Germany and France are donating a total of 60,000 free train tickets to young adults to strengthen Franco-German friendship. The ticket is valid for one month for local and long-distance traffic in the neighboring country.
Young adults from Germany and France between the ages of 18 and 27 are to travel and get to know each other’s neighboring countries in order to strengthen relations between the two countries. To this end, the transport ministers of Germany and France, Volker Wissing and Clément Beaune, created the Franco-German friendship pass.
A total of 60,000 free train tickets are available for both countries. From Monday at 10 a.m. the 30,000 German train tickets can be purchased on the website german-french-friendship pass be retrieved. The following applies: Whoever comes first can secure the free tickets.
friendship pass valid for one month
The principle of the friendship pass is reminiscent of the well-known Interrail ticket. It is valid for one month in the period from July 1, 2023 to the end of the year. During this period, Germans in France can use local and long-distance trains on seven freely selectable days. One of the seven travel days must be used to leave Germany for France, another to return.
The ticket is therefore not intended for commuting between Germany and France, but primarily as a travel ticket for a stay in the neighboring country. And important to know: The high-speed trains in France and in cross-border traffic can only be used with a seat reservation. This must be purchased additionally.
60 years of Franco-German friendship
The Franco-German Friendship Passport is an offer from Germany and France created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty.
“The ticket is a great offer for young people to celebrate the Franco-German friendship anniversary,” said Wissing. “Current events in Europe show how important mutual exchange is for the continued existence of a peaceful and democratic Europe.” In addition, the campaign sets an example for climate-friendly travel by train.
“With this ticket we are celebrating Franco-German friendship and are committed to promoting rail as a means of transport,” said his French colleague Beaune.
With information from Uli Hauck, ARD capital studio