If you are travelling by train to visit family or friends at Christmas, you can already book your journey: advance sales for the new DB long-distance timetable opened on 14 October 2026, and it takes effect on 13 December. Both outward and return Christmas journeys therefore fall under the new timetable.
Before buying, it is worth checking both directions in full: travel date, stations, connections, fare and seats. The following practical information is correct as of 8 November 2026.
1. Look up outward and return journeys separately
Search for both journeys using the actual dates. Check departure and arrival stations, train numbers, changes and total journey time. Even if you know your usual connection, compare its stops and times afresh. For the return journey, include the final leg from the station to your home in your planning.
The published annual timetable confirms when the new service pattern starts. To find out which connections run on your chosen date over Christmas, use the journey planner for that specific date. An announced additional service is only useful if it suits your travel date and destination. Specific route changes cannot be inferred from the general timetable change.
2. Plan changes with luggage in mind
Compare the suggested connections by the number and duration of changes too. With presents, a pushchair or reduced mobility, allow more time to make your way through the station between trains. A slightly longer journey with fewer changes is often the more comfortable choice.
On bahn.de, you can set your preferred “transfer time” in the connection search; in DB Navigator, this setting is under “Options”. Then open the individual journey legs and check for notices about replacement transport or changes to stops. For local connecting buses, also check the public holiday timetable of the relevant transport operator.
3. Check the entire journey
Before paying, check which legs your ticket actually covers. According to EU consumer information, passengers must be told before purchase whether they are buying a through-ticket. This is crucial for your rights if you miss a connection.
Combining a Deutschlandticket with a separately booked ICE or IC requires particular care. According to DB, if the local train you use with your Deutschlandticket is delayed and you miss your booked long-distance train as a result, the requirement to use that specific train still applies. The two tickets have separate passenger rights. You should therefore also compare the option of a through-ticket that includes the connecting train; if booking separately, it is sensible to allow a generous time buffer.
4. Check fares and seats separately
Before completing your booking, read the conditions on train-specific restrictions, exchanges and cancellations for both directions. Also check travel dates, names, discounts and the number of people travelling.
Check explicitly whether seats are included or have been added to the booking. For example, a second-class Flexpreis fare does not include a reservation. You can also book a reservation later. Check the date, train, route and seats on your confirmation — for every reserved leg where you change trains, and for the return journey too.
5. Keep track of changes until departure
Enable notifications for both journeys in DB Navigator. According to DB, these provide information about timetable changes from 14 days before travel. Also look up your connection again before departure, even if you have not received a notification. Pay particular attention to the departure time, station, platform and connections.
At a glance
Search for each travel date separately, allow enough time for changes and check which parts of the journey your ticket covers. Then check fare conditions and reservations. Enable notifications for both outward and return journeys, and look up your connection once more before setting off.
Original reviewed by the editors · 8 November 2026
