Questions and answers / Measures ICE International summer 2023

Measures ICE International summer 2023

Travelling with a reliable timetable

This year, in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, we are taking steps to improve the service of ICE trains for the upcoming summer.

ICE International and the summer of 2022

The summer of 2022 saw overcrowded trains and platforms, long queues at international service desks and increasing waiting times at customer service desks. Due to a combination of many passengers, shorter trains and also train cancellations, stations sometimes suddenly became very crowded. So busy, in fact, that sometimes we were forced to skip stations with ICEs for safety reasons.
This year, we are adjusting the schedule and taking many other measures. We expect this will contribute to a pleasant travel experience for all our passengers.

What measures are being taken?

Measures to prevent overcrowded trains

Seat reservation will be compulsory from 17 June to 18 August. From 14 April, for ICE trains in this period, you will automatically book the compulsory seat reservation with your ticket. This is free of charge.
Flexpreis ticket sales will be closed. Flexible ticket sales will also be closed if necessary when the maximum number of seats are reserved.
Train removed from domestic planner. The ICE is also used as a domestic train from Amsterdam via Utrecht to Arnhem. This will still be possible, but by not showing the train in the planner, the number of passengers is expected to decrease.

Less chance of disruptions

The direct ICE to Basel (ICE 105 or 255) will, from 27 May to 12 September, run with a transfer in Frankfurt. This will will give us an 'extra' train that can be used as a back-up train. Any disruptions can thus be dealt with more easily.
In hot weather, trains in Amsterdam turn around 'in shelter', in the shade. This means they are in the sun for as short a time as possible and are less likely to break down because it is too hot onboard the trains. Also, in Frankfurt, trains will turn around under the station shelter.

Travelling to Basel with ICE

ICE 105 (or ICE 255) to Basel will temporarily not run direct. If you are travelling to Basel, you can change trains at Frankfurt Flughafen on the other side of the platform to ICE 105 to Basel SBB. This will not result in any additional travel time. This also applies to the route from Basel to the Netherlands.

Back-up train

If at any time too many ICE trains break down, the back-up train will be used. You will then travel on another train from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf or Cologne. If you want to travel further, you can change to another ICE train there.

Engineering works on the track

In the summer, a lot of work will be done to the tracks as well. ICE will sometimes take a detour via Venlo or via part of the Betuwe route. Intercity Berlin will make a detour via Münster during a certain period.

Most of the engineering works have been incorporated into the itinerart planner and booking systeem. On the page Plenty of maintenance work in Germany, Erik Leddy explains the effects of engineering works in Germany this summer.

Plenty of work to do

Engineering works in Germany... what exactly is happening? And how will it affect my trip? Can I still book?

Get the answers

Travel with ICE International summer 2023

During the peak summer period, international travelers on the ICE must also have a seat reservation.

ICE International

ICE International brings you directly across the border to twelve stations in Germany and one in Switzerland.

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