Home » European Travel News » Denmark and Germany Connected by Next-Generation Talgo 230 Trains for Faster Sustainable Travel – Know More
Published on
November 3, 2025
The future of European rail travel has officially arrived as Talgo 230 trains entered commercial service today on the Copenhagen-Hamburg route. Operated by Denmark’s national railway company, DSB, these state-of-the-art EuroCity (EC) trains mark a major leap forward in comfort, sustainability, and cross-border mobility between Denmark and Germany.
The introduction of the Talgo 230 represents a new era for passengers, offering triple the seating capacity—492 seats compared to the previous 136—along with enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and faster travel times. The first service, EC 397, departed from Copenhagen Central Station at 14:11 CET following a brief ceremony, arriving at Hamburg Central at 19:02 with scheduled stops in Ringsted, Odense, Kolding, Padborg, and Schleswig. The return service, EC 396, departs Hamburg at 10:53 and arrives in Copenhagen at 15:50.
Once the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel opens, travel time between the two cities is expected to be cut nearly in half, further strengthening rail connectivity across Northern Europe.
A Landmark Step for Modern European Rail
This milestone follows the formal acceptance of the first Talgo 230 units by DSB on October 21, launching the delivery of a 16-train fleet built by the Spanish manufacturer. The new trains will operate both domestic and international routes, enhancing DSB’s service quality and expanding sustainable travel options for passengers.
The Talgo 230 units exemplify modern train engineering—lightweight, aerodynamic, and energy-efficient, with 95% of their materials recoverable. Each EuroCity train can reach a commercial speed of 200 km/h and is designed for interoperability across multiple European railway systems. The fleet’s modular setup allows configurations of 9 to 15 passenger cars, including dedicated first- and second-class sections, PRM-accessible coaches, and flexible space for bicycles and e-bikes.
Driving Sustainability and Efficiency Across Borders
The introduction of Talgo 230 EuroCity trains aligns with Denmark and Germany’s shared goals of cutting transport-related carbon emissions and encouraging a shift from road and air travel to eco-friendly rail alternatives. Their lightweight construction reduces energy use, while high-capacity interiors increase efficiency per passenger, providing a significant environmental advantage.
The EuroCity fleet’s design includes interoperable end cars that seamlessly connect with existing DSB locomotives. In the near future, Talgo will introduce a new cab car (styrevogn) that will allow push-pull operations using a single locomotive, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
This development mirrors Talgo’s ongoing efforts across Europe, including the recent debut of ICE L trains with Deutsche Bahn in Germany, reaffirming Talgo’s reputation as a leading supplier of advanced mobility solutions.
Expanding Across Europe From Scandinavia to Central Europe
Certification processes are already underway to authorize Talgo 230 operations in Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, allowing the fleet to expand its reach to key European routes such as those connecting the Danube region and Northern Europe.
This move strengthens Talgo’s footprint as a key partner for major European rail operators. The company’s advanced train platforms, designed and built in Spain, highlight its ability to deliver interoperable, high-speed, and sustainable rolling stock to the most competitive transport markets.
Additionally, the transport company Flix has awarded Talgo a contract for up to 65 units of the Talgo 230 model, set to become one of the largest fleets in the liberalized European rail market. Earlier-generation Talgo trains are also scheduled to begin operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia through Renfe’s subsidiary, Leo Express.
The DSB Fleet and the Path Forward
DSB’s 16-unit Talgo 230 fleet originates from a 2020 framework agreement valued at €500 million, which included an initial order worth €134 million for eight complete trains. A follow-up in 2021 added new coaches, boosting seating capacity to 492 per train, while a third order in 2023 for eight more trains added another €184 million to the project.
The Talgo 230’s design focuses on optimizing performance for densely populated regions with frequent stops and diverse routes. With a maximum speed of 230 km/h and enhanced acceleration and braking capabilities, these trains ensure faster, smoother, and more efficient journeys for passengers across multiple European rail networks.
Talgo 230 DSB Fleet Key Specifications
- Routes: Copenhagen–Hamburg and Aarhus–Hamburg (initially)
- Maximum commercial speed: 200 km/h
- Design speed: 230 km/h
- Passenger capacity: 492 seats
- Train recoverability: 95%
- Coach types:
- Flex-space coach (36 seats, bicycle and e-bike charging, pram space)
- PRM coach (3 PRM spaces, accessible toilet, 10 seats, vending machine)
- Second class coaches (32–40 seats each)
- First class coaches (22–28 seats, 2+1 configuration)
A Milestone for Europe’s Rail Renaissance
The launch of Talgo 230 trains in Denmark marks more than just a fleet renewal—it represents a commitment to a cleaner, faster, and more connected Europe. With their cutting-edge technology, comfort, and sustainability, these trains embody the continent’s renewed focus on rail as the backbone of modern mobility.
As the Copenhagen-Hamburg route becomes a symbol of Europe’s new-age rail connectivity, the Talgo 230’s debut paves the way for a broader shift toward environmentally responsible, efficient, and passenger-centric transport across the continent.
