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.
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. 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
How to make reservations
You can reserve your seat on the ICE in the following ways:
Interrail reservation self-service system
- Interrail
- All ICEs
Administration costs when booking through Interrail self-service
- € 2,- p.p.per train
- Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)
With railway carriers
- DB (German railways)
- All ICEs, except to France
- ÖBB (Austrian railways)
- All ICEs, except to France
Other platforms
- Rail Europe
- Only ICE to France
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
Reservation fees
Optional reservations for domestic ICE routes
- 2nd class: €4,90
- 1st class:€5,90
Mandatory reservations for ICE trains to and from Paris
- 2nd class: €17
- 1st class: €17
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.
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, Basel, Brussels and Vienna.
- Domestic journeys only - At the DB ticket machines at the station
Reservation fees
Optional reservations for domestic ICE routes
- 2nd class: €4,90
- 1st class:€5,90
Mandatory reservations for ICE trains to and from Paris
- 2nd class: €19
- 1st class: €30
- Air conditioning
- Bar
- Children's play area
- Coffee bar
- Disabled facilities
- Power sockets
- Restaurant/bistro
- Video screens
- WiFi internet
Operated by:
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 1stclass 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 theICE.
