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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 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 neighbouring countries, you can take an international ICE train to Austria (Vienna, Linz), Belgium (Brussels, Liège), France (Paris, Strasbourg), the Netherlands (Arnhem, Utrecht, Amsterdam) and Switzerland (Zürich, Basel, Interlaken).

Map with ICE routes

The ICE connects all major cities in Germany and some in Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. Reservations on ICE trains are recommended, especially if you have a long trip ahead. They are very popular.

 

Please note that all international ICE’s will be subject to mandatory reservations from June 1st until September 1st (except trains via Basel).

 

Here are some domestic and international examples of the core routes available:

 

Important domestic routes

  • Frankfurt – Hannover – Hamburg
  • Dortmund – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Frankfurt – Stuttgart – Munich
  • Frankfurt – Cologne – Münster – Bremen – Hamburg
  • Hamburg – Hannover – Nuremberg – Munich
  • Dresden – Berlin – Hamburg
  • Berlin – Halle – Erfurt – Frankfurt
  • Berlin – Leipzig – Nuremberg – Munich
  • Cologne – Düsseldorf – Dortmund – Hannover – Berlin

 

Important international routes

  • Frankfurt – Mannheim – Paris
  • Stuttgart – Strasbourg – Paris
  • Hamburg – Frankfurt – Basel – Zurich
  • Hamburg – Bremen – Dortmund – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Frankfurt – Basel
  • Berlin – Frankfurt – Basel – Interlaken
  • Dortmund – Cologne – Frankfurt – Nuremberg – Linz – Vienna
  • Berlin – Stuttgart – Bregenz – Innsbruck 
  • Berlin – Stuttgart – Munich – Innsbruck
  • Hamburg – Hannover/Berlin – Nuremberg – Vienna
  • Frankfurt – Cologne – Düsseldorf – Amsterdam
  • Frankfurt – Cologne – Aachen – Brussels

 

Reservations

How to make reservations

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

 

Eurail reservation self-service system

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

  • € 2,- p.p.per train
  • Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

Other platforms

By calling Deutsche Bahn

  • By clicking the link above you'll find yourself on the DB contact page. There are phone numbers for English, French, Danish, Italian, Dutch, or German speaking customer service representatives.

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here: How do I book my reservations



Reservations for ICE trains

Reservations on regular ICE high-speed trains are optional.

 

Exceptions:

  • Reservations are compulsory on all international ICE routes between June 1st and August 31st, except for the ICEs to Switzerland.
  • Reservations are compulsory on the ICE from Frankfurt to Paris and Stuttgart to Paris all year round.

Reservation fees

Optional reservations for domestic ICE routes

  • 2nd class: €5.20
  • 1st class: €6.50

Mandatory reservations for ICE trains to and from Paris

  • 2nd class: €17
  • 1st class: €17

 

Facilities and services

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

Operated by:


logo_of_german_railway_db

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.