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Train categories in Europe

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Sign panel displaying abbreviations of train categories

In Europe, railway companies assign trains to different categories or train types depending on their role, i.e. based on the used rolling stock, their speed, distance of travel, stopping frequency and other criteria. Train categories/types often have specific abbreviations. In addition, different lines or individual trains may be numbered. The abbreviations (and numbers) are usually indicated in timetables and passenger information systems (sometimes also on the destination sign of the train).

A train type is not essentially a trademark name. However, there are trademark names that are also used as train types, such as the VogtlandExpress (VX) or the former CityNightLine and Cisalpino (CIS).

This article lists European countries with their respective passenger train categories. Goods trains have their own train types and are not considered here. Passenger trains may be broadly split into long-distance and local trains; the latter having average journey times of under an hour and a range of less than 50 kilometres (31 mi).[citation needed] Often, long-distance trains require different tickets and/or seat reservation.

International trains are often classified as EuroCity (EC), while domestic Inter-city rail services frequently run as InterCity (IC). Most night trains operate under the EuroNight (EN) or Nightjet (NJ) category.[1]

European long-distance and high-speed rail brands

[edit]
Further information: Rail transport in Europe and High-speed rail in Europe
Name Abbreviation Service Region
Alvia High-speed rail Spain
Alfa Pendular AP High-speed rail Portugal
Alta Velocidad Española AVE High-speed rail Spain
Avant High-speed rail Spain
Avlo High-speed rail Spain
Asimenio Velos High-speed rail Greece
CrossCountry XC High-speed rail United Kingdom
EuroCity EC Long-distance train Various European countries
EuroCity-Express ECE Long-distance train Germany–Italy–Switzerland (Only called ECE in Germany, EC in Italy and Switzerland)
Euromed High-speed rail Spain
EuroNight EN Long-distance night train Various European countries
Eurostar EST High-speed rail United Kingdom–France, United Kingdom–Belgium–The Netherlands, France–Belgium–Germany, France-Belgium-The Netherlands
Frecce FR, FA, FB High-speed rail Italy, Italy–France
Italo NTV High-speed rail Italy
Intercity Direct ICD High-speed rail Netherlands, Netherlands–Belgium
Intercity-Express ICE High-speed rail Germany, Austria, Germany–Netherlands, Germany–Switzerland, Germany–Austria, Germany–France, Germany–Denmark, Germany–Belgium
InterCity Great Western,
InterCity East Coast,
InterCity West Coast 		GW, GR, VT High-speed rail United Kingdom
Nightjet NJ Long-distance night train Various European countries
Railjet RJ High-speed rail Austria, Austria–Hungary, Austria–Germany, Austria–Switzerland, Austria–Czech Republic, Czech Republic
Railjet xpress RJX High-speed rail Austria, Austria–Switzerland, Austria–Slovakia
Express InterCity Premium EIP High-speed rail Poland
Southeastern Highspeed SC High-speed rail United Kingdom
Train à Grande Vitesse TGV High-speed rail France, France–Switzerland, France–Germany, France–Italy, France–Luxembourg, France–Belgium, France–Spain
X 2000 X2 High-speed rail Sweden, Sweden–Denmark

Former

[edit]
Name Abbreviation Service Region
Allegro AE High-speed rail Finland, Russia
Cisalpino CIS High-speed rail Italy, Germany, Switzerland
Intercity Tilting Train ICN High-speed tilting train, runs under the IC catetgory since 2018 Switzerland
Trans Europ Express TEE Express train Mainly western Europe
Trenhotel TH Long-distance train Spain, Spain–Portugal, Spain–France, Spain–Switzerland, Spain–Italy

Austria and Germany

[edit]

Austria Austria

[edit]
Main article: Austrian Federal Railways
Further information: Rail transport in Austria
Name Abbreviation Role
Railjet RJ Long-distance (Fernverkehr), High-speed rail services to Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Switzerland. Uses push-pull train sets.
Intercity-Express ICE Long-distance (Fernverkehr), high-speed rail service to Germany.
Eurocity EC Long-distance train (Fernverkehr) to destinations in other countries.
InterCity IC Long-distance (Fernverkehr)
D-Zug D Long-distance (Fernverkehr)
Nightjet NJ Long-distance (Fernverkehr), international overnight passenger train service.
Regional-Express REX# Local train that stops only at larger stations (Nahverkehr). Lines are numbered.
Regionalzug R Regional train services (Nahverkehr) that usually calls at all stations.
S-Bahn S# Local train in urban, suburban and regional transport (Nahverkehr). S-Bahn networks exist in Carinthia, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vorarlberg, and Vienna. Lines are numbered.
U-Bahn U# Rapid transit in Vienna. A small underground funicular is present in the car-free Tyrolean town of Serfaus. Lines are numbered.

Germany Germany

[edit]
Main article: Deutsche Bahn
Further information: Rail transport in Germany

Based on:[2]

Name Abbreviation Role
Eurocity-Express ECE International high-speed, long-distance services on the Frankfurt – Milan and Munich – Zürich routes
Intercity-Express ICE National and international high-speed, long-distance services
InterCity IC National and some international long-distance services
EuroCity EC International long-distance services
EuroNight EN International night train services
D-Zug D Fast local services with few stops; only operating as part of the Sylt Shuttle plus
Interregio-Express IRE Fast local services over longer distances than usual Regional-Express trains
Regional-Express RE Fast local services with fewer stops
Flughafen-Express FEX Local services connecting airports with the city centre
Metropolexpress MEX Fast local services with fewer stops; only existing in Baden-Württemberg
Regionalbahn RB Local services, stopping at all stations except where there is a parallel S-Bahn service
S-Bahn S Suburban services in major cities, those in Berlin and Hamburg operating on separate networks
U-Bahn / Stadtbahn U Rapid transit in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Nuremberg and light rail in several other cities

Private operators Austria Germany

[edit]
Name Abbreviation Role
alex ALX alex Interregio replacement IR 25 Munich–Oberstdorf–Lindau and Munich–Regensburg–Schwandorf–Hof (Saale)–Prague of the Länderbahn, equates to the InterRegio service, but may be used with local fares or Bayern and Schönes-Wochenende tickets (lit. 'nice weekend tickets')
FlixTrain FLX FlixBus runs two long-distance train services: Stuttgart – Berlin and Cologne – Hamburg
Harz-Berlin-Express HBX Veolia long-distance trains
InterConnex X Transdev Germany long-distance services, equating to the Interregio trains
Lausitz-Express LX Transdev Sachsen-Anhalt long-distance services
metronom regional MEr Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft local passenger trains stopping at all stations
Mitfahrzug IGE long-distance services
Regiobahn S 28 Train type and route number of a private S-Bahn line of S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr
Vogtland-Express VX Die Länderbahn long-distance trains
WESTbahn WB long-distance trains between Vienna and Stuttgart / Lindau

