Key Highlights
- The first DSB’s new EuroCity trainsets (Talgo 230 trains) have entered passenger services in Denmark and Germany.
- The maiden journey took place on November 3, 2025, from Copenhagen Central Station.
- DSB has ordered a total of 16 trainsets with the first eight already delivered.
- The new trains will triple transport capacity to 492 seats per trainset compared to current 136-seater trains.
New EuroCity Trains: A Major Milestone for Danish Railways
On November 3, 2025, DSB (Danish State Railways) marked a significant milestone by deploying its first batch of new EuroCity trainsets into passenger services. These modern Talgo 230 trains are set to revolutionize travel between Denmark and Germany, offering enhanced comfort and capacity.
Deployment and Journey Details
The maiden journey from Copenhagen Central Station on November 3, 2025, was a historic step forward for DSB. The train made intermediate stops at Ringsted, Odense, Kolding, Padborg in Denmark, and Schleswig in Germany before heading towards Hamburg. This inaugural run signifies the beginning of a gradual replacement with new coaches along the Copenhagen–Hamburg route.
Enhanced Capacity and Design
The newly deployed EuroCity trains boast an impressive 492 seats per trainset, tripling the capacity compared to the current 136-seater trains. This upgrade is designed to meet growing demand for international rail travel between Denmark and Germany. According to Jens Visholm, Commercial Director at DSB: “This is a significant milestone.
In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest in taking the train abroad. The number of passengers increased by 22 per cent from 2023 to 2024, and the growth continues.”
Business and Environmental Impact
The new trainsets are part of a broader strategy by DSB to enhance its international routes and contribute to sustainable transport alternatives. The Danish state rail operator has placed multiple orders for these EuroCity coaches, with 16 in total, including the initial eight already delivered, and the remaining eight expected in 2026 and 2027.
Each trainset is manufactured by Talgo, a leading Spanish train producer known for its innovative technology. The new EC coaches are not only designed to boost passenger capacity but also to reduce environmental impact through their lightweight design and high recyclability rate of 95%. This aligns with Denmark and Germany’s goals of reducing carbon emissions from transport.
Future Plans and Expansions
DSB plans to offer ten daily departures between Copenhagen and Hamburg starting in May to August next year, further expanding its international reach. These new trainsets will not only increase capacity but also provide a more comfortable travel experience with their bright, modern interiors focused on high comfort.
In the near future, one of the end cars of each trainset will be replaced by a Talgo cab car (styrevogn) to allow for push-pull configurations using a single locomotive. This flexibility is expected to further enhance operational efficiency and passenger convenience.
Conclusion
The deployment of these new EuroCity trainsets marks a crucial step in DSB’s efforts to modernize its international rail services, catering to growing demand for eco-friendly travel options. As the world increasingly looks towards sustainable transportation alternatives, such initiatives by leading rail operators like DSB are pivotal in shaping future travel trends and contributing to global environmental goals.
