InterCityExpress
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{{dablink|This article is about the German trains. For the Australian trains, see [[InterCity Express (Citytrain)]]. For the British project, see [[Intercity Express Programme]].}}
[[Image:ICE 3 Fahlenbach.jpg|thumb|300px|right|ICE 3 trainset near [[Ingolstadt]]]]
The '''InterCityExpress''' or '''ICE''' ([[German language|German]] pronunciation: {{IPA|[iːtseːˈeː]}}) is a system of [[high-speed rail|high-speed trains]] predominantly running in [[Germany]] and neighbouring countries. It is the highest service category offered by [[DB Fernverkehr]] and is the flagship of [[Deutsche Bahn]]. The brand name "ICE" is among the best-known brands of Germany, with a brand awareness close to 100%, according to DB.<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.db.de/site/hochgeschwindigkeit/de/ice/faszination/marke__ice/marke__ice.html|title=15 Jahre Hochgeschwindigkeitsverkehr|publisher=Deutsche Bahn AG|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref>
The "ICE" name is also used for the vehicles used on the system, which were specifically developed for the system starting in the early 1980s. There are currently three different versions of the ICE vehicles in use, named [[ICE 1]] (deployed in 1991), [[DBAG Class 402|ICE 2]] (1996) and [[Siemens Velaro|ICE 3]] (1999). The ICE 3, including its variant models, is made both by [[Bombardier]] and [[Siemens]].
Apart from domestic use, the trains can also be seen in countries neighbouring Germany. There are, for example, ICE 1 lines to [[Zürich]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Vienna]], [[Austria]]. ICE 3 trains also run to [[Liège (city)|Liège]] and [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]]<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.bahn.de/p/view/preise/international/zuege/ice_int_bruessel.shtml|title=Mit dem ICE International nach Belgien|publisher=Deutsche Bahn AG|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref> and at lower speeds to [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Netherlands]].<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.bahn.de/p/view/preise/international/zuege/ice_holland_angebot.shtml|title=Mit der Bahn in die Niederlande|publisher=Deutsche Bahn AG|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref> On June 10, 2007, a new line between [[Paris]] and [[Frankfurt]]/[[Stuttgart]] was opened, jointly operated by Deutsche Bahn and [[SNCF]]. While the ICE runs the Paris-to-Frankfurt branch, SNCF's [[TGV]] runs from Paris to Munich (via Stuttgart), with mixed crews on both trains. <ref>{{de icon}}{{cite web|url=http://www.db.de/site/bahn/de/unternehmen/konzern/im__blickpunkt/deutsch__franzoesische__hgv/deutsch__franzoesische__hgv.html|publisher=Deutsche Bahn AG|accessdate=2007-12-06|title=Premiernfahrt nach Paris}}</ref><ref>{{de icon}} {{cite book|title=Die Bahn am Ball|author=Staff writer|publisher=Deutsche Bahn AG|pages=p. 96|year=2006}}</ref> On December 9, 2007 the ICE TD was introduced on the service from [[Berlin]] via [[Hamburg]] to [[Århus]] and [[Copenhagen]], [[Denmark]].
The Spanish railway operator [[RENFE]] also employs trains based on ICE 3 trains ([[Siemens Velaro]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transportation.siemens.com/ts/en/pub/newsline/newsline/presse_2001/2001/04_03_2001.htm|title=International breakthrough for Siemens high-speed train technology|publisher=Siemens AG|date=2001-04-03|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref> Wider versions were ordered by China for the [[Beijing-Tianjin high-speed rail]] ([[Siemens Velaro#CRH 3|CRH 3]]) and by Russia for the [[Moscow]] - [[Saint Petersburg]] and the [[Moscow]] - [[Nizhny Novgorod]] routes ([[Siemens Velaro#Velaro RUS|Velaro RUS]]).<ref>{{ru icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.siemens.ru/siemens.sbs?res=ru/press/releases/RZD_contact|title=Новый международный успех высокоскоростных поездов «Сименс»|publisher=Siemens AG|date=2006-03-19|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref>
== History of the ICE ==
[[Image:410001MKF Zug 1152.jpg|thumb|[[InterCityExperimental]] – the ICE predecessor – runs, for the first time, as a full train, near Munich (September 1985)]]
The [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] started a series of trials in 1985 using the [[InterCityExperimental]] (also called ICE-V) test train. The IC Experimental was used as a showcase train and for high-speed trials, setting a new [[land speed record for railed vehicles|world speed record]] at 406.9 km/h (253 mph) on [[May 1]], [[1988]].<ref name="transrapid-buch">{{de icon}} {{cite book|title=Transrapid und Rad-Schiene-Hochgeschwindigkeitsbahn: Ein gesamtheitlicher Systemvergleich|author=Peter Jehle, René Naumann, Rainer Schach|date=2006|publisher=Springer|pages=p. 20|isbn=354028334X}}</ref>
The train was retired in 1996 and replaced with a new trial unit, called the [[ICE-S|ICE S]].
After extensive discussion between the Bundesbahn and the Ministry of Transport regarding onboard equipment, length and width of the train and the number of trainsets required, a first batch of 41 units was ordered in 1988. The order was extended to 60 units in 1990, with [[German reunification]] in mind. However, not all trains could be delivered in time.
The ICE network was officially inaugurated on [[May 29]], [[1991]] with several vehicles converging on the newly built station [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] from different directions.<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.caritas-stuttgart.de/19563.html|publisher=Caritasverband Stuttgart e. V.|title=Die neuen Wohlfahrtsmarken|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref>
=== First generation ===
{{main|ICE 1}}
[[Image:ICE1 Schellenberg.jpg|thumb|right|ICE 1 on the [[Nuremberg-Munich high-speed rail line|Nuremberg-Ingolstadt line]]]]
The first ICE trains were the trainsets of [[ICE 1]] (power cars: Class 401), which came into service in 1989. The first regularly scheduled ICE trains ran from [[June 2]], [[1991]] from [[Hamburg-Altona railway station|Hamburg-Altona]] via [[Hamburg Hauptbahnhof|Hamburg Hbf]] - [[Hannover Hauptbahnhof|Hannover Hbf]] - [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] - [[Fulda railway station|Fulda]] - [[Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof|Frankfurt Hbf]] - [[Mannheim Hauptbahnhof|Mannheim Hbf]] and [[Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof|Stuttgart Hbf]] toward [[München Hauptbahnhof|München Hbf]] on the new '''ICE line 6'''. The [[Hanover-Würzburg high-speed rail line|Hanover-Würzburg line]] and the [[Mannheim-Stuttgart high-speed rail line|Mannheim-Stuttgart line]], which had both opened the same year, were hence integrated into the ICE network from the very beginning.