Belgium Belgium

[edit]
Main article: NMBS/SNCB
Further information: Rail transport in Belgium
Name Abbreviation Role
Eurostar EUR High-speed trains to Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (operated by SNCF, SNCB/NMBS and Eurostar UK Ltd.).
EuroCity EC International train meeting certain quality criteria.
Train à grande vitesse TGV High-speed trains to France (operated by SNCF).
Intercity Express ICE High-speed trains to Germany (operated by DB)
International train INT Regular international train.
InterCity IC A train connecting Belgium's major cities. These trains stop at the most important stations only, sometimes crossing national borders as well.
Rush-hour train P Additional scheduled train service that is limited to times at which the demand for a certain route is at its highest. The number of stops varies between trains.
Local train L Local trains usually connect larger cities, but will stop at (nearly) every station along the way. Similar to German Regionalbahn.
S-trains S# Suburban train connecting towns and cities around Belgium's major cities of Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi, Ghent and Liege. Stops at (nearly) every station. Each line will have a number (S1–S20 + S81 for Brussels, S1 + S32–S34 for Antwerp, S41–S44 for Liege, S51–S53 for Ghent, and S61–S64 for Charleroi).
Tourist train T Additional scheduled train service that is limited to times at which the demand for a certain touristic destination is at its highest. The number of stops varies between trains.
Extra train EXT Additional train service, used in case of exceptionally good weather to accommodate more passengers on routes to the coast or in case of special events such as concerts.
European Sleeper Couchette train to the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Bulgaria Bulgaria

[edit]
Main article: Bulgarian State Railways
Further information: Rail transport in Bulgaria

Train categories in Bulgaria use the simplified model of the previous century. At the beginning of rail transport in Bulgaria there were only three categories of passenger trains: Бърз пътнически влак (БПВ) – Barz patnicheski vlak (Fast passenger train), the equivalent of the current Fast train; Обикновен пътнически влак (ОПВ) – Obiknoven patnicheski vlak (Regular passenger train), the equivalent of the current Passenger train and Смесен пътнически влак (СПВ) – Smesen patnicheski vlak, the equivalent of Mixed train. Using this basis BDŽ now provides extended variety of these simple categories.

ЕВ – Експресен влак [Ekspresen vlak] – Express train
EV – Trains for medium and long distances, which stop only at the most major stations (in big cities or for a train connection). They provide higher comfort in the carriages and usually have catering and/or restaurant car. All the express trains used to have names (e.g. "Plovdiv Express", "Yantra Express", "Chaika Express", "Express Slanchev Bryag", "Diana Express" etc.) and sometimes unique livery, different from the other trains. There were also first-class-only trains (Express 100/101 "Plovdiv"). Because of an introduced regulation the average speed of the express trains to be at least 100 km/h, all the express trains became BVZR trains. Tariff: same as BVZR.
Reservation: obligatory. Coaches: 1st class, 2nd class, restaurant car (or catering), sometimes luggage and/or mail car. Four of the express trains ("Shipka" and "Sinite kamani") used DMUs.
Currently not in service.
УБВ – Ускорен бърз влак [Uskoren barz vlak] – literally "Accelerated fast train"
UBV – Trains for long distances, which stop only at one or two major stations in-between. They ran seasonally only between the capital and the seaside on Fridays and Sundays. For a short period of time this category was used as a synonym of BVZR trains. Tariff: same as BVZR.
Reservation: obligatory. Coaches: 1st class, 2nd class, bistro car.
Currently not in service.
БВЗР – Бърз влак със задължителна резервация [Barz vlak sas zadalzhitelna rezervatsia] – Fast train with obligatory reservation (also seen as R-БВ or БВ-R)
BVZR – Trains for medium and long distances, which stop only at major stations. Usually former Express trains. Their average speed is not more than 100 km/h. Some of these also have names, but with the word "express" removed. Tariff: The tariff for BVZR is the most expensive in Bulgaria. The price for 100 km in 2nd class is 8,70 BGN (4,45 EUR) and 10,90 BGN (5,57 EUR) in 1st class. Reservation costs 0,50 BGN (0,26 EUR). Some trains could be more expensive on partisular dates.
Reservation: obligatory. Coaches: 1st class, 2nd class; in the past: restaurant or buffet car (or catering), sometimes luggage and/or mail car.
МБВ – Международен бърз влак [Mezhdunaroden barz vlak] – International fast train
MBV – International trains have different terms of service. There are regular, seasonal and extra MBV trains as well as trains for only international journeys and ones that could be used as regular BV trains in the country.
Tariff: Internal: same as BV; international: according to the contracts with the other countries.
Reservation: Internal: optional; international: obligatory. Coaches: international cars + cars for internal journeys (2nd class, sometimes 1st class, in the past: luggage and/or mail car). DMUs are also used between Bulgaria and Romania.
БВ – Бърз влак [Barz vlak] – Fast train
BV – Trains for medium and long distances, which stop only at major stations but more than express trains.
Tariff: According to the tariff for BV the price for 100 km in 2nd class is 5.90 BGN (3.02 EUR) and 7.40 BGN (3.78 EUR) in 1st class. Reservation costs 0.50 BGN (0.26 EUR). Some trains could be more expensive on partisular dates.
Reservation: optional. Coaches: 1st class, 2nd class; sleepers and couchette cars during the night; in the past: sometimes restaurant or buffet car, luggage and/or mail car. Sometimes EMUs or DMUs are also used.
ПВ – Пътнически влак [Patnicheski vlak] – Passenger train
PV – Trains for distances, longer than 100 km, which stop at every station.
Tariff: According to the tariff for PV the price for 100 km in 2nd class is 5.20 BGN (2.66 EUR) and 6.50 BGN (3.32 EUR) in 1st class. Currently 1st class is not available on passenger trains. Some trains could be more expensive on partisular dates.
Reservation: not available. Coaches: 2nd class; in the past: sometimes luggage and/or mail car; in case of first-class cars coupled, the taxes are the same as second-class ones. Frequently operated by EMUs or DMUs.
КПВ – Крайградски пътнически влак [Kraigradski patnicheski vlak] – Local passenger train
KPV – Trains for distances, shorter than 100 km, which stop at every station. Frequently operated by EMUs or DMUs. Tariff: same as PV.
Reservation: not available. Coaches: 2nd class; in the past: sometimes luggage and/or mail car; in case of first-class cars coupled, the taxes are the same as second-class ones.
СВ – Смесен влак [Smesen vlak] – Mixed train
SV – Trains for short and medium distances with both passenger and freight carriages. They stop at every station and usually it is for a long time, because of the cargo services. Tariff: same as PV.
Reservation: not available. Coaches: same as PV + freight waggons.
Currently not in service.

Croatia Croatia

[edit]
Main article: Hrvatske željeznice

There are several different ranks of passenger trains operating inside Croatia by HŽ Putnički prijevoz (Croatian Railways' sub-division responsible for passenger transport), as follows.[3]

Since a large number of fast, semi fast, regional and local trains have commuter-oriented schedules, they often offer passengers daily migration to the large city areas from more distant towns and settlements – between 50 and 100 km (31 and 62 mi) – and vice versa. This can, for example, refer to the railway connection of the Central Croatia's wider region with Zagreb metropolitan area.

