Deutsche Bahn's high-speed rail service, known as ICE, provides national and international routes for German rail passengers. With trains travelling at over 300kmh, ICE trains are the way to go for long-distance journeys in Germany.
The ICE (InterCity Express) is a high-speed train that connects all major cities in Germany. With speeds up to 300km/h, this is one of the fastest ways to travel between cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne. The ICE has international connections to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Austria.
There are no check-in or customs procedures prior to boarding ICE trains. However, ticket control and ID checks occur once onboard if you are travelling internationally.
Most ICE trains offer breakfast/lunch or dinner menus with many German specialties as well as snacks and a wide selection of beverages. In 1st class staff will serve food/drink to your seat.
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Are there toilets on ICE trains in Germany?
On most ICE and some IC trains, reservation info appears on a small electronic display. All trains in Germany have toilets, and most intercity trains come with bistro and restaurant cars serving hot meals, snacks and beverages. There's no issue with bringing your own food and drink.
If your luggage meets the conditions, you can take it with you on board and stow it free of charge: On the luggage racks above the seats. A number of coaches is equipped with luggage racks at the front and back.
ICE 3 trains have a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) in Germany, 320 km/h (200 mph) when travelling on the French high-speed rail lines. Class 403 are theoretically permitted to go up to a maximum speed of 330 km/h (210 mph) when travelling on the high-speed route between Frankfurt and Cologne.
If you don't have a reserved seat you just find any empty unreserved seat, as shown by the little LED reservation display above every seat. That means you can always buy a full-price ticket and get on the next train, ICE trains can never sell out.
Seat reservations are compulsory on all international ICE trains routes. Get the lowest prices on ICE by booking early and don't wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell out quickly.
If you miss your connecting train on an international journey due to a delay or cancellation of a train, you can use the next available train from the same carrier to continue your journey.
With a valid ticket, ticket holders have access to all public transport in Berlin, including the S-Bahn, subway, buses, trams and ferries. The fare depends on the tariff zone and the ticket's period of validity.
How early should I arrive for the ICE train in Germany?
I'd say, be at the station maybe 20 or 30 minutes before your train departs, and go to the platform maybe 10 minutes before the departure time. Passport control will only happen during international trips. And for ticket controls, you just wait for the conductor to arrive and show them your ticket.
Deutsche Bahn's ICE trains offer direct services from Belgium or the Netherlands to Cologne and Frankfurt, where you benefit from numerous onward connections everywhere in Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Stuttgart, Munich etc...) and beyond, e.g. to Austria and Switzerland.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on an ICE train?
More space: 1st class carriages generally offers wider seats with more legroom, with a more spacious arrangement than in second class. The seats can generally be reclined more than in 2nd class. Fewer passengers: as seats are arranged more spaciously, 1st class is generally less crowded and has a quieter atmosphere.
Every ICE train is equipped with a bar coach. Simple meals, snacks and drinks are available here. It is not possible to reserve a seat or a meal in the bar coach. Payment in cash or by credit card.
The classic passenger train consists of a locomotive and 6-11 single-deck carriages, each 26 metres long. Compared to coupled ICE multiple units, Intercity trains can therefore be adjusted according to the respective passenger volume. The Intercity usually operates with an electric locomotive like the class 101.
Wifi is available on board all of our ICE trains, on some of our IC trains and on selected regional trains. We are gradually rolling out wifi for our entire long-distance fleet.
Many of our trains offer luggage racks for large suitcases in the open saloon section. These are located either near the doors or in the middle of the carriage. If you wish to keep your bag with you, place it in one of the luggage racks above your seat or, if possible, under the seat.
Not only the short travel times but also the convenience of these ICE trains is sure to win you over. Each Intercity-Express is fully air-conditioned and maintains a stylish interior with a relaxing atmosphere for a quick and comfortable journey throughout Germany and to adjoining countries.
It isn't unsafe for anything, just be sure you're standing inside the train and not on the roof. Most high speed trains have seat reservations but some (German ICE for example) can be boarded without a seat reservation.
