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Germany has one of Europe’s most extensive rail networks — but with so many train types (ICE, IC, EC, RE, RB, S-Bahn…), it’s easy to get confused. This guide explains every type clearly, tells you which one to take, and covers seat reservations, luggage rules, and international travel.
German Train Types at a Glance
| Type | Full Name | Speed | Best For | Ticket Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE | InterCity Express | Up to 300 km/h | Long-distance, city to city | 💸💸💸 (discounts with Sparpreis) |
| IC / EC | InterCity / EuroCity | Up to 200 km/h | Long-distance + international | 💸💸 |
| RE | Regional-Express | Up to 160 km/h | Regional travel, fewer stops | 💸 (included in Deutschlandticket) |
| RB | Regionalbahn | Up to 120 km/h | Local stops, rural areas | 💸 (included in Deutschlandticket) |
| S-Bahn | Stadtschnellbahn | Up to 120 km/h | Urban/suburban commuting | 💸 (local transit ticket) |
ICE — Germany’s High-Speed Train
The InterCity Express (ICE) is the flagship of Deutsche Bahn. These sleek white trains connect major German cities at speeds up to 300 km/h. Berlin to Munich takes just 3h 58 minutes. Hamburg to Frankfurt takes about 3h 50 minutes.
ICE trains offer two classes: 2nd class has comfortable reclining seats with power outlets and Wi-Fi (free but slow). 1st class adds wider seats, more space, and a quieter atmosphere. Both classes have a restaurant/bistro car — a lovely way to enjoy a Bratwurst at 250 km/h.
Key ICE routes for tourists: Berlin–Munich, Frankfurt–Cologne, Hamburg–Berlin, Munich–Stuttgart–Frankfurt.
👉 Book ICE tickets from €17.99 (Super Sparpreis) →
IC and EC — Classic Long-Distance Trains
InterCity (IC) trains are slightly slower than ICE and run on conventional tracks. They stop at more cities and are often more comfortable than regional trains. EuroCity (EC) trains are IC trains that cross borders — for example, connecting Germany with Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Tickets for IC/EC trains use the same Sparpreis/Flexpreis system as ICE and require the same kind of booking. They’re slightly cheaper than ICE on equivalent routes.
RE and RB — Regional Trains
Regional-Express (RE) trains are regional trains that skip smaller stations and connect cities and larger towns. Regionalbahn (RB) trains stop at every station and are slower — think of them as the local bus equivalent on rails.
Regional trains are great for visiting smaller towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the Rhine Valley, or the Bavarian Alps. They’re cheaper than ICE and are included in the Deutschlandticket (€49/month public transport pass).
Important: RE/RB tickets are not train-bound — you can take any RE or RB on that route on the day of travel. No seat reservations are available.
S-Bahn — Urban Rail Network
The S-Bahn (Stadtschnellbahn) is the suburban rail network in major cities like Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. It connects city centers with suburbs and airports. S-Bahn is covered by local transit tickets (not DB long-distance tickets) and is included in the Deutschlandticket.
💡 Airport tip: Most major German airports are connected by S-Bahn. Munich airport: S1/S8. Frankfurt airport: S8/S9. Berlin airports: S9/S45. Hamburg airport: S1.
Seat Reservations: Do You Need One?
Seat reservations are optional on all German trains (unless you’re using a rail pass like Eurail, where reservations are required on ICE). A reservation costs €4.90 in 2nd class and €5.90 in 1st class. First class Flexpreis tickets include a free reservation.
When to reserve:
- Friday afternoon and Sunday evening trains — often packed, reservation strongly recommended
- Holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, summer) — reserve at least 1 week ahead
- Families with children — reserve seats together in the family area (Familienbereich)
- Quiet zones (Ruhebereich) — if you want to work or sleep without noise
Without a reservation, you’re entitled to sit in any unreserved seat (those without a reservation card/display above them). Trains are not always full — many tourists travel without reservations just fine on weekday routes.
Luggage Rules on German Trains
Deutsche Bahn has no strict weight or size limits for luggage — but there are practical rules:
- You may bring one large piece of luggage (e.g., a big suitcase) per person, manageable by one person alone
- Luggage goes in the overhead racks or the dedicated luggage areas at the end of each car
- No luggage storage lockers on trains — check station lockers (Schließfächer) at major stations
- Folded bikes and scooters: allowed as regular luggage, free of charge
- Full-size bikes: require a separate bike ticket (Fahrradkarte, ~€9) and reservation on ICE/IC trains. Not all ICE trains accept bikes — check before booking
Facilities on Board
All ICE and IC trains have toilets (including accessible toilets), a bistro/restaurant car, Wi-Fi (free, speeds vary), and power sockets at every seat. Regional trains have toilets on most (but not all) services — check before long RE journeys. No Wi-Fi on most regional trains.
International Travel: Can I Cross Borders?
Yes! Germany’s rail network connects directly to Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Denmark. EC (EuroCity) trains cross borders using the same booking system as domestic IC trains.
For example, you can book a direct train from Munich to Vienna (about 4 hours), Frankfurt to Paris (about 4 hours via Thalys/TGV connection), or Hamburg to Copenhagen. Tickets can be booked on bahn.de or the DB Navigator app for international routes.
⚠️ Note: A standard German Sparpreis ticket is valid only within Germany. For cross-border journeys, you need a specific international ticket that includes the cross-border leg.
👉 Search international train connections and book tickets →
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest train in Germany?
The ICE (InterCity Express) is Germany’s fastest train, reaching commercial speeds up to 300 km/h on certain routes. The fastest scheduled service is currently Berlin–Munich in under 4 hours.
Do regional trains (RE/RB) require a separate ticket from ICE tickets?
Yes. DB long-distance tickets (ICE/IC) are not valid on regional RE/RB trains unless your booking includes a connection on a regional train. Regional trains require a separate regional ticket or a Deutschlandticket (€49/month).
Are there toilets on German trains?
Yes, all ICE and IC trains have toilets in every car, including accessible toilets. Most RE trains have toilets. Shorter RB trains on some routes may not have toilets — check journey details if traveling long regional routes.
Is there free Wi-Fi on German trains?
Yes, ICE trains offer free Wi-Fi (“WIFIonICE”). Speeds are variable — adequate for browsing and streaming in short bursts, but not always reliable for video calls. IC trains and regional trains generally do not offer free Wi-Fi.
Do I need a visa to cross borders by train in Germany?
Within the Schengen Area (most of the EU), there are no passport controls at borders. However, some countries on Germany’s borders (e.g., crossing into non-Schengen countries or special border zones) may require identity checks. Always carry your passport or EU ID card on international trains.