db fernverkehr
DB Fernverkehr AG operates Germany's primary long-distance passenger rail network with ICE and IC/EC trains, transporting 400,000+ passengers daily across ~900 national and ~250 international connections to 80+ European cities, as a state-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersFrankfurt am Main, Germany
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What db fernverkehr does
DB Fernverkehr AG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, the German state-owned railway group (Bundesunternehmen under the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure), and operates Germany's primary long-distance passenger rail network. The company runs ICE (Intercity Express) and IC/EC (Intercity/Eurocity) trains across approximately 900 daily national connections and roughly 250 daily international connections serving more than 80 European cities in countries including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. It transports more than 400,000 passengers per day using a fleet of over 500 ICE and IC/EC trains, all powered by 100% green electricity (Ökostrom), with maintenance performed in CO2-neutral workshops including the historic Lokhalle München facility.
The company's core technology stack comprises a fleet-wide passenger Wi-Fi and digital connectivity solution supplied by Icomera (an Equans company), an on-board ICE Portal providing travel information and entertainment, and a forthcoming BodyCam safety system scheduled for nationwide deployment on long-distance trains and DB Lounges from July 2026 (event-triggered recording, encrypted storage, 72-hour automatic deletion, accessible only to the Federal Police upon criminal complaint). Digital customer engagement relies on Adobe Analytics, Tealium iQ tag management, CrossEngage personalization, Firebase Crashlytics in the BahnBonus App, and Sprinklr for community management across social channels.
DB Fernverkehr generates revenue primarily through ticket sales for long-distance passenger rail travel, distributed via bahn.de, mobile apps, station counters, and on-board sales, supplemented by ancillary streams including on-board dining (Bordgastronomie with Bordrestaurants and Bordbistros), DB Lounges at selected stations, BahnCard discount products (BahnCard 25, 50, 100), the BahnBonus loyalty programme (with Silver/Gold/Platinum status tiers and a dedicated mobile app), and bundled mobility partnerships with HRS (hotels), DB Rent/Europcar/Sixt (car rental), and Europäische Reiseversicherung (travel insurance). Customer segments are horizontally split between individual travellers and business/corporate travellers, with no disclosed enterprise anchor contracts.
db fernverkehr firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- db fernverkehr
- Legal name
- DB Fernverkehr AG
- Website
- https://db-fernverkehr.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- DB Fernverkehr AG operates Germany's primary long-distance passenger rail network with ICE and IC/EC trains, transporting 400,000+ passengers daily across ~900 national and ~250 international connections to 80+ European cities, as a state-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
db fernverkehr industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Long-Distance Passenger Rail Services
- NAICS
- Rail Transportation (4821), Support Activities for Rail Transportation (488210)
- SIC
- Railroads, Line-Haul Operating (4011), Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Long-Distance/Overnight Intercity Rail Operators (THAIAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cross-Border/International Passenger Rail Operators (TLAFADAE), Cross-Border Regional Rail Passenger Services (THAIACAH)
Keywords
Where db fernverkehr is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Frankfurt am Main
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
db fernverkehr business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Passenger Rail Ticket Sales: DB Fernverkehr AG generates revenue primarily through the sale of tickets for long-distance rail travel on ICE and IC/EC trains across Germany and internationally. Passengers purchase tickets through bahn.de, mobile apps, station counters, and on-board. The company offers products such as BahnCard (loyalty card) and BahnBonus (rewards programme) which drive repeat purchases and customer retention.
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
db fernverkehr product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DB Fernverkehr AG operates long-distance passenger rail services in Germany and across Europe using its ICE (Intercity Express) and IC/EC fleets of over 500 trains. The service runs approximately 900 daily national connections and around 250 daily international connections to more than 80 European cities, transporting over 400,000 passengers per day. Ticket sales, the BahnCard discount programme, the BahnBonus loyalty programme, on-board Bordgastronomie, and DB Lounges complement the core rail offering.
