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New ICE L starts in 2025: high speed meets accessibility!
Deutsche Bahn is introducing the new ICE L, which will run between Berlin and Cologne from December 2025. Improved accessibility and comfort await travelers.
New ICE L starts in 2025: high speed meets accessibility!
Deutsche Bahn recently launched its newest high-speed train, the ICE L, presented. At a ceremonial presentation on October 17, 2025 in Berlin's Ostbahnhof, the DB Board of Directors and the Federal Minister of Transport were present to honor this innovative means of transport.
The premiere of the ICE L means a lot for rail travelers in Germany. From mid-December 2025, the train will run between Berlin and Cologne for the first time, and tourist connections to Hamburg and Sylt are also planned until May 1, 2026. Prospective trips to Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Vienna are even planned as soon as the necessary requirements are met.
Focus on comfort and accessibility
The ICE L stands out with its step-free entry and thus offers improved accessibility for people with wheelchairs, families with strollers and travelers with heavy luggage. The interior floor is almost flat, making access easier. In the redesigned interiors, passengers can expect ergonomically designed seats, larger folding tables and power sockets that make traveling more comfortable.
The train offers a total of 562 seats, including 85 in first class and 477 in second class. Particular attention was paid to the family area, which with 46 seats is the largest in the entire ICE fleet. A separate toddler area with a play area completes the offer. Wheelchair spaces are also available, equipped with electrically height-adjustable tables.
Technical highlights
With a top speed of 230 km/h, the ICE L will not only enable fast connections, but also impress with a modern approach to technology. The train has a total length of 256 meters and consists of 17 cars. The trains are tested thoroughly in a trial run to guarantee quality and safety for passengers. Deutsche Bahn has ordered 79 trains from the Spanish manufacturer Talgo, which belong to the Talgo 230 platform.
In addition, the ICE L will be equipped with improved mobile phone reception so that passengers remain well connected even during the journey. WiFi and an ICE portal with entertaining content ensure that even longer trips are pleasant. There is also space for bicycles in the ICE L, with a total of eight parking spaces.
The introduction of the ICE L is part of Deutsche Bahn's strategy to modernize the fleet by 2030 and reduce the average age of long-distance trains to 15 years. The ICE L symbolizes the “agenda for satisfied customers on rail” that DB is pursuing on its way to improving travel. Travelers will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of the new train - an exciting expansion of the rail offering that raises high expectations. For further information about the ICE L, those interested can visit the Deutsche Bahn website or directly on the platforms such as bahn.de or the technology portal ingenieur.de look around.