View source for InterRegio

{{Short description|Type of European interregional train service}}
{{One source|date=November 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Confusion|Interregio-Express}}
The '''InterRegio''', often shortened to '''IR''', is a [[train categories in Europe|train category]] for mainly domestic [[train]] services in use in some [[Europe]]an countries, with [[Swiss Federal Railways]] operating the most dense network. InterRegio trains are semi-fast long-distance trains with more stops and usually lower prices than more upscale long-distance trains such as the [[InterCity]] (IC).

==Denmark==
The InterRegio system was also introduced to the Danish railways in the early 1990s and became an alternative to the InterCity services, with no seat reservation required. However, unlike other countries, InterRegio trains in Denmark only operates on Fridays and Sundays, to support the heavy flow of passengers that travel on those days. These InterRegio services also have fewer stops than the InterCity services, which goes against the original InterRegio concept of long-distance trains with more local stops. There are no specific rules for the composition for these trains, and both old and new material has been used for InterRegio services.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

==Hungary==
The InterRégió trains were introduced in Hungary on {{start date and age|2009|12|12|df=y|p=y}}. InterRégió trains run mainly on regional lines, but their function is national as well. The trains operate along the lines [[Sárbogárd]]–[[Szekszárd]]–[[Baja, Hungary|Baja]] and [[Kecskemét]]–Baja–[[Dombóvár]]. InterRégió trains use air-conditioned [[MÁV 6341]] [[Diesel multiple unit|DMU]]-s which were built by the Russian [[Metrovagonmash]].{{cn|date=August 2024}}

==Poland==
[[File:Przewozy Regionalne locomotive E 186 143-4.JPG|right|thumb|An [[PKP class EU43|EU43]] ([[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]] [[TRAXX]]) locomotive with a [[Bydgoszcz]]-[[Warsaw]] InterRegio train]]

In Poland, interREGIO trains were introduced by [[Przewozy Regionalne]] (PR) in spring of {{start date and age|2009|p=y}}, the first IR train connecting [[Białystok]] with [[Warsaw]]. The fare is similar as ''TLK''-branded fast trains of [[PKP Intercity]].

In the beginning these trains operated mostly on Fridays and Sundays along the routes: [[Wrocław]]-[[Kraków]], Kraków-[[Przemyśl]], [[Poznań]]-[[Olsztyn]], Poznań-Warsaw and [[Bydgoszcz]]-Warsaw. Since June 2009 there are more interREGIO trains on routes; most of them are available through the whole week, some of them only on weekends. More routes were introduced, some of which are especially made for students, like [[Kielce]]-[[Częstochowa]]-Wrocław.

InterREGIO in Poland mostly uses older [[electric multiple unit]]s (usually [[PKP class ED72|ED72]], [[PKP class EN71|EN71]] and [[PKP class EN57|EN57]]), with newer units on some routes ([[PKP class ED73|ED73]] and [[PKP class ED59|ED59]] between Warsaw and [[Łódź]], [[14WE]] between Kraków and Warsaw). Some IR trains are serviced with single- and/or [[Bilevel rail car|double-decker cars]] and locomotives.

{{As of|2009|1|1}}, all IR trains in Poland are second class-only, even though PR's regulations include a first-class fare for interREGIO trains and in service are first-class coaches, yet declassified.

On 3 March 2012, the [[Szczekociny train collision]] occurred, with 15 deaths and 50 injured.

Since 1 September 2015 IR trains are only on routes [[Łódź]] – [[Warsaw|Warszawa]] and [[Ełk]] – [[Grodno]] (Belarus), due to company's economics and restructuring.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zmiany w ofercie Przewozów Regionalnych|url=http://www.przewozyregionalne.pl/node/18425|publisher=Przewozy Regionalne|access-date=18 September 2015|language=pl}}</ref> The rest were withdrawn or replaced by [[PKP Intercity|''Twoje Linie Kolejowe'']] express trains.

