You can buy ice and other deutsche bahn tickets at railroad stations, at travel agencies, from rail europe u. First of all, it is important to note that not every ice train is the same. I spent some time on the trains, and 2nd class on the ice is totally fine. A german intercity train, 2nd class seats on an ic train. Some of the most popular german train routes include deutsche bahns frankfurt to munich route which you can do as fast as 3h 10m via ice train and flixtrains berlin to cologne offering get there in just 4h 18m. Due to legal issues its a long story, germany fell a bit behind the curve in development of highspeed rail, with the 160 kmh icec trains operating as the dbs fastest service until the ice finally came online in 1991. In 1st class, there are fewer people because of the cost, so it is easier to find a seat on a crowded train. First class v second class on german trains berlin forum. Eurocity intercity trains in europe best price happyrail. A guide to germanys highspeed ice trains with travel tips, and how to buy ice. An ice train of the german federal railways leaves colognes hauptbahnhof.
If your trip contains some of the usual smaller destinations recommended by mr. To travel by ice train, you can purchase a deutsche bahn eticket which gives you two fare options. Find out more about the onboard services that ice trains offer, as well as more on travelling first class on ice trains. Ice international trains in germany cheap train tickets. These trains operate across and beyond germany, connecting cities like berlin, cologne and munich. Aug 17, 2010 german trains are a great and easy option for regional, national, and international travel. Germany is one of the countries with the most extensive train networks in the whole world. If youre using the pass, dont waste the days riding.
Dbs train fleet comprises trains for longdistance and regional and local transport. Fast, comfortable and punctual, they carry passengers across germany and beyond. In first class we offer you worryfree internet access. Travelling in firstclass is a relaxing, comfortable option.
Between the downtown areas of most german cities the travel time by train is as fast or faster than the travel time by plane, when you calculate in the time it takes to get to and from the airport. Many first class seats have individual video displays and most first and second class seats have inseat audio. The era of highspeed services started when the ice 1 was launched in 1991. Reservations on trains from germany to denmark are optional, however in certain summer. One of the greatest things about living in europe is the ease at which one can travel nearly the entire continents without a car. If germany is your only destination in europe, consider purchasing a german rail pass, which allows 3 to 10 days of unlimited first or secondclass travel within a onemonth period on any db. The ice 2 is the second series of german highspeed trains and one of six in the intercityexpress family since 1995 the ice 2 halftrains are even closer to a conventional pushpull train than the ice 1, because each train consists of only one power car class 402, called powerhead, six passenger cars classes 805 to 807 and a cab car class 808. Ice train tickets, reservations, and rail passes europe for visitors. Its not surprising that there are several luxurious highspeed trains, too. An ice is the classiest and fastest way to travel where there are no airplanes. But, buying a reservation, for a fraction of the price of a 1st class seat, gets you a seat on even the most crowded trains. In germany you can travel on a train even if all the seats are already taken. The catering was superb as well, tasted truly delecious riding the ice is a great way in and around germany.
Explore germany by highspeed ice train travel with germanys. The ice first class is the best product the operator deutsche bahn has to offer. With your wifienabled device, you can access the internet at over 125 stations, in db lounges and on board ice trains. The ice lounge on german stations is open for all first class passengers not all ticket fares apply. If youre traveling in second class, you may incur a fee to connect to the wifi service. Today all charges are just included in the ticket price. First class affords more space and comfort and seat reservations are included. Visit our site and book your deutsche bahn eticket online today.
A multiunit ice 3 train crosses the lahntal bridge north of frankfurt am main. Generally, the ride on the ice trains is really smooth and quiet. With the internet provided in first class you can work. The german railway system is very well developed and reliable, and you can reach almost every city in germany by train. Where it is offered, its usually complimentary with the purchase of a first class ticket.
Nov 19, 2016 one of the greatest things about living in europe is the ease at which one can travel nearly the entire continents without a car. The intercity express ice is the highspeed train operated by deutsche bahn the german railway company. What you need to know about riding the german train system. For regional and local transport regional trains and sbahn trains are used. Travellin g first class on an ice train gives you unrivalled comfort over long distances ice first class passengers have access to the db lounges in all available stations, perfect for starting any journey off in style. See here the many advantages that travelling first class per train has to offer. Travelling first class with the train ns international. While first class ice tickets will be more expensive, train tickets in germany work in a slightly different way. However, in first class, you are insulating yourself from the fabric of the local culture.
Ice trains are the flagship of deutsche bahns train fleet. Those were able to tilt, but arent ableallowed anymore. Most of the ice cars now have electrical plugs for computers and wifi. The ice and icec are the fastest trains on the germanrail roster and are the services that tourists use the most. When travelling with deutsche bahn, first class services are known for the quality of service and comfort. In ice, theres not that much difference in seat quality. If youre buying more than one ticket though, consider buying a german rail pass instead, as it may be cheaper and offers more flexibility. The deutsche bahn ice train connects all the major german cities such as frankfurt, hamburg. Ice train tickets from 19 guide to germanys ice trains. In 1st class, staff will serve fooddrink to your seat. For couples a first class table for two is ideal, when booking at. These premium trains run at speeds of 175 to 186 mph on special highspeed rail lines and up.