Due to the lack of trainsets in 1991 and early 1992, the '''ICE line 4''' ([[Bremen Hauptbahnhof|Bremen Hbf]] - [[Hannover Hauptbahnhof|Hannover Hbf]] - [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] - [[Fulda railway station|Fulda]] - [[Würzburg Hauptbahnhof|Würzburg Hbf]] - [[Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof|Nürnberg Hbf]] - [[München Hauptbahnhof|München Hbf]]) couldn't start operating until [[June 1]], [[1992]]. Prior to that date, ICE trainsets were used when available and were integrated in the [[InterCity]] network and with IC tariffs.
In 1993, the '''ICE line 6'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s terminus was moved from Hamburg to [[Berlin]] (later, in 1998, via the [[Hanover-Berlin high-speed rail line|Hanover-Berlin line]] and the former '''IC line 3''' from [[Hamburg-Altona railway station|Hamburg-Altona]] via [[Hannover Hbf]] - [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] - [[Fulda railway station|Fulda]] - [[Frankfurt Hbf]] - [[Mannheim Hbf]] - [[Karlsruhe Hbf]] - [[Freiburg im Breisgau]] to [[Basel SBB]] was upgraded to ICE standards as a replacement).
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=== Second generation ===
{{main|DBAG Class 402}}
[[Image:ICE2 Hilpodrom.jpg|thumb|ICE 2 near Nürnberg–Ingolstadt]]
[[Image:402039-2.jpg|thumb|right|ICE 2 with open powerhead coupler cover]]
From 1997, the successor, the '''ICE 2''' trains pulled by [[DBAG Class 402|Class 402]] powerheads, was put into service. One of the goals of the ICE 2 was to improve [[load balancing]] by building smaller train units which could be coupled or detached as needed.
These trainsets were used on the '''ICE line 10''' Berlin-Cologne/Bonn. However, since the [[Control car (rail)|driving van trailer]]s of the trains were still awaiting approval, the DB joined two portions (with one powerhead each) to form a long train, similar to the ICE 1. Only from [[May 24]], [[1998]] were the ICE 2 units fully equipped with driving van trailers, and could be portioned on their run from [[Hamm (Westfalen) railway station|Hamm]] via either [[Dortmund Hbf]] - [[Essen Hbf]] - [[Duisburg Hbf]] - [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] or [[Hagen Hbf]] - [[Wuppertal Hbf]] - [[Solingen Hauptbahnhof|Solingen-Ohligs]].
In late 1998, the [[Hanover-Berlin high-speed rail line]] was opened as the third [[high-speed rail|high-speed line]] in Germany, cutting travel time on line 10 (between Berlin and the [[Ruhr valley]]) by 2½ hours.
The ICE 1 and ICE 2 trains' [[loading gauge]] exceeds that recommended by the international railway organisation [[International Union of Railways|UIC]]. Even though the trains were originally to be used only domestically, some units are licensed to run in [[Switzerland]] and [[Austria]]. Some ICE 1 units have been equipped with an additional smaller [[Pantograph (rail)|pantograph]] to be able to run on the different Swiss [[overhead lines|overhead wire]] geometry.
All ICE 1 and ICE 2 trains are single-voltage [[15 kV AC]], which restricts their radius of operation largely to the German-speaking countries of Europe.
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=== Third generation ===
{{main|Siemens Velaro}}
[[Image:ICE3 Euerwangtunnel.jpg|thumb|New design of ICE 3]]
[[Image:ice3 leitstand.jpg|thumb|Inside the cab of an ICE 3]]
To overcome the restrictions imposed on the ICE 1 and ICE 2, their successor, the ICE 3, was built to a smaller [[loading gauge]] to permit usability throughout Europe. Unlike their predecessors, the ICE 3 units are built not as locomotive-pulled trains (albeit aerodynamically optimised), but as [[electric multiple unit]]s with underfloor motors throughout. This also reduced the load per axle and enabled the ICE 3 to comply with the pertinent UIC standard.
Two different classes were developed: the [[DBAG Class 403|Class 403]] (domestic ICE 3) and the [[DBAG Class 406|Class 406]] (ICE 3M), the M standing for ''Mehrsystem'' (multi-voltage). The trains were labelled and marketed as the [[Siemens Velaro|Velaro]] by their manufacturer, [[Siemens]].
Just like the ICE 2, the ICE 3 and the ICE 3M were developed as half-length trains (when compared to an ICE 1) and are able to travel in portions, with individual units running on different lines, then being coupled to travel together. Since the ICE 3 trains are the only ones able to run on the [[Cologne-Frankfurt high-speed rail line|Cologne-Frankfurt high-speed line]] with its 4.0 % incline, they are used predominantly on services that utilise this line.
Deutsche Bahn is planning to order another 30 units - worth [[Euro|€]] 900 million - for international traffic, especially to France.
The newest high-speed line in Germany, the [[Nuremberg-Ingolstadt high-speed rail line]], which opened in May 2006, is the most recent addition to the ICE network. It is one of only two lines in Germany (the other being the Cologne to Frankfurt line) that are equipped for a line speed of 300 km/h. Since only 3rd generation ICE trains can travel at this speed, the '''ICE line 41''', formerly running from [[Essen Hbf]] via [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Frankfurt (Main) Südbahnhof|Frankfurt Südbf]] to [[Nürnberg Hbf]], was extended over the [[Nuremberg-Ingolstadt high-speed rail line]] and today the service run is [[Oberhausen Hbf]] – [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Frankfurt Hbf]] – [[Nürnberg Hbf]] – [[Ingolstadt Hbf]] – [[München Hbf]].
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=== ICE T and ICE TD ===
{{main|Siemens Venturio}}
[[Image:ICE-T Neigung.jpg|thumb|ICE-T tilting train]]
[[Image:Führerstand 411.jpg|thumb|Driver's cab of the ICE-T]]
Simultaneously with the ICE 3, Siemens developed trains with [[Tilting train|tilting]] technology, using much of the ICE 3 technical design. The class 411 (seven cars) and 415 (five cars) ICE T EMUs and class 605 ICE TD DMUSs (four cars) were built with a similar interior and exterior design. They were specially designed for older railway lines not suitable for high speeds, for example the twisting lines in [[Thuringia]]. ICE-TD has diesel traction. ICE-T and ICE-TD can be operated jointly, but this is not done routinely.
