First Class on Deutsche Bahn

[stuartmoss]

Just booked myself some advanced first class bargains from the DB website.

Berlin - Erfurt
Erfurt - Frankfurt Flughafen
Frankfurt Flughafen - Dusseldorf

Do you get any freebies, free Wi-fi or other benefits in DB in First Class? It's my first time in first class on DB and I'm quite excited about it!

 

[WestCoast]

Do you get any freebies, free Wi-fi or other benefits in DB in First Class? It's my first time in first class on DB and I'm quite excited about it!

First class on many of the continental operators (including DB) is mainly about the travelling accommodation. You don't actually get complimentary food and beverages, you pay for the seat and surroundings.

You do however get,
-access to the First Class Lounges at Berlin Hbf, Frankfurt Flughafen and possibly Düsseldorf Hbf (along your journey). The lounges have complimentary Wi-Fi, comfy chairs and at Berlin Hbf only they are now offering complimentary alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drinks, as well as snacks.
-T-Mobile Wi-Fi onboard, if it's available.
-At-seat service where your steward(ess) can serve you drinks, snacks or a meal from the restaurant car, if available. This has to be paid for.

The only DB services which offer complementary food/beverages are ICE Sprinters (handful a day), sorry to disappoint.

 

[starrymarkb]

Though sometimes sweeties are given out

 

[gordonthemoron]

For your journey, wi-fi is only available on the last leg. Also, ICE Sprinters do not run on your route

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Erfurt - Frankfurt Flughafen

I did this run in July (from Dresden, picking up the Ffm Flughafen train at Leipzig).
The cheapest fare was on the IC train with a few more stops (Gotha etc), rather than the ICE which runs through to Wiesbaden.
Fine DB class 101 loco and coaches, almost empty First Class (I had a compartment to myself). No onboard services though.
The FC coach was on the back, and you could stare out of the large rear window and enjoy a view of the track.
There was some single-line working west of Gotha which threatened to delay us (it was a Sunday), but in the end we arrived early.

 

[Golghar]

Should the air-conditioning fail on a sweltering day there will be free tumblers of chilled sparkling water for everyone. But you get those in second class too.

 

[WestCoast]

Should the air-conditioning fail on a sweltering day there will be free tumblers of chilled sparkling water for everyone. But you get those in second class too.

It's unlikely to get above 32°C from next month though (which apparently is the tip-over point for the ICEs!).

I once blagged a free Orangina onboard a Eurostar set with an air-conditioning failure..

 

[Max]

I do wonder if FC is worth it on ICE trains, as standard class in itself feels pretty luxurious compared to British intercity trains!

 

[Golghar]

In the OP's case 1st-class bargains were still available. These are often cheaper than 2nd-class normal fare. If you find the people on 1st too snooty you are free to travel 2nd on a 1st-class ticket.

 

[starrymarkb]

Should the air-conditioning fail on a sweltering day there will be free tumblers of chilled sparkling water for everyone. But you get those in second class too.

And as we'd paid for a reservation in the coach with the broken aircon we were upgraded to first - it was about 28C

 

[ChiefPlanner]

They do at seat service for which you pay - not unreasonable - and probably the best coffee in the world ! (fond memories of a Cologne - Brussels run in the back of an ICE with the rearward view , great coffee and a hot German breakfast)

 

[Goldfish62]

I do wonder if FC is worth it on ICE trains, as standard class in itself feels pretty luxurious compared to British intercity trains!

Agreed!

 

[Rick1984]

Beer ethier out a tap (why is their becks so much better than ours?) or if wheat beer a bottle in the appropriate glass. Fresh full sized pizza cooked in stone oven. Fresh espresso coffee. Amazing experience. The IC train along the rhein from frankfurt to koln was my fave german train, 2nd class. Shortly after got a tin of beer on east coast and it feel off the counter and had to get last to give me another one! Then you have to drink out plastic glass, and a microwave sandwich!

 

[WestCoast]

I think sometimes people in the UK forget what good, wholesome on-train catering from a proper buffet car is like! Quite a few members of this site have a preference for catering trolleys, but how can a cheaply made prepacked sandwich with a packet of crisps and a flapjack ever be classed as decent catering? Never in my book.

 

[87015]

I think sometimes people in the UK forget what good, wholesome on-train catering from a proper buffet car is like! Quite a few members of this site have a preference for catering trolleys, but how can a cheaply made prepacked sandwich with a packet of crisps and a flapjack ever be classed as decent catering? Never in my book.

Indeed. They should be made to go Vienna and do the move where you can have seven (iirc) different countries bar/resturant cars around the city on IC/EC trains... A great selection of food and beer to be had!

 

[gordonthemoron]

I thought most food on DB was pre-cooked and reheated on the train? I also can't believe that they have onboard stone ovens rather than microwaves

 

[Rick1984]

Not certain about the oven but certainly was full size, nicely cooked and came on a china plate as did the espresso in a china cup and saucer.

 

[brianthegiant]

I thought the BordBistro car on ICE was quite good, I think I had organic lamb. The view is great with the scenic windows. we were the only people eating so it was nice and quiet. the waiter was a bit grumpy, but hey you cant have it all..

 

[gordonthemoron]

Menus:

1st Class at seat service

Bordrestaurant Menu

Bordbistro Menu

Current Specials

Breakfast