German trains to get frosted glass cabins for two
Germany’s rail network has unveiled passenger accommodation dubbed the “smooch cabin” with frosted-glass windows enabling passengers to travel with more privacy.
Deutsche Bahn, the German train provider, said the new cabins on long-distance ICE trains would allow for “private and confidential” conversations.
But Bild, a German tabloid, declared them “smooch-cabins”, noting that the windows made them perfect for couples who want to enjoy an intimate moment.
Deutsche Bahn said it was testing the cabins with passengers but did not give a date as to when they would be available for booking.
“We are currently developing new compartment concepts for the ICE on a 1:1 scale. These enable private and confidential conversations in a protected environment,” a spokesman said.
Germany’s intercity express, or ICE, trains offer faster transport around the country in more comfortable, spacious carriages than their regional and commuter counterparts.
The new compartments are about 6.5ft wide and 27 inches deep, and according to Bild will be fitted with a “digital towel” – a display system to show if the cabin is occupied.
Germans are well known for their love of placing towels on deckchairs at hotels and beaches to show that they are occupied – sometimes getting up at dawn to reserve them.
It was not immediately clear how much the cabins will cost in comparison to standard ICE tickets, which start from about €20 (£17) depending on the route.
The “smooch cabins” may offer an easy PR win for Deutsche Bahn, which Germans complain about owing to their trains’ tendency to be cancelled at short notice or run very late.
The rail network has also been affected by strikes over pay and working conditions, part of wider industrial action across Germany last winter and in early 2024.
Deutsche Bahn has also committed to spending around €60 million on reviving the facilities for 25 long-distance train routes across Germany.