Name Abbreviation Role
EuroCity EC International train between Zagreb main station and Wien Hbf or Frankfurt (Main) Hbf (via Maribor, Villach Hbf).
EuroNight EN International night trains to Stuttgart Hbf and Zürich HB.
InterCity IC These trains are rare in Croatia. They operate on long national and international routes and usually serve only the largest stations along the way. Currently, the only InterCity services in Croatia are Zagreb – Budapest and Zagreb – Osijek.
InterCity Nagibni ICN Tilting train services connecting Zagreb with Split during the day, also serving decent amount of larger stations along their route. Thanks to this technology, they can run faster than conventional trains. Contrary to regular overnight fast trains between Zagreb and Split with scheduled travelling time of circa 8 hours in total, tilting trains on the Zagreb–Split route (lines M202 and M604) offer passengers journeys with a riding times of about 6 hours.
Brzi B Fast trains operating on medium to long distances, serving only stations in larger settlements along the track. Their purpose is very similar to InterCity trains.
Ubrzani Ubrzani (lit. 'accelerated') trains operate on medium to long distances and their purpose is to serve destinations which have justified number of passengers. Functionally, they are similar and use the same rolling stock as the slower passenger trains, but they skip certain smaller stations.
Putnički Putnički (lit. 'passenger') trains cover short, medium and long distances and generally serve all stations along their route, representing the largest part of passenger trains on the nationwide level. They are mainly used by local residents traveling between smaller settlements and larger centres/railway hubs or by those who want to continue their journey further using mostly well-adjusted transfers – in both cases for daily migrations (school, work, hospital, shopping, etc.) or other reasons. These trains usually have daily frequencies that meet the needs of the local population.
Prigradski Prigradski (lit. 'suburban') trains operate exclusively on the Zagreb Commuter Rail corridor and have the most frequent daily schedules of all types of train lines in Croatia. They are run by light motor sets that can be started and stopped quickly, and like the most of regional/local trains, they serve every station along their way. On the train lines operating within suburban areas of other larger towns, certain number of regional/local trains play the role of suburban trains.

Czech Republic Czech Republic

[edit]
Main article: České dráhy
Further information: Rail transport in the Czech Republic
Name Abbreviation Role
SuperCity SC Highest-standard trains requiring reservation, made of modern tilting train units operating on national and international routes. There is currently (February 2020) only one line, extending to Slovakia: Františkovy Lázně – Cheb – Mariánské Lázně – Planá u Mariánských lázní – Stříbro – Plzeň hl.n. – Praha hl.n. – Pardubice hl.n. – Olomouc hl.n. – Ostrava-Svinov – Ostrava hl.n.- Bohumín – Český Těšín – Žilina – Ružomberok – Liptovský Mikuláš – Štrba – Poprad-Tatry – Kysak – Košice.
Railjet RJ Highest-standard trains, operating on international routes from 2014 (Berlin – Prague – Brno – Vienna – Graz).
EuroCity EC Higher-standard international trains, consisting of new or modernised cars of several rail companies and stopping at selected stations only.
EuroNight EN International sleeper trains.
European Sleeper ES Sleeper trains to Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.
InterCity IC The highest category of national trains, with carriages and stopping frequencies comparable to the EC trains. Currently, the IC category is used by the private railway company RegioJet as well as České dráhy.
Express Ex Faster trains linking regions, mostly faster and more comfortable than the R trains.
Rychlík R The lowest category of longer-distance train. Operates on R lines. They are mainly used for getting between districts of a region.
Spěšný vlak Sp Local trains stopping on selected stations only. Operates on S lines.
Osobní vlak Os Local trains stopping at every station. Operates on S lines. It is often centered around a larger city (often capital of a region).

Denmark Denmark

[edit]
Further information: Rail transport in Denmark
Operator Name Abbreviation Role Typical maximum speed Rolling stock
Danish State Railways InterCityLyn+

(InterCityLightning+)

ICL+ or IL Long-distance, with few or no intermediate stops 180 km/h (110 mph) Class ER (IR4) EMUs
Class MF (IC3) DMUs
Class MG (IC4) DMUs
InterCityLyn
(InterCityLightning) 		ICL Long-distance, with fewer stops than InterCity 180 km/h (110 mph) Class ER (IR4) EMUs
Class MF (IC3) DMUs
Class MG (IC4) DMUs
InterCity IC Long-distance 180 km/h (110 mph) Class ER (IR4) EMUs
Class MF (IC3) DMUs
Class MG (IC4) DMUs
Regionaltog Re Regional trains 160–180 km/h (99–112 mph) Class EB (Siemens Vectron) electric locomotives
Class ME diesel-electric locomotives
Class BK/B/ABS (Bombardier TWINDEXX Vario) double-decker cars
Class ER (IR4) EMUs
Class MG (IC4) DMUs
Øresundstog
(Øresund trains) 		Re/Ø Trains to and from Scania in Sweden, running as regional trains in Denmark 180 km/h (110 mph) Class ET (X31K in Sweden) (Øresundstog/OTU) EMUs
Københavns S-tog
(Copenhagen S-trains) 		S Local/suburban/commuter trains in Copenhagen (S-Bahn) 120 km/h (75 mph) Class SA/SE (4th gen S-trains) EMUs
Arriva Regionaltog RX Regional trains in Jutland 120 km/h (75 mph) Alstom LINT 41 DMUs
Siemens Desiro DMUs
Regionaltog RA Regional trains in Jutland 120 km/h (75 mph) Alstom LINT 41 DMUs
Siemens Desiro DMUs
Vestbanen/Lokalbane 84
(Western railway/Local rail 84) 		L Local trains in South Jutland 120 km/h (75 mph) Alstom LINT 41 DMUs
Nordjyske Jernbaner
(North Jutland Railways) 		Regionaltog Re Regional trains in North Jutland 140 km/h (87 mph)
120 km/h (75 mph) 		Alstom LINT 41 DMUs
Siemens Desiro DMUs
Lokaltog L Local trains in North Jutland 140 km/h (87 mph)
120 km/h (75 mph) 		Alstom LINT 41 DMUs
Siemens Desiro DMUs
Midtjyske Jernbaner
(Central Jutland Railways) 		Lokaltog L Local trains in Central Jutland ?
120 km/h (75 mph) 		Y-tog (Y-trains) DMUs?
Siemens Desiro DMUs
Lokaltog Lokaltog L Local trains on Zealand and Lolland 120 km/h (75 mph)
140 km/h (87 mph)
120 km/h (75 mph) 		Alstom LINT 41 DMUs
IC2 DMUs
Siemens RegioSprinter DMUs
Light rail
Name Abbreviation Role Typical maximum speed Rolling stock
Aarhus Letbane
(Aarhus Light Rail) 		L1
L2 		Light rail in Aarhus 100 km/h (62 mph)
80 km/h (50 mph) 		Stadler Tango EMUs
Stadler Variobahn EMUs
Odense Letbane
(Odense Light Rail) 		Light rail in Odense (since 2022) 60–80 km/h (37–50 mph) Stadler Variobahn EMUs
Hovedstadens Letbane
(Greater Copenhagen Light Rail) 		Upcoming light rail in Copenhagen (2025) 70–80 km/h (43–50 mph) Siemens Avenio EMUs
Metro
Name Abbreviation Role Typical maximum speed Rolling stock
Københavns Metro

(Copenhagen Metro)

M1/M2

M3/M4

Metro in Copenhagen 80 km/h (50 mph)

