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Rail Monsters works with all major train types, and understanding their differences can help you choose the best option for your trip.

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High-Speed Trains

• Fastest option, reaching 250–350 km/h

• Designed for major city-to-city travel (e.g. Tokyo–Osaka, Paris–Lyon, Madrid–Barcelona)

• Usually includes seat reservations, multiple class levels, and modern amenities

• Ideal for long distances or when time matters

Examples include: Shinkansen (Japan), TGV (France), AVE (Spain), YHT (Turkey), KTX (Korea), Trenitalia Frecciarossa (Italy)

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Intercity Trains

• Medium to long-distance trains that connect major and secondary cities

• Often slower than high-speed but more direct than regional trains

• May or may not include seat reservations

• Great for budget travel or routes not served by high-speed trains

Examples: IC (Germany), ICN (Korea), InterCity in many European countries

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Regional Trains

• Slower, short-distance trains connecting smaller towns, suburbs, and rural areas

• Frequent stops, often with no reservations or class options

• Perfect for local travel, sightseeing, or budget trips

• May not run as often or may have older train cars

These are most common for local commutes and smaller cities. Prices are low but comfort and speed are basic.

Rail Monsters always shows the train type on the search results page and booking screen. You’ll see labels like:

• “High-Speed”

• “Intercity”

• “Regional”

• “Sleeper / Night Train”

Each train also shows estimated travel time, available classes, and whether seating is reserved — so you can choose based on comfort, speed, and budget.

Not always — but generally, yes. High-speed trains are faster and more modern, and the fares reflect that.

However:

• Booking early often gives you access to cheaper fares

• In some countries, the price difference is small — especially if traveling during off-peak times

• Rail Monsters offers tools like Advanced Reservation, helping you secure popular high-speed routes in advance

On routes where speed matters (e.g. intercity business travel or connecting flights), high-speed trains are usually worth the extra cost.