How fast is the German ice train?

What is an ICE? ICE - InterCity Express - is the brand name for Deutsche Bahn's (German Railways) premier high-speed trains. There are various types, some of which can run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on Germany's high speed lines and up to 230km/h (130 mph) on upgraded conventional lines.



The German ICE (InterCity Express) train is one of the fastest in Europe, with speeds varying by the model and the specific track. The ICE 3 (Class 403/406) is the flagship of the fleet, capable of reaching service speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on high-speed lines in Germany, and up to 320 km/h (199 mph) when operating on the French LGV Est. Newer models like the ICE 4 are designed more for capacity and efficiency, with maximum speeds typically capped at 250 km/h or 265 km/h. On many "upgraded" older lines, the trains generally run at about 160 to 230 km/h. In 2026, the ICE remains the backbone of German long-distance travel, allowing passengers to go from Berlin to Munich in just under 4 hours, consistently showcasing the power of high-speed rail as a viable and faster alternative to short-haul domestic flights.

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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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The ICE trains adhere to a high standard of technology: all cars are fully air-conditioned and nearly every seat features a headphone jack which enables the passenger to listen to several on-board music and voice programmes as well as several radio stations.

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Chinese researchers have unveiled a new prototype maglev train that they say can reach speeds of nearly 400 miles per hour.

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The nation's fastest train is Amtrak's Acela, which tops 150 mph. New Acela trains are expected to reach 160 mph when they debut next year — still below the 186 mph considered high-speed in systems across the world.

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The Glacier Express is the world's slowest train, taking more than eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland at an average of 18mph. Along the way, it passes over nearly 300 bridges, travels through 91 tunnels and takes in endless stunning Alpine views.

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Ranking of the five fastest commercial trains in the world in 2023
  • Shanghai Transrapid Maglev Train, China: 267.8 mph (431 km/h) ...
  • CR400 Fuxing train, China: 217.4 mph (350 km/h) ...
  • ICE 3, Germany: 205 mph (330 km/h) ...
  • TGV, France: 198.8 mph (320 km/h) ...
  • Shinkansen, Japan: 198.8 mph (320 km/h)


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In 1934, Scotsman was clocked at 100mph on a special test run—officially the first locomotive in the UK to reach that speed. The test run proved to the LNER's directors that steam power could provide high speeds, negating a plan for the company to use diesel power on its high-speed services.

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Japan plans to unveil the world's fastest bullet train in 2030. The $91 million Shinkansen Alfa-X test train is designed to go as fast as 400 kph or 249 mph. Japan plans to unveil the world's fastest bullet train in 2030. The $91 million Shinkansen Alfa-X test train is designed to go as fast as 400 kph or 249 mph.

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In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated 100 mph (161 km/h) by a steam locomotive.

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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.

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Reservations for ICE trains Reservations on regular ICE high-speed trains are optional. Reservations are compulsory on the ICE from Frankfurt to Paris and Stuttgart to Paris.

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Like most European trains, ICEs are all non-smoking.

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