Train categories in Europe

In Europe, railway companies assign trains to different categories or train types depending on their role,^[1] i.e. based on the used rolling stock, their speed (high-speed, higher-speed, conventional), distance of travel (long, medium, short), stopping frequency (Inter-city, limited express, express, limited-stop, regional, commuter) and other criteria. Train categories/types often have specific abbreviations (e.g. IC). In addition, different lines or individual trains may be numbered. The abbreviations (and numbers) are usually indicated in timetables, passenger information systems and sometimes also on the destination sign of the train. There is no common classification scheme throughout Europe; each country has its own, although categories of internationally operating trains are used across borders (e.g. EC).

Sign panel displaying abbreviations of train categories

Information display indicating the train's category and number (IC 86)

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 (CNL) 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 commonly 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.^[2]

Exceptionally, trains are neither publicly classified nor numberered in the United Kingdom, but rather the brand of the operating company is used. In Russia, trains are only numbered and the number's digits defines the train's category.

European long-distance and high-speed rail brands

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
Express InterCity Premium	EIP	High-speed rail	Poland
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
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
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express	VSOE	Luxury train	Different routes[3]
X 2000	X2	High-speed rail	Sweden, Sweden–Denmark

Former

Name	Abbreviation	Service	Region	Operation
Allegro	AE	High-speed rail	Finland, Russia	2010–2022
Cisalpino	CIS	High-speed rail	Italy, Germany, Switzerland	1993–2009
CityNightLine	CNL	Overnight train	Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and the Czech Republic	1995–2016
Intercity Tilting Train	ICN	High-speed tilting train, runs under the IC catetgory since 2018	Switzerland	2000–2017
Orient Express		Luxury train	Different routes (Paris–Istanbul)	1883–2009
Trans Europ Express	TEE	Express train	Mainly western Europe	1957–1995
Trenhotel	TH	Long-distance train	Spain, Spain–Portugal, Spain–France, Spain–Switzerland, Spain–Italy	1991–2020

Austria and Germany

Austria

Main article: Austrian Federal Railways

Further information: Rail transport in Austria

The table below summarizes train categories 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

Main article: Deutsche Bahn

Further information: Rail transport in Germany

The following train categories exist in Germany:^[4]

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

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

Main article: NMBS/SNCB

Further information: Rail transport in Belgium

In Belgium, the following train categories exist:

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

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

Main article: HŽ Putnički prijevoz

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.^[5]

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[6]	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

Main article: České dráhy

Further information: Rail transport in the Czech Republic

The following train categories are present 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. Stopping at region capitals only. As of February 2025[update], the SC 240/241 "Košičan" is not operated by Pendolino trains, but with classic EuroCity train. But SuperCity service has been added to Opava. Some trains are replaced by classic-built sets due to the lack operational, Pendolino trains and are operated in the IC "Ostravan" category, but are not part of any other long-distance line. (No. 500 - 519) Praha hl.n. – Praha Libeň -Pardubice hl.n. – Olomouc hl.n. – Ostrava-Svinov – (Opava východ)/ Ostrava hl.n. – Bohumín
Railjet	rj	Highest-standard trains, operating on international routes from 2014 (Berlin – Dresden - Ústí Nad Labem –) Prague – Pardubice – 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.
Express	Ex (IC)	Faster trains linking regions, mostly faster and more comfortable than the R trains. Operate on Ex lines.
Rychlík (lit. 'Fast-Train')	R	The lowest category of longer-distance train. Operates on R lines. They are mainly used for getting between districts of region, cities and transport hubs.
Spěšný vlak (lit. 'Regional Fast Train')	Sp	Local medium distance trains stopping less often than Os but more than R at selected stations, mostly larger municipalities and cities. Operates on S lines.
Osobní vlak (lit. 'Regional Train')	Os	Local trains stopping at every station. Operates on S lines. It is often centered around a larger city (often capital of a region/district).