== Portugal ==
Portugal's national railway company [[Comboios de Portugal]] (CP) operates some Interregionais, which before 2001 were known as "Directos" or "Semi-Directos". These trains offer a faster option than regional trains but slower than intercity trains. They operate along the lines [[Porto]]-[[Régua]]-[[Pocinho]], [[Figueira da Foz]]-[[Porto]]-[[Valença, Portugal|Valença]], [[Porto]]-[[Coimbra]], [[Lisbon]]-[[Tomar]], [[Lisbon]]-[[Caldas da Rainha]] and [[Caldas da Rainha]]-[[Coimbra]]. The Interregional service is operated by [[:pt:CP_Regional|CP Regional]] using [[CP Class 2240|CP 2240]] EMU-s, Spanish rented [[CP Class 592|CP 592]] DMU-s and locomotives [[CP Class 2600|CP 2600]] with Arco coaches bought to [[Renfe]] in 2020 and refurbished by Comboios de Portugal.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

==Switzerland==
{{See also|Rail transport in Switzerland}}
[[File:InterRegio Bahnhöfe Schweiz, locations of geocoded photos on OSM map, Sept 2022.png|thumb|InterRegio stations in Switzerland (through locations of geocoded photos on Wikimedia Commons)]]
[[File:SBB RABe 502 404 (52786196986).jpg|thumb|SBB RABe 502 InterRegio train passing by [[Lake Walen]] ({{lang|de|Walensee}})]]
[[File:Re 460 SRG SSR idée suisse am Gotthard.jpg|thumb|Former [[SBB Re 460|Re 460]]-hauled InterRegio train in the [[Swiss Alps]] ([[Gotthard Railway]])]]
The InterRegio in Switzerland was first introduced in {{start date and age|1997|p=y}}. They replaced some of the former fast trains with their own identity. InterRegio trains run from region to region within Switzerland. One service extends to the German city of [[Konstanz]], just across the [[Germany–Switzerland border|border]].

InterRegio trains are now very commonplace in Switzerland. The abbreviation is '''IR''' in a 45°-edgy font, white letters on red ([[File:InterRegio logo SBB CFF FFS.jpg|60px]]). Since the early 2020s, most IR services are numbered and each has a distinct colour.

The [[ICN (SBB-CFF-FFS)|ICN]] runs as an [[InterCity (Switzerland)|InterCity]] (IC) train but sometimes with halt frequencies in the same manner as an IR ([[Geneva]]/[[Lausanne]]-[[St. Gallen]]/[[Basel]] route). When ICN services first began on 28 May 2000, the ICN was placed as an InterRegio train. {{As of|2025}}, SBB [[SBB Re 460|Re 460]]-[[push-pull train|hauled]] [[IC 2000]] cars and [[RABe 511]] or [[SBB RABe 502|RABe 502]] [[electric multiple unit|EMUs]] operate as IR services on several routes, while some routes are operated by SOB [[SOB Traverso|RABe 526]], BLS [[BLS RABe 528|RABe 528]] or other.

{{As of|alt=As of the December 2024 timetable change|2023|12|post=,}} the following InterRegio services exist, operated by [[Swiss Federal Railways|SBB CFF FFS]], [[BLS AG|BLS]], [[Rhaetian Railway|RhB]] and [[Südostbahn|SOB]]:

; SBB CFF FFS

* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 13}}: {{rws|Sargans}} – {{rws|Buchs SG}} – {{rws|Altstätten SG}} – {{rws|Heerbrugg}} – {{rws|St. Margrethen}} – {{rws|Rorschach}} – {{rws|St. Gallen}} – {{rws|Gossau}} – {{rws|Flawil}} – {{rws|Uzwil}} – {{rws|Wil SG}} – {{rws|Winterthur}} – {{rws|Zürich Airport}} – {{rws|Zürich Oerlikon}} – {{rws|Zürich HB}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR13 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR13 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 15}}: {{rws|Lucerne}} – {{rws|Sursee}} – {{rws|Zofingen}} – {{rws|Bern}} – {{rws|Fribourg/Freiburg}} – {{rws|Romont FR}} – {{rws|Palézieux}} – {{rws|Lausanne}} – {{rws|Morges}} – {{rws|Nyon}} – {{rws|Geneva}} – {{rws|Geneva Airport}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR15 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR15 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 16}}: {{rws|Zürich HB}} – {{rws|Baden}} – {{rws|Brugg AG}} – {{rws|Aarau}} – {{rws|Olten}}  – {{rws|Bern}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR16 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR16 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 27}}: {{rws|Basel SBB}} – {{rws|Liestal}} – {{rws|Sissach}} – {{rws|Gelterkinden}} – {{rws|Olten}} – {{rws|Zofingen}} – {{rws|Sursee}} – {{rws|Luzern}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR27 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR27 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 36}}: {{rws|Basel SBB}} – [[Rheinfelden railway station (Switzerland)|Rheinfelden]] – {{rws|Stein-Säckingen}} – {{rws|Frick}} – {{rws|Brugg AG}} – {{rws|Baden}} – {{rws|Dietikon}} – {{rws|Zürich Altstetten}} – {{rws|Zürich HB}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR36 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR36 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 37}}: {{rws|Basel SBB}} – {{rws|Liestal}} – {{rws|Sissach}} – {{rws|Aarau}} – {{rws|Lenzburg}} – {{rws|Zürich HB}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR37 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR37 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 70}}: {{rws|Zürich HB}} – {{rws|Zug}} – {{rws|Luzern}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR70 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR70 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 75}}: {{rws|Konstanz}} – {{rws|Kreuzlingen}} – {{rws|Weinfelden}} – {{rws|Frauenfeld}} – {{rws|Winterthur}} – {{rws|Zürich Airport}} – {{rws|Zürich HB}} – {{rws|Thalwil}} – {{rws|Baar}} – {{rws|Zug}} – {{rws|Rotkreuz}} – {{rws|Lucerne}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR75 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR75 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 90}}: {{rws|Geneva Airport}} – {{rws|Geneva}} – {{rws|Nyon}} – {{rws|Morges}} – {{rws|Lausanne}} – {{rws|Vevey}} – {{rws|Montreux}} – {{rws|Aigle}} – {{rws|St-Maurice}} – {{rws|Martigny}} – {{rws|Sion|Switzerland}} – {{rws|Sierre/Siders}} – {{rws|Leuk}} – {{rws|Visp}} – {{rws|Brig}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR90 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR90 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>

