Deutsche Bahn ICE First Class Review: €22.87 Cologne to Hamburg
First class on Deutsche Bahn's ICE from Cologne to Hamburg for EUR 22.87. What the fare gets you, and how to find prices like it.
Can Germany's Rail Giant Still Deliver First Class for Less Than €25?
It sounds too good to be true: a first class ticket on Deutsche Bahn's flagship ICE train for just €22.87. Even the DB staff in Cologne raised their eyebrows when I showed them the price. Germany's national rail operator has faced criticism in recent years for slipping punctuality and reliability, but I wanted to find out whether the premium experience was still worth booking, especially at this kind of bargain rate. What I found was a journey that, despite its quirks, delivered comfort and value far beyond what I paid. Here's how it stacked up.
Booking Confusion: No seat included!
This "Super Sparpreis" (super saver) ticket, booked well in advance, represented a massive discount from the usual €100+ first-class fare. But would it be worth it, or just a cheap ride on a service long past its best?
My journey started with confusion and a €6.50 lesson in German rail booking. Despite having a first-class ticket, I couldn't locate my seat assignment anywhere on the booking confirmation. The bottom of the ticket showed mysterious numbers that seemed unassigned to anything specific, so I made some assumptions (my bad!).
A visit to the Deutsche Bahn Help Centre at Cologne Station quickly resolved the mystery: I'd booked a ticket but not a seat reservation. For someone wanting to avoid four hours of awkward eye contact in facing seats, particularly when you're filming the experience, the additional €6.50 for a solo window seat (Wagon 10, Seat 11) was money well spent.
The staff were exceptionally helpful in the DB Reisezentrum Köln Hbf (travel centre): everyone spoke some English, patiently tolerated my terrible German, and genuinely seemed invested in solving my problem. The multilingual support and friendly service provided an early positive impression of DB in action.
Catch the video version:
I Paid Less Than Ryanair for First Class on Germany's Fastest Train!
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DB App Assessment
The Deutsche Bahn app deserves special mention for being genuinely useful, with full English language support that proved invaluable for a non-German speaker like me. However, it could better indicate when seat reservations are missing, particularly helpful for occasional ICE users who might not realise this isn't automatically included.
Delays
The distinctive nose of an ICE train at Cologne station
The departure boards already told the story of DB's current problems: I could see a couple of train cancellations and a few delays showing up even though it was before 9 AM. My ICE 2416 managed to avoid cancellation but started accumulating a very slight delay, first five minutes, then extending to nine minutes by departure.
I was just relieved the train showed up at all. Given the morning's cancellations and DB's widely-reported punctuality issues, a sub-10-minute delay felt like a real win.
First-Class Seat
A first class seat on a train is quite different from the expensive end of a plane. Seat 11 in Wagon 10 delivered what I needed: a comfortable solo seat with some helpful touches.
The Good
- Comfortable armrests (two of them!)
- Kick-down footrest (though my large boots struggled for purchase)
- Dedicated drink holder to prevent spillage during Germany's countryside curves
- Power outlet for device charging (European two-pin type)
- Small but functional tray table (coffee-sized rather than laptop-friendly)
- Personal rubbish compartment (though it hadn't been cleaned recently)
The Reality Check
The seat was genuinely comfortable for the four-hour journey, and the solo configuration meant I felt like I had a private area to myself. The standard class seating is usually 2-2, so if it's busy, you'll usually have someone beside you.
Service on Board
The selection is surprisingly varied
A staff member came through the carriage surprisingly frequently offering drinks or snacks for sale. The menu is genuinely huge! The coffee available was filter (I think the espresso machine was perhaps broken), but the filter cuppa packed enough caffeine punch to keep me alert through the Westphalian countryside.
The surprise highlight was a complimentary chocolate chip shortbread biscuit that was genuinely delicious. While I didn't order from the extensive onboard menu (which included French-style filled croissants and other substantial options), I've found food on German trains to be worth exploring.
