ICE Train Guide
The ICE train – short for InterCity Express – is Germany’s premier high-speed service, operating on major long-distance routes both within the country and abroad.
If you travel by train through Germany, there’s a good chance your journey will include at least one ride on this iconic high-speed train, which also operates on several international routes. This guide shows you all you need to know about Germany’s ICE high-speed train, including the travel classes and onboard service.
About the ICE
ICE is the brand name for the high-speed trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway. It dates back to 1989, when the first model – the ICE 1 – was built, entering regular service in 1991. Since then, several newer versions have been introduced, with the ICE 3neo and ICE 4 being the most modern models.
Depending on the specific train type, ICE high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph) on dedicated high-speed lines in Germany, and up to 230 kilometres per hour (143 mph) on upgraded conventional lines.
Book your ICE tickets through NS International (Dutch Railways):
As train tickets in Germany can be expensive, it may be worth buying a German rail pass if you plan to take several train journeys across the country.
On which routes can you find the ICE train
There are hundreds of domestic routes in Germany served by high-speed ICE trains. Some of these run on dedicated high-speed railway lines – such as the one between Cologne and Frankfurt – while many operate on standard railway lines, which naturally limits their maximum speed.
When planning your journey through Germany using Deutsche Bahn’s route planner, you can clearly see whether your train will be an ICE high-speed service or another type, such as an InterCity (IC), EuroCity (EC), InterRegio Express (IRE), or a regional train (RB).
Deutsche Bahn also uses ICE high-speed trains on a number of international routes, with the most important being:
- Frankfurt – Cologne – Dusseldorf – Amsterdam
- Munich – Cologne – Amsterdam
- Frankfurt – Cologne – Aachen – Brussels
- Frankfurt – Mannheim – Paris
- Berlin – Frankfurt – Karlsruhe – Strasbourg – Paris
- Stuttgart – Karlsruhe – Strasbourg – Paris
- Dortmund – Dusseldorf – Cologne – Frankfurt – Nuremberg – Vienna
ICE high-speed trains also operate on several international routes between Germany and cities in Switzerland, including Basel, Zurich, and Interlaken. Note that not all services between Stuttgart and Paris or Frankfurt and Paris are run by ICE trains, as some are operated by French TGV services.
On board the ICE high-speed train
ICE high-speed trains offer two travel classes: second class and first class. Seats in second class are arranged in a 2+2 configuration, either side by side or in bays of four centred around a large table. First class is more spacious, with seats arranged in a 1+2 configuration, with options including solo seats, pairs around a table, side-by-side seats for two, and bays of four around a large table.
With the exception of some international routes (only during the summer season), ICE high-speed trains do not require compulsory seat reservations. You are free to make an optional reservation if you wish, but it is not mandatory. Many Germans simply board the train without a seat reservation and take whichever available seat they prefer. Above each seat on the ICE high-speed train, an electronic display shows whether the seat is available or reserved, indicating the stations between which it has been booked.
Deutsche Bahn’s website features a useful indicator in its route planner showing the expected demand for each train. If you’re travelling at peak times, during holidays, or on popular routes in the height of summer, reserving a seat is definitely advisable.
There is plenty of room on ICE high-speed trains to store your bags, which can be placed on luggage racks typically located at the ends of each carriage, and sometimes midway through, or on the overhead racks above the seats. Regardless of travel class, you will find a power socket at your seat, and ICE trains are fully equipped with Wi-Fi, although the signal can occasionally be unreliable.
Dining car
Germany’s ICE high-speed trains feature a dining car, a great place to enjoy a drink, a snack, or even a full meal served on proper china. Prices are reasonable, and the selection of hot and cold dishes and drinks – including beer and wine – is extensive.
That said, it’s best not to rely entirely on the dining car, as it’s not uncommon for supplies to be insufficient due to previous delays or catering hiccups, resulting in a limited selection of drinks or snacks. On occasion, the coffee machine or oven may be out of order, or the fridges may be broken, meaning cold drinks aren’t available. I’ve experienced it all on my travels!
When you travel in first class, a train attendant can take your food and drink orders and bring them to your seat, so you don’t have to visit the restaurant car unless you want to.
Travel tip
Once famed for its reliability and punctuality, Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance trains are now unfortunately known for frequent delays. These tips will help you prepare for any unexpected disruptions or delays during your journey:
- Allow plenty of time between the arrival of your ICE high-speed train at your destination and any onward train or flight you need to catch when travelling on separate tickets. If you have an important event or meeting to attend, ensure you allow a similarly generous buffer between your train’s arrival and the start of the event.
- If you need to make a connection in Germany, there’s a fair chance your ICE train might arrive late at the station where you need to change trains. That said, I wouldn’t go out of my way to build in an excessively long buffer for the connection. In many cases – especially when connecting to another long-distance train – your onward train is likely to be delayed as well. And even if you do miss your connection, you’re entitled to take the next available train, provided everything is on a single ticket. Just make sure any delay caused by a missed connection at the halfway point doesn’t lead to missing a crucial train, flight, or event later in your journey!
Conclusion
Germany’s ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed train is one of the best you’ll come across on your European rail travels, offering comfortable seating in both second and first class, along with an excellent dining car.
Whether you’re travelling on a dedicated high-speed line – where speeds can reach up to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph) – or on a conventional route, an ICE journey is always a comfortable experience.