ICE is an abbreviation of Intercity Express. ICE International is a high-speed train running from Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem via Emmerich to Oberhausen, Duisburg, Düsseldorf Hbf, Cologne, Frankfurt and Basel.
For this train, you purchase a ticket and, optionally, a separate seat reservation. While reserving a seat is not compulsory outside the summer season, it is highly recommended.
Due to expected crowds, a seat reservation for ICE International is mandatory from 1 June up to 1 September 2024.
You can book ICE up to 180 days in advance.
Services
ICE has first and second-class coaches. You have various facilities available to you on ICE, depending on which class you are in: Please see ICE » Facilities on board for an overview.
Fare structure
ICE tickets are available at various fares.
The price depends on:
The class you are travelling in.
The flexibility with respect to options for changing or cancelling. In general: the lower the ticket price, the more restrictions for changing and cancelling bookings.
The time of booking: booking early increases the chance of inexpensive tickets.
Discount passes.
A seat reservation in 2nd class costs € 4.90 per person. For (Super) Sparpreis fares, the price of a 1st class seat reservation is € 5.90. With the Flex fare, seat reservations for 1st class are free.
Please note: This only applies if the seat reservation is purchased together with the ticket. A separate seat reservation costs € 4.90 per person per single journey for 2nd class and € 5.90 for 1st class (regardless of the fare).
ICE International for domestic use
Within the Netherlands, ICE International runs between Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal and Arnhem stations. You require a valid NS ticket or NS season ticket and an ICE Supplement for travelling on ICE International on the Dutch route. This single-journey supplement is € 2.90.
Passengers with a valid NS season ticket do not pay any supplement. This also applies to student season tickets, NS Business Cards and the NS-Flex season tickets.
Please note that NS Flex Basis holders are an exception. They do pay a supplement.
You can purchase the ICE Supplement at NS.nl or from NS ticket machines at the station.
On the domestic route, seat or wheelchair spaces cannot be reserved.