ICE (InterCity Express) Train

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 Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Austria.

ICE high-speed train at platform, Hamburg, Germany

Laptop in 1st class compartment ICE high-speed train

In 1st class drinks are served at your seat

Restaurant car ICE train, Germany

ICE high-speed train at platform in Cologne, Germany

Interior of ICE high-speed train 1st class

ICE high-speed train routes

The Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express (ICE) high-speed train connects many major cities across Germany. Travel by ICE to the heart of each city, close to all the main attractions and hotels. If you plan to explore neighbouring countries you can take an international ICE train to Austria (Vienna, Innsbruck), Belgium (Brussels, Liège), Denmark (Copenhagen, Arhus), France (Paris), the Netherlands (Arnhem, Utrecht, Amsterdam) and Switzerland (Zürich, Interlaken).

The ICE connects 32 major cities. Here are some domestic and international examples of the travel times and routes available:

Frankfurt - Hamburg
Frankfurt - Munich
Frankfurt - Cologne
Frankfurt - Stuttgart
Hamburg - Munich
Berlin - Hamburg
Berlin - Frankfurt
Berlin - Munich
Frankfurt - Paris
Frankfurt - Brussels (via Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord)
Hamburg - Copenhagen
Cologne - Brussels (via Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord)
Frankfurt - Aachen
Frankfurt - Basel
Frankfurt - Amsterdam
Nuremberg - Vienna

Reservations

Reservations on regular ICE high-speed trains are optional. Reservations are compulsory on the ICE from Frankfurt to Paris, Munich to Paris, and Stuttgart to Paris.

Reservations on trains from Germany to Denmark are optional, however in certain summer months they are compulsory:

Hamburg to Copenhagen: reservations are compulsory between March 30th and September 29th.
Hamburg to Aarhus: reservations are compulsory between June 7th and August 31st.

Please keep in mind that the ICE on the above mentioned routes has limited seats for Interrail pass holders. Make sure to reserve your seat well in time. You can make reservations up to 3 months in advance.

How to make reservations for the ICE

You can reserve your seat on the ICE in the following ways:

Online through the German Railways (DB Bahn) website
Through our reservation service
At the train station. Keep in mind that trains can become full during busy times.

Train type	2^nd class	1^st class	Reservation type
Regular ICE	€6	€6	Optional
ICE Frankfurt / Munich / Stuttgart - Paris	€13	€30	Compulsory

Facilities and services

Air conditioning
Bar
Children's play area
Coffee bar
Disabled facilities
Power sockets
Restaurant/bistro
Video screens
WiFi internet

Facilities may differ per train and route. Most ICE trains offer breakfast/lunch or dinner menus with many German specialties as well as snacks and a wide selection of beverages. In 1^st class staff will serve food/drink to your seat. For transporting bikes a reservation is required. Folding bikes can be taken onboard. Non-folding bikes can be transported via the luggage courier service (this costs extra). Dogs are permitted on ICE trains. Pets may be required to be kept in a traveling container or must wear a muzzle and a leash. Some ICE routes provide WiFi.

More information on the ICE.