Can I take an ICE train with an IC ticket?

Note: If you want to use an ICE train with your IC/EC ticket, you will need to buy an upgrade. The price of the upgrade is equal to the difference between the IC/EC fare and the ICE fare for the route of your ticket.



Generally, no, you cannot use an InterCity (IC) ticket to board an InterCity Express (ICE) train because they belong to different price categories. In Germany’s Deutsche Bahn system, tickets are usually valid only for the specific type of train or lower (e.g., an ICE ticket can be used on an IC or regional train, but not vice versa). However, there is a major exception under European passenger rights: if your original IC train is delayed by more than 20 minutes, or if a delay means you will miss your destination by more than 20 minutes, your ticket becomes "flexible." In this specific case, you can board an ICE to complete your journey. You may be required to pay the price difference upfront to the conductor or at a machine and then claim it back later through the Fahrgastrechte (Passenger Rights) process. In 2026, with the Deutschland-Ticket costing €63, it is important to remember that this local transport pass is strictly for regional trains and never allows for IC or ICE travel, even during significant delays, unless the railroad explicitly announces an exception for a specific disruption.

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ICE trains are the flag-ship trains of Deutsche Bahn. They are the fastest (up to 300km/h) and most comfortable trains. There are international ICE services to most neighboring countries. IC trains are often older, slightly less comfortable long-distance trains.

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ICE trains are the flag-ship trains of Deutsche Bahn. They are the fastest (up to 300km/h) and most comfortable trains. There are international ICE services to most neighboring countries. IC trains are often older, slightly less comfortable long-distance trains.

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You simply take the next train. If you have savings fares which are bound to a specified connection, you need to obtain a written confirmation from the conductor on the delayed train (i.e. BEFORE the change) that the train is delayed, then you can use the next available train without any extra fees.

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On most ICE and some IC trains, reservation info appears on a small electronic display. All trains in Germany have toilets, and most intercity trains come with bistro and restaurant cars serving hot meals, snacks and beverages. There's no issue with bringing your own food and drink.

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Riding any train in Germany, including the ICE, requires a valid ticket or pass for the specific journey and class of service. Failure to have a valid ticket can result in penalties, such as fines or being asked to leave the train at the next station.

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Food & drink ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 class 407, & 7-car ICE-T trains have a proper restaurant car with a restaurant at one end and a bar area at the other. ICE3 class 403 & 406 and 5-car ICE-T trains have a bistro car with a cafe-bar area and small 12-seat restaurant area.

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Onboard. In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. On most Amtrak trains, only the full, undiscounted, unrestricted fare will be available for purchase onboard the train. This is regardless of reservations made or fares previously quoted by ticket agents, Amtrak.com or elsewhere.

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The ultra-modern InterCity Express provides two travel classes: ICE First Class and ICE Standard Class. Plus, all ICE carriages are equipped with power sockets at every seat, plenty of space for luggage, air conditioning, seats with tables, Wi-Fi, disabled facilities, a Children's play area, and a coffee bar.

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