Private operators

Name	Abbreviation	Role
Leo Express	LE	Private trains of IC category
Regiojet	RJ	Private trains of IC category

Denmark

Further information: Rail transport in Denmark

In Denmark, the following train categories are used:

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

Main article: VR (company)

Further information: Rail transport in Finland

The list below includes train categories in Finland:

Name	Abbreviation	Role	Typical route length / stopping interval	Typical maximum speed	Onboard services	Rolling stock
Allegro	AE	International high-speed train between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg, Russia (discontinued in 2022).	400 km (250 mi) / 100 km (62 mi)	220 km/h (140 mph)	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 km (120–430 mi) / 50–200 km (31–124 mi)	200–220 km/h (120–140 mph)	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 km (120–560 mi) / 50–100 km (31–62 mi)	140–200 km/h (87–124 mph)	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" (discontinued) between Moscow, Russia and Helsinki.	1,000 km (620 mi) / 50–200 km (31–124 mi)	120–140 km/h (75–87 mph)	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 electrified routes with relatively few passengers, trains stopping at every station.	200 km (120 mi) / 10–50 km (6.2–31.1 mi)	120 km/h (75 mph)	2nd class	Locomotive hauled, old commuter cars
	HDM	Trains on unelectrified routes with relatively few passengers, trains stopping at every station.	200 km (120 mi) / 10–50 km (6.2–31.1 mi)	100–120 km/h (62–75 mph)	2nd class	VR Class Dm12 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 km (12–62 mi) / 2–10 km (1.2–6.2 mi)	120–160 km/h (75–99 mph)	2nd class	Electric multiple units (VR Class Sm2, Sm4, Sm5)

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

Main article: SNCF

Further information: Rail transport in France

The national carrier of France, the 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.[7] Similar services in Europe include Southeastern's Highspeed service.
	TER200	Accelerated TER between Bâle SNCF and Strasbourg.[8]
	iC TER	[9]
	Interloire	TER with Intercity-like stopping pattern on the Nantes – Orléans route.[10]
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

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 networks are present in Athens (with lines numbered A1–A4), Patras (lines P1 and P2) and Thessaloniki (lines T1–T3).

A night train, named Hellas Express, links Thessaloniki with Belgrade (Serbia), via Skopje (North Macedonia).^[11]

Hungary

Main articles: Magyar Államvasutak and Raaberbahn

Further information: Rail transport in Hungary

In Hungary, there are the following train categories:

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

Ireland

Main articles: Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways

Further information: Rail transport in Ireland

Four different train categories are operated in the Republic of Ireland, by both Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways.

• D.A.R.T: Rapid transit train network in Dublin.
• Commuter: Suburban services operated around major cities in Ireland.
• Intercity: National long-distance or local services operated between cities.
• Enterprise: International long-distance service operated jointly by NI Railways and Iarnród Éireann between Dublin's Connolly station and Belfast Grand Central station in Northern Ireland (UK).^[12]

Italy

Main article: Ferrovie dello Stato

Further information: Rail transport in Italy

Train categories without * are all operated by Trenitalia, Italy's primary rail carrier. 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,[13] and for RE lines in Lombardy operated by * BLS and * TILO/Trenord.[14]
	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.
	Accelerato	A	Mostly abandoned category, but still used by Circumvesuviana. Stops at all stations.
	Direttissimo	DD	Mostly abandoned category, but still used by Circumvesuviana. Characterized by only a few stops and high speed, but without the surcharge.
	Express	EXP	Mostly abandoned category, still used by Circumvesuviana for the Campania Express. Characterized by limited stops.

Luxembourg

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

Main article: Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Further information: Rail transport in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the following train categories exist:

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

Main article: Vy § Services

Further information: Rail transport in Norway

In Norway, there are the following train categories:

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

Main article: Polskie Koleje Państwowe

Further information: Rail transport in Poland

The following train categories are present 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

Further information: Rail transport in Portugal

Trains in Portugal run under the following categories (sorted by operator):

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 200km/h (124mph). Surcharge payable.
	Internacional	IN	Day train Celta (Porto-Vigo).
Regional services	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).
Commuter trains	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

Main article: Caile Ferate Romane

Further information: Rail transport in Romania

In Romania, there are the following train categories:^[15]

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.

Former train categories in Romania[until when?]
Name	Abbreviation	Role
Personal	P	Local trains, stopping every station, speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
Accelerat	A	Semi-fast trains, usually for long distances, speeds up to 140 km/h (87 mph), stopping at the main stations and some smaller towns.
Rapid	R	Fast trains, speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph), stopping on major cities.
Euronight	EN	Night trains, night services of the IC/EC
EuroCity	EC	Stops only in major cities, speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph).
InterCity	IC	Fast trains, speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph), stopping only in major cities.
InterCity/EuroCity	IC/EC	National and international services, stopping in important stations only.
InterCity Night	ICN	Sleeping services assured. Calls at important stops only. May include cars from foreign operators and/or autoracks.[16]

