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Quick Answer: Germany has six main train types. ICE, IC and EC are long-distance trains run by Deutsche Bahn — they are fast, comfortable and require a separate ticket. RE and RB are regional trains; S-Bahn is suburban rail within cities. The RE, RB and S-Bahn accept the €58 Deutschlandticket — the ICE, IC and EC do not.
Germany has one of the most comprehensive rail networks in Europe. But with six different train categories plus night trains and private operators, choosing the right service can be confusing — especially for first-time visitors. This guide explains every German train type, when to use each one, and how to buy the right ticket.
[INTERNAL LINK: how to buy train tickets in germany]
What Are German Trains Called?
The German rail system is operated primarily by Deutsche Bahn (DB), the national rail company. DB uses a letter-based naming system that describes the speed, distance and stopping pattern of each service. The main categories are:
| Abbreviation | Full Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ICE | InterCityExpress | Long-distance, high-speed |
| IC | InterCity | Long-distance |
| EC | EuroCity | International long-distance |
| RE | RegionalExpress | Regional, fast |
| RB | RegionalBahn | Regional, all stops |
| S-Bahn | Stadtschnellbahn | Suburban / metro rail |
In addition, you may encounter NJ (Nightjet) overnight trains and FLX (Flixtrain), a private competitor with limited routes and lower prices.
ICE — InterCityExpress: Germany’s Fastest Train
The ICE (InterCityExpress) is the flagship of the German rail network and the answer to “what is the most popular train in germany” for long-distance travel. It connects major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and Stuttgart at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Key Facts
- Speed: Up to 300 km/h
- Classes: 1st class and 2nd class
- Onboard: Bistro/restaurant car, WiFi (available but can be unreliable), power sockets, luggage racks
- Seat reservation: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended — costs €3–5 extra
- Ticket type needed: ICE-specific DB ticket (Super Sparpreis, Sparpreis or Flexpreis)
- Deutschlandticket: Not valid
The ICE is the right choice when you want to travel between major German cities quickly. A Berlin–Munich journey takes around 4 hours by ICE instead of 6+ hours by IC or regional train.
ICE International extends the network beyond Germany, connecting with the Netherlands (Amsterdam), Belgium (Brussels) and France (Paris) via Thalys and Eurostar partnerships.
Find cheap ICE tickets from €17.90 — Super Sparpreis fares sell out fast, so book early.
For long ICE journeys, noise-cancelling headphones make a real difference. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a popular choice among regular DB travellers.
IC — InterCity: Long-Distance Without High Speed
The IC (InterCity) is a step below the ICE. It operates on the same long-distance routes but also serves smaller cities that the ICE network skips. Maximum speed is around 200 km/h.
Key Facts
- Speed: Up to 200 km/h
- Classes: 1st class and 2nd class
- Onboard: Bistro car, power sockets in most trains
- Seat reservation: Optional, €3–5 extra
- Ticket type needed: DB long-distance ticket
- Deutschlandticket: Not valid
IC trains are a good option when you need to reach a smaller city on a long-distance route, or when ICE tickets are sold out or significantly more expensive on a given day. Ticket prices and booking rules are the same as for ICE.
EC — EuroCity: International Trains Across Europe
The EC (EuroCity) answers the question “what is ec train germany” directly: it is an international long-distance train that connects Germany to neighbouring countries under a shared European rail standard.
Destinations Served
- Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck)
- Switzerland (Zurich, Basel, Geneva)
- Italy (Milan, Venice, Rome via Austria)
- Czech Republic (Prague)
- Poland (Warsaw, Krakow)
Key Facts
- Speed: Varies by country and route
- Classes: 1st class and 2nd class
- Seat reservation: Not required but recommended on busy international routes
- Ticket type needed: International DB ticket or interrail/eurail pass with reservation
- Deutschlandticket: Not valid
EC trains use the same booking system as ICE and IC. You can book them directly on the Deutsche Bahn website or app.
Check train schedules and book tickets for all ICE, IC and EC routes in one place.
RE — RegionalExpress: Fast Regional Trains
The RE (RegionalExpress) answers “what is re train germany”: it is a fast regional train that connects cities within a German federal state, stopping only at major stations along the route.
