High-speed train ICE (InterCity Express)

In the mid-80s, the West German ICE-V project began. It included tests conducted by the Deutsche Bundesbahn company using an experimental high-speed train. This was the demonstration model IC Experimental.


The high-speed tests went off without a hitch. It all culminated in a new world speed record being set. On May 1, 1988, the authoritative commission recorded a reading of 253 mph (406,9 km/h). After that, a train went into regular operation, which lasted until 1996. It was discontinued due to the emergence of a new design - the improved ICE S.


At the very beginning of its history, the ultra-fast train experienced a bureaucratic derby. As part of it, the manufacturer held discussions with the Ministry Transport, wanting to come to a common denominator in relation to:

✅ type of on-board equipment
✅ length of the composition
✅ width of wagons
✅ number of units produced

As a result, in the same 1988, an order was placed for the first batch, consisting of 41 units. Their successful operation allowed the initial figures to be increased to 60 trains a couple of years later. This process coincided with the annexation of the East German region to the FRG.

The emergence of a high-speed rail network

Increasing the number of required trains by one and a half times proved to be an unbearable burden for the manufacturer. Therefore, sometimes delivery dates were missed and some trains were assembled later than originally planned.



From that moment to the present day, ICE (InterCity Express) has developed into a whole family of ultra-fast, top-class trains. They are mainly operated under the banner of the German provider Deutsche Bahn, including many popular domestic routes. The railway hubs are located in:

✅ Berlin
✅ Cologne
✅ Dusseldorf
✅ Frankfurt
✅ Hamburg

This number also includes other German business routes such as Hanover, Munich and Stuttgart. A limited number of rolling stock also goes to busy transnational routes that extend to the capitals and major cities of neighboring countries. The geography includes Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich and Interlaken.

On all these routes you can see elegant, very fast and quite comfortable InterCity Express trains. Many business people from different countries consider them to be the most reliable choice for business trips or tourist trips.

On domestic routes there is no need for registration or customs procedures. However, trains going to other countries will require ticket control and verification of traveler's identity documents. This entire process takes place right on board the train. Inside the ICE (InterCity Express) there are:

✅ air conditioning included as standard
✅ folding seats in both classes of carriages
✅ enough space for each passenger's luggage

In older ICE models, sockets exist in all cabin classes only around the seats with tables. In more modern versions, they are between each pair of seats. In any case, passengers will also enjoy free Wi-Fi on board.


Right behind the driver's cabin you can find a special viewing platform. It is intended for those who like to watch the rapidly changing landscape outside the window. At each sharp turn of the train, those who wish can see the beautiful German nature from the train window.

The creators of comfortable high-speed trains also took care of passengers with children. For the little ones, almost all models of the series have special changing places with comfortable tables. And for older children, there is a small play area in a separate compartment of the “parents + children” type.

Two classes with different sets of capabilities and functions

The ICE trains offer travellers a choice of two classes of service: standard and first. The upgraded environment, with plush leather seats and an elegant atmosphere, is often the preferred choice of successful businessmen and other lower-ranking executives. You can find:

✅ open plan seating
✅ a small number of coupes
✅ a dedicated quiet zone

Passengers with a flexible First Class fare can access DB lounges. The staff also serves drinks and snacks in their seats for a fee. In Standard, everything is, of course, much more modest.

Although, as the operating company assures, the services here are still an order of magnitude higher than the generally accepted European standards for this class. There is a quiet carriage, an open layout, and several compartments for passengers with small children.


Above each seat, you will find a miniature display with information about seat reservations. These LED screens inform travelers which seats are reserved and between which stations. A separate note such as "Schwerbehinderte" means that it is intended for people with disabilities.

Given the fact that the manufacturer has provided enough space for luggage, there is no limit on hand luggage. If you can carry something, then you can take it on board without any problems. There are also no rules for packing your things - they can be placed on any suitable shelf near your seat.

Something small, like a travel bag or a backpack, will easily fit on the top shelf. But for larger items, there are floor shelves in each passenger compartment. You can safely choose the one closest to your seat.

It will be more difficult for travelers who have a road or mountain bike with them. bike. There is no separate space for such equipment in any of the older InterCity Express models. The exception is the collapsible types, placed in a special bicycle bag with a zipper. Also, the ICE 4 and ICE3neo models have 8 places for fully assembled pedal equipment.


Returning to the topic of free Internet on board, it is worth noting that in first class there are no restrictions on bandwidth. Here, passengers can use wireless networks to the fullest extent. But in standard they are, so viewing large files or videos here will be a little problematic. All seats have regular European-type sockets with two inputs.

Different types of ICE compositions

The ICE3 cars of classes 403 and 406, ICE-T and ICE-TD have a seating area at each end of the train with a glass screen behind the driver's cab. This gives those who wish a view of the track ahead or behind the train. Classes 407 and 408 do not have this feature, as there is an electrical compartment between the driver's and passenger compartments. Here are the speed ratings for the different train models:

✅ ICE 1 or 2 – up to 280 km/h (when using high-speed lines)
✅ ICE 3 – up to 300 km/h (in Germany) and up to 320 km/h (in France)
✅ ICE 4 – from 230 to 265 km/h (depending on modification)
✅ ICE-T with inclined body – up to 230 km/h

At the same time, the first two models have the most impressive interiors in the entire line. They actively serve the Swiss direction, although recently they have been supplanted by the newer ICE 4 modification.

The third type of trains, class 403 and 406, operate on domestic routes. Sometimes they caused complaints from drivers due to software problems. Therefore, since last summer, a new model has appeared in the form of ICE3neo class 408 with more reliable filling, which has been launched on lines running to Brussels and Amsterdam.


The new type of train uses an interior with a large number of elements made of natural wood. Also, in the first class, the previous black leather on the seats has been replaced by practical and wear-resistant gray fabric.

German trains continue to be actively used by local carriers. Therefore, the factory line is constantly updated. The latest offer was the ICE-L. Its letter designation indicates a completely low-floor design. It also differs from all other types by the presence of a locomotive pulling passenger cars.