How early should you be at the station?

Deutsche Bahn ICE, IC and EC

• No check-in cut-off in the terms: The DB terms of carriage contain no check-in closing time for ICE, IC or EC trains. The terms of carriage even allow you to buy a digital ticket on board up to 10 minutes after the actual departure from your boarding station. bahn.de
• Be at the right platform section: DB advises standing at the correct spot before the train arrives. Platforms are divided into sections marked A to F in large letters, and the car sequence in the DB Navigator shows where your car stops. bahn.de
• Buffer for transfers: In the DB search under "Optionen" you can set the transfer time in minutes, for example when you travel with luggage or a bike. bahn.de

Eurostar and other cross-border trains

• London routes: Ticket checks for Eurostar Standard and Plus close 30 minutes before departure (Premier: 15). Arrive at the time printed on your ticket, which allows for ticket, security and border checks. help.eurostar.com
• France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany: Eurostar suggests arriving about 20 minutes before departure and being ready to board at least 5 minutes before (10 minutes at Paris Gare du Nord). help.eurostar.com

Night trains and other operators set their own times; use the time printed on your ticket or booking confirmation.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for an ICE in Germany?

The DB terms contain no cut-off. DB advises waiting at the correct platform section (A to F) before the train arrives.

How early for Eurostar?

For London routes follow the time printed on your ticket; ticket checks close 30 minutes before departure. On continental routes Eurostar suggests about 20 minutes.

Can I buy a ticket after the ICE has left?

Digital tickets can be bought on board up to 10 minutes after the actual departure from your boarding station, if the next stop is more than 10 minutes away.