Brussels to Cologne on the ICE INTERNATIONAL
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 35
train
Lovely video man! Again! Last summer, me and my friend traveled from Utrecht Central to Basel SBB by ICE. It already went wrong after about 2 seconds. We drove I think roughly 4 meters, and the train stopped. After 10 minutes of standing there, we continued. But then, just when we were about 5 minutes away from Colone, our attendant told us that the train was too broken to continue. And we didn't have a clue what was wrong with it. They told us that they would try to make it to Colone Hbf, but we stopped at a small stations in the suburbs of Colone. They had to break the doors open, and they left us there on the station. There were no replacement trains. Lucky for us, about 15 minutes later, there was a regional train going to the main station. But yeah, we had a double train that was fully booked, and all those people had to get in to the regional train. In the end, we made it to our destionation with about an hour delay, but I still think it's weird. And don't get me wrong, I love travelling in Germany and by ICE, but they are so unreliable. Especially the one's going across the border. But now, we can look back at it with a good laugh -. Over the past two weeks, I took several ICE trains in Germany and it all went well. But sometimes I still get a little frightened when the train goes slower-. That was my little story about traveling by ICE-
reply
Lovely video man! Again! Last summer, me and my friend traveled from Utrecht Central to Basel SBB by ICE. It already went wrong after about 2 seconds. We drove I think roughly 4 meters, and the train stopped. After 10 minutes of standing there, we continued. But then, just when we were about 5 minutes away from Colone, our attendant told us that the train was too broken to continue. And we didn't have a clue what was wrong with it. They told us that they would try to make it to Colone Hbf, but we stopped at a small stations in the suburbs of Colone. They had to break the doors open, and they left us there on the station. There were no replacement trains. Lucky for us, about 15 minutes later, there was a regional train going to the main station. But yeah, we had a double train that was fully booked, and all those people had to get in to the regional train. In the end, we made it to our destionation with about an hour delay, but I still think it's weird. And don't get me wrong, I love travelling in Germany and by ICE, but they are so unreliable. Especially the one's going across the border. But now, we can look back at it with a good laugh -. Over the past two weeks, I took several ICE trains in Germany and it all went well. But sometimes I still get a little frightened when the train goes slower-. That was my little story about traveling by ICE-
reply
-maxberan3897
Not my experience of the opposite direction journey. Late running of our train from Zurich reduced the transfer time to make the Cologne Brussels leg to minutes (only possible because it too was running late. We were faced with a Cologne platform absolutely thronging with humanity. Given our age (82) and baggage there simply wasn't time or opportunity to identify the coach we'd booked so we jumped (figuratively) into the first available train entry. That coach was just like the platform - jam packed - with people standing in the aisle. Progress along the train was impractical, at least for my wife and I, so we sat ourselves in an available looking seat where we were quickly introduced to the couple who had reserved them. Fortunately they were prepared to do a swap (they were much younger and a lot more agile) so we gratefully kept their second class seats while they headed off along the train battling the horde to make it to ours (in 1st class) having photographed our reservations to prove their bona fides. I trust they managed to enjoy their upgrade. We were just grateful for a seat and having made a connection - necessary because it had to link us to the last Eurostar of the day. Despite the romantic impression of rail travel, when it comes down to practical experience it's not that different to Ryanair!
reply
Not my experience of the opposite direction journey. Late running of our train from Zurich reduced the transfer time to make the Cologne Brussels leg to minutes (only possible because it too was running late. We were faced with a Cologne platform absolutely thronging with humanity. Given our age (82) and baggage there simply wasn't time or opportunity to identify the coach we'd booked so we jumped (figuratively) into the first available train entry. That coach was just like the platform - jam packed - with people standing in the aisle. Progress along the train was impractical, at least for my wife and I, so we sat ourselves in an available looking seat where we were quickly introduced to the couple who had reserved them. Fortunately they were prepared to do a swap (they were much younger and a lot more agile) so we gratefully kept their second class seats while they headed off along the train battling the horde to make it to ours (in 1st class) having photographed our reservations to prove their bona fides. I trust they managed to enjoy their upgrade. We were just grateful for a seat and having made a connection - necessary because it had to link us to the last Eurostar of the day. Despite the romantic impression of rail travel, when it comes down to practical experience it's not that different to Ryanair!