A total of 60 class 411 and 11 class 415 have been built so far (units built after 2004 belong to the modified second generation ICE-T2 batch). Both classes work reliably. Austria's [[ÖBB]] has purchased three units in 2007, operating them jointly with DB. It might be worth noting that even though DB assigned the name ''ICE-T'' to class 411/415, the ''T'' originally did not stand for ''tilting'', but for ''Triebwagen'' (railcar), as DB's marketing department at first deemed the top speed too low for assignment of the InterCityExpress brand and therefore planned to refer to this class as ''IC-T'' (InterCity-Triebwagen).
Rather ill-fated was the adoption for diesel services. In 2001 a total of 20 units were commissioned for use on the [[Dresden]]-[[Munich]] and [[Munich]]-[[Zurich]] lines, but these [[Siemens Venturio|class 605]] (ICE-TD) units experienced trouble from the start. Today they are used for supplemental services. Their top speed is 200km/h. Starting at the end of 2007, it is planned to deploy the class 605 on the [[Hamburg]]-[[Copenhagen]] route. This route, using the [[Fehmarn Belt]] [[train ferry]] needs diesel trains for both the railway and the ferry, as neither has an electric supply. Later the [[Hamburg]]-[[Aarhus]] will also have these trains. The Danish railway currently has a severe shortage of long-distance diesel trains since their new [[IC4]], with features similar to the ICE-TD, has also been ill-fated and severely delayed in delivery.
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== Accidents ==
There have been several accidents involving ICE trains. The Eschede disaster was the only accident with fatalities inside the train, but other accidents have resulted in major damage to the trainsets involved.
==== Eschede disaster ====
:''See [[Eschede train disaster]] for main article''
[[Image:Ice eschede 1.jpg|thumb|Eschede site – Remains of ICE 884 "Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen"]]
The ICE accident near [[Eschede]] that happened on 3 June 1998 was a severe [[List of 1950-1999 rail accidents|railway accident]] and the worst ever to involve a high-speed train, as well as the worst railway accident since modern Germany's foundation in 1949. Trainset 51, travelling as '''ICE 884''' "[[Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen]]" from Munich to Hamburg, derailed at 200 km/h (125 mph), killing 101 and injuring 88.
The cause of the accident was a wheel rim which broke and damaged the train six kilometres south of the accident site. The wheel rim penetrated the carriage floor and lifted the check rail of a set of [[railroad switch|points]] close to Eschede station. The broken-off check rail then forced the point blades of the following set of points to change direction, and the rear cars of the trainset were diverted to a different track. They hit the pillars of a street overpass, which then collapsed onto the tracks. Only three cars and the front powerhead passed under the bridge, the rest of the 14-car train jackknifed into the collapsed bridge.
==== Other accidents ====
[[Image:4011592 Unfall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66|Damaged ''ICE T'' trainset 1192]]
On 27 September 2001, trainset 5509 fell off a work platform at the [[Hof, Germany|Hof]] maintenance facility and was written off.
On 22 November 2001, powerhead ''401 020'' caught fire. The train was stopped at the station in [[Offenbach]] near Frankfurt a.M. No passengers were harmed, but the powerhead had to be written off.
On 6 January 2004, trainset 1106 caught on fire while it was parked at [[Leipzig]]. Two cars were written off, and the others are now used as spares.
On 1 April 2004, trainset 321 collided with a [[tractor]] that had fallen onto the track at a tunnel entrance near [[Efringen-Kirchen|Istein]] and derailed. No one was injured. Trainset 321 was temporally taken apart, its cars being switched with cars from other ICE 3 trainsets.
Powerhead ''401 553'' suffered major damage in a collision with a car on the [[Riedbahn]] in April 2006.
On 28 April 2006, trainset 73 collided head-on with two [[SBB-CFF-FFS Re 460|BLS Re 465]] locomotives at [[Thun]] in [[Switzerland]]. The engineer of the Swiss locomotives was unfamiliar with the new layout of the station, which had been recently changed. He did not see a shunting signal ordering him to stop. The locomotives automatically engaged the emergency brakes when he passed the signal, but came to a stop on the same track as the approaching ICE. The ICE was travelling at a speed of 74 km/h. The emergency brake slowed the train to 56 km/h at the point of collision. 30 passengers and the driver of the ICE suffered minor injuries, the driver of the Swiss locomotives having jumped to safety. Both trains suffered major damage. The powerhead ''401 573'' had to be rebuilt using components from three damaged powerheads (''401 573'', ''401 020'' and ''401 551'').
On 1 March 2008, trainset 1192, travelling as ICE 23, collided with a tree which had fallen onto the track near [[Brühl, North Rhine-Westphalia|Brühl]] after being blown down by cyclone [[Emma (windstorm)|Emma]]. The driver suffered severe injuries. The trainset is back in service, its cabcar having been replaced with that from trainset 1106.
[[Image:ICE1 Landruecken Crash3.jpg|thumb|left|Trainset 11 derailed after hitting a flock of sheep]]
On 26 April 2008, trainset 11, travelling as ICE 885, collided with a flock of [[sheep]] on the [[Hanover-Würzburg high-speed rail line]] near [[Fulda]]. Both powerheads and ten of the 12 cars derailed. The train came to a stop 1300 meters into the [[Landrückentunnel]]. 19 of the 130 passengers suffered mostly minor injuries, four of them needing hospital treatment.<ref>[http://www.wecowi.org/view/ICE-Unfall_bei_Fulda ICE-Unfall bei Fulda (www.wecowi.org; map)]</ref>
== ExpoExpress ==
For the [[EXPO 2000]] in [[Hanover]], Deutsche Bahn provided 120 additional train services. Some of these special services were operated by ICE trains and labelled "ExpoExpress" (EXE). These services also constituted the first widespread use of the then-new ICE 3 train sets, presenting them to the domestic and international general public.<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite journal|journal=Elektrische Bahnen, Elektrotechnik im Verkehrswesen|year=2000|issue=11|issn=0013-5437|title=Dritte Generation ICE-Triebzüge für DB Reise&Touristik}}</ref>
== Equipment ==
=== ICE design ===
An outstanding characteristic of the ICE trains is their colour design, which has been registered by the DB as an [[Geschmacksmuster|aesthetic model]] and hence is protected as intellectual property.<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.bff.de/publish/viewfull.cfm?objectid=a6e33a4e_20ed_76a6_2c6e3454da69a89b&m_id=1|publisher=Bund Freischaffender Foto-Designer e. V.|title=Frei von Rechten Dritter...|author=Wolfgang Maaßen|accessdate=2007-02-13}}</ref> The trains are painted in ''Pale Grey'' ([[RAL (colour space system)|RAL]] 7035) with a ''Traffic Red'' (RAL 3020) stripe on the lower part of the vehicle. The continuous black band of windows and their oval door windows differentiate the ICEs from any other [[Deutsche Bahn|DB]] train.
