New trains to Berlin

Changes in 2025

5 September 2025

This year, new trains will be running to Berlin! From 18 October, most trains to Berlin will be new ICE trains.

Oscar Labrovic is Regisseur International and is happy to talk about the plans.

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New trains on the Amsterdam - Berlin route

There has been talk of new trains on this route for some time. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has bought new carriages from the manufacturer Talgo. That programme has been delayed. That’s why it was decided that the intercity trains would be replaced by new ICE's. These are the same ICE trains that already run on the route to Frankfurt and Munich.

Why this is good news

Oscar explains the advantages: "The trains to Berlin and to Frankfurt will soon be the same type and can take over each other’s service in case of a disruption. That means there’s less chance of a train being cancelled.
And the new trains are modern. In summer, you’ll suffer less from the heat thanks to heat-reflecting windows and good air conditioning. And in autumn there are fewer problems with flat wheels. Flat wheels make a train thump and can be the result of leaves on the rails in wet weather.
The ICE also has a bar and catering on board. Fortunately, from mid-December on all trains to Berlin, you can again buy something to eat and drink on the way!'

Flexible use

Oscar sees even more advantages. 'Maybe only interesting for train enthusiasts to know?' he laughs. 'The risk of delays or cancellations will soon be lower. It is also easier in emergencies that you don't have a locomotive with carriages that you may have to detour. That is more complicated.

And in case of railway works, it is also easier to drive on a different route if necessary, via another border crossing. Also because in Germany there are more colleagues who can drive an ICE than a locomotive with carriages.'

Only positive news?

The ICE trains have a quarter fewer seats than the current Intercity Berlin trains. Unfortunately, this cannot be solved by connecting two ICE trains, which is what happens on the Munich route. For that, some platforms are too short at stations where the train stops along the way.

The train also has fewer bicycle spaces. The bike carriage on the Intercity Berlin has sixteen spaces, while the ICE has space for eight bikes.

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ICE surcharge

Just like with the ICE to Frankfurt, you will also need a surcharge if you are only travelling within the Netherlands on the ICE to Berlin. The same exception applies for season ticket holders. With an NS season ticket, you don’t pay a surcharge if you are travelling within the Netherlands.

Will the trains also go faster?

Oscar explains that the trains are not going to run faster. 'The current intercity trains run at a maximum of 200 km per hour and the new trains will also run at that speed. ICE trains could go up to 300 km per hour but they are not currently scheduled that way. There are tracks between Hanover and Berlin where you could possibly go 250 km per hour. If the train is delayed, it is easier to catch up that way.

As of November 2025, trains will not travel faster either. However, you will then travel in a modern train, with more comfort and facilities and less chance of delays'.