Key Facts
- Speed: Typically 120–160 km/h
- Classes: Open seating (no class distinction on most services)
- Seat reservation: Not available
- Ticket type needed: Regional ticket, day pass or Deutschlandticket
- Deutschlandticket: Valid
- Children under 6: Free
The RE is the workhorse of everyday German travel. It fills the gap between cities that are too small for ICE service and too far apart for S-Bahn. If you hold a Deutschlandticket, the RE is your primary long-distance option.
[INTERNAL LINK: cheap train tickets germany]
RB — RegionalBahn: The Slow Regional Train
The RB (RegionalBahn) stops at every station on the route. It is the slowest train type in the DB network and primarily serves rural areas and smaller communities.
Key Facts
- Speed: Varies, typically under 120 km/h
- Classes: Open seating
- Seat reservation: Not available
- Ticket type needed: Regional ticket or Deutschlandticket
- Deutschlandticket: Valid
- Children under 6: Free
RB trains are useful for reaching villages and small towns not served by faster trains. If you are in no hurry, they are also a relaxed way to see the countryside.
S-Bahn: Suburban Rail Within German Cities
The S-Bahn (Stadtschnellbahn) is the answer to “what is s train germany”: it is a suburban rail network that operates within and around major German cities. Think of it as a hybrid between metro and commuter rail — it runs more frequently than regional trains and is fully integrated with local buses, trams and underground (U-Bahn) lines.
Cities With S-Bahn Networks
- Berlin (operated jointly by DB and BVG)
- Munich (S1–S8, famous cross-city tunnel)
- Hamburg
- Frankfurt (also connects to the Rhine-Main region)
- Stuttgart
- Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr
- Nuremberg
Key Facts
- Classes: Open seating
- Seat reservation: Not available
- Ticket type needed: City/regional ticket or Deutschlandticket
- Deutschlandticket: Valid
- Children under 6: Free
When you arrive at a German airport or central station, the S-Bahn is usually your first connection into the city. In Munich, the S1 and S8 both run to the airport.
Nightjet (NJ): Overnight Trains
The NJ (Nightjet) service is operated by the Austrian rail company ÖBB, not Deutsche Bahn. It offers comfortable overnight connections from German cities to Austria, Italy, Switzerland and beyond.
Key Facts
- Accommodation options: Seat, couchette (from €39.90) or private sleeping compartment
- Routes from Germany: Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg to Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Zurich, Amsterdam and more
- Seat reservation: Required — included in ticket price
- Deutschlandticket: Not valid
Nightjet is a genuine alternative to flying for routes of 6–12 hours. You board in the evening and wake up at your destination.
Flixtrain (FLX): Private Rail Competition
Flixtrain (operated by FlixMobility, the same company as Flixbus) runs on a small number of long-distance routes between major German cities at prices that are often lower than DB.
Key Facts
- Routes: Limited — primarily Hamburg–Cologne–Stuttgart–Munich and a few others
- Classes: Standard and premium seating
- Deutschlandticket: Not valid
- Booking: flixbus.de or the Flixtrain app
Flixtrain is worth checking if you have a flexible travel date and want the lowest possible price, but the network is much smaller than DB.
Which Train Types Accept the Deutschlandticket?
The Deutschlandticket (€58/month) is valid on all regional and local public transport across Germany. Here is a clear overview:
| Train Type | Deutschlandticket Valid? |
|---|---|
| ICE | No |
| IC | No |
| EC | No |
| RE | Yes |
| RB | Yes |
| S-Bahn | Yes |
| NJ (Nightjet) | No |
| Flixtrain | No |
Which Train Should You Take in Germany?
| Your Situation | Best Train |
|---|---|
| Fast travel between major cities | ICE |
| Budget travel between major cities | IC or Super Sparpreis ICE |
| International travel to Austria/Switzerland | EC or NJ (overnight) |
| Travel within a region | RE or RB |
| Getting around a city and its suburbs | S-Bahn |
| You have a Deutschlandticket | RE, RB, S-Bahn |
| Overnight travel to save hotel costs | NJ (Nightjet) |
If you travel frequently within Germany, a BahnCard significantly reduces ticket prices. The BahnCard 25 gives 25% off all DB fares — a single ICE ticket can pay for itself.
