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 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
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 for ICE trains

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.

Summer travel to Denmark

Reservations on trains from Germany to Denmark are optional, however in the summer months, from 18 June to 21 August, they are compulsory.

How to make reservations

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

Online through the DB website
Through our Reservation Service
At the train station. Keep in mind that trains can become full during busy times.

Domestic journeys only - At the DB ticket machines at the station

Reservation fees

Optional reservations for regular ICE trains

2nd class: €6
1st class:€6

Mandatory reservations for ICE trains to and from Paris

2nd class: €13
1st class: €30

Mandatory reservations for ICE trains to and from Denmark

2nd class: €4
1st class: €4

Facilities and services

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

Operated by:

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.