reply
-mavadelo
I sadly can't afford train rides like this so I get my fix in sims. Seems that the Current TSW3 can add on to its existing routes so I really hope runs like this one (or Amsterdam to Bern for example) will be added as for now those )German) routes don't cross borders/ (Or London to Amsterdam/Paris/Brussel would be nice)
Thankfully, in the mean time, there are videos like this. Happy traveling man, be careful and have fun.
btw Amsterdam CS is a through station as well
I always find it a bit. simplistic, to say that it is build by Siemens. That is only true for the power cars. It was very much a partnership between AEG, AGG, Krups and Siemens (and I might have forgotten one or two.
Fun fact: When I first heard about the ICE (the 401) and heard it was by Siemens and AEG in particular, I only knew those brands from sewing machines and refrigerators. For a while I refused to travel in a sewing machine. Until one day I had no choice and found them to be actually pretty good (for those days)
reply
I sadly can't afford train rides like this so I get my fix in sims. Seems that the Current TSW3 can add on to its existing routes so I really hope runs like this one (or Amsterdam to Bern for example) will be added as for now those )German) routes don't cross borders/ (Or London to Amsterdam/Paris/Brussel would be nice)
Thankfully, in the mean time, there are videos like this. Happy traveling man, be careful and have fun.
btw Amsterdam CS is a through station as well
I always find it a bit. simplistic, to say that it is build by Siemens. That is only true for the power cars. It was very much a partnership between AEG, AGG, Krups and Siemens (and I might have forgotten one or two.
Fun fact: When I first heard about the ICE (the 401) and heard it was by Siemens and AEG in particular, I only knew those brands from sewing machines and refrigerators. For a while I refused to travel in a sewing machine. Until one day I had no choice and found them to be actually pretty good (for those days)
reply
-tmkoeln
The 406 sets are due to be replaced by the new Baureihe 408 (dubbed ICE 3neo) based on the Velaro family. The 408 entered service in 2022. For now only within Germany. the 408s are like the 406 capable to run into Belgium, France (though their older sister class 407, dubbed ICE3 Velaro D will remain on the Paris services most likely and will at some point get some of the features of the 408 in a retrofit) and Netherlands. But are not yet licensed for passenger operation into neither France, Belgium and Netherlands.
It will probably get better when the Velaros replace the 406 sets for operation into Belgium and Netherlands.
reply
The 406 sets are due to be replaced by the new Baureihe 408 (dubbed ICE 3neo) based on the Velaro family. The 408 entered service in 2022. For now only within Germany. the 408s are like the 406 capable to run into Belgium, France (though their older sister class 407, dubbed ICE3 Velaro D will remain on the Paris services most likely and will at some point get some of the features of the 408 in a retrofit) and Netherlands. But are not yet licensed for passenger operation into neither France, Belgium and Netherlands.
It will probably get better when the Velaros replace the 406 sets for operation into Belgium and Netherlands.
reply
-oslo162
hmm didn't know that, these trains have sometime a such Serious techincal issues like that, 24% of the services fully cancelled on a month? really, i travelled from Koln hbf to Liege 4 times i don't know if i was lucky or not but the trains that i took was always on time of course i'm not going to say that the DB ponctuality are good because everyone who travel everyday in trains in germany know that only 50% of the trains are on time, and about ICE neo i don't like the design look, if the neo will replace the old one on brussels and amsterdam route in 2024, what will happens to the old units then?
reply
hmm didn't know that, these trains have sometime a such Serious techincal issues like that, 24% of the services fully cancelled on a month? really, i travelled from Koln hbf to Liege 4 times i don't know if i was lucky or not but the trains that i took was always on time of course i'm not going to say that the DB ponctuality are good because everyone who travel everyday in trains in germany know that only 50% of the trains are on time, and about ICE neo i don't like the design look, if the neo will replace the old one on brussels and amsterdam route in 2024, what will happens to the old units then?
reply
-switzerails3668
Two features are killing it in this iteration of the ICE3 (BR406.
- The mini lounge behind the driver cab, with dim lighting and the view. Dim lights make the ride so much relaxing, especially at night. And there is a switch over the door to turn them off. although a couple of those were hardwired to be always on during refurbishment.
- There are still compartments with doors, even if only in first class!