90 km/h (56 mph)

1st gen Hitachi Rail Italy (formerly AnsaldoBreda) Driverless Metro EMUs

5th gen Hitachi Rail Italy (formerly AnsaldoBreda) Driverless Metro EMUs

Finland Finland

[edit]
Main article: VR (company)
Further information: Rail transport in Finland
Name Abbr. Role Typical route length / stopping interval (km) Typical maximum speed (km/h) Onboard services Rolling stock
Allegro AE International high speed train between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg, Russia. 400 / 100 220 1st class, 2nd class, restaurant car KT Class Sm6 tilting electric trainsets
Pendolino S High speed train between major hub stations. Some trains stop more frequently, similar to the InterCity trains (see below). 200–700 / 50–200 200–220 Business class, 2nd class, restaurant car VR Class Sm3 electric trainsets
InterCity IC The backbone of Finnish long-distance trains, mainly serving trunk lines radiating from Helsinki and stopping at major stations. 200–900 / 50–100 140–200 Business class, 2nd class, restaurant car or a sales trolley Locomotive hauled, mostly double deck cars (manufactured since the 1990s) most trains with push-pull operation
Nighttime Express PYO Nighttime sleeper trains between Helsinki and Finnish Lapland and international sleeper train "Tolstoy" between Moscow, Russia and Helsinki. 1000 / 50–200 120–140 Business class/First class, 2nd class, restaurant car, sleeping berths, car-carrier wagons Locomotive hauled, mixture of older and newer Finnish cars (Lapland trains), Russian cars (Moscow train)
Regional H Trains on routes with relatively few passengers, trains stopping at every station. 200 / 10–50 120–160 2nd class Electric multiple units / Diesel railcars
Commuter Route letters (see note below) Commuter trains in Helsinki region. Some trains stop only at the largest suburban stations, but others stop at every station similar to the German S-Bahn trains. 20–100 / 2–10 120–160 2nd class Electric multiple units, some rush hour trains are locomotive hauled with "red" cars from the 1980s

NOTE: Long-distance trains are identified (in passenger information systems) by train number prefixed with the train type abbreviation (e.g. "IC 90"). However, the Helsinki region commuter trains are identified by their "route letters" only (e.g. "K") and usually do not show their train number to passengers at all.

France France

[edit]
Main article: SNCF
Further information: Rail transport in France

SNCF uses a different system of train categories, based on politics wishes[clarification needed] and commercial trademarks. The categories do not necessarily match with distance.

Name Abbreviation Role
Frecciarossa High-speed trains between France and Italy operated by Trenitalia France, previously named Thello (a then newly created society owned by Transdev and the FS after breaking an alliance between the SNCF and the FS).
Train à Grande Vitesse TGV National or international services by high-speed trains with supplementary fare, totally or partially on high-speed lines. Similar to Germany's ICE.
TGV ı̣nOui Premium national TGV services.
TGV Lyria TGV service between France and Switzerland.
Ouigo Low-cost high-speed (and conventional) train services of SNCF in cooperation with NMBS/SNCB operating in France and Belgium.
Intercités IC National InterCity services, ever on main lines and/or secondary lines without supplementary fare. Similar to the InterRegio or the Intercity (Paris – Caen – Cherbourg and Paris – Rouen – Le Havre). Used to be called Train Inter Regional, but this name has become obsolete.
Intercités de Nuit Night service on national routes.
Transport express régional TER These trains are subsidized by regions and do not designate a precise category: a TER route can be anything from 15 km (9.3 mi) to more than 400 km (250 mi) long. Some TER routes are longer than TGV ones. Regional or national services, on main lines or secondary lines without supplementary fare. Used to be similar to the S-Bahn (many stops from a major city on a short distance, urban or suburban service), the Regional or RegioExpress, but can be also similar to the InterRegio-Express or the InterRegio (Orléans – Lyon and Toulouse – Clermont-Ferrand).
TERGV Some special regional trains, called TERGV (TER and TGV), consist of TGV trains subsidized for regional service, though with a supplementary fare compared to the same trip using standard TER service. These trains use the high speed lines (LGV) to quickly link cities such as Dunkirk, Calais, and Boulogne-sur-Mer to Lille in an hour.[4] Similar services in Europe include Southeastern's Highspeed service.
TER200 Accelerated TER between Bâle SNCF and Strasbourg.[5]
iC TER [6]
Interloire TER with Intercity-like stopping pattern on the Nantes – Orléans route.[7]
Transilien Route letter Suburbian railway in Île-de-France region, including Paris. Lines numbered H, J, K, L, N, P, R, U and V and operated by SNCF.
Réseau Express Régional (RER) Route letter A hybrid commuter rail and rapid transit system in the Île-de-France region, linking Paris with its suburbs. Lines numbered A–E.
Métro M Rapid transit systems in the cities of Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Rennes and Toulouse. Lines are usually numbered.

Greece Greece

[edit]
Main article: Hellenic Train
Further information: Rail transport in Greece

There are three types of passenger rail services in Greece:

  • Intercity (IC) between Thessaloniki, Athens and Kalambaka, with two-digit train numbers
  • Express trains (Greek: Ταχεία), with three-digit train numbers
  • "Regular" trains (Greek: Κοινή αμαξοστοιχία, lit. 'regular/common train'), with four-digit train numbers

In addition, suburban train netrworks are present in Athens (with lines numbered A1–A4), Patras (lines P1 and P2) and Thessaloniki (lines Π1–Π3).

A night train, named Hellas Express, links Thessaloniki with Belgrade (Serbia), via Skopje (North Macedonia).[8]

Hungary Hungary

[edit]
Main articles: Magyar Államvasutak and Raaberbahn
Further information: Rail transport in Hungary
Service Name Abbreviation Role
Long-distance EuroCity EC International trains, often Railjet.
InterCity IC Trains mainly in national services on important long-distance routes, often with air conditioning, restaurant car and always seat reservation.
Expressz Express train with compulsory seat reservation (only summertime).
Gyorsvonat Rapid trains on long-distance routes with standard rolling stock.
Sebesvonat Eilzug equivalent.
Interrégió InterRegio trains, which make connections with Intercity trains from smaller towns. Air conditioned, allowed to travel with bike or wheelchair.
Local Zónázó Regionalbahn or "Regional-Express" equivalent
Személyvonat Regionalzug equivalent.
EURegio State-subsidiarised international stopping trains near the border with Austria, connects Győr to Vienna and Wiener Neustadt to Graz via Sopron, Szombathely and Jennersdorf.
Regional-Express REX ÖBB trains serve the Vienna-Ebenfurth-Sopron-Deutschkreutz line

Republic of Ireland Ireland

[edit]
Main articles: Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways
Further information: Rail transport in Ireland

Four different train categories are operated in Ireland by NI Railways and Iarnród Éireann.

Italy Italy

[edit]
Main article: Ferrovie dello Stato
Further information: Rail transport in Italy

Train categories without * are all operated by Trenitalia. Regional and local trains, which are financed by administrative regions, are also used by regional railways (generally isolated from the national railway network).

