What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on German trains?

The only real difference is the seating comfort, see the photos on this page, but in first class food & drink orders are taken by a steward at your seat so you don't have to go to the restaurant car yourself, a useful service.



On German Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains in 2026, the primary differences between 1st and 2nd class revolve around space, service, and quietude. In 1st Class, seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration (two seats on one side, one on the other), providing significantly more elbow room and legroom than the 2+2 layout in 2nd class. Passengers in 1st class receive at-seat catering service, meaning you can order food and drinks from the onboard bistro without leaving your seat. They also have access to exclusive DB Lounges at major stations like Berlin and Munich, and seat reservations are typically included in the ticket price. In 2nd Class, while still very comfortable and equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, the cars are often more crowded and noisier. For business travelers, 1st class offers dedicated "Quiet Zones" with enhanced signal boosters for mobile work, making it a more productive environment for a higher fare.

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Overall, First Class tickets can definitely be worth the cost. Most carriers these days offer very minimal price differences between the two travel classes. At Trainline, we'll automatically show you if there are low-priced First Class tickets available, so you can be sure that you won't miss out on any bargains.

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Both first and second-class tickets include free WiFi, power sockets, and access to the food carriage. The biggest difference between first class and second class on SNCF trains: Quieter coaches. Roomier seats with headrests.

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Sometimes First Class can turn out to be even cheaper than standard. However, the extra benefits vary from just an antimacassar, to extra seating area, reclining seats, more convenient luggage space, and inclusive food and drink.

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Exclusive to First-Class Passengers Once onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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Seat reservations are optional It's not usually necessary to reserve a seat on German trains, you can just get on and sit i9n any empty unreserved seat. However, it's a good idea at busy times such as Fridays.

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Hbf – Hauptbahnhof, the main or central station of a town or city.

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Eating on German Trains All ICE trains have a restaurant wagon where you can sit down and receive table service. It's not a Michelin-starred restaurant, but you can eat plenty well on the train. Plus there's something especially enjoyable about having lunch and seeing the countryside whiz by.

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There is no set dress code in Premium Standard and in First Class many passengers choose attire that lends it's self to their enjoyment of a relaxing journey whether smart or casual.

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First class could be at the front or back. You could have two (or more) trains joined together. So first class may be at the front of the first train and at the front of the second train which would equate to the middle of the entire train !

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“While we expected some variation, particularly with the longer flights, it was interesting to see that a first-class upgrade costs an average of anywhere between $93 to $658.” Overall, the study found that on average, passengers pay $262.97 on each one-way flight for first-class cabins, and more than $525 to go round- ...

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