The ICE 1 and ICE 2 units originally had an ''Orient Red'' (RAL 3031) stripe, accomplished by a ''Pastel Violet'' stripe below (RAL 4009, 26 cm wide). These stripes were repainted with the current Traffic Red between 1998 and 2000, when all ICE units were being checked and repainted in anticipation of the [[EXPO 2000]].
The "ICE" lettering uses the colour ''Agate Grey'' (RAL 7038), the frame is painted in ''Quartz Grey'' (RAL 7039). The plastic platings in the interior all utilise the ''Pale Grey'' (RAL 7035) colour tone.
Originally, the ICE 1 interior was designed in pastel tones with an emphasis on mint, following the DB colour scheme of the day. The ICE 1 trains have been refurbished in the mid-2000s, however, and are now following the same design as the ICE 3, which makes heavy usage of indirect lighting and wooden furnishings.
The distinctive ICE design was developed by a team of designers around [[Alexander Neumeister]] in the early 1980s and first used on the [[InterCityExperimental]] (ICE V). The team around Neumeister then designed the ICE 1, ICE 2, and ICE 3/T/TD. The interior of the trains was designed by [[Jens Peters]] working for BPR-Design in [[Stuttgart]]. Among others, he was responsible for the heightened roof in the restaurant car and the special lighting. The same team also developed the design for the now discontinued [[InterRegio]] trains in the mid-1980s.
=== Differences in design ===
[[Image:ICE Frankfurt Flughafen.jpg|thumb|250px|ICE 1 – in service since 1991]]
[[Image:ICE3HD.jpg|thumb|250px|ICE 3 - a new design]]
[[Image:ICE-T2 Deutz.jpg|thumb|250px|ICE T2 (Series 2 of the ICE T)]]
{|
! width="120" |
! |
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE (generally):''' || '''Pale grey livery with red stripe and convoluted rubber gaiters between carriages''' ''(distinctive from all other DB trains)'' <br> '''Black window band with oval door windows''' ''(distinctive from [[InterCity]] / [[Metropolitan (train)|Metropolitan]] cars)'' <br> '''Wheels-on-rails technology''' ''(distinctive from the [[Transrapid]])''
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE 1:''' || two [[Electric locomotive|power heads]] and intermediate cars; [[dining car|restaurant car]] with high roof; nose with DB logo that interrupts red stripe (unique to the ICE 1)
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE 2:''' || one power head and one [[Control car (rail)|driving van trailer]] accessible to passengers; BordRestaurant/Bistro car has same height as other cars; ''contrary to ICE 1:'' nose is vertically divisible, parts of the [[Coupling (railway)#Scharfenberg Coupler|Schaku]] protruding to the outside
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE 3:''' || no power heads, but an [[electric multiple unit|EMU]]: end cars with rounded windshield and passenger lounge, unpowered transformer car with [[pantograph (rail)|pantograph]]; red stripe is interrupted at the end cars by ICE logo, then runs downwards and across the nose lid; window band becomes narrow and ends near the windshield.
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE T/TD:''' || ''similar to ICE 3, except:'' steeper front; pantograph (T)/ aerodynamic cover (TD) on end cars; no ICE logo on the end coaches; red stripe stays straight, red stripe ends near the lamps.
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE T2:''' || ''like ICE T series 1, except:'' painted sheet metal instead of glass between windows, front lamps with [[LED]]s
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE V:''' || violet, wide stripe runs deeper than on newer stock and does not continue over the nose lid; [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] logo and preliminary ICE logo; clad rubber gaiters; power heads larger than intermediate cars and with rounder front; front hedge ICE 2-like since 1995
|- valign="top"
| colspan="2" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE S:''' || old-style pastel violet/orient red stripe turns yellow/grey on intermediate coaches, designating a service vehicle; ICE logo with additional letter "S" in white; gray and yellow lines form a curve on intermediate car 2; high-voltage lines between carriages; maximum speed 330 km/h instead of 280 km/h
|}
=== Trainset numbers ===
While every car in an ICE train has its own unique registration number, the trains are usually remain coupled to fixed trainsets for several years. For easier reference, each has been assigned a ''trainset number'' that is printed over each bogie of every car. These numbers usually correspond with the registration numbers of the powerheads or cab cars.
{|
! width="120" |
! |
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE 1:''' || Tz 01 to 20 || [[traction motor]]s use [[thyristor]] [[Frequency changer|frequency converters]]
|-
| || Tz 51 to 71 || traction motors use [[Gate turn-off thyristor|GTO]] frequency converters
|-
| || Tz 72 to 90 || GTO control, fitted for service into [[Switzerland]]
|- valign="top"
| colspan="3" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE 2:''' || Tz 201 to 244 ||
|- valign="top"
| colspan="3" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE 3:''' || Tz 301 to 337 || first series
|-
| || Tz 351 to 367 || second series
|- valign="top"
| colspan="3" |
----
|-
| '''ICE 3M:''' || Tz 4601 to 4613 || 7 trainsets, numbers intermittent
|-
| || Tz 4651 to 4654 || owned by [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen|NS Hispeed]]
|-
| '''ICE 3MF:''' || Tz 4680 to 4685 || refitted for service into France
|- valign="top"
| colspan="3" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE T:''' || Tz 1101 to 1132 || first series
|-
| 7 cars|| Tz 1151 to 1178 || second series
|-
| || Tz 1180 to 1184 || refitted for service into Switzerland
|-
| || Tz 1190 to 1192 || sold to [[ÖBB]]
|- valign="top"
| colspan="3" |
----
|-
| '''ICE T:'''|| Tz 1501 to 1506 ||
|-
| 5 cars|| Tz 1520 to 1524 || originally fitted for service into Switzerland, cab cars switched with Tz 1180 to 1184
|- valign="top"
| colspan="3" |
----
|- valign="top"
| '''ICE TD:''' || Tz 5501 to 5520 ||
|}
<br style="clear:both;"/>
=== Interior equipment ===
The ICE trains adhere to a high standard of technology: all cars are fully air-conditioned and nearly every seat features a [[headphone]] jack which enables the passenger to listen to several on-board music and voice programmes as well as several radio stations. Some seats in the 1st class section (in some trains also in 2nd class) are equipped with video displays showing movies and pre-recorded infotainment programmes. Each train is equipped with special cars that feature in-train repeaters for improved [[mobile phone]] reception as well as designated quiet zones where the use of mobile phones is discouraged.