; BLS

* {{ric|BLS|IR 17}}: {{rws|Bern}} – {{rws|Burgdorf}} – {{rws|Wynigen}} – {{rws|Herzogenbuchsee}} – {{rws|Langenthal}} – {{rws|Olten}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR17 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR17 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|BLS|IR 65}}: {{rws|Bern}} – {{rws|Lyss}} – {{rws|Biel/Bienne}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR65 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR65 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|BLS|IR 66}}: {{rws|Bern}} – {{rws|Kerzers}} – {{rws|Ins}} – {{rws|Neuchâtel}} – {{rws|Chambrelien}} – {{rws|Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane}} – {{rws|Les Hauts-Geneveys}} – {{rws|La Chaux-de-Fonds}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR66 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR66 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>

; RhB
* {{rcb|Rhaetian Railway|IR 38|inline=croute}}: {{rws|Chur}} – {{rws|Reichenau-Tamins}} – {{rws|Thusis}} – {{rws|Tiefencastel}} – {{rws|Filisur}} – {{rws|Bergün/Bravuogn}} – {{rws|Preda}} – {{rws|Spinas}} – {{rws|Samedan}} – {{rws|Celerina}} – {{rws|St. Moritz}}

; SOB
* {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways|IR 13}} (''Alpenrhein-Express''): {{rws|Chur}} – {{rws|Landquart}} – {{rws|Maienfeld}} – {{rws|Bad Ragaz}} – {{rws|Sargans}} – {{rws|Buchs SG}} – {{rws|Altstätten SG}} – {{rws|Heerbrugg}} – {{rws|St. Margrethen}} – {{rws|Rorschach}} – {{rws|St. Gallen}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://unterwegs.sob.ch/de/pages/alpenrhein-express |title=Alpenrhein-Express |publisher=Südostbahn |access-date=2024-12-15 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{Bahnlinie|S|S|IR ''[[Voralpen-Express]]''|white|#F53327|#F53327}} {{rws|Lucerne}} – {{rws|Luzern Verkehrshaus}} – {{rws|Meggen Zentrum}} – {{rws|Küssnacht am Rigi}} – {{rws|Arth-Goldau}} – {{rws|Rothenthurm}} – {{rws|Biberbrugg}} – {{rws|Pfäffikon SZ}} – {{rws|Rapperswil}} – {{rws|Uznach}} – {{rws|Wattwil}} – {{rws|Herisau}} – {{rws|St. Gallen}}
* {{ric|Südostbahn|IR 26}} (''Treno Gottardo''): {{rws|Basel SBB}} – {{rws|Olten}} – {{rws|Lucerne}} – {{rws|Arth-Goldau}} – {{rws|Schwyz}} – {{rws|Brunnen}} – {{rws|Flüelen}} – {{rws|Erstfeld}} – {{rws|Göschenen}} – {{rws|Airolo}} – {{rws|Ambri-Piotta}} – {{rws|Faido}} – {{rws|Lavorgo}} – {{rws|Bodio TI}} – {{rws|Biasca}} – {{rws|Castione-Arbedo}} – {{rws|Bellinzona}} – {{rws|Cadenazzo}} – {{rws|Tenero}} – {{rws|Locarno}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR26 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR26 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Südostbahn|IR 35}} (''Aare–Linth''): {{rws|Bern}} – {{rws|Burgdorf}} – {{rws|Herzogenbuchsee}} – {{rws|Langenthal}} – {{rws|Olten}} – {{rws|Zürich Altstetten}} – {{rws|Zürich HB}} – {{rws|Thalwil}} – {{rws|Wädenswil}} – {{rws|Pfäffikon SZ}} – {{rws|Siebnen-Wangen}} – {{rws|Ziegelbrücke}} – {{rws|Unterterzen}} – {{rws|Walenstadt}} – {{rws|Sargans}} – {{rws|Bad Ragaz}} – {{rws|Maienfeld}} – {{rws|Landquart}} – {{rws|Chur}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR35 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR35 |access-date=2025-01-22 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{ric|Südostbahn|IR 46}} (''Treno Gottardo''): {{rws|Zürich HB}} – {{rws|Zug}} – {{rws|Arth-Goldau}} – {{rws|Schwyz}} – {{rws|Brunnen}} – {{rws|Flüelen}} – {{rws|Erstfeld}} – {{rws|Göschenen}} – {{rws|Airolo}} – {{rws|Ambri-Piotta}} – {{rws|Faido}} – {{rws|Lavorgo}} – {{rws|Bodio TI}} – {{rws|Biasca}} – {{rws|Castione-Arbedo}} – {{rws|Bellinzona}} – {{rws|Cadenazzo}} – {{rws|Tenero}} – {{rws|Locarno}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR46 route map |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) |url=https://network.sbb.ch/de/linie/IR46 |access-date=2024-08-03 |language=de}}</ref>

