Munich to Berlin train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB)

Munich to Berlin by ICE: Germany’s Flagship High-Speed Service

Introduction

Germany’s high-speed train network is renowned, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad reasons. Operated by Deutsche Bahn, or DB for short, the striking red and white InterCity Express (ICE) trains serve all of Germany and beyond, at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). I took a trip between Munich and Berlin, two of the country’s most important cities, and as you’ll see, it was surprisingly simple and stress-free. I must have caught them on a good day!

Route Overview

This ICE route uses high-speed lines for nearly the entire route, meaning the train’s average speed is quite high for the duration. Some faster trains, marked as Sprinter, run more or less direct, while others make more stops. I opted for the latter, as it worked better with my timetable, with Sprinters mostly running at peak times. The slower ICEs, which form the majority of trains on the Munich to Berlin route, are operated by “ICE 4” units, one of the latest generations of high-speed trains in Germany.

I traveled on ICE 506, the 12:54 departure from Munich Hbf, which takes 4 hours and 38 minutes to reach Berlin Hbf, covering a distance of 617 kilometers (384 miles) and then continues on to Hamburg from there.

Transportation Experience

Check on the Omio app over a month before departure to get the best fares. If you can book even earlier, that’s perfect, but fares may not be much lower. If you need to travel last minute, the fares are extremely high in Germany, but the trains don’t sell out. Seat reservations are not compulsory, so you will always have a train to travel on.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains leave from München Hbf, Munich’s principal station, located very centrally, just 15 minutes away from the city center and Marienplatz. Served by six U-bahn (metro) lines and countless local train and bus lines, it is very easy to get to. It may seem rather complex to navigate, with platforms not all being exactly in the same place, so make sure you arrive a bit in advance if you’re unfamiliar with the station! The train I took served three stations in Berlin: Berlin Südkreuz, Berlin Hbf (main station) and Berlin-Spandau. I disembarked at the main station, located right in the heart of the city. It benefits from the best location and connections to local transport. However, you should check where your final destination is located, as it may be better for you to get off at one of the others.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains run roughly every hour, starting around 6:00 am, with additional peak services. There are also overnight trains without beds, with the final departure at 23:00 and arriving early the next morning in Berlin.

Onboard Experience & Services

Here’s what I love most about German high-speed trains: their interiors shine and really shame air travel. Free Wi-Fi is also included, although the connection can be patchy, based on my experience. Well-designed overhead screens give clear indications of journey progress, including any delays.

First Class is in a 2+1 configuration and feels extremely spacious. Seats located next to each other are comfortably spaced out, and everyone has their own armrest (no fighting for the middle armrest like in Second Class!). You also get a plug socket, a reading light, and a decent-sized table, on which I had no issues fitting my large laptop. The reclining seats feature a cushioned and winged headrest for additional comfort.

There is plentiful luggage storage available in the vestibules and on the overhead racks above all the seats. There is no strict limit, but you have to be able to carry it yourself, unaided. As for catering, all German high-speed trains come with their very own dining car, the Bordrestaurant, in which you can sit down and order freshly cooked hot meals, snacks, desserts, and drinks, including tap beer! In First Class, you can also order food service directly to your seat. My favorite meal is the Currywurst, which is so traditionally German!

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Fares are, in my opinion, rather affordable unless you book very close to departure. I paid €62 for my First Class ticket, three weeks in advance. This did not include a seat reservation, which isn’t required, though it is advisable in peak periods; otherwise, you may have to stand. These cost an extra €7.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• The Sprinter limited-stop services are faster by nearly an hour on this route. However, they are less frequent and cost more.
• First Class often isn’t much more than Second Class, but no complimentary service is included, except (sometimes) a small chocolate!
• Enjoy a freshly cooked meal in the dining car! It’s really magical to be able to eat, drink, and socialize while enjoying the scenery speeding past at 300 km/h!
• To save time, check which of the three options is the best Berlin station for you to alight at.

Conclusion

German efficiency at its finest! With frequent trains, super comfortable interiors, and a great restaurant carriage to rest and dine in, the train from Munich to Berlin really is a stress-free way to travel from one German city to the other. If you’re making this journey frequently in the future, it might even be a good idea to invest in a BahnCard, which can seriously reduce the price of your ticket.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator

• Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe, and all around the world - and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.