Bavaria to roll out smartphone tap-in ticketing across public transport from 2027
The southern German state will expand Munich's swipe system statewide while dropping plans for a unified Bayern Ticket in favour of the national Deutschlandticket.
The Bavarian state government has confirmed it will introduce smartphone-based tap-in and tap-out ticketing across its entire public transport network from the start of 2027. Passengers will use a mobile app to check in when boarding a bus, U-Bahn or regional train and check out at their destination, with the system automatically calculating the correct fare.
The move aims to eliminate the need for travellers to navigate complex zone maps or buy specific tickets before each journey. A similar technology, known locally as swiping, has already been operating in Munich's transport network for several years.
No unified state ticket
The transport ministry also confirmed it has shelved plans for a standardised Bayern Ticket covering all regional networks. Officials said the nationwide Deutschlandticket, which costs €63 per month and covers all local and regional transport across Germany, is now the priority.
Resting on the laurels of the Deutschlandticket is not enough. Attractive offers must finally be created, particularly for people who only travel by bus and train occasionally.
That assessment comes from Markus Büchler, mobility spokesperson for the Greens in the Bavarian parliament. He argued that the current approach leaves gaps, especially in Swabia and Lower Bavaria, where integrated networks remain patchy. In his view, modern public transport is not really feasible without a fully connected system.
Open system, no barriers
Unlike many other countries, Germany operates an open-door honesty model with no ticket gates at stations. Compliance relies on random inspections by plain-clothes controllers. The new app-based system is designed to work within that culture, letting passengers validate journeys retrospectively while still allowing spot checks.
Rollout will be gradual, starting with the largest networks before extending to smaller operators. The ministry has not yet specified which app will serve as the statewide platform, though Munich's existing MVV app is a likely candidate.
