Bicycle Transport
Bicycle transport on public transit in Germany is regulated regionally — free in many transit associations, but extra tickets required in others.
What Are the Rules for Bicycle Transport with the Deutschlandticket?
Bicycle transport on local public transit in Germany is not uniformly regulated. Each transit association decides independently whether and under what conditions bicycles can be taken on buses, trams, subways, S-Bahns, and regional trains. The Deutschlandticket itself does not include a general right to free bicycle transport.
Regulations by Transit Association
| Transit Association | Bicycle Free? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| VBB (Berlin-Brandenburg) | Yes | On S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram; not on buses |
| MVV (Munich) | Yes | On S-Bahn and U-Bahn; not on buses |
| RMV (Rhine-Main) | Yes | On S-Bahn, regional trains; not on buses |
| VRS (Cologne) | Yes | On all trains; limited on buses |
| GVH (Hanover) | Yes | On S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram; not on buses |
| HVV (Hamburg) | Yes | On S-Bahn and U-Bahn; not on buses |
| VRR (Ruhr Area) | No | Additional ticket required (~€2–3) |
| Stuttgart Area | Partial | S-Bahn yes, buses no |
Tip: Check local regulations before each trip with a bicycle. The VBB website and DB bicycle page offer current overviews.
Bicycle on Regional Trains (RE, RB)
On regional trains (RE and RB) — which are covered by the Deutschlandticket — bicycle transport is generally possible, but with restrictions:
- Bicycle spaces are limited — usually 2–6 spaces per train
- Peak hours — During rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM), bicycle spaces are often occupied
- Reservation — Recommended in some regions, but not universally available
- Cost — Depending on the transit association, free or with an additional ticket (€2–6)
E-Bikes and E-Scooters
E-bikes fall under the same bicycle transport rules as regular bicycles. E-scooters (standing electric scooters) are generally not allowed on public transit — they are not classified as bicycles under transport regulations.
With TicketPlus+ vouchers, you can use e-scooters and e-bikes at your destination — without needing to bring them on the train. This is often the more practical solution for the last mile.
Summary
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Bicycle on S-Bahn/U-Bahn | Check local association rules — usually free outside rush hour |
| Bicycle on regional train | Buy a bicycle ticket for the association (€2–6) |
| E-scooter at destination | Use TicketPlus+ vouchers (MILES, Bolt, TIER, dott) |
| Daily commuter with bicycle | Combine bicycle annual pass + Deutschlandticket |
| E-bike leasing via employer | Use Jobauto+ e-bike leasing |
