ICE
- Travel quickly and comfortably
- Electrical outlet at your seat
- Possibility of reserving a seat before departure
- WiFi in 1st and 2nd class
ICE schedule
ICE is the high-speed train that connects the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland every day. The modern trains offer a comfortable and relaxing travel experience, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h on the route between Cologne and Frankfurt.You can also travel from Amsterdam to Berlin in under 6 hours with the ICE, and back again.
Destinations ICE
Travel comfortably and easily to beautiful cities in Germany and Switzerland with ICE. With direct connections and quick transfers, you can reach your destination effortlessly. Below is an overview of the key cities and routes.
Some intermediate stations are not shown to keep the overview clear. You can find even more destinations in our booking tool.
Key routes and travel times
Whether you choose a direct connection to Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, or Munich, or travel further to cities like Basel and Zurich, ICE takes you to popular destinations in Germany and Switzerland every day. Below is an overview of the key routes and travel times to help you plan your ideal journey with ease.
| Route | Travel time | Transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Berlin | 5.51 hour | 0 |
| Amsterdam - Dusseldorf | 2.14 hour | 0 |
| Amsterdam - Cologne | 2.37 hour | 0 |
| Amsterdam - Frankfurt | 3.53 hour | 0 |
| Amsterdam - Munich | 6.57 hour | 0 |
| Amsterdam - Hamburg | 5.15 hour | 1 |
| Amsterdam - Basel | 7.10 hour | 1 |
| Amsterdam - Zurich | 7.30 hour | 1 |
The up-to-date schedule can be found in the itinerary planner
Departure stations in the Netherlands
ICE departs from three stations in the Netherlands:
| Station | Header | Header | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Central Station | Content | Content | Content | Content |
| Utrecht Central Station | Content | Content | Content | Content |
| Arnhem Central Station | Content | Content | Content | Content |
Travel to international airports by train
ICE offers you a fast and comfortable connection not only to major cities in Germany and Switzerland but also to large international airports. Easily transfer to your flight from Düsseldorf or Frankfurt Airport.
ICE prices
With ICE you can travel from € 20 to Germany and from € 38 to Switzerland. The sooner you book the cheaper your ticket. You can book up to 60 tot 364 days in advance.
The price depends on
- The moment of booking - Early booking means lowest prices
- Travel class - 1st or 2nd class
- Flexibility - Regarding changing or cancelling bookings
One-way prices ICE
| Route | Class | Supersparpreis Europa | Sparpreis Europa | Flexpreis Europa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Düsseldorf | 2nd class | € 20 | € 25 | € 76 |
| 1st class | € 28 | € 35 | € 123 | |
| Amsterdam - Cologne | 2nd class | € 20 | € 25 | € 85 |
| 1st class | € 30 | € 35 | € 149 |
Book in advance and save money
Do you already know what day and time you want to travel? Then choose for a Supersparpreis Europa rate: the best rate for the price-conscious travellers. You will not be able to cancel or rebook the ticket.
General tips for getting the cheapest tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Tickets ICE
ICE offers different tarif types for your journey. Choose from Flexpreis (Plus), Sparpreis or Sparpreis Europa tarif. Every tarif has different conditions.
| Supersparpreis Europa | Sparpreis Europa | Flexpreis Europa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change booking |
|
Until 1st day of valid for a fee of € 19 |
|
| Cancellation prior to departure |
|
Until 1st day of valid for a fee of € 19 |
|
| Cancellation after departure |
|
|
From 1st day of valid for a fee of € 19 |
| Seat reservation included |
|
|
|
| +City * |
|
|
|
| Presale period | 180 | 180 | 180 |
| Availability of tickets | sufficient | sufficient | unlimited |
| In combination with Dutch reduction card |
|
|
|
| In combination with BahnCard | Bahncard 25 Bahncard 50 | Bahncard 25 Bahncard 50 | Bahncard 25 Bahncard 50 Bahncard 100 |
*Travel to/from the station with local public transport for a significant number of German destinations
Find out everything about ICE International rates here
Compulsory seat reservation
In summer 2026 from 26 June to 31 August, seat reservation is compulsory for international train travel in ICE.
