German Train Journey Planning
Visualization of modern train travel planning with ICE and digital tools.
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Transkript für Barrierefreiheit:
You see an ICE high-speed train arriving at a modern station.
The scene illustrates the efficiency and comfort of German rail transport.
Plan your journey early for the best connection options.
Saver Fare: Best of Both Worlds
The Saver Fare (Sparpreis) is the sweet spot between the cheapest Super Saver and the fully flexible Flex fare. Starting at affordable, you get significantly lower prices than Flex fares, while keeping the option to cancel or change your booking for a €10 fee.
affordable
Starting price
€10
Cancellation fee
180 days
Advance booking
Saver Fare at a Glance
- 180-day advance booking - use the full timetable availability
- €10 cancellation fee - unlike Super Saver, you can get your money back
- 20-minute rule - train binding lifted if delay exceeds 20 minutes
- BahnCard discount - get 25% or 50% off with your BahnCard
Ticket Type Comparison
| Feature | Super Saver | Saver Fare | Flex Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | at low prices | at affordable prices | from €60+ |
| Flexibility | Low | Medium | High |
| Cancellation | Not possible | €10 fee | Free |
| Changes | Not possible | €10 fee + price difference | Free |
| Train binding | Yes, strict | Yes | No (free choice) |
| Ideal for | Fixed dates, planned travel | Planned travel with buffer | Spontaneous, full flexibility |
Tips for Finding Saver Fare Prices
Book 2-4 weeks ahead
Saver Fares are released when booking opens. Book early for the best availability and lowest prices.
Use the price calendar
The DB price calendar shows the cheapest days at a glance. Great for finding Saver Fare availability.
Travel off-peak
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays typically have better Saver Fare availability than Fridays and Sundays.
Consider transfer times
Build in at least 15-20 minutes for connections at major stations like Frankfurt or Cologne.
Use live tracking
Monitor your train in real-time to react quickly if delays exceed 20 minutes (train binding lifted).
Check seat availability
The DB app shows train occupancy. Choose less crowded trains for a more comfortable journey.
Best Times to Travel
Train occupancy varies significantly by day and time. Here are our recommendations for a relaxed journey:
Quiet Times
- - Tuesday through Thursday
- - Late morning (10am-12pm)
- - Early afternoon (1-3pm)
- - Outside school holidays
Peak Times
- - Friday afternoon & Sunday evening
- - Rush hour (6-9am)
- - Holidays and school breaks
- - Major events and trade fairs
The 20-Minute Rule
Important for all Saver Fare travelers: If your train expects a delay of 20 minutes or more at your destination, you may immediately switch to other trains. The original train binding is automatically lifted in this case.
BahnCard Benefits
With a BahnCard, you receive additional benefits like the City-Ticket, which covers local transport to and from the station - regardless of which ticket type you choose. BahnCard 25 saves 25% on Saver Fares.
When to Choose Saver Fare?
Choose Super Saver when...
- - Your travel date/time is 100% fixed
- - Price is your top priority
- - You don't need cancellation option
- - You can book well ahead
Choose Saver Fare when...
- - You want some flexibility
- - Plans might change slightly
- - You want cancellation option (€10)
- - Best balance price/flexibility
Choose Flex Fare when...
- - Your schedule is uncertain
- - You need full flexibility
- - You want any train, any time
- - Business / last minute travel
How to Book Saver Fare Tickets
Check your dates
Is your travel time fixed or do you need room for changes?
Choose your fare
Select Saver Fare if you want the option to cancel or change.
Use live data
Monitor your journey via app to react to any delays.
Saver Fare: Key Benefits
Cancellation possible
Unlike Super Saver, you can cancel your Saver Fare ticket for a €10 fee and get the rest refunded as a voucher.
Changes allowed
Need to switch trains? With Saver Fare you can change your booking for €10 plus any price difference to the new ticket.
Notice: All information is provided without guarantee. Schedules and availability may change at any time. For current and binding information, please visit the official provider websites. This website is not affiliated with Deutsche Bahn AG or other railway companies.
Last update: December 2025
Sources & More Information:
- Deutsche Bahn – Official Deutsche Bahn website
- DB Navigator – Official DB Navigator App
- DB Ticket Overview – Official fare information