Regionalzug

Regionalzug, or regional train, is a class of rail passenger service common in Germany and other German-speaking regions designed for travel within a defined region. These trains connect towns and rural areas with frequent, shorter trips compared to long-distance services. They typically stop at most or all stations along their routes, serving local commuters and travelers who do not require high-speed connections.

Regionalzug services are usually operated by national rail companies in cooperation with regional or private operators. They are part of integrated transport networks coordinated by local Verkehrsverbund systems, with fares tied to regional tickets. Rolling stock includes electric and diesel multiple units as well as locomotive-hauled trains; service patterns range from several departures per hour in dense areas to infrequent services in rural zones.

In timetables, regional services are commonly labeled as Regionalbahn (RB) or Regional-Express (RE) in Germany, with RB denoting local stopping trains and RE denoting semi-fast services. The term regionalzug is a generic category rather than a strict service class, and regional lines may be branded as RB, RE, or Regio depending on the operator and region.

Regionalzug networks form a core part of local mobility, connecting smaller towns to regional hubs and providing feeder links to long-distance lines. They are designed for short to medium trips, with modest speeds and frequent stops, and rely on public subsidies to maintain coverage in less densely populated areas.