Seat reservations
It is not mandatory to reserve a seat with ICE International. However, we advise you to do so. You will receive a confirmation of your seat reservation stating the carriage number and seat number.Do you have a train ticket between the Netherlands and Germany without a seat reservation? And want to make sure you can sit down? Then you can reserve a seat online.
Seat reservation 1st class
When booking a first class full-flex ticket, the seat reservation costs are included in the price of your ticket.
ICE supplement for domestic travel
For domestic travel with ICE International (Amsterdam - Arnhem) a supplement is required. Passengers, travelling with a valid NS subscription, can travel with ICE International in the Netherlands without a supplement.
ICE classes
ICE has 2 travel classes: 1st class and 2nd class. In 1st class, you will benefit from additional advantages, such as greater comfort and extra legroom
2nd class
- Free WiFi
- 1 electrical outlet for every 2 seats
- In a number of ICE trains, there is a "kleinkind abteil" (closed off area where children can play)
- A "Panorama Lounge", where a glass wall has been placed so that passengers can enjoy the same view as the engine driver
- 37 cm legroom
1st class
- Seat reservation included in your full-flex ticket*
- Seat with adjustable back in a carriage with a middle or side aisle
- Free WiFi
- Free German newspapers
- A "Panorama Lounge", where a glass wall has been placed so that passengers can enjoy the same view as the engine driver
- 46 cm legroom
- 1 electrical outlet for every 2 seats
- Access to the NS International and DB Lounges (with the exception of Supersparpreis Europe and the Sparpreis Europe rate)
* Based on availability
Free access to the lounges
If you have a 1st class ticket, you can enjoy a free drink at the NS International Lounge in Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam. You also have access to the 1st class lounge of Deutsche Bahn at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, where you can enjoy a free snack and drink (with the exception of Supersparpreis Europe and Sparpreis Europe rate).
On board of ICE
Locating your carriage
The carriage numbers are clearly displayed on the side of the train doors, on the balcony, and above the doors inside the carriage. Using the carriage number on your ticket, you can easily find your designated carriage. For additional assistance, you can also refer to the train composition board on the platform.
Travel information
Onboard, you can follow your journey using the screens in your carriage. These display the latest travel information, including ICE International stops, departure and arrival times for each station, and connecting trains. Additionally, be sure to listen to the onboard announcements.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available on all ICE trains, both in 1st and 2nd class. So you can continue working, e-mail or use social media on board.
Catering
During your journey with ICE, everything has been taken care of. In the bar/bistro, you can order a simple meal, sandwiches, salads, hot snacks, or a drink. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card. For 1st class passengers, our staff also offers drinks and snacks at your seat on all ICE trains.
Luggage
Conditions
Each passenger is allowed to bring:
- 2 pieces of regular luggage (such as a suitcase, rucksack, travel bag or trolley) + 1 piece of hand luggage, or
- 1 piece of bulky luggage + 1 piece of regular luggage + 1 piece of hand luggage
Maximum dimensions for luggage: 85 × 85 × 85 cm.
Place your luggage in the designated storage areas:
- Luggage racks above the seats (max. 70 × 50 × 30 cm)
- Luggage racks at the front/rear of some carriages
- Under your seat (max. 70 × 50 × 30 cm)
- Luggage must not block aisles or obstruct other passengers.
You must be able to carry, store and unload your own luggage. You are responsible for your own belongings throughout the journey.
What may I bring
Regular luggage
- Suitcases, bags, backpacks and trolleys that do not exceed the maximum dimensions.
Bulky luggage:
This includes items that do not fall under regular luggage, such as:
- Musical instruments in cases
- Folding bicycles
The maximum dimensions are 85 x 85 x 85 cm, except for:
- Prams (folded)
- Skis in protective covers
Separate conditions apply to (electric) bicycles
Small electronic means of transport:
For example, electric scooters, hoverboards, one-wheelers and electric skateboards. These are permitted under the following conditions:
- They must not pose a risk to passengers or the train.
- Always carry them folded (in the case of scooters/kickboards).
- They must always be carried in a bag or secured with a strap in the luggage rack or under your seat.
- Do not use them on the train or at the station.
- A maximum of 1 item per passenger is permitted (i.e. not an e-scooter and a folding bicycle).
- They must have a built-in battery.
- Do not charge batteries on the train.
- Batteries that are not built in are considered dangerous goods and are not permitted.
