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ICE High-Speed Trains
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 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 neighboring 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
- Cologne - Berlin
- Frankfurt - Aachen
-
Frankfurt - Brussels
via Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord
- Hamburg - Copenhagen
-
Cologne - Brussels
via Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord
- Frankfurt - Paris
- Frankfurt - Basel
- Frankfurt - Amsterdam
- Nuremberg - Vienna
Reservations
Reservations on regular ICE high-speed trains are optional
On the ICE from Frankfurt to Paris, Munich to Paris, and Stuttgart to Paris, reservations are mandatory.
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 ICE trains on the routes mentioned above have limited seats for Eurail pass holders. Make sure to reserve your seat as early as possible. 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:
- Through our reservation service
- Online through the German Railways (DB Bahn) website
- At the train station. Keep in mind that trains can become full during busy times.
Reservation fees
| Train type | 1st class | 2nd class | Reservation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular ICE | 6 euros | 6 euros | Optional |
| ICE Frankfurt / Munich / Stuttgart - Paris | 30 euros | 13 euros | Mandatory |
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 by 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 1st 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 to wear a muzzle and remain on a leash. Some ICE routes provide WiFi.
More information on ICE.