[[Image:ICE2 Erste Klasse.jpg|thumb|250px|1st class open carriage in an ICE 2]]
The ICE 1 was originally equipped with a passenger information system based on [[Bildschirmtext|BTX]], however this system was eventually taped over and removed in the later refurbishment. The ICE 3 trains feature [[touch screen]] terminals in some carriages, enabling travellers to print train timetables. The system is also located in the restaurant car of the ICE 2.
The ICE 1 fleet is currently seeing a major overhaul, supposed to extend the lifetime of the trains by another 15 to 20 years. Seats and the interior design are adapted to the ICE 3 design, electric sockets are added to every seat, the audio and video entertainment systems are being removed and electronic seat reservation indicators are added above the seats.
ICE 2 trains feature electric sockets at selected seats, ICE 3 and ICE T trains have sockets at nearly every seat.
The ICE 3 and ICE T are similar in their interior design, but the other ICE types differ. The ICE 1, the ICE 2 and seven-car ICE T (Class 411) are equipped with a full restaurant car. The ICE 3 and the five-car ICE T (Class 415), however, have been designed without a restaurant, they feature a bistro coach instead. Since [[October 1]], [[2006]] smoking is prohibited in the bistro coaches, similar to the restaurant cars, which have always been non-smoking.
All trains feature a disabled toilet and wheelchair spaces. The ICE 1 and ICE 2 have a special conference compartment whilst the ICE 3 features a compartment suitable for small children. The ICE 3 and ICE T omit the usual train manager's compartment and have an open counter named "ServicePoint" instead.
An electronic display above each seat indicates the locations between which the seat has been reserved. Passengers without reservations are permitted to take seats with a blank display, or seats with no reservation on the current section. This facility is not used on Paris to Frankfurt services, where only passengers with seat reservations are permitted to travel.
=== Internet Access on ICE Trains ===
[[Image:ICE3 hotspot.jpg|thumb|250px|ICE 3 with T-Mobile Hotspot advertisement in Ulm]]
In late 2005, seven ICE 3 units were equipped with wireless [[Local-area network|LANs]] to provide passengers with [[Internet]] access, marketed under the brand name "Railnet". These trains are distinguishable by the large [[T-Mobile]] adverts near the train vestibules. At first, the Internet connection functioned between Dortmund and Cologne only, but the DB and T-Mobile have announced plans to offer the service on the entire length of the [[Cologne-Frankfurt high-speed rail line]]. Access was free of charge during the trial, which ended on [[10 April]] [[2006]]. Internet access is now available to T-Mobile customers (who will be billed according to their individual tariff agreement) or for customers who purchase vouchers valid for 15 minutes or one, three, or 24 hours.<ref>{{de icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.zdnet.de/news/tkomm/0,39023151,39142690,00.htm|title=Internet im ICE geht in Regelbetrieb über|date=2006-04-07|accessdate=2007-02-13|publisher=ZDNet.de}}</ref>
=== Maintenance ===
The maintenance schedule of the trains is divided into seven steps:
# Every 4,000 kilometres, an inspection taking about 1½ hours is undertaken. The waste collection tanks are emptied, and fresh water tanks are refilled. Acute defects (e.g. malfunctioning doors) are rectified. Furthermore, safety tests are conducted. These include checking the [[pantograph (rail)|pantograph]] pressure, cleaning and checking for fissures in the rooftop insulators, inspecting transformers and checking the pantograph's current collector for wear. The wheels are also checked in this inspection.
# Every 20,000 kilometres, a 2½ hour inspection is conducted, called ''Nachschau''. In this inspection, the brakes, the [[Linienzugbeeinflussung]] systems and the anti-lock brakes are checked as well.
# After 80,000 kilometres, the train undergoes the ''Inspektionsstufe 1''. During the two modules, each at eight hours of length, the brakes receive a thorough checkup, as well as the air conditioning and the kitchen equipment. The batteries are checked, as well as the seats and the passenger information system.
# Once the train has reached 240,000 kilometres, the ''Inspektionsstufe 2'' mandates a check of the [[electric motor]]s, the [[bearing (mechanical)|bearings]] and the [[driveshaft]]s of the [[bogie]]s and the couplers. This inspection is usually carried out in two modules taking eight hours each.
# About once a year (when reaching 480,000 km) the ''Inspektionsstufe 3'' takes place, at three times eight hours each. Additionally to the other checkup phases, it includes checks on the [[pneumatics]] systems, the transformer cooling and maintenance work inside the passenger compartment.
# The ''1st Revision'' is carried out after 1.2 million km. It includes a thorough checkup of all components of the train and is carried out in two five-day segments.
# The seventh and final step is the ''2nd Revision'', which happens when reaching 2.4 million kilometres. The [[bogie]]s are exchanged for new ones, and many components of the train are disassembled and checked. This step also takes two five-day segments.
Maintenance on the ICE trains is carried out in special ICE workshops located in Basel, Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich. A workshop in Leipzig will be established in the future. The train is worked upon at up to four levels at a time, and fault reports are sent to the workshops in advance by the on-board computer system to keep maintenance time at a minimum.