- Rechargeable batteries are only permitted if they are <100 Wh/0.1 kWh (e.g. for phones, laptops and power banks).
What may I not bring
Customs and ICE regulations:
- Weapons such as crossbows and spears
- Oxygen cylinders without a doctor's certificate (doctor's certificate mandatory)
- Ammunition and fireworks
- Batteries with a capacity greater than 100 Wh that are not built into the device
Travelling with children
What does it cost to travel with children? Can I bring a stroller on board? May children walk about and play? For a worry-free trip, read all the practical information about.
Travellers with impaired mobility
Conditions
- Passengers with intellectual, visual or mobility impairments pay the standard fare.
- One companion and one assistance dog may travel free of charge with an 'OV-Begeleiderskaart'. The companion must have a free ticket, which is available in the country where the Public Transport Companion Card was issued. This applies both within the Netherlands and internationally.
- The companion may be either a person or an assistance dog.
- Assistance dogs: They travel free of charge and do not need to wear a muzzle.
Special child fares apply if a child with a disability is travelling with an OV-Begeleiderskaart:
- 1 adult + child: The child travels at the unaccompanied child fare, while the accompanying adult travels for free..
- 2 adults + child: 1 adult can travel with a complimentary companion ticket. A 2nd adult can travel at the standard fare, while a child can travel at the accompanying child fare.
Travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter
- There are 2 wheelchair spaces with 2 accompanying passenger seats in 2nd class on ICE trains.
- There is a nearby wheelchair-accessible toilet/washroom.
- Wheelchair/scooter dimensions: max. 125 cm long, max. 70 cm wide
- A folded wheelchair is considered luggage and must comply with regular luggage rules.
- The wheelchair or scooter travels free of charge.
- There are limited options for mobility scooters. Please contact us in advance on 030 – 235 78 22 for advice.
- Assistive devices with combustion engines are not permitted. A special lift is available to facilitate wheelchair access when boarding and disembarking.
- Wheelchair spaces cannot be reserved for journeys between Dutch stations.
- For international journeys, however, wheelchair spaces are reserved for passengers who contact us in advance.
Mobility aids and medical supplies
- Oxygen cylinders are permitted with a medical passport (not for recreational activities such as diving).
- Other mobility aids, such as walkers or folding wheelchairs, can be taken as luggage as long as they comply with luggage regulations.
- Scooters are only permitted if they comply with the above dimensions and restrictions.
Assistance and bookings
- You can request assistance with boarding and disembarking via NS Travel Assistance.
- Requests can be made up to 36 hours before departure, but please note that assistance only covers help with boarding and disembarking and does not include help with carrying luggage.
- For questions about mobility scooters or additional assistance: 030 – 235 78 22 (available 24/7).
- Wheelchair spaces cannot be booked online.
You can buy tickets via:
- NS International Customer Service: 030 – 230 00 23
- An NS International desk
Request an OV-Begeleiderskaart at Argonaut.
Bringing pets on board
Pets are permitted in first and second class on ICE trains, but not in the bistro carriage. However, guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted.
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets can travel free of charge if they are transported in a cage, bag or basket. These must not exceed 55 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H). If the train is busy, you must hold the cage, bag or basket on your lap.
- Large pets: You must purchase a ticket for large pets. The price depends on your destination and the availability of offers. The ticket is booked in the same class as you are travelling in and costs 50% of the adult fare. It is not possible to reserve a seat for your pet.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Registered guide and assistance dogs are always welcome and can travel free of charge. All you need to do is inform the train manager that your dog is on board. Your dog does not need to be muzzled. More information for passengers with impaired mobility travelling with ICE.
Buying a train ticket for your pet
For larger pets that cannot be transported in a cage, bag or basket, please purchase a ticket at:
- Tickets for honden zijn telefonisch verkrijgbaar via NS International Klantenservice 030 – 230 00 23 (available daily from 07.00 to 23.00 hours).
- At the NS International desk at medium-sized and large NS stations.
- If you are travelling by ICE between two Dutch stations, you can purchase or load an NS Day Ticket Dog at an NS ticket machine.
ICE in virtual reality
Find your way around ICE International in virtual reality below. Planning to travel first class? For a sneak peak, click on the three bars on the right and then on 'Eertse klas lounge'.