Deutsche Bahn launches free youth BahnCard 25 for summer travel

Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla announced a summer discount programme that will give a free BahnCard 25 to all children and teenagers aged 6‑18 in Germany. The digital card, normally €7.90, provides a 25 % discount on ICE, IC and EC fare classes for one year and will be available from mid‑June to the end of September without any subscription charge.

The promotion targets up to 15 million young people and is part of a broader effort that also includes a new family ticket – €99.99 for up to five travellers on domestic long‑distance routes, seats reserved, valid for trips within Germany. The railway aims to attract new customer groups, increase train occupancy and help families cope with rising flight and fuel costs.

Palla linked the fare reductions to a larger financial plan, saying the company’s recent “black‑zero” target – breaking even after a multi‑billion‑euro loss – is achievable through efficiency measures and the new revenue‑boosting offers.