Sadly, the next iterations of this train have dropped those two features!
reply
Two features are killing it in this iteration of the ICE3 (BR406.
- The mini lounge behind the driver cab, with dim lighting and the view. Dim lights make the ride so much relaxing, especially at night. And there is a switch over the door to turn them off. although a couple of those were hardwired to be always on during refurbishment.
- There are still compartments with doors, even if only in first class!
Sadly, the next iterations of this train have dropped those two features!
reply
-lws7394
I find it unacceptable that these trains do 200km in 2 hours and charge 'High speed' premium ticket prices! 100km is/shouldbe standard for ordinary intercity trains, and High speed operators should travel in the range of 150-200+ km per hour!
You pay for the 'High speed' brand logo not for a swift journey! And there are not direct rides with normal intercity trains anymore. So this is actually really bad! Thalys even manages to do the trip in 2h42m! Ridiculous.
reply
I find it unacceptable that these trains do 200km in 2 hours and charge 'High speed' premium ticket prices! 100km is/shouldbe standard for ordinary intercity trains, and High speed operators should travel in the range of 150-200+ km per hour!
You pay for the 'High speed' brand logo not for a swift journey! And there are not direct rides with normal intercity trains anymore. So this is actually really bad! Thalys even manages to do the trip in 2h42m! Ridiculous.
reply
train
Took this train as a Connection for the Eurostar. The train waited for all passengers from London and was perfectly on time until it crossed the German Border. - Although i love this Service. It was actually cheaper than the flight from London. So Folks: Always compare prices! The Service from Brussels can be a lot cheaper when you book your ticket 6 months earlier; )-
reply
Took this train as a Connection for the Eurostar. The train waited for all passengers from London and was perfectly on time until it crossed the German Border. - Although i love this Service. It was actually cheaper than the flight from London. So Folks: Always compare prices! The Service from Brussels can be a lot cheaper when you book your ticket 6 months earlier; )-
reply
-TekindusT
I live in Aachen and for me travelling to Cologne or Brussels with the ICE feels like a complete lottery. It is never a relaxing trip because anything can happen at any moment. The Thalys is an alternative but it-s not very reliable as well due to the deficient and non-redundant German network, and for BahnCard holders it will always be a more expensive option.
reply
I live in Aachen and for me travelling to Cologne or Brussels with the ICE feels like a complete lottery. It is never a relaxing trip because anything can happen at any moment. The Thalys is an alternative but it-s not very reliable as well due to the deficient and non-redundant German network, and for BahnCard holders it will always be a more expensive option.
reply
-powgames
It really is sad that the original ICE 3 is the least reliable and so -fiery- because they definitely have the nicest acceleration sound and look the best out of all ICE
Luckily, they wont be phased out until the early 30s when the ICE 5 arrives. Although with the 408s coming along, the ICE3M might be replaced on journeys to Belgium und the Netherlands: /
reply
It really is sad that the original ICE 3 is the least reliable and so -fiery- because they definitely have the nicest acceleration sound and look the best out of all ICE
Luckily, they wont be phased out until the early 30s when the ICE 5 arrives. Although with the 408s coming along, the ICE3M might be replaced on journeys to Belgium und the Netherlands: /
reply
-larseriksen9950
Please - I love going by trains -.
But I don-t care about the locomotive, the cars, their history, : ie I don-t care about all of this-
I just would like to know, if there is a buffet-car, or if I should buy it before entering the train-
Many thanks from DK-. and trust me, in DK there is limited service-.
reply
Please - I love going by trains -.
But I don-t care about the locomotive, the cars, their history, : ie I don-t care about all of this-
I just would like to know, if there is a buffet-car, or if I should buy it before entering the train-
Many thanks from DK-. and trust me, in DK there is limited service-.
reply
-sirludicrous7823
Neat video, just a small hint:
The ICE 3 never reaches 300 on the HSL 2, reason being that the ICE 3 (and i think newer gens too) are limited to 250km/h on lines that have conventional sleepers + ballast. German 300km/h lines all use solid concrete ballast, allowing these trains to go up to 300
reply
Neat video, just a small hint:
The ICE 3 never reaches 300 on the HSL 2, reason being that the ICE 3 (and i think newer gens too) are limited to 250km/h on lines that have conventional sleepers + ballast. German 300km/h lines all use solid concrete ballast, allowing these trains to go up to 300
reply
-BenjaminD84
Your reasoning is quite odd. Is it because the train can run on different systems that ICE is so unreliable? Or is this train just horribly designed? I mean why is Alstom able to build trains that work in different countries as Thalys and Eurostars have proven?