Service Name Abbreviation Role
International
(mandatory reservation) 		EuroCity EC Trains run by different operators to Austria/Germany (ÖBB), France (Thello) and Germany/Switzerland (jointly by Trenitalia and SBB CFF FFS).
EuroNight EN Cross-border sleeper trains.
Train à grande vitesse TGV Operated by SVI (Società Viaggiatori Italia, a company of SNCF).
National Frecciarossa FR High-speed train (Le Frecce) with speeds up to 300 km/h (190 mph). Cross-border service to Paris is operated by Trenitalia France (formerly Thello)
Frecciargento FA High-speed train (Le Frecce) with speeds up to 250 km/h (160 mph).
.italo * NTV High-speed train with speeds up to 300 km/h (190 mph).
Frecciabianca FB High-speed trains (Le Frecce) running once every hour or two hours on the most important long-distance routes with speeds up to 200 km/h (120 mph).
InterCity IC Main line long-distance trains (replaced mostly by Frecciabianca as of 13 December 2008).
InterCity Notte ICN Sleeper train (long-distance).
Regionale Veloce
(Regio Express) 		RV (RE) Local or interregional trains only stopping at a few selected stations. Includes also the Regio Express (RE) for the Merano-Malles line (South Tyrol), managed by * SAD,[10] and for RE lines in Lombardy operated by * BLS and * TILO/Trenord.[11]
Regionale R Basic local train, equates to the German Regionalbahn.
Suburbano S Suburban commuter services for the Milan suburban railway service (* Trenord) and S-Bahn services of * TILO crossing the border with Switzerland.
Metropolitano For Naples suburban service's line 2, and also trains between Cagliari and Decimomannu in Sardinia.
Diretto D/DIR Mostly abandoned category, but still used by Circumvesuviana (a group of narrow-gauge railways connecting towns to the south-east of Naples) and by Società Subalpina Imprese Ferroviarie for the cross-border Domodossola–Locarno railway.Trains operate within one or more contiguous regions.
Direttissimo ACC Mostly abandoned category, but still used by Circumvesuviana. Stops at all stations.
Accelerato DD Mostly abandoned category, but still used by Circumvesuviana. Characterized by only a few stops and high speed, but without the surcharge.

Luxembourg Luxembourg

[edit]
Further information: Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois

Because of its small size and its location, Luxembourg has more international trains than national ones.

Some trains are considered both Luxembourgish (by the CFL, according to their map) and from the border country the train is from or crossing (like L and P trains from Belgium, TER from France, RE from Germany), no matter if these trains are really from Luxembourg or not, making these trains more difficult to classify. These difficulties are due to the assimilation of each train as Regional-Express or InterRegio in Luxembourg (similar name in Germany and Belgium, specific name in France).[citation needed]

Service Name Abbreviation Role
International EuroCity EC International trains connecting Belgium and Switzerland through Luxembourg and France (Brussels-South – Basel SBB/Chur/Zürich HB).
InterCity IC Long-distance trains from either Belgium (InterCity J: Brussels-South – Luxembourg) and Germany (Cologne – Luxembourg).
InterRegio IR Long-distance trains from Belgium (InterRegio m: Luxembourg – Liège/Lier).
Train à grande vitesse TGV High-speed train from France (Paris – Luxembourg).
Intercités de Nuit Night service from France (Nice – Luxembourg) and Spain (Portbou – Luxembourg).
TER Grand Est Regional train (TER) from Lorraine, France (Longuyon – Luxembourg ; Longwy – Esch-sur-Alzette – Thionville; Nancy – Luxembourg, French extension to Épinal and Remiremont).
Regional-Express RE Regional train from Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany (Trier – Luxembourg, German extension to Wittlich and Cochern).
Piekuurtrein
(Rush-hour train) 		P Regional trains from Belgium, circulating in rush-hour only (Virton – Rodange, Arlon – Rodange).
Lokale trein
(Local train) 		L Regional trains from Belgium (Arlon – Rodange – Virton/Gedinne/Libramont)
National InterRegio IR Long-distance train between Luxembourg and either Diekirch or Troisvierges (extension from Troisvierges with the Belgian IR m)
Regional-Express RE Regional trains, including extensions to border stations in France (Volmerange-les-Mines, Audun-le-Tiche, Longwy) and in Belgium (Athus)

Netherlands Netherlands

[edit]
Main article: Nederlandse Spoorwegen
Further information: Rail transport in the Netherlands
Name Abbreviation Role
ICE International High speed train to Germany and Switzerland.
Eurostar High speed train to Belgium, France and the United Kingdom.
Intercity Direct ICD Semi-high-speed trains from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam and Breda in the Netherlands and to Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium.
InterCity — Brand used by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) for trains linking cities across the country, not calling at every station. Trains to Berlin are also branded Intercity. Typically calling at 25–50% of the intermediate stations they pass. Intercities are comparable to the InterRegio used in many European countries. Some call at every station for a part of their run near their terminus ("zone train").
Sneltrein — Brand used by operators other than NS on the regional railways for trains comparable to the Intercity, but typically running shorter distances.
Sprinter — NS brand, since 2018 also used by other operators, for local trains calling at (almost) every station on the mainline railway.
Stoptrein — Brand used by operators other than NS for local trains calling at (almost) every station on all stations that are not located on the regional railways.

Norway Norway

[edit]
Main article: Vy § Services
Further information: Rail transport in Norway
Name Abbreviation Role
Fjerntog F Inter-city trains
Flyplasstog FLY Airport trains. Require special tickets
Regionalexpresstog RE Regional express trains
Regionaltog R Regional trains
Lokaltog L Local and commuter train services
Tunnelbane T Rapid transit trains in Oslo

Poland Poland

[edit]
Main article: Polskie Koleje Państwowe
Further information: Rail transport in Poland
Name Abbreviation Role
EuroNight EN High quality night trains; operated by PKP Intercity.
EuroCity EC International luxurious trains on the most important long-distance routes, must be reserved on domestic routes, up to 160 km/h (99 mph), operated by PKP Intercity.
Express Intercity Premium EIP High-speed, highest-standard trains requiring reservation. Made of modern train units operating on national routes, operated by PKP Intercity using units ED250 Pendolino.
Express InterCity EIC Luxurious trains in national services on the most important long-distance routes that must be reserved, with speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph). Operated by PKP Intercity.
InterCity IC Trains of new EMUs and refurbished coaches, more comfortable than TLK, in national services on the most important long-distance routes, with speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph). Operated by PKP Intercity.
Twoje Linie Kolejowe TLK Fast trains on inter-regional routes; some with speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph). Operated by PKP Intercity. Pricing is the same as for IC services.
InterRegio IR A few trains between Warsaw and Łódź; cheaper than "TLK", but usually with lower standard, 2nd class only. Operated by Polregio. Rolling stock composed of refurbished EMUs of late 1960s design. Speed is up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
Regio R Local passenger trains, 2nd class only; Formerly called osobowy and often confused with that category. Trains are operated by Polregio.
Osobowy os. Osobowy are local passenger trains, 2nd class only. They are operated by Arriva RP (consortium of Arriva and DB Cargo Polska), Koleje Dolnośląskie, Koleje Małopolskie, Koleje Śląskie, Koleje Wielkopolskie, Łódzka Kolej Aglomeracyjna, Warszawska Kolej Dojazdowa and Koleje Mazowieckie.
S-Bahn S Rapid transit and commuter rail services in Tricity (operated by PKP SKM) and Warsaw (operated by SKM Warszawa), respectively.