Product overview
DB Fernverkehr AG operates a platform of long-distance rail transport products centered on its ICE (Intercity Express) and Intercity (IC/EC) train fleet of over 500 trains making ~900 daily national and ~250 international connections to 80+ European cities. The core offering is supplemented by on-board services (Bordgastronomie with Bordrestaurants and Bordbistros, free Wi-Fi, ICE-Portal entertainment), ground services (DB Lounges at selected stations), and loyalty programs (BahnBonus, BahnCards). Maintenance and technical services are provided through the Lokhalle München facility. The BahnBonus program has both web and mobile app components (BahnBonus App). The company also announced the deployment of BodyCams on long-distance trains from July 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ICE (Intercity Express) High-speed long-distance train service operated by DB Fernverkehr AG, offering daily connections across Germany and into European destinations. ICE trains feature Bordgastronomie (on-board dining), free passenger Wi-Fi, and the ICE-Portal for travel information and entertainment.
- Intercity (IC/EC) Intercity and Eurocity long-distance train services connecting German and European cities, providing domestic and cross-border rail connections as part of DB Fernverkehr's ~900 daily national and ~250 international connections.
- BahnCard Subscription rail discount card offering discounted travel on Deutsche Bahn services, available in three tiers (BahnCard 25, 50, 100) that grant percentage-based savings, additional services, and access to BahnBonus benefits.
- BahnBonus Loyalty programme allowing passengers to collect and redeem points for rewards across DB services and partner businesses, with status levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum). Available as the BahnBonus App and web platform, it enables point collection via purchased tickets and partner transactions.
- DB Lounges Premium waiting lounges located at selected train stations, providing relaxation, services, and amenities for eligible travellers (premium ticket holders, status customers, and BahnCard holders) prior to their journey.
- Bordgastronomie (On-board Dining) On-board dining service on ICE trains comprising Bordrestaurants (full dining cars) and Bordbistros, providing food and beverages to passengers during their journey.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 400,000 passengers transported daily
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use db fernverkehr
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
db fernverkehr technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
Feature3 records
db fernverkehr partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Icomera (an Equans company)coreIcomera, an Equans company, supplies passenger Wi-Fi and digital connectivity solutions for Deutsche Bahn trains. The company first equipped ICE trains in 2016 and installs new equipment weekly. Approximately 500,000 passengers connect daily across Germany, with 258 ICE trains and 1,348 IC carriages fitted. Icomera was named a Strategic Partner by Deutsche Bahn in 2019, indicating a deep and long-standing technology integration partnership for connectivity infrastructure.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
db fernverkehr competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
db fernverkehr social profiles
Digital presencedb fernverkehr compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
db fernverkehr financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
db fernverkehr leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
db fernverkehr funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
db fernverkehr M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about db fernverkehr
What does db fernverkehr do?
DB Fernverkehr AG operates long-distance passenger rail services in Germany and across Europe using its ICE (Intercity Express) and IC/EC fleets of over 500 trains. The service runs approximately 900 daily national connections and around 250 daily international connections to more than 80 European cities, transporting over 400,000 passengers per day. Ticket sales, the BahnCard discount programme, the BahnBonus loyalty programme, on-board Bordgastronomie, and DB Lounges complement the core rail offering.
Is db fernverkehr a public or private company?
db fernverkehr is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was db fernverkehr founded?
db fernverkehr was founded in -1.
Where is db fernverkehr based?
db fernverkehr is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does db fernverkehr make money?
One revenue line is on record: passenger Rail Ticket Sales.
Does db fernverkehr have an API?
No public API is recorded for db fernverkehr.
What industry is db fernverkehr in?
db fernverkehr's product category is Long-Distance Passenger Rail Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAIAAAD, Long-Distance/Overnight Intercity Rail Operators, with a secondary code of TLAFADAE, Cross-Border/International Passenger Rail Operators. Its NAICS code is 4821 and its SIC code is 4011.