What is the difference between IC and ice trains in Germany?

(1) ICE trains – all of which travel on a high speed line for at least part of a journey. There are now five different types of ICE train which operate on different routes within Germany. (2) IC trains – long distance express trains that tend to be slower than ICE trains because they rarely use the high speed lines.



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Faster than regional trains, IC and EC trains connect major cities, reaching speeds of 200 km/h. Both Intercity and Eurocity trains run frequently, either every hour or two hours depending on the destination. Intercity trains run exclusively in Germany, while Eurocity trains reach neighbouring European countries.

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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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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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The types of train service: (2) IC trains – long distance express trains that tend to be slower than ICE trains because they rarely use the high speed lines.

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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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If you have a ticket for an IC/EC train and want to use an ICE train instead you have to pay a ICE surcharge. This will be in the end slightly more expensive compared to buying a ticket for the ICE in first place.

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The ICE699 hasn't sleeping beds, only seats. The DB doesn't offer night trains with sleeping beds. For this ICE service you can get on the train without reservation (optional reservation 4€ via bahn.de).

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