Now, i am undecided if it is worth booking 1st class or if i should book. The icelounge on german stations is open for all first class passengers. Heres a page in german that gives information about the first class with. German ice train intercityexpress high speed rail db. The most important thing when travelling on an ice is the seating. Explore germany and its neighbouring countries with ice connections. First class will cost you about 50 per cent more than second class, but the car will have fewer passengers and your seat will be a little more comfortable. There are five types of ice train come and meet our fleet. Leather chairs, complimentary entertainment, special service and more space are the main advantages of first class. In some stations first class ticketpass holders will find complimentary wifi, usually in. German trains represent one of the most effective ways to get around the country theyre fast, convenient and comfortable. These trains connect the major german cities, including berlin, munich, frankfurt and hamburg.
German intercity ic train travel tips from rail europe. The german rail pass is available to travelers who reside permanently outside of europe, turkey, and russia, offering unlimited travel across germany on everything from regional trains to the legendary ice. Difference between first and second class trainline help. You can even go international, so long as youre riding a deutsche bahn train.
The ice trains are nice but i have never bothered to take one on that route as it seems too much hassle to save 10 mins. Trains are safe and efficient, despite occasional delays. The modern ice trains are one of the fastest ways to get around in germany and its neighboring countries. The majority of seats on an ice is in openplan saloons as shown in the photos on this page, but there are a handful of 6seater compartments in both classes which you can select when booking if you. Dbs ice trains travel at up to 186 mph from city centre to city centre, and if you pre book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares. Most trains in germany, apart from some local trains, have first and second class sections. In 1st class staff will serve fooddrink to your seat. I will introduce you to the different types of trains including comments on classes of passengers, smoking sections, bicycle cars, and reservations. Mar 30, 2017 their second class is really one of the best rail products out there. The ic and ec trains travel at a maximum speed of up to 200kmh, which makes them only slightly slower than the highspeed intercity express ice. Booking a train trip is like booking a lowcost ticket for an airplane. Leather chairs, complimentary entertainment, special service and more space are the main advantages. German trains are clean, comfortable, reliable and fast.
Intercity ic intercity ic trains and eurocity ec trains travel along regional routes in germany, though they are faster than the standard regional train service. How to book a train ticket in germany publishing perspectives. The ice trains are quite nice and standard class 2nd is very comfortable. Anyway, you can expect a comparable service and seating on all first class ice trains in germany. Difference between first and second class if you want to know how to book eurostar business premier tickets, please see this page. These premium trains run at speeds of 175 to 186 mph on special highspeed rail. On an ice i always use first as there is a lot more spacelegroom. As of july 6 free wifi on all ice international trains, in both 1st and 2nd class. The first class onboard ice trains offers a comfortable and quiet working sphere. The ice sprinter offers the fastest connection between germanys major cities. When anyone says, we are going to buy a 5day german railpass for 2 people, it makes me wonder how they reached that decision. Many firstclass seats have individual video displays and most first and secondclass seats have inseat audio.
But before you can go and hop on any train, you need to know the ins and outs of using the deutsche bahn, germanys most powerful train service. Explore germany in comfort with ice and ice sprinter highspeed trains. Your complete guide to using the deutsche bahn in germany. First class will cost you about 50 per cent more than second class, but the car will. But the differences overall between 1st and 2nd are pretty minimal.
Here is our quick guide on booking tickets and navigating the german railway system. Deutsche bahn offers first and second class seating. If you have first class tickets, you will have access to the first class lounges if there is one at your departure station which can provide free food and drink including alcoholic beverages. The ice is arguably the most comfortable, civilised and impressive highspeed train in europe, with a very highspec interior designed to lure german. Ice, ice sprinter, intercity and eurocity trains are used for longdistance services, even to neighbouring countries. However, i do not want to make a seat reservation right now as i believe this is non refundable if there is a change done. Travelling in first class is a relaxing, comfortable option. Buying tickets and booking seats on intercityexpress trains, from an illustrated. Trains in germany book germany train tickets trainline. The ic and ec trains travel at a maximum speed of up to 200kmh, which makes them only slightly slower than. The first class onboard icetrains offers a comfortable and quiet working sphere.
Not sure that first is worth it on the ic though it is nice to be able to use the lounges in ams and berlin. Deutsche bahn everything you need to know omio goeuro. Some first class cars have glass enclosed seating compartments, with business service in first class. The first ice trains were the trainsets of ice 1 power cars. Anyone booking a longer journey will enjoy upgrading to a higher level of service as it affords more comfort. First class passengers on longdistance trains get more room three rather than four seats abreast, more legroom, seats which recline more and on ice trains you can ask the conductor to bring you drinks and food from the restaurant car.