== Route planning and network layout ==
[[Image:ICE Network.png|thumb|255px|ICE network
<ul>
<li>'''red:''' High-speed lines for 300 km/h (186 mph)</li>
<li>'''orange:''' High-speed lines for 250 to 280 km/h (156 to 175 mph)</li>
<li>'''blue:''' Upgraded lines, 200 to 230 km/h (125 to 145 mph)</li>
<li>'''grey:''' Other lines, max. 160 km/h (100 mph)</li>
</ul>]]
[[Image:hgv netz.jpg|thumb|250px|Map of [[France]] and its neighbouring countries, railway lines in the following colours: <ul>
<li>'''blue:''' ICE, '''orange:''' [[TGV]], '''red:''' [[Thalys]], '''yellow:''' [[Eurostar]]</li>
<li>'''bold:''' High-speed line, '''weak:''' Renovated line, '''dotted:''' [[TGV Est]], now in operation</li>
</ul>]]
The ICE system is a polycentric network. Connections are offered in either 30-minute, hourly or bi-hourly intervals. Furthermore, additional services run during peak times, and some services call at lesser stations during off-peak times.
Unlike the French [[TGV]] or the Japanese [[Shinkansen]] systems, the vehicles, tracks and operations were not designed as an integrated whole; rather, the ICE system has been integrated into Germany's pre-existing system of railway lines instead. One of the effects of this is that the ICE 3 trains can reach their maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) only on some stretches of line.
The line most heavily utilised by ICE trains is the [[Riedbahn]] between [[Frankfurt]] and [[Mannheim]] due to the bundling of many ICE lines in that region. When considering all traffic (freight, local and long distance passenger), the busiest line carrying ICE traffic is the [[Bayerische Maximiliansbahn]] between [[Munich]] and [[Augsburg]], carrying about 300 trains per day.
=== North-South connections ===
The network's main backbone consists of six north-south lines:
# from [[Hamburg-Altona]] via [[Hamburg Hbf]] – [[Hannover Hbf]] – [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] – [[Fulda railway station|Fulda Bf]] – [[Frankfurt Hbf]] – [[Mannheim Hbf]] either via [[Karlsruhe Hbf]] – [[Freiburg im Breisgau|Freiburg Bf]] to [[Basel SBB]] (ICE line '''20''') or straight to [[Stuttgart Hbf]] (ICE line '''22''')
# from [[Hamburg-Altona]] – [[Hamburg Hbf]] and [[Bremen Hbf]] via [[Hannover Hbf]] – [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] – [[Fulda railway station|Fulda Bf]] – [[Würzburg Hbf]] either via [[Nürnberg Hbf]] – [[Ingolstadt Hbf]] or [[Donauwörth|Donauwörth Bf]] – [[Augsburg Hbf]] to [[München Hbf]] (ICE line '''25''')
# from [[Hamburg-Altona]] via [[Hamburg Hbf]] – [[Berlin-Spandau railway station|Berlin-Spandau]] – [[Berlin Hbf]] – [[Berlin Südkreuz railway station|Berlin Südkreuz]] – [[Leipzig Hbf]] – [[Nürnberg Hbf]] either via [[Augsburg Hbf]] or [[Ingolstadt Hbf]] to [[München Hbf]] (ICE line '''28''')
# from [[Berlin Ostbf]] via [[Berlin Hbf]] – [[Berlin-Spandau railway station|Berlin-Spandau]] – [[Braunschweig Hbf]] – [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] – [[Fulda railway station|Fulda Bf]] – [[Frankfurt Hbf]] – [[Mannheim Hbf]] either via [[Karlsruhe Hbf]] – [[Freiburg im Breisgau|Freiburg Bf]] to [[Basel SBB]] (ICE line '''12''') or via [[Stuttgart Hbf]] – [[Ulm Hbf]] – [[Augsburg Hbf]] to [[München Hbf]] (ICE line '''11''')
# from [[Amsterdam CS]] or [[Dortmund Hbf]] via [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] – [[Köln Hbf]] – [[Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbahnhof|Frankfurt Flughafen]] – [[Mannheim Hbf]] either via [[Karlsruhe Hbf]] – [[Freiburg im Breisgau|Freiburg Bf]] to [[Basel SBB]] (ICE line '''43''') or via [[Stuttgart Hbf]] – [[Ulm Hbf]] – [[Augsburg Hbf]] to [[München Hbf]] (ICE line '''42''')
# from [[Amsterdam CS]] – [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] (ICE line '''78''') or [[Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid railway station|Bruxelles-Midi]] – [[Aachen Hbf]] (ICE line '''79''') via [[Köln Hbf]] – [[Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbahnhof|Frankfurt Flughafen]] – [[Frankfurt Hbf]] – [[Würzburg Hbf]] – [[Nürnberg Hbf]] to [[München Hbf]] (passes, but does not call at [[Ingolstadt Hbf]], ICE line '''41''')
(Also applies to trains in the opposite directions, taken from 2007 network map)
=== East-West connections ===
Furthermore, the network has three main East-West thoroughfares:
# from [[Berlin Ostbf]] via [[Berlin Hbf]] – [[Hannover Hbf]] – [[Bielefeld Hbf]] – [[Hamm (Westfalen) railway station|Hamm (Westfalen)]] either via [[Dortmund Hbf]] – [[Essen Hbf]] – [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] to [[Köln/Bonn Flughafen railway station|Köln/Bonn Flughafen]] or via [[Hagen Hbf]] – [[Wuppertal Hbf]] – [[Solingen Hbf]] – [[Köln Hbf]] to [[Bonn Hbf]] (ICE line '''10''', train partitions in Hamm)
# from [[Dresden Hbf]] (with some trains from [[Berlin Gesundbrunnen railway station|Berlin Gesundbrunnen]]) via [[Leipzig Hbf]] – [[Erfurt Hbf]] – [[Fulda railway station|Fulda Bf]] – [[Frankfurt Hbf]] either via [[Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen Fernbahnhof|Frankfurt Flughafen]] – [[Mainz Hbf]] to [[Wiesbaden Hbf]] or (off-peak services) via [[Darmstadt Hbf]] – [[Mannheim Hbf]] – [[Kaiserslautern Hbf]] to [[Saarbrücken Hbf]] (ICE line '''50''', train partitions in Frankfurt Hbf)
# from [[Dresden Hbf]] via [[Leipzig Hbf]] – [[Erfurt Hbf]] – [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe railway station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] – [[Paderborn Hbf]] – [[Dortmund Hbf]] – [[Essen Hbf]] – [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] to [[Köln Hbf]] (IC/ICE line '''51''')
(Also applies to trains in the opposite directions, taken from 2007 network map)
