German-Polish youth ticket for train journeys comes closer - New German-Polish Rail Pass for Young Travellers to Launch in 2026
A new rail pass for young travellers between Germany and Poland is set to launch in summer 2026. The German-Polish Friendship Pass aims to make cross-border journeys easier for people aged 18 to 27. The project follows the success of a similar scheme between Germany and France introduced last year.
The idea of a discounted youth rail ticket between the two countries has been discussed for years. In 2024, the Bundestag’s budget committee approved €5.8 million to fund the initiative. Negotiations are now taking place with Polish officials and national rail companies to finalise details.
Key points still under discussion include how tickets will be distributed, the rules for using the pass, and how many each country will issue. Despite progress, no final decisions have been made yet. The scheme has already gained support from politicians like Andrea Lübcke, a Green Party representative for Brandenburg in the Bundestag.
Once launched, the pass is expected to boost travel, cultural exchanges, and connections between Brandenburg and Poland. The project mirrors the German-French Friendship Pass, which proved popular among young travellers after its 2023 debut.
The German-Polish Friendship Pass remains in development, with summer 2026 as the planned start date. If successful, it will provide affordable rail travel for thousands of young people. The final terms, however, depend on ongoing talks between both governments and transport providers.