Portugal Portugal

[edit]
Further information: Rail transport in Portugal
Comboios de Portugal (state owned operator)
Service Name Abbreviation Role
Long-distance Alfa Pendular AP Fast tilting trains used on the main north–south lines, only stopping at major intermediate cities with a top speed of 220 km/h (140 mph). Surcharge payable.
InterCidades IC InterCity trains used on main lines, stopping only at main towns with a top speed of 200 km/h (120 mph). Surcharge payable.
Internacional IN Day train Celta (Porto-Vigo).
Medium distance InterRegional IR Semi-fast trains used on main lines, stopping at all main towns and some smaller towns with speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph).
Regional R Stopping trains used on main lines, stopping at all stations (with some exceptions) with speeds up to 140 km/h (87 mph).
Short-distance Urbanos U Commuter trains used in or around the major cities with speeds up to 140 km/h (87 mph).
Leisure Comboio Histórico do Douro Douro Valley Line Historic Train (Summer weekends only).
Comboio Histórico do Vouga Vouga Line Historic Train (Weekends around some holidays).
Fertagus (private operator)
Service Name Abbreviation Role
Commuter trains Urbanos U Commuter trains in the Greater Lisbon Area with speeds up to 140 km/h (87 mph). Operations limited to the route between Roma-Areeiro – Setúbal.

Romania Romania

[edit]
Main article: Caile Ferate Romane
Further information: Rail transport in Romania

Information is based on[12]

Name Abbreviation Role
Intercity IC It ensures the connection, in domestic or international traffic, between the country's capital Bukarest and the county seat cities, defined by Law no. 2/1968 on the administrative organization of the territory of Romania, republished, with subsequent amendments and additions. Speeds are up to 160 km/h (99 mph).
Intercity night IC-N It ensures the connection, in domestic or international traffic, between the country's capital and the county seat cities, defined by Law no. 2/1968 on the administrative organization of the territory of Romania, republished, with subsequent amendments and additions, and they passed through the night. They can also be put into circulation without first class or second class services.
Interregio IR It ensures the connection between the urban localities of rank 0, I and II defined by annex no. II point 3.8 of Law no. 351/2001 regarding the approval of the National Land Development Plan - Section IV - The network of localities, with subsequent amendments and additions, and the tourist resorts of national interest, listed in annex no. 5 of Government Decision no. 852/2008 for the approval of the rules and criteria for the attestation of tourist resorts, with subsequent amendments and additions. They can also be put into circulation without first class services. The average commercial/train speed is at least 45 km/h (28 mph). Convenient connections with other passenger trains will be provided at the main railway stations and junctions.
Interregio night IR-N It ensures the connection between the urban localities of rank 0, I and II defined by annex no. II point 3.8 of Law no. 351/2001 regarding the approval of the National Land Development Plan - Section IV - The network of localities, with subsequent amendments and additions, and the tourist resorts of national interest, listed in annex no. 5 of Government Decision no. 852/2008 for the approval of the rules and criteria for the attestation of tourist resorts, with subsequent amendments and additions. The average commercial/train speed is at least 45 km/h (28 mph). Convenient connections with other passenger trains will be provided at the main railway stations and junctions. They can also be put into circulation without first class or second class services.
Regio Expres R-E It ensures the connection between localities located at a maximum driving distance of 230 km (140 mi) or the first railway station, if this distance is exceeded. It has stops in railway stations that serve localities with a number of 2,500 inhabitants together with the neighboring areas, ensuring the need for mobility in that area. It provides connections to/from interregional trains. The average commercial speed is in principle at least 40 km/h (25 mph). They can also be put into circulation without first class services.
Regio R It ensures transport conditions for limited geographical areas, the maximum distance of circulation being 200 km (120 mi) or the first railway station, if this distance is exceeded.

It has stops at all stations, halts and stops along the route, if the platforms are laid out in compliance with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI). Regional trains will be requested and routed at a sufficient time interval to allow boarding/disembarking of passengers to/from connecting trains at railway stations/junctions. The average commercial speed is in principle at least 35 km/h (22 mph). They can also be put into circulation without first class services.

Regio Metrolopitan R-M It provides transport around major cities, for suburban (commuter) traffic, meets the transport needs of an urban center or a conurbation and nearby/adjacent areas, with a maximum travel distance of 40 km (25 mi) or the first railway station, if this distance is exceeded. The average commercial speed is in principle at least 30 km/h (19 mph). They can also be put into circulation without first class services.

Russia Russia

[edit]
Main article: Russian Railways
Further information: Rail transport in Russia

In Russia, the train category is defined by its number's digits.

1 to 150 – Skory (Fast)
All-year long-distance fast trains, mostly overnight. Speeds up to 160 km/h, but usually the average speed is not more than 70 km/h.
151 to 298 – Skory Sezonny (Fast seasonal)
Seasonal fast trains, mostly similar to Skory.
301 to 450 – Passazhirsky Dalny (Long-distance passenger)
Long-distance stopping trains.
451 to 498 – Passazhirsky Dalny Sezonny (Long-distance passenger seasonal)
Seasonal Passazhirsky Dalny services.
501 to 598 – Passazhirsky Dalny Razovy (Long-distance passenger one-time)
Additional or organized children groups carrying Passazhirsky Dalny services.
601 to 698 – Passazhirsky Mestny (Local (medium-distance) passenger)
Stopping trains travelling distances more than 150 km, but less than 700 km.
701 to 750 – Skorostnoy (Speedy – like InterCity in Germany)
Intercity trains.
751 to 788 – Vysokoskorostnoy (High-speed)
High-speed or Intercity-Express trains (Sapsans, (by Karelian Trains) Allegros).
801 to 898 – Obsluzhivaemyj dizel'- ili elektropoezdom (Served by DMU or EMU)
Mainline passenger trains featuring DMU / (out of the EMU-served Skorostnoy's and (all served by EMUs) Vysokoskorostnoy's) EMU rolling stock. Mostly fast versions of Passazhirsky Mestny.
6001 to 6998 – Prigorodny (Suburban)
Suburban trains (travelling distance up to 150 km, (almost) all-stops services).
7001 to 7598 – Skory Prigorodny ili Gorodskoy (Semi-fast suburban or urban)
Semi-fast suburban trains and urban trains.

Serbia Serbia

[edit]
Main article: Srbijavoz
Further information: Serbian Railways
Name Abbreviation Role
EuroCity EC International trains to/from Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Greece.
InterCity SOKO Operates between Belgrade and Novi Sad in 36 min. Speed is up to 200 km/h (120 mph).
Brzi B Fast train.
Regio Express Rex Fast train, usually during peak-hours
Regio Re Regional trains between Novi Sad, Subotica, Niš, Zrenjanin, Valjevo, Kraljevo, Užice, Sombor, Požarevac, Zaječar, Vršac, Kikinda, Prokuplje and Ruma.
BG Voz BG Urban railway lines in Belgrade. Lines are numbered 1–4 and operated by GSP.

