Eating and drinking on trains is now comfortable and diverse. Whether dining car, bistro or your own provisions - we show you all options and give tips for the best catering during your train journey.
Food & Drinks on Trains: Key Facts
- Dining Car: Hot meals on ICE trains (8-15 euros)
- Bistro Car: Snacks and beverages on IC trains (3-6 euros)
- At-Seat Service: Order directly at your seat (1st class)
- Bring Your Own: Allowed and free of charge
1. Dining Options Overview
Dining Car (ICE)
Available: Hot main coursesSaladsDessertsBeveragesWine & Beer
Prices: 8-15 euros (main courses)
- Hot main courses
- Salads
- Desserts
- Beverages
- Wine & Beer
Bistro Car (IC)
Available: SnacksSandwichesBeveragesCoffee & Cake
Prices: 3-6 euros (snacks)
- Snacks
- Sandwiches
- Beverages
- Coffee & Cake
At-Seat Service (1st Class)
Available: Order at your seatHot mealsBeveragesDesserts
Prices: Same as dining car
- Order at your seat
- Hot meals
- Beverages
- Desserts
Bring Your Own
Available: Self-brought foodNo costFull control
Prices: Free
- Self-brought food
- No cost
- Full control
2. Dining Car Prices
Main Courses
8-15 euros
Schnitzel, pasta, salads
Snacks & Sandwiches
3-6 euros
Sandwiches, pretzels, cake
Beverages
2-4 euros
Coffee, soft drinks, beer
Note: Prices are higher than outside but comparable to other travel catering (airports, motorway service stations). Quality is generally good.
3. At-Seat Service (1st Class)
In 1st class you can order food and drinks directly at your seat. The service is very convenient and saves you the walk to the dining car.
Benefits:
- Stay comfortably at your seat
- Same prices as dining car
- No waiting at the restaurant
How it works:
- Order from train staff
- Or use the QR code
- Pay directly at your seat
4. Tips for Food & Drinks on Trains
Order Early
The dining car can get crowded during peak times. Order early to avoid waiting.
Use the QR Code
Many trains offer QR codes for ordering. Scan the code and order directly from your seat.
Card Payment Available
You can pay by card or cash. Card payment is accepted in all dining cars and bistros.
Vegetarian Options
Ask about vegetarian or vegan options. The selection is continuously expanding.
Bring Your Own Food
You can eat your own food on the train. Keep your area clean and avoid strongly scented foods.
Bring Water
Bring a water bottle. You can get it refilled on board for free.
5. Bringing Your Own Food
You can eat your own food on the train. This is permitted and free of charge. Please keep in mind:
- Cleanliness: Keep your seat area clean and dispose of packaging properly
- Consideration: Avoid strongly scented foods that might disturb other passengers
- Beverages: You can bring drinks or get water refilled for free
- Cooling: For longer journeys you can bring a cooler bag
6. Vegetarian & Vegan Options
The dining car offers vegetarian and vegan options. The selection varies depending on the train and time of day.
Vegetarian
- - Pasta dishes
- - Salads
- - Sandwiches
- - Cakes & Desserts
Vegan
- - Vegan salads
- - Plant-based snacks
- - Vegan beverages
- - Ask staff for options
Tip: Ask the staff about current vegetarian or vegan options. The selection is continuously expanding.
Notice: All information is provided without guarantee. Schedules and availability may change at any time. For current and binding information, please visit the official provider websites. This website is not affiliated with Deutsche Bahn AG or other railway companies.
Sources & More Information:
- Deutsche Bahn – Official Deutsche Bahn website
- DB Navigator – Official DB Navigator App