The ICE Sprinter is the fastest way to travel between Germany's major cities. Without intermediate stops, it gets you to your destination in record time – ideal for business travelers and anyone who values time over money.
ICE Sprinter at a Glance
What Makes the ICE Sprinter Special?
The ICE Sprinter differs from the regular ICE through non-stop journeysbetween origin and destination. While regular ICE trains stop at 3-8 stations, the Sprinter runs without interruption.
Advantages of the Sprinter
- 15-45 minutes faster than regular ICE
- No interruptions = better for working
- Higher punctuality rate
- More stable WiFi (fewer tunnels)
- Exclusive travel experience
Things to Consider
- Surcharge of €13.40 (2nd cl.) or €18.40 (1st cl.)
- Limited departure times
- No intermediate stops possible
- Only on selected routes
- Reservation recommended (popular service)
ICE Sprinter Routes and Travel Times
Deutsche Bahn offers ICE Sprinter services on the most important connections between major cities:
| Route | Sprinter | Regular | Time Saved | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt Hbf → Berlin Hbf | 3:45h | 4:10h | 25 min | from €23 + €13.40 |
| Munich Hbf → Berlin Hbf | 3:55h | 4:15h | 20 min | from €23 + €13.40 |
| Munich Hbf → Hamburg Hbf | 5:25h | 6:00h | 35 min | from €30 + €13.40 |
| Cologne Hbf → Berlin Hbf | 4:15h | 4:40h | 25 min | from €20 + €13.40 |
| Frankfurt Hbf → Hamburg Hbf | 3:30h | 3:55h | 25 min | from €20 + €13.40 |
| Stuttgart Hbf → Berlin Hbf | 5:15h | 5:45h | 30 min | from €25 + €13.40 |
As of: April 2026. Saver fare prices, surcharge additional.
ICE Sprinter Prices and Surcharge
The Sprinter surcharge is added to the regular fare:
Sprinter Surcharge
- 2nd Class: +€13.40
- 1st Class: +€18.40
- BahnCard 25/50: Discount on total price
- BahnCard 100: Sprinter included
Example: Frankfurt-Berlin
- Saver fare: €23.00
- Sprinter surcharge: +€13.40
- Total: €36.40
- 25 minutes faster
Money-saving tip: With BahnCard 50, you pay only 50% on the total price (including surcharge). A Sprinter Frankfurt-Berlin then costs only about €18.20!
Sprinter vs. Regular ICE: The Comparison
| Feature | ICE Sprinter | Regular ICE |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate stops | None | 3-8 stops |
| Travel time (Frankfurt-Berlin) | 3:45h | 4:10h |
| 2nd class surcharge | +€13.40 | No surcharge |
| 1st class surcharge | +€18.40 | No surcharge |
| Seat reservation | Recommended | Optional |
| On-board restaurant | ✓ | ✓ |
| WiFi | ✓ (more stable) | ✓ |
| Punctuality | Higher | Standard |
When Is the ICE Sprinter Worth It?
The Sprinter is worth it for...
- Business travelers with tight schedules
- Commuters on long-distance routes
- BahnCard 100 holders (no surcharge)
- Productive work without interruption
- Connecting flights with tight time windows
The Sprinter is less worthwhile for...
- Budget-conscious travelers without time pressure
- Families (surcharge for each family member)
- Travelers to intermediate stations
- Vacation travel without fixed arrival times
- Short distances (savings are minimal)
5 Tips for Your Sprinter Journey
1. Book early for the best prices
Sprinter Saver fares sell out quickly. Book 2-4 weeks in advance for the best prices.
2. Reserve your seat
Sprinters are popular with business travelers. Reserve a table seat for optimal working conditions.
3. Use your BahnCard smartly
BahnCard discount applies to the total price including surcharge – making the Sprinter significantly more attractive.
4. Know the departure times
Sprinters often run in the morning (6-8 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) – perfect for day business trips.
5. Consider 1st class comfort
The upgrade to 1st class on the Sprinter is only €5 more – often worthwhile for longer journeys.
Typical Sprinter Departure Times
Deutsche Bahn operates Sprinters mainly during peak hours:
Morning
6:00 – 8:00 AM
For day business trips
Midday
Occasional
Limited service
Evening
5:00 – 8:00 PM
For return journeys
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