Russia

Main article: Russian Railways

Further information: Rail transport in Russia

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

№	Name	Role
1 to 150	Skory	Skory (lit. 'fast') are all-year long-distance fast trains, mostly overnight. Speed is up to 160 km/h (99 mph), but usually the average speed is not more than 70 km/h (43 mph).
151 to 298	Skory Sezonny	Skory Sezonny (lit. 'fast seasonal') are seasonally operating fast trains, mostly similar to Skory.
301 to 450	Passazhirsky Dalny	Passazhirsky Dalny (lit. 'long-distance passenger') are long-distance stopping trains.
451 to 498	Passazhirsky Dalny Sezonny	Passazhirsky Dalny Sezonny (lit. 'long-distance passenger seasonal') are only seasonally operating Passazhirsky Dalny train services.
501 to 598	Passazhirsky Dalny Razovy	Passazhirsky Dalny Razovy (lit. 'long-distance passenger one-time') are additional or organized children groups carrying Passazhirsky Dalny services.
601 to 698	Passazhirsky Mestny	Passazhirsky Mestny, lit. 'local (medium-distance) passenger', are stopping trains travelling distances more than 150 km (93 mi), but less than 700 km (430 mi).
701 to 750	Skorostnoy	Skorostnoy, lit. 'speedy', are InterCity trains comparable to the Intercity in Germany.
751 to 788	Vysokoskorostnoy	Vysokoskorostnoy (lit. 'high-speed') are high-speed or Intercity-Express trains (Sapsan, previously also Karelian Trains's Allegro).
801 to 898	Obsluzhivaemyj dizel'- ili elektropoezdom	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	Prigorodny (lit. 'suburban') are suburban trains with a travelling distance of up to 150 km (93 mi), calling at (almost) all-stops.
7001 to 7598	Skory Prigorodny ili Gorodskoy	Skory Prigorodny ili Gorodskoy (lit. 'semi-fast suburban or urban') are semi-fast suburban and urban trains.

Serbia

Main article: Srbijavoz

Further information: Serbian Railways

In Serbia, trains run under the following categories:

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

Main article: ZSSK

Further information: Rail transport in Slovakia

Train categories in Slovakia are as follows:

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

Main article: Slovenske železnice

The following train categories exist in Slovenia:

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

Main article: Renfe

Further information: Rail transport in Spain

In Spain, railway services are categorized as follows:

