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 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).
The ICE connects all major cities in Germany and some in Austria, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. Here are some domestic and international examples of the core routes available:
- 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
- Frankfurt – Mannheim – Paris
- Stuttgart – Strasbourg – Paris
- Frankfurt – Cologne – Aachen – Brussels
- Hamburg – Frankfurt – Basel – Zurich
- Hamburg – Bremen – Dortmund – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Frankfurt – Basel
- Berlin – Frankfurt – Basel - Interlaken
- Dortmund – Cologne – Frankfurt – Nuremberg – Linz – Vienna
- Hamburg – Hannover – Nuremberg – Vienna
- Frankfurt - Cologne - Düsseldorf - Amsterdam
- Reservations Required June 17th till August 18th
Reservations
Reservations for ICE trains
Reservations on regular ICE high-speed trains are optional.
Exceptions:
Reservations are compulsory on the ICE from Frankfurt to Amsterdam between June 17th till August 18th
Reservations are compulsory on the ICE from Frankfurt to Paris and Stuttgart to Paris.
How to make reservations
You can reserve your seat on the ICE in the following ways:
Through our Reservation Service
At the train station. Keep in mind that trains can become full during busy times. Especially during summer season to international destinations, such as Amsterdam and Basel.
- Domestic journeys only - At the DB ticket machines at the station
Reservation fees
Optional reservations for regular ICE trains
- 2nd class: €4.50
- 1st class:€5.90
Mandatory reservations for ICE trains to and from Paris
- 2nd class: €19
- 1st class: €30
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.
Change of currency
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