Deutsche Bahn (DB)
Germany's national rail operator
300 km/h
Free on all ICE trains, both classes
Wheelchair spaces on ICE and IC trains, Mobility Service Centre available
Direct services to Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic
About DB
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany's national rail operator, offering high-speed and long-distance train services across the country and to neighboring European destinations. DB Fernverkehr AG operates the long-distance fleet, including the flagship ICE (Intercity-Express) high-speed trains and the Intercity services connecting cities throughout Germany.
ICE trains travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h on dedicated high-speed lines, with free WiFi and power outlets at every seat in both classes. A restaurant car or bistro is available on all ICE services, and 1st class passengers can order food and drinks to their seat.
Deutsche Bahn operates direct international ICE and Intercity services to multiple European countries. No check-in is required — passengers walk to the platform and board the train. Tickets can be booked up to 12 months in advance.
Train Types
ICE (Intercity-Express)
Up to 300 km/h
Germany's flagship high-speed train. Multiple generations in service including ICE 1, ICE 3, ICE 3neo (introduced December 2022), ICE T, and ICE 4. The ICE Sprinter offers the fastest point-to-point services with fewer intermediate stops.
Key features: Free WiFi, power outlets, restaurant car, real-time journey info
Intercity (IC)
Up to 200 km/h
Long-distance trains connecting cities across Germany on conventional lines. The fleet includes modernised Intercity 1 coaches and double-decker Intercity 2 trains.
Key features: Power outlets, WiFi (being rolled out), bicycle spaces
ICE Sprinter
Express ICE service with fewer stops for the fastest journey times between major cities. Uses the same ICE trains but with limited intermediate stations.
Key features: Fewest stops, fastest point-to-point times
Travel Classes
1st Class
Three seats per row instead of four, with wider aisles and more legroom. Quieter environment with dedicated quiet zones.
- ✓3 seats per row (2+1 configuration)
- ✓At-seat food and beverage service (ICE)
- ✓Free WiFi (optimised for VPN and large attachments)
- ✓Quiet zone available
- ✓Power outlets at every seat
- ✓Free digital newspapers and magazines via ICE Portal
- ✓DB Lounge access (with Flexpreis ticket)
- ✓Seat reservation included (with Flexpreis ticket)
2nd Class
Four seats per row in a comfortable open-plan layout. Free WiFi and power outlets at every seat.
- ✓4 seats per row (2+2 configuration)
- ✓Free WiFi (surf, email, chat, VPN)
- ✓Power outlets at every seat
- ✓Free digital newspapers and magazines via ICE Portal
- ✓Restaurant car accessible
Popular DB Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
There are no weight or size limits for luggage on Deutsche Bahn trains. You do not need to reserve or weigh your bags before travel. Luggage is carried free of charge.
- •Hand luggage plus one additional larger piece free of charge, provided it can be carried by one person
- •Luggage racks are available overhead and at floor level in open-plan sections
- •Standard rack dimensions: 700 x 500 x 300 mm (height x width x depth)
- •Folding bicycles and e-scooters permitted when folded and safely stowed
- •Non-folding bicycles: available on ICE 4, ICE 3neo and most IC trains (booking required)
- •Bicycle ticket: €9 flat rate on IC trains (advance booking required)
Bicycles can be taken on ICE 4, ICE 3neo and most Intercity trains with advance booking. ICE 1, ICE 2 and most ICE 3 do not carry bicycles unless semi-dismantled in a bike bag.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
No Check-in Required
Unlike airlines or Eurostar, there is no check-in process. Walk into the station, find your platform on the departure screens, and board the train. Doors may close one minute before departure.
Book Up to 12 Months Ahead
Tickets for domestic routes can be booked up to 12 months in advance within the current timetable year. International tickets are available up to 6 months ahead. Earlier booking typically means lower prices.
Children Travel Free
Children under 6 always travel free and do not need a ticket. Children aged 6-14 travel free when accompanied by a person aged 15 or over — they must be added to the booking.
Seat Reservations Are Optional
Seat reservations are optional on most domestic services. LED displays above each seat show reservation status. With a Flexpreis 1st class ticket, a seat reservation is included automatically.
Three Fare Types Available
Super Sparpreis (from €6.99, no changes/cancellations), Sparpreis (from €21.99, cancellable before travel day), and Flexpreis (most expensive, full flexibility with any train on the route). BahnCard holders receive 25% discount on Spar fares.
Frequently Asked Questions about DB
Deutsche Bahn operates ICE (Intercity-Express) high-speed trains reaching up to 300 km/h, Intercity (IC) long-distance trains, and ICE Sprinter express services with fewer stops. The ICE fleet includes several generations: ICE 1, ICE 3, ICE 3neo, ICE T, and ICE 4.
Yes. Free WiFi without data limits is available on all ICE trains in both 1st and 2nd class. WiFi is also being rolled out across the Intercity fleet. In 1st class, the WiFi is optimised for business use including VPN connections and large attachments.
There are no strict weight or size limits. You can bring your hand luggage plus one additional larger piece free of charge, as long as you can carry it yourself. Luggage does not need to be reserved or weighed.
Bicycles are carried on ICE 4, ICE 3neo and most Intercity trains, but advance booking is required. ICE 1, ICE 2 and most ICE 3 trains do not have bicycle spaces. Folding bicycles can be taken on any train when folded.
1st class offers 3 seats per row instead of 4, with wider aisles and more legroom. ICE 1st class includes at-seat food and beverage service, a dedicated quiet zone, and access to DB Lounges with a Flexpreis ticket. Free WiFi and power outlets are available in both classes.
No. There is no check-in on Deutsche Bahn trains. Simply walk to the platform, find your train on the departure screens, and board. Ticket inspectors check tickets on board during the journey.
Domestic tickets can be booked up to 12 months ahead within the current timetable year. International tickets are typically available up to 6 months in advance. Booking early often results in lower fares.
Children under 6 always travel free and do not need a ticket. Children aged 6 to 14 travel free when accompanied by a person aged 15 or over, but must be added to the booking.
Deutsche Bahn operates direct ICE and Intercity services to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Poland, and the Czech Republic, among others.
Yes. All ICE trains have a restaurant car or bistro that is open to passengers in both classes. In 1st class, you can also order food and drinks to your seat via at-seat service or through the ICE Portal on your phone.
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