db fernverkehr

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.

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

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

• Long-distance passenger rail
• High-speed train services
• Intercity rail transport
• Passenger rail operations
• Railway ticketing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt am Main

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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

Core 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

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Icomera (an Equans company)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Icomera, 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

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/DB_Bahn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@deutschebahn
• Facebookfacebook.com/deutschebahn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/db-fernverkehr
• Instagraminstagram.com/deutschebahn
• Pinterestpinterest.com/deutschebahn

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about db fernverkehr