In Germany, Luxembourg and Austria, the Regional-Express (RE, or in Austria: REX) is a type of regional train. It is similar to a semi-fast train, with average speed at about 70–90 km/h (43–56 mph) (top speed often 160 km/h (99 mph)) as it calls at fewer stations than Regionalbahn or S-Bahn trains, but stops more often than InterCity services.
The first Regional-Express services were operated by DB Regio, though since the liberalisation of the German rail market (Bahnreform) in the 1990s many operators have received franchise rights on lines from the federal states. Some private operators currently operate trains that are similar to a Regional-Express service, but have decided to use their own names for the sake of brand awareness instead. Regional-Express services are carried out with a variety of vehicles such as DMUs (of Class 612), EMUs (of Class 425 or 426) or, most commonly, electric or diesel locomotives with double-deck cars, the latter often with new Class 146 engines.[1] Many RE services run in hourly intervals, carrying line numbers and sometimes even names, varying from state to state. Since late 2006, Regional-Express services between Munich and Nuremberg that operate on the Nuremberg–Munich high-speed railway reach top speeds of 200 km/h (120 mph). These services are operated with repainted InterCity cars and Class 101 locomotives or Class 102 and double-deck cars. In Sweden, several regional trains reach 180 or 200 km/h (112 or 124 mph). They are usually called just regional trains, or named after their respective regional transit administration. The most common train types are soundstage and Regina.Regional trains serve shorter and medium-distance routes within European regions. They generally feature in timetables under the abbreviation R, but in Germany as RB (Regionalbahn). You’ll run across a huge variety of train types, some brand new but others slightly older, as you travel across Europe on Regional trains. Regional trains can be single or double-decker.
Regional rail services may be the only rail option in many areas of Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain. These trains serve rural regions, linking cities with the rest of the country. Many Regional trains make short cross-border forays into neighbouring countries (eg. from Austria into Hungary or from Germany into Poland), but even on those international journeys these trains still cater mainly to local or regional demand.Due to their frequent stops along the way, Europe’s Regional trains allow travellers not only the chance to explore places off the usual tourist route, but also to get a sense of the local flavour of each region.Some regional trains are air conditioned, but generally they are practical rather than luxurious. Access to power sockets is the exception rather than the norm.
Luggage on Regional trains can be stored either in small luggage racks above the seat or under the seat. Some trains, notably certain German RB services, have further dedicated luggage space in each carriage. Bicycles can often be taken on board for an added fee. Read our Help article on taking your bikes on trains.Regional trains generally do not provide any buffet or trolley service. However, there are no rules against bringing your own food and drink onboard the train.Some Regional trains set aside part of a carriage as First Class. This is the case with some RB trains in Germany. The main reason for trading up is to avoid the crowds on busy routes at peak times. The extra costs for such an upgrade may be very modest. On some Regional trains that upgrade secures access to power sockets and a reclining seat.Seating in Regional trains might be in open-plan double or single-decker carriages or, where older carriages are still in use, in six-seat compartments. In open-plan carriages, seats are arranged in pairs across a central aisle.