Name	Role	Route(s)
AVE	Alta Velocidad Española (lit. 'Spanish high-speed') are high-speed trains operated by Renfe, with speeds up to 310 km/h (190 mph)	Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Córdoba–Sevilla Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Córdoba–Puente Genil-Herrera–Antequera–Málaga Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Córdoba–Puente Genil-Herrera–Antequera–Loja–Granada Madrid–Guadalajara–Calatayud–Zaragoza–Huesca Madrid–Guadalajara–Calatayud–Zaragoza–Lleida–Tarragona–Barcelona(–Girona–Figueres) Madrid–Valladolid–Burgos Madrid–Valladolid–León–Oviedo–Gijón Madrid–Segovia–Valladolid–León Madrid–Zamora–Ourense–Santiago de Compostela–A Coruña Madrid–Zamora–Sanabria–A Gudiña–Ourense–Santiago de Compostela–Vilagarcía de Arousa–Pontevedra–Vigo Madrid–Cuenca–Requena-Utiel–Valencia Madrid–Cuenca–Valencia–Castellón Madrid–Cuenca–Albacete–Villena–Alicante Madrid–Cuenca–Albacete–Elche–Orihuela–Murcia Burgos–Valladolid–Segovia–Madrid Chamartín–Elche–Orihuela–Murcia Gijón–Oviedo–Mieres Del Camín–La Pola–León–Palencia–Valladolid–Segovia–Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Valencia–Sagunto–Castellón(–Benicàssim–Oropesa del Mar–Benicarló–Vinaros) Valencia–Requena-Utiel–Cuenca–Madrid Chamartín–Valladolid–Burgos Valencia–Requena-Utiel–Cuenca–Madrid Chamartín–Segovia–Valladolid–Palencia–León Sevilla–Córdoba–Puertollano–Ciudad Real–Zaragoza–Lleida–Tarragona–Barcelona Sevilla–Córdoba–Madrid–Guadalajara–Calatayud–Zaragoza–Tardienta–Huesca Sevilla–Córdoba–Puertollano–Ciudad Real–Cuenca–Valencia Málaga–Antequera–Puente Genil-Herrera–Córdoba–Puertollano–Ciudad Real–Zaragoza–Lleida–Tarragona–Barcelona Málaga–Madrid-Puerta de Atocha–Cuenca–Albacete–Villena–Alicante–Elche–Orihuela–Murcia Barcelona–Tarragona–Lleida–Zaragoza–Córdoba–Puente Genil-Herrera–Antequera–Granada Alicante–Albacete–Cuenca–Madrid Chamartín–Zamora–Ourense Alicante–Albacete–Cuenca–Madrid Chamartín–Valladolid–Palencia–León
Avlo	Low cost high-speed trains of Renfe with speeds of up to 300 km/h (190 mph).	Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona(–Figueres) Madrid–Cuenca–Requena-Utiel–Valencia 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(–Elche–Orihuela–Murcia)
Alvia	High speed trains of Renfe capable of operating on both high-speed and conventional lines, with speeds of up to 250 km/h (160 mph).	Madrid–Palencia–León–Mieres Del Camín–Oviedo–Avilés Madrid–Valladolid–Palencia–Aguilar de Campoo–Reinosa–Torrelavega–Santander Madrid–Segovia–Valladolid–Burgos–Miranda de Ebro–Bilbao Madrid–Segovia–Valladolid–Burgos–Miranda de Ebro–Vitoria–Zumarraga–Tolosa–San Sebastián–Irun Madrid–Segovia–Medina del Campo–Salamanca Madrid–Segovia–Medina del Campo–Zamora–Sanabria–A Gudiña–Ourense–Santiago de Compostela–A Coruña– Betanzos–Pontedeume–Ferrol Madrid–Segovia–Medina del Campo–Zamora–Sanabria–A Gudiña–Ourense–Vilagarcía de Arousa–Pontevedra–Vigo Madrid–Segovia–Medina del Campo–Zamora–Sanabria–A Gudiña-Ourense–Monforte De Lemos–Sarria–Lugo Madrid–Guadalajara–Calatayud–Tudela–Tafalla–Pamplona Madrid–Guadalajara–Calatayud–Tudela–Calahorra–Logroño Madrid–Leganés–Torrijos–Talavera de la Reina–Oropesa–Navalmoral de la Mata–Monfragüe-plasencia–Cáceres–Mérida–Badajoz Madrid–Cordoba–La Palma del Condado–Huelva Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Córdoba–Sevilla–Jerez de la Frontera–Cádiz Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano–Córdoba–Antequera–Ronda–San Roque-la Línea–Algeciras Barcelona–Tarragona–Lleida–Zaragoza–Tudela–Castejon–Calahorra–Logroño–Haro–Miranda de Ebro–Bilbao Barcelona–Tarragona–Lleida–Zaragoza–Tudela–Castejon–Tafalla–Pamplona–Altsasu–Zumarraga–San Sebastián Barcelona–Tarragona–Lleida–Zaragoza–Tudela–Castejon–Tafalla–Pamplona–Vitoria–Miranda de Ebro–Burgos–Valladolid–Medina del Campo–Salamanca Barcelona–Tarragona–Lleida–Zaragoza–Tudela–Castejon–Tafalla–Pamplona–Vitoria–Miranda de Ebro–Burgos–Palencia–Sahagun–León–Astorga–Bembibre–Ponferrada–O Barco de Valdeorras–A Rúa–San Clodio-Quiroga–Monforte de Lemos–Ourense–Santiago de Compostela–A Coruña Barcelona–Lleida–Zaragoza–Pamplona–Vitoria–Burgos–León–Ponferrada–Ourense–Vigo Alicante–Villena–Albacete–Cuenca–Madrid–Segovia–Valladolid–Palencia–Torrelavega–Santander Alicante–Villena–Albacete–Cuenca–Madrid–Segovia–Valladolid–Palencia–León–La Pola–Mieres Del Camín–Oviedo–Gijón
Avant	High-speed trains of Renfe for medium distances (used to be called Lanzadera AVE). Speed is up to 250 km/h (160 mph).	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–L'Ametlla de Mar–L'Ampolla-Perelló-Deltebre–L'Aldea-Amposta–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 of Renfe that operate along the Mediterranean coast with speeds of up to 250 km/h (160 mph).	Barcelona–Tarragona–Castellón–Valencia(–Alicante) Figueres–Girona–Barcelona–Tarragona–Castellón–Valencia(–Alicante)
InterCity	Renfe trains for long-distance services operating on high-speed and conventional lines with less comfort and facilities than the AVE/Alvia trains, speeds up to 250 km/h (160 mph).	All over continental Spain
Media Distancia	Renfe trains for medium-distance services operating on Iberian-gauge lines, speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph).	All over continental Spain
Iryo	High-speed ETR 1000 trainsets between Madrid and other cities.	Madrid Atocha–Zaragoza–Delicias–Tarragona–Barcelona Madrid Atocha–Córdoba–Seville Madrid Atocha–Córdoba–Málaga Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Valencia Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Albacete–Alicante
Ouigo España	High-speed TGV Euroduplex trainsets between Madrid and other cities.	Madrid Atocha–Zaragoza–Delicias–Tarragona–Barcelona Sants Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Valencia Madrid Chamartín–Cuenca–Albacete–Alicante Madrid Chamartín–Segovia–Valladolid Madrid Chamartín–Albacete–Elche–Murcia Alicante–Albacete–Madrid Chamartín–Segovia–Valladolid
Cercanías (C#), Rodalies (R#)	Short-distance commuter rail services in metropolitan areas, with speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph). Lines are numbered.	Barcelona, Bilbao, Cádiz, Madrid, Málaga, Murcia/Alicante, Oviedo/Gijón, San Sebastián, Santander, Sevilla, Valencia, Zaragoza
Altaria	Trains of Renfe operating on high-speed and conventional lines, which use different locomotives. Their speed is up to 200 km/h (120 mph). (all discontinued)	Madrid–Ronda–Algeciras Madrid–Antequera–Granada Madrid–Murcia–Cartagena (only conventional lines)
Talgo	Tilting trains operating on high-speed and conventional lines, linking Madrid with provincial capital cities. Their speed is up to 150 km/h (93 mph). (all discontinued)	Madrid–Almería Murcia–Barcelona
Arco	Conventional trains of Renfe that link Barcelona with other provincial capital cities. (all discontinued)	Barcelona–Mérida–Badajoz Barcelona–Sevilla Barcelona–Málaga Barcelona–Granada Barcelona–Almería
Trenhotel	Night services (all discontinued)	Madrid–Lisbon Barcelona–Paris Barcelona–Zürich Barcelona–Milan C.le Lisbon–Irun Madrid–Santiago–A Coruña Madrid–Vigo Barcelona–Vigo Barcelona–Gijón