reply
Your reasoning is quite odd. Is it because the train can run on different systems that ICE is so unreliable? Or is this train just horribly designed? I mean why is Alstom able to build trains that work in different countries as Thalys and Eurostars have proven?
reply
-Fry_tag
To this day I'm amazed how well the exterior design of class 403/406 still looks today. The design process started in the early to mid 90s. Lots of stuff from that era has aged poorly in terms of styling and appearance. I still prefer this over 407/408 any day.
reply
To this day I'm amazed how well the exterior design of class 403/406 still looks today. The design process started in the early to mid 90s. Lots of stuff from that era has aged poorly in terms of styling and appearance. I still prefer this over 407/408 any day.
reply
-JoernBeneken
German trains, despite often being delayed, have the best classic and modern timeless design. If you compare it with TGV it-s so much better well-through-out.
All materials looking made by good and durable quality. Not cheap not ungrateful (like TGV.
reply
German trains, despite often being delayed, have the best classic and modern timeless design. If you compare it with TGV it-s so much better well-through-out.
All materials looking made by good and durable quality. Not cheap not ungrateful (like TGV.
reply
-Drago1995
Antwerpen Central definitely beats Brussels south station, and it's so sketchy in some parts around the station and near the Midi tower. i was wondering why are masks everywhere and i see in the description this was recorded 1/5 year ago -
reply
Antwerpen Central definitely beats Brussels south station, and it's so sketchy in some parts around the station and near the Midi tower. i was wondering why are masks everywhere and i see in the description this was recorded 1/5 year ago -
reply
-wouterpaap9343
As allways I liked this video of yours, because of the information and your sharing of experience. Now a earnest question: I never ordered fries, since in nowadays trains there are only microwaves ovens. Are those fries any good?
reply
As allways I liked this video of yours, because of the information and your sharing of experience. Now a earnest question: I never ordered fries, since in nowadays trains there are only microwaves ovens. Are those fries any good?
reply
-ringo7561
Why not jump in to one of those empty rows when you left Brussels? I always travel on a Eurail Pass first class and I love the ICE trains and normally seats arent full in first class. I never make a reservation. Great video as always
reply
Why not jump in to one of those empty rows when you left Brussels? I always travel on a Eurail Pass first class and I love the ICE trains and normally seats arent full in first class. I never make a reservation. Great video as always
reply
-josefblasini5253
Hi! Arriving into Cologne Central Station is one beautiful sight! Especially crossing the bridge over the Rhine from Koeln-Deutz. New Vienna Central, Salzburg, Venice Santa Lucia and Zurich are just other wonderful stations.
reply
Hi! Arriving into Cologne Central Station is one beautiful sight! Especially crossing the bridge over the Rhine from Koeln-Deutz. New Vienna Central, Salzburg, Venice Santa Lucia and Zurich are just other wonderful stations.
reply
train
The word -sick- in English does not usually mean good or great. This is a slang word from the younger generation who are using it as an emphasis on the opposite meaning. It does not look good in your subtitles. Otherwise great video.
reply
The word -sick- in English does not usually mean good or great. This is a slang word from the younger generation who are using it as an emphasis on the opposite meaning. It does not look good in your subtitles. Otherwise great video.
reply
-lausimeyer6558
The next generation of ICE is already in Belgium for the testing. It's the class 408 or ICE3 neo, similar to the ICE class 407 running to Paris. It will be operational in 2025, when I understood it correctly.
reply
The next generation of ICE is already in Belgium for the testing. It's the class 408 or ICE3 neo, similar to the ICE class 407 running to Paris. It will be operational in 2025, when I understood it correctly.
reply
-romaindancre
I took that exact train a couple of times and I love it, they are more spacious and well thought than others
Being able to see if or when someone will be seating next to you comes in handy
Great review!
reply
I took that exact train a couple of times and I love it, they are more spacious and well thought than others
Being able to see if or when someone will be seating next to you comes in handy
Great review!
