RegionalExpress

RegionalExpress, commonly shortened to RE, is a category of passenger rail service used in Germany’s railway network. It denotes medium-distance trains that stop at larger towns and key nodes, offering faster connections than the local Regionalbahn services while not competing with long-distance Intercity or high-speed services.

Operations and scope: RE lines are planned and coordinated by regional transport authorities and are typically operated by Deutsche Bahn Regio or by private rail companies under contract to regional or municipal transport associations. They connect major urban centers within a region or state and are often integrated with local transit networks such as S-Bahn systems and regional buses, enabling seamless transfers. Fares are usually part of regional or local transport tariffs and are valid across multiple modes within the integrated network.

Rolling stock and service pattern: RegionalExpress trains use electric or diesel multiple units and are chosen to balance speed, capacity, and reliability for regional travel. Trains are designed for frequent services with accessible features, passenger information systems, and standard seating arrangements suitable for medium-length journeys. The exact equipment and frequency vary by line and region.

History and context: The RegionalExpress designation emerged in the late 20th century to establish a middle tier of regional rail service—faster than RB trains due to fewer stops, but not as fast as national long-distance services. In Germany, RE services operate alongside RB trains and long-distance connections, with lines identified by RE numbers (for example, RE1, RE2), and are adapted to regional travel patterns through local contracts and fare structures.

See also: Regionalbahn, InterCity, InterCityExpress.