ICE fares are fixed for station-to-station connections, on the grounds that the trains have a higher level of comfort. Travelling at speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph), they are aimed at business travellers and long-distance commuters and marketed by Deutsche Bahn as an alternative to flights.

The Intercity (IC) trains in 2026, specifically the IC2 and newer ICE-L (Low-floor) models used by Deutsche Bahn, generally operate at a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). While they are significantly faster than regional trains, they are designed as a mid-tier service below the flagship ICE (Intercity-Express) trains, which can reach speeds of 300 km/h or more. In the Netherlands, the "Intercity New Generation" (ICNG) also hits a peak of 200 km/h on high-speed sections. For 2026 passengers, the IC train represents a balance of efficiency and coverage, serving many smaller cities that the ultra-high-speed lines bypass. While 200 km/h is the technical "limit" for most IC rolling stock, they often travel at 160 km/h on conventional tracks to maintain safety and punctuality across the dense European rail network.