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Traveling by Intercity-ExpressFrom: Germany's ICE Trains
ABOVE: A lounge-seat view of the engineer's cockpit on an ICE 3 train. Class of travel and seatingICE trains have first- and second-class cars. All cars are air-conditioned, and the main difference between the two classes is in the seating:
You can see photos of first- and second-class cars on page 6 of this article. In addition to the more common open seating, some cars have modern versions of the traditional six- or eight-seat European train compartments, and some trains have business cars with laptop tables and glassed-in conference rooms. Newer ICE 3 and ICE T trains also have compartments with "lounge seats" directly behind the engineer's cockpits at both ends of the train (see photo at top of page). These compartments are popular with railfans, and they're available in both first and second class. Other seating variations include facing pairs of seats with tables and family compartments on newer trains. If you have a preference for a certain type of seat, indicate your preference when making seat reservations (see page 4). Boarding tips
On the platform, look for a diagram that shows the makeup of each train. Identify the platform sector (A, B, C, D) for your class of travel and/or the car where you have a seat reservation and wait for the train between the sector signs. When the train arrives, look for the car numbers near the doors. If you don't have time to reach the other end of the train, board anywhere and walk to your car. (ICE trains have automatic electric doors between cars, so walking through the train is easy unless you're hauling bulky luggage.) LuggageYou'll need to take your bags into the car with you, but this shouldn't be a problem if you're traveling with a reasonable amount of luggage. Place smaller bags on the overhead rack above your seat; larger bags can be placed between the backs of opposite-facing seats or stowed in a luggage locker at the end of the car. (Deposit a coin, which will be refunded when you collect your suitcase.) In first class, passengers often simply place suitcases next to them in the aisle; this isn't always convenient in second class, where aisles are narrower and cars are more crowded.
Food and drink
An even better option, if you're watching your euros, is to buy a sandwich and drink in the railroad station before departure. Larger stations often have food stands or kiosks on the train platforms. AccessibilityAll ICE trains have accessible lavatories, wheelchair parking, and other facilities for disabled travelers. These are located only in certain cars, so it's a good idea to reserve a seat and indicate your need before you travel. What to expect on boardICE trains offer a fast, smooth ride, without the lurches and clatter of traditional trains. You may be surprised to look up and see "300 km/h" displayed on a digital panel at the end of your car.
Finally, the first-class cars on some trains offer video entertainment, and nearly all have headphone jacks for free onboard audio programming. Telephones and laptops
In recent years, the Deutsche Bahn has installed computer power plugs in newer trains and many older cars. On some routes, T-Mobile Wi-Fi subscribers can access the Internet from their seats, and other passengers can buy T-Mobile vouchers. Next page: Tickets, reservations, rail passes
Top photo and 2nd/3rd inset photos copyright © Eurail
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