Why You Should Book Regional Trains, Not High-Speed

Published on April 1, 2025

by William King

High-speed trains get all the spotlight. Sleek, fast, and futuristic, they promise to whisk you between cities at lightning speed. But when planning a rail journey—especially across Europe—booking regional trains might be the smarter, richer choice.

There are persistent myths that regional trains are slow, inconvenient, or only for locals. The truth is far more nuanced. Let’s unpack the common misconceptions and explore why regional travel often outperforms its high-speed cousin.

Myth #1: Regional Trains Are Too Slow to Be Practical

Sure, regional trains don’t top 300 km/h, but speed isn’t everything. For trips under 2–3 hours or routes that avoid major hubs, regional services can be just as fast—or even faster—door to door.

Plus, time saved on transfers, ticket queues, and boarding procedures often closes the gap. Here’s where the math—and the travel experience—start to favor local options:

No airport-style security or check-in for regional trains.
Usually depart from central stations, not isolated high-speed terminals.
Minimal boarding time—just show up and get on.
Avoid major hub congestion by using direct regional routes.
Comparable end-to-end times on short-to-medium distances.
Time-rich travelers can add spontaneous stops en route.
Often more frequent than long-distance services on rural routes.

Myth #2: You Won’t Save Much Money Anyway

In reality, regional trains are usually significantly cheaper than their high-speed counterparts—especially when booked last-minute. Many countries offer regional day passes or multi-region bundles that slash prices further.

Travelers on a budget (or without rigid timelines) stand to save big by avoiding the prestige of the fast lane. Consider these comparisons:

Germany: Bayern Ticket offers unlimited local travel for €29/day.
Italy: Regional trains often cost less than half of high-speed routes.
France: TER trains serve same destinations for a fraction of TGV fares.
In Austria, a €19 local ticket may replace a €60 Railjet journey.
Spain’s Media Distancia trains are budget-friendly and scenic.
Local passes often include buses, ferries, and metro links.
Reservations are rarely required—saving booking fees too.

Myth #3: Regional Trains Are Uncomfortable and Outdated

While older carriages exist, many regional trains across Europe and Asia have been upgraded with modern interiors, digital signage, and climate control. And what they lack in flashy design, they make up for in accessibility and charm.

On regional routes, you’re more likely to encounter locals, less crowded compartments, and scenic stretches you’d miss at 300 km/h. Here’s what makes them more pleasant than expected:

New rolling stock in Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland.
Comfortable 2nd class with clean bathrooms and USB ports.
Easier to bring bicycles or bulky luggage onboard.
No seat reservations means freedom to sit where you like.
Better suited for short-hop stops and local sightseeing.
Quieter and less stressful during peak travel periods.
Pet- and family-friendly without extra charges in most regions.

Common Mistakes

Travelers who dismiss regional trains often fall for these traps:

Overpaying for high-speed routes when regional would suffice.
Assuming all non-high-speed trains are ancient or dirty.
Not checking regional pass options by state or province.
Missing great rural destinations that aren’t on major lines.

Advice for Beginners

New to regional train travel? These tips will smooth your ride:

Use national rail apps (e.g., DB Navigator, SNCF Connect) to find regional links.
Choose routes under 2.5 hours to compare time vs. savings.
Look for local day passes that bundle unlimited travel.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early—platform changes are common.

Expert Tips

Veteran train riders know when to ditch the fast lane. Here’s how:

Plan multi-stop regional adventures for countryside views.
Use regional trains to explore wine regions, lakes, and festivals.
Check if the rail map offers hidden shortcuts via local routes.
Travel mid-week for emptier trains and smoother boarding.

Takeaway

Regional trains may not make headlines, but they deliver on value, flexibility, and local flavor. For travelers who care less about speed and more about experience, they’re the unsung heroes of rail. The next time you’re planning a trip, skip the hype and go regional—you might discover more than you expected.