German)
- Building wealth during your studies: how to start with small amounts (in German)
- Broadcasting fee for students: exemption, halls of residence and shared flats (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