Service staff were consistently friendly and professional, maintaining the helpful attitude I'd experienced at Cologne station. However, like many reviews mention, first class appeared understaffed with just one crew member handling multiple carriages, a common complaint across Deutsche Bahn's network that doesn't quite match the premium service standards of French TGV or other European competitors.
The Route
- Departure: Cologne Hbf - 09:19 (9 minutes late)
- Route: Wuppertal → Hagen → Dortmund → Münster → Osnabrück → Bremen → Hamburg-Harburg → Hamburg Hbf
- Arrival: Hamburg Hbf - 13:20 (6 minutes late)
| Station | Scheduled | Actual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cologne Hbf | 09:10 | 09:19 | 9 min delay |
| Wuppertal | 09:41 | 09:50 | Industrial landscape begins |
| Dortmund | 10:21 | 10:30 | Major connection hub - lots of movement! |
| Bremen | 12:16 | 12:22 | Attractive northern architecture |
| Hamburg Hbf | 13:14 | 13:20 | 6 min final delay |
The journey showcases Germany's diverse landscapes, from green countryside around Cologne to increasingly industrial terrain approaching Hamburg. The frequent stops (eight intermediate stations) meant plenty of opportunities to see German life in action, even if we were running slightly behind schedule.
Bremen offered a particularly pleasant glimpse of northern German architecture, while the approach to Hamburg has glimpses of the industrial heritage that made the city a major European port.
Facilities: Functional but Showing Age
Toilet facilities in the first class carriage of an ICE train in Germany
The onboard toilet was compact but remained relatively clean throughout the four-hour journey. The all-in-one sink system (combining soap, water, and dryer) felt modern, though the overall facilities showed signs of regular use without quite reaching premium standards.
Power outlets worked reliably, and the general cleanliness was acceptable if not exceptional.
Ticket Enforcement
Ticket checking was surprisingly relaxed. While a conductor did eventually check my ticket, they showed no interest in seat reservations. I observed several "wanderers" moving freely between carriages, and suspect someone without a first-class ticket could potentially sit in first class until challenged, though this obviously isn't recommended.
The carriage had numerous empty seats throughout the journey, making the €6.50 seat reservation feel somewhat unnecessary in hindsight, though the guaranteed solo seat provided peace of mind.
Arrival into Hamburg
Exterior of Hamburg Station
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Station) proved astonishingly cold, November's cold wind was immediately apparent upon disembarking, with no evidence of heating despite the busy environment. You had to go inside one of the station's many shopping and dining outlets to heat up. It was so busy, you really needed to pay attention to avoid bumping into people and not be on your phone!
How to Score Super Sparpreis First Class Deals
Getting these incredible €22.87 first-class fares requires strategy and timing. Here's how to make the most of your chances:
Booking Timeline Strategy
Book 6+ months in advance for the best Super Sparpreis rates. Deutsche Bahn typically releases tickets this far out, with the cheapest fares disappearing first. Tuesday mornings often see new inventory releases, making it an ideal time to search. I did not book 6 months in advance, more like 6 weeks, but still found a great deal. It's worth checking.
Use flexible date searching through the DB app or website. Super Sparpreis tickets are heavily date-dependent: shifting your travel by even one day can mean the difference between €22 and €80.
Super Sparpreis vs. Regular Sparpreis
| Ticket Type | Price Range | Flexibility | Refunds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Sparpreis | €22-45 | None | No | Advance planners |
| Sparpreis | €35-70 | Limited | Partial | Some flexibility needed |
| Flexpreis | €80-150 | Full | Yes | Business travel |
Mobile-First Booking Tips
The Deutsche Bahn app occasionally offers mobile-exclusive deals and flash sales. Enable notifications and check regularly if you have flexible travel dates.
Travel Tip: Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode when searching repeatedly. Some users report better prices with fresh searches.