Sweden

Further information: Rail transport in Sweden

The SJ X2 is the only train operating in Sweden which is developed as a high-speed train. Other fast trains (EMUs) are developed as regional trains, but delivered with a maximum speed of 200 km/h (120 mph).

Operator	Name	Role
SJ	Nattåg	Locomotive-hauled overnight train service in Sweden, with dining cars.
	EuroNight (EN)	Locomotive-hauled overnight train service between Sweden, Denmark and Germany.
	Snabbtåg	Higher-speed trains, operated with X2 or X55 trainsets, which are equipped with WiFi and have a bistro car.[17]
	InterCity	Rc locomotive-hauled, national and international trains with standard-seating carriages in both first and second class and a bistro car.[18]
	Regionaltåg	Regional trains on the Stockholm–Örebro–Gothenburg, Gothenburg–Karlstad and Gothenburg–Kalmar lines. Operated with either Rc-hauled trainsets or X40 EMUs. These trains have no catering on board. The X40 is equipped with free 4G WiFi. Both first and second-class are usually offered.[19]
Counties	Regionaltåg	Regional trains operated by the county, usually with various brand names, such as Krösatåg, Mälartåg, Norrtåg, Öresundståg or Västtågen.
	Pendeltåg	Commuter trains operated by the county in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Skåne (not called pendeltåg locally) and Östergötland.
A-Train	Arlanda Express	Train link between Stockholm Central Station and Arlanda Airport.
VR Snabbtåg Sverige	InterCity	Formerly MTRX, now a VR Group subsidiary, connecting Stockholm and Gothenburg with X74 EMU.
Snälltåget (Transdev)	EuroNight (EN)	Overnight trains between Stockholm and Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Germany) between April and September, and to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (Austria) in winter.
		Long-distance trains between Malmö Central Station and Stockholm (and to Storlien during hiking and skiing seasons).
Tågab		Long-distance trains on the Karlstad–Kristinehamn–Skövde–Gothenburg line.
MTR	Tunnelbana (T)	Metro system in Stockholm (Stockholms tunnelbana).