The first regularly scheduled ice trains ran from 2 june 1991 from hamburgaltona via hamburg hbfhannover hbfkasselwilhelmshohefuldafrankfurt hbfmannheim hbf and stuttgart hbf toward munchen hbf at hourly intervals on the new ice line 6. Ice trains are the fastest trains that operate in germany. Another intercityexpress prepares to cross the hohenzollern railroad and pedestrian bridge in cologne. Aboard an ice you can use the table and electrical socket at your seat to easily set up your mobile office. Special compartments for 6 persons are bookable on most ice services which are useable for onboard meetings. So its your first time travelling by train in europe. Wifi availability is increasing on european trains.
Wifi, food and beverage services are only available on ice trains. Deutsche bahns german railways intercity trains might not be as fast or glamorous as their highspeed ice trains, but these secondrank expresses still reach 200kmh 125mph with smoothriding and spacious carriages, and often a restaurant car or at least a bistro. I wish to book train tickets from frankfurt airport to dusseldorf in early june as the saver fares right now are excellent at eur 57 for 3 adults in the direct ice trains. In ic and regional trains, the difference in seat quality is obvious. Trains in germany are as complicated as they are anywhere. There is a diesel ice running at 200kmh betwenn hamburgberlin and danmark. On a side note, if you want buy first class tickets, some bahn service stations have extra counters for buying them, so you get faster service.
Catering travelling on an ice international train means comfortable travel. Mar 18, 20 all other icetrains cant tilt, this includes the recently ordered icetrains too. Local train 1st class is quite different from highspeed ice, etc. The ice lounge on german stations is open for all first class passengers. All other icetrains cant tilt, this includes the recently ordered icetrains too. Highspeed train ice international brings you to germany and. Db bahn, 1st class vs 2nd class cologne forum tripadvisor.
Highspeed train ice international brings you to germany. As you are searching for your tickets you see that you have the option of booking either first or second class tickets. Ice trains are the flagship of germanys deutsche bahn railway company. This service, however, is not currently offered on all trains. For all practical purposes if youre getting a pass, the 2nd class pass will do fine.
The first class onboard eurocity trains offers a comfortable and quiet working sphere. If you want to travel as fast as possible from a to b, take the intercity express ice though it is not pronounced ice in german, it is referred to by its abbreviation. In first class, your seat is included with your ticket. Reservations for second class even on ice are not usually required but reservations in the dining car are recommended. Special compartments for 6 persons are bookable on most iceservices which are useable for onboard meetings.
Aug 03, 2015 its not surprising that there are several luxurious highspeed trains, too. I am getting good rates at the moment of 19 euro 2nd class or 49 euro 1st class. Special compartments for 6 persons are bookable on most eurocityservices which are useable for onboard meetings. In first class, all seats are made out of leather and are pretty big three seats in a row, in a 21. Each car of a german train, like the ice coach shown here, has a large 1 or 2 indicating the class of the car. Book your ice train reservation online for individual trips. Anyone booking a longer journey will enjoy upgrading to a. Coronavirus covid19 for the latest updates, all details on booking flexibility, and. Hop on and enjoy the enhanced convenience and personal service. First class is usually only available on the high speed intercity express ice trains, which mostly operate between large cities. The icelounge on german stations is open for all first class passengers not all ticket fares apply. What is included is baggage and newspapers only in first class. Jan 22, 20 i wish to book train tickets from frankfurt airport to dusseldorf in early june as the saver fares right now are excellent at eur 57 for 3 adults in the direct ice trains.
Difference between first and second class trainline help faq. Comparison of first class on ice and intercity trains. Booking german deutsche bahn train tickets online thrifty. Following that, i offer a few tips on trains for travelers. Ice train tickets from 19 guide to germanys ice trains seat 61. The german high speed train, which reaches speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour, is a signature silver snout takes only 4 hours from berlin to frankfurt and 6 hours from. European rail travel 1st class on ice trains originally posted by aerotec i am looking to book the ice from cologne to amsterdam. The ice intercity express is a highspeed train that connects all major cities in germany. Between 1st and 2nd class on the ice trains, not that much difference as pointed out above. You will be hard pressed to find another train in germany which offers high speed trains throughout the entire country as. Some of the newer cars have seat back entertainment screens. The dining car with the hump makes it easy to recognise.
The first class onboard eurocitytrains offers a comfortable and quiet working sphere. Jul 17, 2014 this is the case on deutsche bahn ice trains. Both commuters and vacationers use the train system extensively. One of the best ways to discover germany is by train. Ice and ice sprinter trains travel the fastest and have onboard restaurants. Ice trains have restaurant or bistro, but in rare cases it is closed during night hours. We tested out the first class service to see how it fared in the style, comfort and efficiency stakes. In german trains, there are neither food nor drinks included. As a first class passenger, you have many privileges. Browse the extensive menus in our onboard restaurants or get a snack from the bistro car if youre feeling peckish.
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