==Countries with defunct InterRegio services==
===Belgium===
In Belgium, InterRegio (IR) trains were slower than the fast IC trains, and usually called at more stations along a route. Their journey was usually not as long as IC trains, but still traveled further than the local (L) trains. Most IR trains had hourly frequencies, some having only services every two hours (although this is mostly true only for weekend services). All trains in Belgium shared the same cost structure, so taking an IR train cost the same as an IC or L train for the same route. The only difference lay in the number of station stops they called at. In December 2014 the InterRegio was withdrawn, InterRegio lines were either converted to [[InterCity]] or local train or cancelled completely.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

===Germany===
[[File:Q003 Bf Frankfurt (M) Hbf, Bimdzf 269.jpg|thumb|Former German ''InterRegio'' (1998)]]
InterRegio trains were also commonplace in Germany from 1988 to 2003. They travelled and mainly connected regions in Germany. Most of the InterRegio lines have been replaced by [[Intercity (Deutsche Bahn)|InterCity]] lines; a few were replaced by the newly established [[Interregio-Express]] (IRE) type. However, Interregio-Express lines belong technically to the short distance train category, and tend to be shorter. InterRegio trains were very popular as they could be used without supplement.

DB gradually retired the concept in favor of more expensive [[Intercity (Deutsche Bahn)|InterCity]] (IC) or [[Intercity Express]] (ICE) trains with several former IR lines also being split up and downgraded to regional services.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

===Italy===
The ''[[Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane]]'' introduced interregional trains ({{langx|it|treni interregionali}}) in 1993, with [[express train]]s and some direct trains classified under this category. The name was abandoned in 2006 and the services subsequently operated as either CityExpress (CExp) or regional trains (R/REG). Since 2010, the former interregional trains received the new category {{lang|it|treno regionale veloce}} (RV/RGV), {{lit|fast regional trains}}.

==Countries with planned InterRegio services==
===Austria===
[[Austrian Federal Railways]] (ÖBB) intends to introduce the InterRegio category for long-distance services on routes that are currently only served by regional trains and routes currently served by long-distance trains only. The introduction is scheduled for December 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bmk.gv.at/dam/jcr:04a29e2d-a8af-4c40-bdb7-c6ceb942f291/at0.pdf |title=Österreich-Wien: Öffentlicher Schienentransport/öffentliche Schienenbeförderung 2018/S 229-524862 |access-date=2024-08-18 |language=de}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Train categories in Europe]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite book|last=Bodack|first=Karl-Dieter|title=InterRegio. Die abenteuerliche Biografie eines deutschen Zugsystems|year=2005|publisher=EK-Verlag|location=Freiburg i.B.|isbn=3882551496|language=de}}

{{Train categories in Switzerland}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Interregio}}
[[Category:Passenger rail transport in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transport in Poland]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Europe]]