Deutsche Bahn First Class vs. Second Class: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
At €22.87 for first class compared to roughly €15-20 for second class on the same route, the upgrade cost was minimal. Here's what you get for those extra euros:
First Class Advantages
- Solo seat configuration: no eyeballing a seat-neighbour for 4 hours
- Significantly more legroom and wider seats
- Dedicated carriages
- Quieter environment with fewer passengers
- Free newspapers and magazines
- Extensive onboard menu with high-quality options
First class tickets make sense for journeys over 3 hours, or if you can snag the Super Sparpreis deals. I think DB represents excellent value and it's worth upgrading particularly if you're on a busy route.
Important note: Deutsche Bahn restricts First Class lounge access to full-fare tickets only. Super Sparpreis and other discounted first class tickets don't include lounge benefits, but the onboard experience is what matters most for the journey itself.
Deutsche Bahn First Class vs. European Competitors
Having travelled all over Europe in premium carriages, Deutsche Bahn's ICE first class sits somewhere in the middle of the premium train experience spectrum:
How DB First Class Compares
- Better than: Regional European services, most domestic US trains
- Similar to: Standard first class on Trenitalia, some Eastern European operators
- Not quite matching: French TGV first class, Swiss SBB premium, Austrian ÖBB first class
Where DB Falls Short
The atmosphere in Deutsche Bahn first class lacks the refined, hushed ambience you'd find in TGV first class. It feels more like premium economy than true first class, comfortable but not luxurious. The single crew member handling multiple carriages means service, while friendly, can't match the attentiveness of French or Swiss premium services.
Where DB Excels
Value for money is Deutsche Bahn's strongest suit. At Super Sparpreis rates, you're getting 80% of the premium experience for 30% of the cost. The seats are genuinely comfortable, the route network is extensive, and the booking flexibility through the DB app surpasses many competitors.
ICE Train First Class vs. Other Transport Options
Flight Comparison (Cologne-Hamburg)
| Transport | Price | Total Time | Comfort | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE First Class | €22-90 | 4h 04m | High | City centre to centre |
| Budget Airlines | €45-80 | 3h+ | Low | Airport transfers needed |
| Lufthansa | €120-200+ | 3h+ | Medium | Premium but airports |
| Driving | €60+ fuel | 4h 30m | Variable | Door to door |
Deutsche Bahn Class Comparison
| Fare | Super Sparpreis price |
|---|---|
| Second class ICE | €15-45 |
| First class ICE | €22-90 |
| First class upgrade | Often just €5-15 extra for significantly better experience |
Other Transport Options
- IC trains: Slower but cheaper, fewer amenities
- Regional connections: Significantly longer journey times
- Bus services: Much cheaper but 6+ hour journey
For exploring beyond Hamburg or the German countryside around Cologne, car rental offers flexibility that trains can't match, particularly for reaching smaller towns and villages.
Essential Deutsche Bahn Booking Tips
When Seat Reservations Matter
- Definitely book: Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, holidays
- Probably unnecessary: Mid-week, off-peak times, first-class generally
- Solo seats: Worth the €6.50 for privacy and guaranteed window
- Cost: €6.50 for specific seat, free with Flexpreis tickets
Booking Platform Strategy
| Where to book | Notes |
|---|---|
| DB App | Best for mobile deals, English language support |
| DB Website | Full functionality, easier for complex bookings |
| Third-party sites | Avoid - no access to Super Sparpreis rates |
For international visitors who prefer booking through familiar platforms, Trainline offers an English-language alternative with transparent pricing, though Super Sparpreis rates are typically only available through DB's own channels.
Cancellation and Changes
Super Sparpreis tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so factor this into your booking decision. Consider travel insurance for expensive trips or uncertain plans.
Practical Station and Journey Tips
Cologne Hauptbahnhof Navigation
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early for first-time visitors, it's busy!
- Information boards show platform zones (A, B, C, D)
- DB Help Centre located on main concourse for booking issues
- Excellent pastry options on lower level (grab a warm croissant!)
If you're staying overnight before your journey, hotels near Cologne Hauptbahnhof offer convenient early morning departures without the stress of cross-city transfers.
