Intercity 1: The classic long-distance train

Deutsche Bahn has been using Intercity trains within Germany and on routes to neighbouring countries for over 40 years. Before Deutsche Bahn entered the era of high-speed transport in 1991, the Intercity was the flagship of long-distance transport for over two decades.

The classic passenger train consists of a locomotive and 6-11 single-deck carriages, each 26 metres long. Compared to coupled ICE multiple units, Intercity trains can therefore be adjusted according to the respective passenger volume.

The Intercity usually operates with an electric locomotive like the class 101. But diesel locomotives are also used on relatively short, unelectrified sections of line on routes to Germany's most beautiful holiday destinations, such as the mountainous Allgäu region or the island of Sylt. Changing locomotives lets tourists reach these destinations directly from the Rhine/Ruhr and Rhine/Main regions, Hamburg or Berlin, for example.

The Intercity 1 passenger carriages were procured mainly in the early 1970s to late 1980s and have been modernised several times since. The first major modernisation of the carriages' interiors began in the mid-1990s. In the early 2000s, most carriages were fitted with an electronic passenger information system that displayed journey details both internally and externally, as well as electronic seat reservation.

Between 2012 and 2014, the majority of the Intercity 1 carriages underwent extensive interior modernisation with new seats, tables and carpeting.

Since 2018, investments have again been made in the modernisation of theses classic passenger trains, with new upholstery fitted in around 200 carriages. New passenger guidance systems on all carriages makes it easier to find the way both in and around the train. In the toddler and family areas, our youngest guests can enjoy the new cartoon decorations from the series "The little ICE & his friends", as well as new table games. Newly designed lavatories were also fitted in around 800 carriages by the end of 2021. The Intercity 1 fleet was equipped with free wifi between 2019 and the end of 2021.

The trains of the Intercity 1 fleet are in service on countless routes within Germany, as well as to Austria and the Netherlands. They offer many attractive direct services from major cities and metropolitan areas to holiday regions like the Allgäu, Berchtesgaden, Lake Constance, the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the islands of Sylt and Rügen, as well as Amsterdam, Salzburg, Graz and Klagenfurt.

Passengers can also bring bicycles with them on all Intercity connections.