Do German ICE trains have chargers?

The ICE is arguably Europe's most comfortable, civilised & impressive high-speed train, with a very high-spec interior including free WiFi, power sockets at all seats, and a restaurant car.



Yes, almost all Intercity Express (ICE) trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) in 2026 are equipped with power outlets. In First Class, you will find a dedicated socket at every single seat, often located between the seats or near the armrest. In Second Class, outlets are also standard; on newer models like the ICE 4 and ICE 3neo, every seat has its own power point. On some older ICE 1 or ICE 2 refurbished models, you might find one outlet shared between a pair of seats (located under the middle armrest). Additionally, the newest 2026 trains are equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports alongside traditional European 230V sockets to accommodate modern devices. For those working while they travel, DB has also improved the "Repeaters" on these trains to ensure better mobile reception and high-speed "WIFI@DB" internet. If you are traveling on a regional train (RB or RE) or an older Intercity (IC) train, chargers are less consistent, so it is always a "pro-tip" to keep a portable power bank handy, but for the flagship ICE service, you can reliably expect to keep your laptop and phone charged throughout your journey across Germany.

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Most long distance trains in Europe have power sockets available. In some cases, the number of power sockets may be limited in the 2nd class cars. In 1st class, however, it's most common that there are power sockets somewhere around each seat.

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Air conditioning comes as standard in ICE trains, seats in both classes recline and there is plenty of space for luggage. ICEs have power sockets in both classes around seats with tables and, in recent models, between each pair of seats. There is free wifi on board ICE trains in both First and Standard Class.

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Free Wi-Fi has been available on ICEs since 2017. Now it's being rolled out to the Intercity fleet. Since summer 2019, DB has been making wireless internet avialable on its Intercity trains. Free Wi-Fi will be available on the entire long distance fleet by the end of 2021.

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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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WiFi & power sockets There are power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, of the usual European 2-pin type.

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The trains also promise enhanced passenger experience through technology such as adaptable interior LED lighting, WiFi, USB ports, and efficient air-conditioning systems capable of providing pleasant interior temperatures even in extreme temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius.

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On some forms of public transportation in Germany (ICE trains, some buses, etc.) there are USB outlets for charging a mobile devices.

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Each passenger may take the following luggage on board: two items of regular luggage such as a suitcase, rucksack, travel bag or trolley with maximum dimensions of 85 x 85 x 85 cm and one item of hand luggage, or: one item of oversized luggage, one item of regular luggage and one item of hand luggage.

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Since September 2020, Deutsche Bahn's customers have been able to buy sustainable mineral water bottles from share in the on-board bistros of our ICE and IC/EC trains, thereby financing projects to build drinking water wells around the world.

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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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Take a seat at any table and the waiter will take your order. At the other end of the car is a counter where you can buy snacks, drinks & food to take back to your seat. In 1st class, staff take you food & drink orders and serve you at your seat, you don't need to visit the restaurant.

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You take your bags into the train with you and put them on the rack above your seat, or in the space between the seat backs, or on floor-standing racks at the car ends or in the seating area. On local & regional trains you usually just stick bags on the floor. There's usually no separate baggage car on European trains.

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