reply
-AnnabelSmyth
Last time I caught this train we were in 2nd class and going to Frankfurt/Main; I had a serious backache by the time we got off! I hope first class to Cologne in a month's time will be more comfortable!
reply
Last time I caught this train we were in 2nd class and going to Frankfurt/Main; I had a serious backache by the time we got off! I hope first class to Cologne in a month's time will be more comfortable!
reply
-DrNagi
Sad that you didn't actually go all the way to Frankfurt, the high speed line between there and Cologne is a pure rollercoaster! I'll be traveling on that line in two weeks, although with a slower ICE 4.
reply
Sad that you didn't actually go all the way to Frankfurt, the high speed line between there and Cologne is a pure rollercoaster! I'll be traveling on that line in two weeks, although with a slower ICE 4.
reply
-lorenzodalla5056
11: 09 I have read that the glass automatically blurs in the event of an emergency braking in order to prevent the view of certain scenarios (dead people or animals etc) from the passengers
reply
11: 09 I have read that the glass automatically blurs in the event of an emergency braking in order to prevent the view of certain scenarios (dead people or animals etc) from the passengers
reply
-mj1234321
I took the ICE 3 from Munich to Cologne back in '03, not long after the new Frankfurt - Cologne high speed segment had opened. Nice ride, loved passing the highway traffic at 186 mph!
reply
I took the ICE 3 from Munich to Cologne back in '03, not long after the new Frankfurt - Cologne high speed segment had opened. Nice ride, loved passing the highway traffic at 186 mph!
reply
-rabitec.
Yea the 406s have their fair share of issues, but all in all they are great trains and I'll be sad to see them go if things should really end up happening as they are planned now.
reply
Yea the 406s have their fair share of issues, but all in all they are great trains and I'll be sad to see them go if things should really end up happening as they are planned now.
reply
-Buxelfip
-simplyrailway You missed a Point the ICE3M is also capable to run under 25kv like in France an did this in Belgium on HSL2 and HSL3. Also it is Limited to 250 km/h in Belgium.
reply
-simplyrailway You missed a Point the ICE3M is also capable to run under 25kv like in France an did this in Belgium on HSL2 and HSL3. Also it is Limited to 250 km/h in Belgium.
reply
train
Yeah the ICE3M are terrible in reliability but their replacement is one of the most reliable highspeed trains out there, the siemens velaro(in this case in NEO form) are super
reply
Yeah the ICE3M are terrible in reliability but their replacement is one of the most reliable highspeed trains out there, the siemens velaro(in this case in NEO form) are super
reply
-rogertemple7193
Simply Railway:
Great trains of Europe and from what
I've seen here it is like a mini hotel on
train tracks and Wow that's great.
----------
reply
Simply Railway:
Great trains of Europe and from what
I've seen here it is like a mini hotel on
train tracks and Wow that's great.
----------
reply
-brinda7022
Hi! I-m new to brusells. I have a train booked in 2days from Brussels to koln. How do I know which stop should I get down since there is no display on train!
reply
Hi! I-m new to brusells. I have a train booked in 2days from Brussels to koln. How do I know which stop should I get down since there is no display on train!
reply
-Dunkcanio
I do like these trains. I've had the seats behind the driver a few times, and also at the back on the High Speed line to Paris. It felt like a rollercoaster!
reply
I do like these trains. I've had the seats behind the driver a few times, and also at the back on the High Speed line to Paris. It felt like a rollercoaster!
reply
-albertxi11
The first-class seat product looks very similar to the seats used on Viarail Corridor Business Class cars in Canada! Who is the manufacturer of these seats?
reply
The first-class seat product looks very similar to the seats used on Viarail Corridor Business Class cars in Canada! Who is the manufacturer of these seats?
reply
-ShaneMcMordie
Twenty years ago I used this service once a week. It was unreliable then and it's still unreliable, as you mention in this interesting video.
reply
Twenty years ago I used this service once a week. It was unreliable then and it's still unreliable, as you mention in this interesting video.
reply
train
For the first time in your videos out side of Sweden I heard people around you speaking Swedish, just wanted to point that out. Great video btw
reply
For the first time in your videos out side of Sweden I heard people around you speaking Swedish, just wanted to point that out. Great video btw
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