Get 25% off with BahnCard 25 and save on every journey.
[INTERNAL LINK: BahnCard 25 vs 50]
Comparing German Train Types: Speed and Comfort
| Train | Max Speed | Long-Distance? | 1st/2nd Class | Seat Reservation | Onboard Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE | 300 km/h | Yes | Yes | Optional (recommended) | Restaurant, WiFi |
| IC | 200 km/h | Yes | Yes | Optional | Bistro |
| EC | Varies | Yes (international) | Yes | Optional | Varies |
| RE | 160 km/h | No | No | Not available | None |
| RB | 120 km/h | No | No | Not available | None |
| S-Bahn | 100 km/h | No (city only) | No | Not available | None |
| NJ | Varies | Yes (overnight) | Seat/couchette/sleeper | Required | Breakfast included |
How to Book German Train Tickets
You can book all Deutsche Bahn tickets — ICE, IC and EC — through the DB website or the DB Navigator app. Regional tickets (RE, RB) can also be bought at station vending machines or via the app.
Tips for cheaper tickets: – Book ICE Super Sparpreis tickets as early as possible (from €17.90) – Use the DB Navigator app to compare prices across different departure times – Check if a Flexpreis ticket makes sense if your plans might change
Book flexible train tickets if you need the freedom to change your travel plans without penalty.
FAQ: German Train Types
What is an ICE train in Germany? The ICE (InterCityExpress) is Germany’s fastest train, operated by Deutsche Bahn. It reaches speeds of up to 300 km/h and connects major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt. It has 1st and 2nd class, a restaurant car and WiFi onboard. A standard ticket (Super Sparpreis) starts from €17.90 when booked in advance.
What is a RE train in Germany? RE stands for RegionalExpress. It is a fast regional train that stops at major stations within a German state. The RE does not require a seat reservation, is valid with the Deutschlandticket, and is free for children under 6.
What is an EC train in Germany? EC stands for EuroCity. These are international long-distance trains connecting Germany to Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic and Poland. They are operated in partnership with Deutsche Bahn and foreign rail companies.
What is an S-Bahn in Germany? The S-Bahn (Stadtschnellbahn) is a suburban rail network serving major German cities and their surrounding regions. It is similar to a metro or commuter train and is fully integrated with local buses and underground lines. The S-Bahn is valid with the Deutschlandticket.
What are German trains called? German trains are categorised by type: ICE (InterCityExpress), IC (InterCity), EC (EuroCity), RE (RegionalExpress), RB (RegionalBahn) and S-Bahn. They are operated primarily by Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national rail company.
What is the main train system in Germany? Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main train operator in Germany. It runs the national high-speed ICE network, InterCity trains, and regional rail services. S-Bahn networks in individual cities are often co-operated by regional transport authorities.
What is the most popular train in Germany? The ICE is the most well-known and widely used long-distance train in Germany. For day-to-day commuting, the S-Bahn and RE are used by far more passengers daily.
What are the four types of trains in Germany? The main four types are: ICE (high-speed long-distance), IC/EC (standard long-distance and international), RE/RB (regional), and S-Bahn (suburban). Night trains (NJ) and private operators (Flixtrain) add further options.
Do I need a seat reservation on German trains? On ICE, IC and EC trains, a seat reservation is optional but recommended — it costs €3–5 extra. On RE, RB and S-Bahn trains, seat reservations are not available or necessary.
Is the Deutschlandticket valid on ICE trains? No. The Deutschlandticket (€58/month) is only valid on regional and local public transport — RE, RB and S-Bahn. It is not valid on ICE, IC, EC, Nightjet or Flixtrain services. For those trains you need a separate DB ticket.
How do I choose which train to take in Germany? Choose the ICE or IC for fast travel between major cities. Use the RE or RB for regional journeys, especially with a Deutschlandticket. Take the S-Bahn for travel within and around cities. Consider the Nightjet for overnight international routes.
What is the cheapest train in Germany? Regional trains (RE and RB) are the cheapest option — especially with the Deutschlandticket at €58/month. For long-distance travel, ICE Super Sparpreis tickets start from €17.90 when booked well in advance.