IC (Denmark)

In Denmark IC is an express train service and NOT a specific train.

On the Kobenhavn – Odense – Fredericia – Arhus – Aalborg route, the Lyn train service is faster than the IC trains - and not always more expensive.
Between Kobenhavn and Arhus Lyn services typically call at 6 stations when travelling between these cities, while in contrast these IC services typically make 15 stops.

On other routes such as Kobenhavn – Esbjerg these IC services/trains are the fastest option

These trains are also used on two routes to Germany
(1) Kobenhavn - Nybobing - Lubeck - Hamburg
(2) Arhus - Frederica - Flensburg - Hamburg

The same types of train 'IC3s' are used for Lyn and IC services, but some of the less busy IC services are comprised of IC4 trains -as pictured at the top of the page..
The IC4 trains are more modern, but have had technical problems in the past
So you may be travelling on an IC3 train OR an IC4 train.

Reservations are NOT compulsory on IC services, so seats can be unavailable on the busiest trains, if you didn't opt to reserve when booking tickets.

Reservations are particularly recommended for journeys from Fredericia and Odense to Kobenhavn.

If you haven’t reserved and will be taking an IC service from Kobenhavn H station aim to be there around 5 mins before the train departs,
You can then be waiting on the spor/platform when the train arrives, to maximise your chances of finding available seats.

At busy times the 30kr reservation fee can save a lot of stress.

On particularly crowded IC3 trains, the only 2nd class seats available can be the bench seats opposite the toilets - so be careful to close the toilet door after you have finished using it.
If you haven't reserved you may have to move through the train to look for spare seats, though most IC3 services are only 3 or 6 coaches long.

They won't be winning any style awards, but the IC 3 trains used on these services are comparatively comfortable - when not overcrowded).

If you travel 1st class, jugs of boiling water are provided so that you can help yourself to a complimentary tea or coffee, cold drinks and snacks are also provided.
Otherwise the difference between 1st and 2nd class on these trains is fairly minimal.
The seats are virtually identical, but the seat arrangements is 2 + 1 in 1st class instead of 2 + 2 in 2nd class, and 1st class has slightly more leg room.

There are also vending machines on board for drinks that are available to all, there is no bar/bistro coach or counter.

The trains also have symbols showing that Wi-Fi is available, but this seems to be hit and miss - don't rely on being able to log on.

Something to look out for is that if you want to use the blinds on these trains, you have to secure it in place, using the pegs attached to the window frame.

Another quirk of the IC 3 trains is that the trains are arranged into sets of 3 coaches/cars, but in the set of 3, the middle car/coach has no door.