=== German branch lines ===
[[Image:ICE-T Tuttlingen.jpg|thumb|250px|ICE between Zürich and Stuttgart in [[Tuttlingen railway station|Tuttlingen]]]]
Some train lines extend past the core network and branch off to serve the following connections:
# from [[Berlin Hbf]] to [[Rostock Hbf]] ''(from [[June 10]] 2007)''
# from [[Hamburg Hbf]] to [[Kiel Hbf]]
# from [[Bremen Hbf]] to [[Oldenburg Hbf]]
# from [[Köln Hbf]] to [[Aachen Hbf]] (continuing to [[Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid railway station|Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid]])
# from [[Koblenz Hbf]] to [[Trier Hbf]]
# from [[Mannheim Hbf]] via [[Kaiserslautern Hbf]] to [[Saarbrücken Hbf]] ''(continuing to [[Gare de l'Est|Paris Est]] from [[June 10]] [[2007]])''
# from [[Stuttgart Hbf]] via [[Rottweil]] – [[Tuttlingen railway station|Tuttlingen]] – [[Singen]] to [[Schaffhausen]] ''(continuing [[Zürich HB]])''
# from [[München Hbf]] to [[Garmisch-Partenkirchen]]
# from [[Nürnberg Hbf]] via [[Regensburg Hbf]] – [[Plattling railway station|Plattling]] to [[Passau Hbf]] ''(continuing via [[Linz Hbf]] to [[Wien Westbf]])''
(Also applies to trains in the opposite directions)
=== Bottlenecks ===
Several lines on the ICE network are highly trafficked, among them:
# from [[Augsburg Hbf]] to [[München Hbf]] ([[Bayerische Maximiliansbahn]], most frequented line)
# from [[Dortmund Hbf]] via [[Bochum Hbf]] – [[Essen Hbf]] – [[Duisburg Hbf]] – [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] to [[Köln Hbf]]
# from [[Hamm (Westfalen) railway station|Hamm (Westfalen)]] via [[Hagen Hbf]] – [[Wuppertal Hbf]] – [[Solingen Hbf]] to [[Köln Hbf]]
# from [[Frankfurt Hbf]] to [[Mannheim Hbf]] ([[Riedbahn]], highest IC/ICE frequency in Germany)
# from [[Karlsruhe Hbf]] via [[Freiburg im Breisgau|Freiburg]] to [[Basel SBB]] ([[Rheintalbahn]])
(Also applies to trains in the opposite directions)
=== ICE-Sprinter ===
The so-called "ICE-Sprinter" trains are extra fast trains between Germany's major cities running in the morning and evening hours. They are tailored for business travellers or long-distance commuters and are marketed by DB as an alternative to domestic flights. Some of the Sprinter services continue as normal ICE services after reaching their destination. Sprinter trains usually depart around 06:00 for morning services and 18:00 for evening services.
A reservation is mandatory on the ICE-Sprinter (currently €11 in 2nd and €16 in 1st class). In addition to the usual 1st class service (on-seat service, free newspapers like [[Financial Times Deutschland]] or [[Handelsblatt]]) the 1st class in the Sprinter trains also offers free drinks, an on-seat breakfast or dinner and additional newspapers. In the 2nd class, newspapers are provided in the carriages at no extra cost.
The first Sprinter service was established between [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]] in 1992. [[Frankfurt]]-[[Hamburg]] followed in 1993 and [[Cologne]]-Hamburg in 1994. This service ran as a [[Metropolitan (train)|Metropolitan]] service between December 1996 and December 2004. In 1998, a [[Berlin]]-Frankfurt service was introduced, and a service between Cologne and [[Stuttgart]] ran between December 2005 and October 2006. Until December 2006, a morning Sprinter service ran between Frankfurt and Munich (with an intermediate stop at [[Mannheim]]), taking 3:25 hours for the journey.
[[As of December 2006]], the individual ICE Sprinter lines are:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! No. || Departure station || Intermediate stops || Destination || Travel time (hh:mm) || Time of day
|-
| 1091<br />1093 || [[Berlin Ostbf]] || [[Berlin Hbf]], [[Berlin-Spandau railway station|Berlin-Spandau]] || [[Frankfurt (Main) Hbf]] || align="right" | 3:46 || Morning<br />Evening
|-
|1092<br />1090 || [[Frankfurt (Main) Hbf]] || [[Berlin-Spandau railway station|Berlin-Spandau]], [[Berlin Hbf]] || [[Berlin Ostbf]] || align="right" | 3:46 || Morning<br />Evening
|-
| 1071 || [[Hamburg-Altona]] || [[Hamburg Hbf]], [[Hannover Hbf]] || [[Frankfurt (Main) Hbf]] || align="right" | 3:37 || Morning
|-
| 1034 || [[Hamburg-Altona]] || [[Hamburg Hbf]], [[Essen Hbf]], [[Duisburg Hbf]], [[Düsseldorf Hbf]] || [[Köln Hbf]] || align="right" | 3:44 || Morning
|-
| 1035 || [[Köln Hbf]] || [[Düsseldorf Hbf]], [[Duisburg Hbf]], [[Essen Hbf]], [[Hamburg Hbf]] || [[Hamburg-Altona]] || align="right" | 3:44 || Morning
|-
| 1021 || [[Köln Hbf]] || [[Frankfurt Südbahnhof railway station|Frankfurt (Main) Südbf]], [[Nürnberg Hbf]] || [[München Hbf]] || align="right" | 3:56 || Morning
|-
|}
(Source: Deutsche Bahn AG<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bahn.de/p/view/international/englisch/trains/sprinter.shtml|title=ICE Sprinter, long-distance services|publisher=Deutsche Bahn AG|accessdate=2007-02-13}}</ref>)
=== Line segments abroad ===
[[Image:ICE Network Austria.svg|thumb|350px|Lines to and in Austria]]
Some ICE trains also run on services abroad - sometimes diverting from their original lines.