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof Arrival
- Busy station with extensive shopping and dining
- Dress warmly in winter, there's no station heating
- Multiple exit points for different city areas
- Good connections to Hamburg-Altona and regional services
Hamburg's central station puts you within walking distance of the city's best hotels, making it easy to explore the Speicherstadt or Miniatur Wunderland after your train journey.
Luggage and Storage
- Overhead racks in first class accommodate standard suitcases
- No weight restrictions like airlines
- Large items can be stored at carriage ends
- No security screening or liquid restrictions
Deutsche Bahn First Class: Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | First Class | Second Class | Flight (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Advance) | €22-90 | €15-45 | €45-80 |
| Journey Time | 4h 04m | 4h 04m | 3h+ (incl. airports) |
| Seat Width | Wide, solo options | Standard, facing pairs | Narrow |
| Legroom | Generous | Adequate | Limited |
| Food Included | Complimentary snacks | Purchase only | Usually extra |
| WiFi | Included | Included | Usually extra |
| Luggage | No restrictions | No restrictions | Strict limits |
| Cancellation | Varies by ticket | Varies by ticket | Usually non-refundable |
| Check-in Required | No | No | 2+ hours early |
The Bigger Picture
Deutsche Bahn faces legitimate criticism for declining punctuality and service standards. Our 6-minute delay, while minor, represents the new normal for a system once synonymous with precision. Morning cancellations and visible infrastructure strain suggest deeper challenges.
However, coming from a country with limited rail services, criticising DB feels somewhat unfair. The gap between "okay" and "great" seems achievable, and the core service - comfortable, frequent, well-connected rail travel - remains fundamentally sound.
Frequently Asked Questions: Deutsche Bahn First Class
First class ICE tickets range from €22 (Super Sparpreis, booked months ahead) to €150+ (Flexpreis, same-day booking). Regular advance purchase typically costs €40-80 for major routes like Cologne-Hamburg.
For journeys over 3 hours, absolutely, especially at Super Sparpreis rates. You get significantly more space, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter environment for often just €10-20 more than second class.
Wider seats with more legroom. Complimentary snacks and newspapers. Access to extensive onboard restaurant menu. Priority customer service. Quieter carriages with fewer passengers.
Book 6+ months ahead for Super Sparpreis deals. Tuesday mornings often see new inventory releases. Flexible dates can save significant money, even shifting by one day can halve your fare.
Yes, upgrades are possible subject to availability. Use the DB app or visit station ticket offices. However, booking first class from the start usually offers better value than upgrading.
Not mandatory, but recommended for €6.50 (free with Flexpreis tickets). First class tends to be less crowded than second class, but reservations guarantee your preferred seat type (solo vs. facing) and window preference.
Super Sparpreis: Cheapest rates, non-refundable, specific train only
Sparpreis: Moderate rates, limited flexibility
Flexpreis: Full price, complete flexibility, includes seat reservation
DB falls behind Swiss SBB and Austrian ÖBB for punctuality and service refinement, roughly matches French SNCF for network coverage, and significantly exceeds most Eastern European operators for comfort and amenities.
Deutsche Bahn operates as a state-owned company with mixed financial performance. Infrastructure challenges and competition from budget airlines create ongoing pressures, but the company remains Germany's primary long-distance rail operator.
Absolutely - especially for tourists who can plan itineraries around Super Sparpreis advance booking windows. The extensive network coverage and DB app's English interface make it very accessible for international visitors.
Final Verdict: Still Worth A Punt
Despite reputation challenges, Deutsche Bahn's ICE service delivers solid first-class value, especially at Super Sparpreis rates. The combination of genuine comfort, helpful service, and unbeatable pricing makes this a worthwhile travel option.
Book well in advance for the best fares, add seat reservations for peace of mind, and adjust expectations for minor delays. While DB may not achieve its legendary efficiency standards anymore, it still provides a far superior alternative to budget airlines for this route.
Rating: 8/10 - Excellent value with room for improvement
Travelled November 2024 on ICE 2416 from Cologne to Hamburg. Total cost including seat reservation: €29.37