Two of Western Europe's key financial cities are linked by a high-speed service, the operation of which is shared by France's TGV and Germany's InterCity Express (ICE). The journey is made in around four hours.
There are plans in the works for a direct high-speed service between Frankfurt and London to run in the near future. This would be operated by Deutsche Bahn, using InterCity Express trains, and would cut down the journey time between the two cities considerably, opening up the European high-speed rail network to an even greater extent.
InterCity Express:
InterCity Express (ICE) services are high-speed trains linking Germany with a range of other European countries including France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. Services offer both first and standard class accommodation.
Standard class carriages are fully air conditioned, with recliing seats. Seats have fixed or folding tables, as well as luggage lockers. Some special ICE T services allow passengers to sit at the front of the train and take a driver's eye view through a glass partition. First class carriages include power points for mobile phone/laptop charging. Some also feature individual video screens.
ICE trains have a bar/buffet carriage, selling a range of drinks and hot/cold food. There is an at-seat trolley service that travels through both standard and first class carriages.
Passengers are allowed to take two bags/suitcases onboard with them, as well as one piece of hand luggage. Bicycles are also permitted, provided they are in a bicycle bag. Domestic pets may also be transported, with a maximum for two dogs or pet carriers per passenger.