# from [[Duisburg Hbf]] to [[Amsterdam CS]] (The Netherlands)
# from [[Köln Hbf]] via [[Aachen Hbf]] and [[Liège-Guillemins]] to [[Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid railway station|Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid]] (Belgium, extension toward [[Oostende]] to connect to London ferry planned)
# from [[Saarbrücken Hbf]] via [[Baudrecourt]] to [[Gare de l'Est|Paris Est]] (France)
# from [[Basel SBB]] to [[Interlaken|Interlaken Ost]] (Switzerland)
# from [[Basel SBB]] to [[Zürich HB]] (Switzerland)
# from [[Stuttgart Hbf]] via [[Schaffhausen]] to [[Zürich HB]] (Switzerland)
# from [[München Hbf]] via [[Kufstein]] to [[Innsbruck Hbf]] (Austria)
# from [[München Hbf]] via [[Salzburg Hbf]] – [[Linz Hbf]] to [[Wien Westbf]] (Austria)
# from [[Passau Hbf]] via [[Linz Hbf]] to [[Wien Westbf]] (Austria)
(Also applies to the opposite directions)
Since December 2006, [[Stuttgart Hbf]] and [[Zürich HB]] have been connected by a bi-hourly service.
The [[Österreichische Bundesbahnen|ÖBB]] in [[Austria]] is also using two ICE T trainsets (classified as [[ÖBB Class 4011]] between [[Wien Westbahnhof]], [[Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof]] and [[Bregenz]] (without stops in Germany). They are, however, not using the tilting technology. ÖBB and DB are planning to offer a bi-hourly connection between [[Wien Westbf]] and [[Frankfurt Hbf]] from December 2007.
Since June 2007, ICE 3M trains have been running between [[Frankfurt Hbf]] and [[Gare de l'Est|Paris Est]] via [[Saarbrücken]] and [[Kaiserslautern]]. Together with the [[TGV]]-operated line between [[Gare de l'Est|Paris Est]], [[Stuttgart Hbf]] and [[München Hbf]], this ICE line is part of the "[[LGV Est|LGV Est européenne]]", also called "Paris-Ostfrankreich-Süddeutschland" (or [[SNCF TGV POS|POS]]) for short, a pan-European high-speed line between [[France]] and Germany.
From late 2007 on, ICE TD trains will link [[Berlin Hbf]] with [[Copenhagen]] via [[Hamburg Hbf]].
=== Intra-Swiss ICE trains ===
To avoid empty runs or excess waits, several services exist that operate exclusively inside Switzerland:
* three services from [[Basel SBB]] to [[Interlaken|Interlaken Ost]]
* two services from [[Basel SBB]] to [[Zürich HB]]
* three service from [[Interlaken|Interlaken Ost]] to [[Basel SBB]]
* one service from [[interlaken|Interlaken Ost]] to [[Bern]]
* two services from [[Zürich HB]] to [[Basel SBB]]
* one service from [[Bern]] to [[Interlaken|Interlaken Ost]]
These trains, despite being officially notated as ICEs, are more comparable to a Swiss [[InterRegio]] or [[RegioExpress]] train, calling at small stations like [[Möhlin]] or [[Sissach]]. As common in Switzerland, these trains can be used without paying extra for a supplement.
== Fare structure ==
=== Germany ===
ICE trains are the highest category (Class A) trains in the fare system of the Deutsche Bahn. Their fares are not calculated on a fixed per-kilometre table as with other trains, but instead have fixed prices for station-to-station connections, depending on a multitude of factors including the railway line category and the general demand on the line. Even on lines where the ICE is not faster than an ordinary [[InterCity|IC]] or [[EuroCity|EC]] train (for example Hamburg to Dortmund), an additional surcharge will be levied on the ground that the ICE trains have a higher comfort than the IC/EC trains.
=== The Netherlands ===
In the Netherlands, a comparably low € 2 surcharge has to be paid for each trip on the "ICE International". Monthly and annual passes include this surcharge, but student travel cards ("OV-Studentenkaart") do not.
=== Austria ===
On the intra-Austrian lines (Vienna-Innsbruck-Bregenz, Vienna-Salzburg(-Munich), Vienna-Passau(-Hamburg) and Innsbruck-Kufstein(-Berlin)) no additional fees are charged.
=== Switzerland ===
Likewise, the trains running to and from Zurich, Interlaken and Chur, as well as those on the intra-Swiss ICE trains (see above) can be used without any surcharge.
In Switzerland and Austria, a ride on the ICE takes nearly as long as on a domestic train. This is because of the comparably short length of travel and the low speeds in these countries (often no more than 160 km/h, sometimes 200 km/h) when compared to Germany.
== Honours ==
[[Image:ICE stamp 2006.jpg|thumb|right|ICE 3 on a German stamp]]
*On [[October 5]], [[2006]] the [[Deutsche Post AG]] released a series of stamps, among them a stamp picturing an ICE 3, at 55+25 euro cents.
== Trivia ==
* At both ends of ICE-T and ICE 3 trains there is a passenger compartment (one end 1st and the other end 2nd class) with a view of the tracks, through a [[transparency (optics)|transparent]] glass window separating the compartment from the driver's cabin. The driver can, however, put "cup-cake frosting" on the glass at will at the press of a button.
* Bicycles are not permitted on any ICE trains.
* Three specially-built washing-bays for ICE trains exist in Hamburg-Eidelstedt, Frankfurt-Höchst and [[München Hauptbahnhof|München Hbf]]
* The ICE 3 was [[train surfing|trainsurfed]] in 2005. [http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fa7_1199119738 Video here]
* In 2006, [[Lego]] modelled one of its [[Lego train|train sets]] after the ICE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shop.lego.com/product/?p=B7897|title=LEGO Store - Passenger Train|publisher=LEGO|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref>
* The ICE 3 is able to play the [[German National Anthem]] with its [[Frequency changer]]s. This is an unofficial feature and needs modification of the software.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.ice-fanpage.de/ ICE-Fanpage.de] {{de icon}} – Private fansite
* [http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/de/electric/emu/ICE/pix.html railfaneurope.net] – Pictures of ICE trains
* [http://www.db.de/site/hochgeschwindigkeit/de/start.html www.db.de/hochgeschwindigkeit] {{de icon}} – DB corporate web site celebrating 15 years of ICE traffic
* [http://www.fernbahn.de/ fernbahn.de] {{de icon}} – Coach alignment of all DB long-distance trains
* [http://www.bahn.de/p/view/planen/reiseplanung/streckenkarten_fernv.shtml Long-distance network maps] - Network maps of both IC and ICE networks
* [http://www.bahn.de/p/view/mdb/pv/pdf/fernverkehr/MDB44389-ice_2008_neu.pdf ICE network (2008)] – PDF map by Deutsche Bahn AG (German Railways Inc.)
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