Switzerland

Further information: Rail transport in Switzerland

There are several railway companies in Switzerland, with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), BLS and Südostbahn (SOB) operating the largest standard gauge networks and Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and MGB running the largest narrow gauge networks. As of 2024^[update], the following categories exist:^[20]

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. Typically, ICE 4 trainsets are used.
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. Typically RABe 501 or ETR 610 trainsets are used (Transalpin is pulled by Re 420).
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 by SBB (one DB service to Germany: Zürich HB–Schaffhausen–Stuttgart Hbf). Since 2018, all lines are numbered. Includes SBB RABDe 500 tilting trains, which previously ran under their own category (ICN). Otherwise, Re 460-hauled IC 2000 push-pull trains of SBB are typically used.
InterRegio	IR#	Switzerland's main train category. Long-distance train, fast connection between regions and centers in Switzerland (and Konstanz, Germany). All IR lines are numbered since 2018. Rolling stock varies but includes RABe 502 and RABe 511 trainsets of SBB, RABe 528 of BLS or RABe 526 of SOB.
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. Frequently SBB's RABe 511 are used.
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. Usually to tackle high passenger volume, e.g. during holidays, sports events.

Ukraine

Main article: Ukrainian Railways

Further information: Rail transport in Ukraine

The following train categories are present 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

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:

• Great Eastern Main Line: all services are operated by Greater Anglia, except for urban local services between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield. These services form the eastern leg of the Elizabeth line, all legs of which are operated by MTR Elizabeth line.
• Lea Valley Lines: services on the main route, regardless of stopping pattern, are operated by Greater Anglia. The Southbury Loop and Chingford branch routes are operated by London Overground.
• East Coast Main Line:
  • A variety of companies run intercity trains on the East Coast Main Line, of which the principal operator is London North Eastern Railway.
  • Regional services are run as Govia Thameslink Railway as far as Peterborough, Northern between Darlington and Chathill, & Abellio ScotRail from Dunbar.
  • London suburban services are operated by Govia Thameslink Railway.
• West Coast Main Line:
  • Avanti West Coast is the dominant brand of intercity trains.
  • Stopping & semi-fast services are run by West Midlands Trains & branded as London Northwestern Railway from London Euston as far as the junction for the Liverpool Lime Street branch, & by Northern between Wigan North Western & Preston.
  • Suburban services in London are run by London Overground, while those in Lanarkshire are operated by ScotRail.
• Great Western Main Line: suburban services of London are operated by MTR Crossrail as the western leg of the Elizabeth line. All other trains, including Bristol's suburban network, are operated by Great Western Railway.
• Regional and regional express trains of Wales and suburban trains of Cardiff are operated by Transport for Wales Rail. The country's two intercity routes, through the Severn Tunnel and along the North Wales Coast Line, are operated by Great Western Railway and Avanti West Coast respectively.
• Brighton Main Line: Govia Thameslink Railway runs airport express trains under a dedicated brand (Gatwick Express). Other trains are branded by destination: those going via London Blackfriars are branded as Thameslink, others as Southern.
• In the North of England, local and suburban trains are almost exclusively run by Northern and regional express services by TransPennine Express.
• In Scotland, all trains not running to/from England are operated by ScotRail.
• In Northern Ireland, rail services are operated by NI Railways. Enterprise, a long-distance service between Grand Central station in Belfast and Connolly station in Dublin, is jointly operated by NI Railways and Iarnród Éireann.^[12]

In scheduling, trains are classified as express, local, sleeper, international or metro trains.^[21] 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,^[22] 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.

Former Yugoslavia

Main article: Jugoslovenske Železnice

In Yugoslavia, the following train categories were used:

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

• Iceland: No railway lines.
• Malta: No railway lines.
• Principality of Andorra: No railway lines.
• Principality of Liechtenstein: Only one railway line with three operational railway stations that are only served by an S-Bahn (S) service of the Austrian ÖBB.
• Principality of Monaco: Only one railway line and a single railway station, served by TGV inOui and TER PACA of the French SNCF.
• San Marino: Only a heritage railway line.
•  Vatican: Only one railway line with one terminal railway station that is served by a regional train of the Italian Trenitalia.

See also

• Passenger rail terminology
• Sleeper trains in Europe
• High-speed rail in Europe
• Eurail travel pass
• Interrail travel pass
• European Timetable
• The Man in Seat Sixty-One
• List of metro systems in Europe
• History of rail transport