December 1, 2025, 3:48 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Anyone caught without a ticket during a train ticket inspection risks a hefty fine. However, what many don’t know is that if you have a ticket but it’s not readily available, you can save a lot of money—if you act quickly.
Whether the paper ticket was left at home, the smartphone battery is dead, or the app won’t load the ticket—without a valid ticket, passengers are considered “without a ticket” under the Railway Traffic Regulations (EVO). In this case, a so-called increased fare is due. This is double the fare and is at least 60 euros. However, if you can prove within a certain period that you actually had a valid ticket at the time of the inspection—such as the Deutschlandticket—you only have to pay a processing fee.
Observe Deadlines and Conditions
According to the EVO, the processing fee is only seven euros. Important: Proof must be provided within one week. Some transport companies, according to the portal “Heise online,” are lenient and even allow up to 14 days. This includes Deutsche Bahn, among others.
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The ticket must be issued in the passenger’s name and presented to the transport company within the specified period. If this deadline—marked on the payment receipt—passes unused, a subsequent proof will no longer be accepted. This is pointed out by the Federation of German Consumer Organizations.
Technical Issues Are No Excuse
Those who rely on a digital ticket are responsible for its functionality. A dead phone battery or a technical glitch does not exempt you from the obligation to present a valid ticket.
According to the terms of carriage of many transport companies: “Passengers must check before departure whether the ticket can be displayed on the smartphone.” This means: Only those who ensure their digital ticket is accessible before departure are on the safe side.
With material from dpa