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 journeys between 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: January 2025. 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
Search ICE Sprinter Connections
Find the fastest connection between Germany's major cities.
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1st Class Tips
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BahnCard Guide
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WiFi on Trains
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Seat Reservation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICE Sprinter?
The ICE Sprinter is a premium Deutsche Bahn service that runs non-stop between two major cities. It offers the fastest travel time and is particularly popular with business travelers.
How much does the ICE Sprinter cost?
The ICE Sprinter has a surcharge of €13.40 (2nd class) or €18.40 (1st class) on top of the regular fare. With BahnCard you receive 25% or 50% discount on the total price including the Sprinter surcharge.
Which routes does the ICE Sprinter serve?
The main ICE Sprinter routes are: Frankfurt–Berlin (3:45h), Munich–Berlin (3:55h), Munich–Hamburg (5:25h), Cologne–Berlin (4:15h) and Frankfurt–Hamburg (3:30h). There are also morning and evening Sprinters for commuters.
Is the Sprinter surcharge worth it?
The Sprinter is worth it when time savings are more important than cost savings. Typically you save 15-45 minutes. For business travelers who need to work productively or arrive punctually for meetings, the surcharge is often justified.
Can I work on the ICE Sprinter?
Yes, the ICE Sprinter offers ideal working conditions: Free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, quiet zones in 1st class and table seats. The uninterrupted journey enables concentrated work.
Is there a restaurant on the ICE Sprinter?
Yes, all ICE Sprinters have an on-board restaurant and bistro. In 1st class, at-seat service is also available, where you can order directly at your seat.