Slovakia Slovakia

[edit]
Main article: ZSSK
Further information: Rail transport in Slovakia
Name Abbreviation Role
SuperCity SC Highest-standard trains requiring reservation, operated by modern ČD Class 680 „Pendolino“ tilting train units of České dráhy (ČD), operating on both national and international routes in cooperation with ČD.
LEO Express LE Private trains, similar to the IC category.
Railjet Express RJX Long-distance trains operating over the Bratislava—Vienna—Innsbruck—Zurich line.
EuroCity EC High quality, usually long-haul international services between Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany. Surcharge payable when travelling with domestic ticket.
InterCity IC High quality trains providing only air-conditioned carriages, all trains are between Bratislava and Košice.
EuroNight EN High quality night trains between Košice and Prague and between Budapest and Berlin.
Express Ex This category is used for long-distance domestic express trains between Košice and Bratislava, the two largest cities of the country.
Rýchlik R "Fast train" – trains for longer routes, usually stops at all towns en route, but not at villages. However, there are also night trains between Humenné and Bratislava and from Košice to Nové Zámky.
Regional-Express REX Local semi-fast train stopping at few stations, modern version of Zrýchlený vlak. Note that this category is also used by Leo Express between Komárno and Bratislava.
Zrýchlený vlak Zr Semi-fast train, stopping on most stations. It was mostly replaced by Regional Express; Zr run from Banská Bystrica to Margecany.
Osobný vlak Os Stopping train, serving all stations.

Slovenia Slovenia

[edit]
Main article: Slovenske železnice
Name Abbreviation Role
EuroCity EC High quality international trains which operate along major international routes and connect important economic and tourist hubs in Slovenia and Europe. Journey times of EC trains are shorter and have fewer stops. Most of them have air-conditioned carriages and offer catering services. An additional supplement is required for travel on EC trains.
EuroNight EN High quality international night trains, which include sleepers and couchettes. A supplement is required for a bed or berth. For travel on a domestic EN, as with IC trains, it is necessary to pay a supplement for a seat in a standard carriage. On certain EN trains which operate across Europe, standard international prices apply together with a reservation fee.
InterCity Slovenija ICS Modern air-conditioned trains whose tilting technology allows for greater speed and comfort. They enable easier travel for passengers in wheelchairs, as well as offering a range of additional services. A buffet car is available to passengers; for those who travel 1st class, this service is free. 1st class passengers also benefit from access to electrical plug sockets. At some stations free parking is available. ICS trains operate on the Ljubljana–Maribor–Ljubljana route. In the summer season and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, ICS trains also operate along the Maribor-Ljubljana-Koper route and back. Seats must be reserved on all routes and this is included in the rail fare.
InterCity IC High quality trains which operate on long-distance domestic and international routes and connect major cities, and commercial and tourist centres. They consist of comfortable carriages, and have shorter journey times with fewer stops. Most of them also offer catering services. IC services require an additional IC supplement.
Local Train LP Connects Slovenian towns on shorter and longer routes. These are intended primarily for daily journeys to and from work or school. Seat reservations and supplements are not required to travel on these trains.

Spain Spain

[edit]
Main article: Renfe
Further information: Rail transport in Spain
AVE
High speed trains, speeds up to 310 km/h (190 mph)
Routes:
Avlo
Low cost high speed trains, speeds up to 300 km/h (190 mph)
Routes:
  • Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona
  • Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona–Figueres
  • Madrid–Cuenca–Requena-Utiel–Valencia
  • Madrid–Cuenca–Albacete–Villena–Alicante
  • Madrid–Cuenca–Albacete–Villena–Alicante–Elche–Orihuela–Murcia
  • Madrid–Segovia–Medina Del Campo–Zamora–Sanabria–A Gudiña–Ourense–Santiago de Compostela–A Coruña
  • Madrid–Valladolid–Palencia–León–La Pola–Mieres Del Camín–Oviedo–Gijón
  • Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Villanueva de Córdoba–Córdoba–Seville
  • Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Villanueva de Córdoba–Córdoba–Puente Genil-Herrera–Antequera–Málaga
  • Madrid–Segovia–Medina Del Campo–Zamora–Sanabria–A Gudiña–Ourense–Santiago De Compostela–Vilagarcía de Arousa–Pontevedra–Vigo
  • Valladolid–Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Albacete–Villena–Alicante
  • Valladolid–Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Albacete–Villena–Alicante–Elche–Orihuela–Murcia
Alvia
High speed trains capable of operating in both high-speed and conventional lines, speeds up to 250 km/h (160 mph)
Routes:
Avant, Media Distancia
High speed trains for medium distances (also called Lanzadera AVE). Speeds up to 250 km/h (160 mph)
Routes:
  • Madrid–Toledo
  • Madrid Pta. Atocha–Ciudad Real–Puertollano
  • Madrid Chamartín–Segovia–Valladolid
  • Sevilla–Córdoba–Puente Genil–Antequera–Málaga
  • Barcelona–Tarragona–Lleida
  • Barcelona–Girona–Figueres
  • Barcelona–Camp de Tarragona–Cambrils–L'Hospitalet de l'Infant–Tortosa.
  • Calatayud–Zaragoza
  • A Coruña–Santiago de Compostela-Ourense
  • Valencia–Requena Utiel
  • Granada–Loja–Antequera–Puente Genil/Herrera–Córdoba–Seville
  • Murcia–Beniel–Orihuela–Callosa Cox–Elx–Alicante
  • Toledo–Madrid–Cuenca–Albacete
Euromed
High speed trains operate in the Mediterranean coast, speeds up to 250 km/h (160 mph)
Routes:
  • Barcelona–Tarragona–Castellón–Valencia
  • Barcelona–Tarragona–Castellón–Valencia–Alicante
  • Figueres–Girona–Barcelona–Tarragona–Castellón–Valencia
  • Figueres–Girona–Barcelona–Tarragona–Castellón–Valencia–Alicante
Altaria
Trains which use different locomotives in high-speed and conventional lines, speeds up to 200 km/h (120 mph)
Routes:
Talgo
Tilting trains in high-speed and conventional lines, link Madrid with other capital cities, speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph)
Routes:
Arco
Conventional trains, link Barcelona with other capital cities
Routes:
  • Barcelona–Mérida–Badajoz
  • Barcelona–Sevilla
  • Barcelona–Málaga
  • Barcelona–Granada
  • Barcelona–Almería
  • Barcelona–Murcia, nowadays classified as a Talgo
Trenhotel (discontinued)
Night services
Routes:
  • Madrid–Lisbon
  • Barcelona–Paris
  • Barcelona–Zürich
  • Barcelona–Milan C.le
  • Lisbon–Irun
  • Madrid–Santiago–A Coruña
  • Madrid–Vigo
  • Barcelona–Vigo
  • Barcelona–Gijón
Middle-distance services, speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph)
Routes: all over continental Spain
Cercanías
Short distance services in metropolitan areas, speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph)
Areas (clockwise): Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Murcia/Alicante, Málaga, Cádiz, Sevilla, Oviedo/Gijón, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián Cercanías de Zaragoza

