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ICE

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ICE

ICE In brief

ICE stands for Inter City Express – the high speed passenger trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, (DB) the Germany state railway company. The ultra-modern ICE trains are amongst the most technologically advanced and comfortable trains in Europe. They travel at up to 300 km ph.

International connections include Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. Within Germany, frequent ICE trains connect Germany’s major cities, such as Cologne, Hanover, Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart.

Not only are ICE trains fast, some also use tilting technology to maintain speed on bends. On these trains, you’ll find a viewing gallery behind the driver’s compartment, meaning you can experience every twist and turn with a bird’s eye view.

The ICE Network:

Within Germany, ICE trains connect 32 major cities. Example travel times are given below:

Popular journeys
JourneyTravel time
Zurich – Stuttgart 2h 42
Frankfurt – Munich 3h 10
Frankfurt – Hamburg 3h 36
Cologne – Berlin 4h 16

In addition, ICE trains connect Germany with France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands, amongst others.

Our Tip

Whilst onboard, it’s possible to pre-book porters or taxis to meet you on arrival.

Before you board

The Stations:
 First Class ticket holders can use the DB lounges in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, where they will enjoy newspapers and magazines, free drinks and internet access.

Check-in & Boarding:
 Tickets can be pre-booked up to 90 days in advance.
 There is no check-in; if you’re travelling to an international destination, your ticket and passport will be checked once onboard.

Onboard

Compare classes of services
1st Class 2nd Class
Access to DB lounges in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich √
Larger seats with more legroom √
In-seat video screens, integral audio system √
Power sockets at your seat √
Drinks and meals served at your seat upon request √
Reserved quiet zones √
Comfortable seats √
Access to the self-service bistro and traditional restaurant √
Snacks and drinks available at your seat √

 Your experience on board ICE is designed to be as straightforward as possible. All announcements are made in German and English.
 It’s easy to keep track of the train’s progress. Next to the carriage door you’ll see a display showing the train number, its destination, calling points and carriage number.
 Information displays inside each carriage also show the train’s destination, carriage number, calling points, the next station stop and the train’s speed.
 All carriages are air-conditioned and non-smoking.
 Your Rail Europe ticket includes a seat reservation, for your peace of mind.
 For a small deposit (returnable on departure), your luggage can be locked away.
 If you’re travelling with children, make the most of the small play area in the dedicated Parent & Child compartment. There are also dedicated changing facilities for younger children.
 Disabled travelers should request a seat in one of the two specially adapted Standard Class carriages on each train. Extra wide sliding doors, wheelchair spaces and seats for companions, as well as disabled toilets, make your trip easier.

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  • A. Many trains such as the Eurostar offer discounted tickets for advance purchase. These fares have limited availability and sell out quickly. To receive the best price on the train you want to travel on you should purchase your tickets prior to your departure so you can avoid fully booked trains.


  • A. The term "Gender Specific" means that these compartments will not allow male and female passengers to travel in the same compartment. The exception to this condition is if you and your travel companion(s) intend on using all beds within the compartment. Trains in which this condition applies are: Elipsos, CNL, Lusitania, Spanish Night trains.


  • A. First class on the TGV East offers ergonomic reclining seats with head and foot rests, non-smoking coaches, individual power outlets, reading light, ability to book a taxi for your arrival with staff on the train and a restaurant car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the TGV East offers ergonomic reclining seats with head and foot rests, non-smoking coaches and a restaurant car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. First class on the Thalys offers large comfortable reclining seats and drinks and a light snack served at your seat.

    Second class on the Thalys offers generous legroom and a selection of drinks and snacks at your seat that are available for purchase.



  • A. The Swiss Family Card is a terrific value that allows children under 16 years of age to travel free when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The card is free, simply request one at the time you purchase your Swiss Pass. If you forget to mention it, then present your Swiss pass before boarding the train at any Swiss train station ticket window, at the time of validation and advise them that you need a Family Card. They will be able to provide you one.


  • A. Our popular Swiss Card provides 1 roundtrip by rail from any Swiss airport or border to 1 single destination. It also includes a 50% discount on all Swiss railways, lake steamers, postal buses, and excursions to mountaintops.


  • A. In most cases, railpasses are not accepted on city transportation systems such as buses and subways. Passes will generally cover local commuter trains that are above ground.

    The exception to this is the Swiss Pass, which is valid for transportation in 37 Swiss cities.



  • A. First class on the Lyria offers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the Lyria offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. First class on the TGV Medoffers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the TGV Med offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. Heathrow Express arrives in London’s Paddington Station.


  • A. Gatwick Express arrives in London’s Victoria Station.


  • A. Our "Train Tickets and Schedules" section calculates the total cost of your outbound journey first, and it includes the cost for the number of people that you specify. Once you choose an outbound journey, the costs of the return journey appear.


  • A. Yes all high-speed trains require reservations. Some 1st class trains include meal service in the price of your ticket.


  • A. Toilets are easily accessible on all the trains and are usually marked with the letters WC. Toilets can usually be found at the front or back of each train car (also known as a coach), and will include a sink, toilet and a locking door.


  • A. Eurostar offers 3 classes of service: 2 for 1st class and 1 for 2nd class.

     Business Premier which offers priority express check-in at the terminals, a dedicated ticket desk for check in, access to the Eurostar Executive lounges, spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, wifi access at the terminals, a dedicated coach for business travelers, complimentary newspapers, 3-course meal with refreshments at your seat.

     Leisure Select offers spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, complimentary newspapers, and 3-course meal with refreshments at your seat.

     Standard class (2nd class) offers generous legroom and access to a bar-buffet car where a selection of food and beverages are available for purchase.



  • A. First class on the Artesia Day offers large, comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the Artesia Day offers generous legroom and bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. The AVE offers 2 first class options they are called Club class and Preferente class.

    Club class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat. This class of service offers tables for each seat.

    Preferente class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat.

    Tourist class (2nd Class) on the AVE offers generous legroom, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. First class on the TGV offers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    When Premier service is offered for this train the service includes meal service and access to the TGV lounge at the train stations.

    Second class on the TGV Med offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. First class on the Talgo Day offers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the Talgo Day offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. First class on the Talgo 200 offers large, comfortable reclining seats, friendly staff to serve you drinks and light snacks at your seat and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.

    Second class on the Talgo offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.



  • A. First class on the Spanish day train offers large, comfortable reclining seats, friendly staff to serve you drinks and light snacks at your seat and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.

    Second class on the Spanish day train offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.



  • A. First class on the Italian day train offers large, comfortable reclining seats, and bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)

    Second class on the Italian day train offers generous legroom and bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)


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