Sweden Sweden

[edit]
Further information: Rail transport in Sweden
SJ
Fast trains
Inter-city
Regional
Night trains
Euronight
County operated
Regional trains, usually with various brand names, such as Öresundståg, Västtågen, Norrtåg, Krösatåg etc
Local trains, usually called pendeltåg
Other
Arlanda Express
Blå Tåget
FlixTrain
MTRX
Saga Rail
Snälltåget
Tågab

Switzerland Switzerland

[edit]
Further information: Rail transport in Switzerland

There are several railway companies in Switzerland, with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), BLS and SOB operating the largest standard gauge networks and Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and MGB running the largest narrow gauge networks. As of 2024, the following categories exist:[14]

Name Abbreviation Role
Train à grande vitesse TGV Lyria High-speed service of SNCF and SBB between Switzerland and France.
InterCity Express ICE High-speed service of DB between Switzerland and Germany, the Netherlands.
Railjet Express RJX High-speed service of ÖBB between Switzerland and Austria, Hungary, Slovakia.
EuroCity EC International long-distance (partly high-speed) trains, mainly of SBB, to destinations in Austria, Germany and Italy.
EuroNight EN International long-distance night trains between Zürich HB and destinations in Croatia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
NightJet NJ International long-distance night trains of ÖBB between Zürich HB/Basel SBB and destinations in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.
InterCity IC# Long-distance trains, fast connection (partly high-speed) between major cities in Switzerland (one DB service until Singen (Hohentwiel)/Stuttgart Hbf, Germany). Since 2018, all lines are numbered. Includes ICN tilting trains, which previously ran under their own category.
InterRegio IR# Long-distance train, fast connection between regions and centers in Switzerland (and Konstanz, Germany). All IR lines are numbered since 2018.
Panorama Express PE Tourism-focused trains, often with large-windowed 1st class carriages that allow panoramic views.
RegioExpress RE# Fast regional train, does not call at all stations. Operates mainly in Switzerland, but some lines extend to Germany, France and Italy. All RE lines are numbered since 2023.
Regio R# Regional train (e.g. of CJ, RegionAlps, RhB, transN). Mainly links towns and villages, calling at all stations. All R lines are numbered.
S-Bahn S# Fast trains in regional, local and suburban transport, operating with short clock cycles in the metropolitan areas of Basel, Bern, Chur, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Zug, Zurich and in Aargau. Some services extend to stations in Austria, France and Germany. TILO offers S-Bahn-like services in Ticino and Lombardy, Italy. In the French-speaking part of Switzerland, lines either use the letters R (RER Fribourg, RER Vaud) or L (Léman Express) instead of the letter S. All lines are numbered.
Métro M# Two rapid transit lines in Lausanne and Renens.
Extrazug EXT Unscheduled train.

Ukraine Ukraine

[edit]
Main article: Ukrainian Railways
Further information: Rail transport in Ukraine
Service Name Abbreviation Role
Day-time Eurocity ЄС International long-distance services; 90–200 km/h (56–124 mph); 1st and 2nd class only.
Intercity + ІС+ National long-distance services; 90–200 km/h (56–124 mph); 1st and 2nd class only.
Intercity ІC National long-distance services; 70–160 km/h (43–99 mph); 1st, 2nd and 3rd class.
Regional Express PE Regional services; 70–140 km/h (43–87 mph); 1st, 2nd and 3rd class.
Regional train P Regional services; up to 120 km/h; 2nd and 3rd class only.
Suburban Train PП Suburban train services; 3rd class only.
City Train M Urban train services; 3rd class only.
Overnight EuroNight EN International night train services; 90–200 km/h (56–124 mph); Lux, SV and Kupe classes.
Night Express НЕ International and national night train services; 70–160 km/h (43–99 mph); Lux, SV, Kupe and Platzkart classes.
Night Fast Train НШ National night train services; 50–140 km/h (31–87 mph); SV, Kupe and Platzkart classes.
Night Passenger Train НП National night train services; up to 140 km/h (87 mph); Kupe and Platzkart classes.

United Kingdom United Kingdom

[edit]
See also: List of companies operating trains in the United Kingdom and Rail transport in Great Britain

The United Kingdom's railway network is unusual in not publicly numbering or classifying its trains, except by the brand of the operating company. This may approach a classification system on lines where the express and local services are operated by different companies:

In scheduling, trains are classified as express, local, sleeper, international or metro trains.[15] However, these are not shown in passenger-facing publications, and express trains can have stopping sections calling at consecutive minor stops, acting as a local service on the section. For example, all trains run on the Thameslink core between London St Pancras and London Blackfriars, no matter express or local, call at all intermediate stations between them,[16] creating a frequent metro-like service as an alternative to London Underground for travelling in central London.

For most longer distance services (such as the inter-city trains operated by CrossCountry), advance tickets are sold and seat reservations can be made. While on shorter services (e.g. South Western Railway Weymouth – London services), sometimes only counted-place reservations can be made but not for a specific seat for advance tickets, and on even shorter suburban services (e.g. South Western Railway Guildford – London stopping services), no reservation can be made at all and no advance tickets can be sold.

Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Former Yugoslavia

[edit]
Main article: Jugoslovenske Železnice
Eurocity
international high-class trains
Intercity
trains used on national and international services on important long-distance routes
Intercity nagibni
Croatian Railways tilting train
Poslovni voz/vlak
Intercity – similar to express trains, usually 1st class only
Brzi voz/vlak
Express trains on long-distance routes, national and international
Zeleni vlak
Former Slovenian express multiple-unit connexions, also cross-border
Ubrzani vlak
semi-fast (like German Eilzug)
Putnički voz, Lokalni voz, Potniški vlak
Regional train stopping at all station, usually multiple unit trains

Other European countries

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Footnotes and References

[edit]
  1. ^ "EuroNight Trains". ÖBB Nightjet. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  2. ^ "Beförderungsbedingungen Deutsche Bahn AG" (PDF) (in German). DB Vertrieb. 7 February 2022. p. 11. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Train type Croatia | railcc". rail.cc. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Ter | Sncf" (PDF). Telechargement.ter-sncf.com. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
  5. ^ "Ter | Sncf" (PDF). Telechargement.ter-sncf.com. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
  6. ^ "Ter | Sncf" (PDF). Telechargement.ter-sncf.com. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
  7. ^ "Ter | Sncf" (PDF). Telechargement.ter-sncf.com. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
  8. ^ "Hellas Express night train". Eurail. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  9. ^ Rail, Irish. "Iarnrod Eireann Services". Irish Rail. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  10. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. ^ http://www.trenord.it/media/28279/edolo-iseo-bs.pdf [dead link‍]
  12. ^ "ORDIN nr. 153 din 3 martie 2011" (in Romanian). Portal Legislativ. 3 March 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  13. ^ "Schimbare istorică: duminică dispar Rapidul, Acceleratul şi Personalul. Vezi noile denumiri europene ale trenurilor româneşti" (in Romanian). jurnalul.ro. Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  14. ^ "Bezeichnung der Züge 2024 [Train categories in 2024]" (PDF) (in German). Swiss Federal Railways. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  15. ^ BR Times – Departures & Arrival Boards
  16. ^ Departure board of London Blackfriars to London St Prancas
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