Are there different types of trains?

Trains can be sorted into types based on whether they haul passengers or freight (though mixed trains which haul both exist), by their weight (heavy rail for regular trains, light rail for lighter rapid transit systems), by their speed, and by what form of track they use.



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There are many types of trains depending on where trains are running and what they carry. The most useful and usual type of trains is electric trains. Other than this type of trains, you can find diesel trains and steam locomotives.

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In the United States, the Surface Transportation Board categorizes rail carriers into Class I, Class II, and Class III based on carrier's annual revenues.

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Class 5: 80 mph for freight, 90 mph for passenger. This is the standard for most high-speed track in the U.S. Examples are UP's main line between Council Bluffs, Iowa, and North Platte, Neb.; and BNSF between Fullerton and San Diego, Calif., used mostly by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner trains to San Diego.

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As wireless technologies advanced in the 1960s, freight railroads began adding extra locomotives to the rear of trains to give them enough power to climb steep hills. This is how distributed power was born.

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Passenger trains can be divided into short and long distance services.
  • Long distance trains. Main article: Inter-city rail. ...
  • Short distance trains. Short distance or regional passenger trains have travel times measured in hours or even minutes, as opposed to days. ...
  • High speed trains. Main article: High-speed rail.


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Railfan & Railroad stated in 2022 that the only places on earth to see steam locomotives in revenue freight service are small switching operations in China, North Korea and Bosnia, but that these were sporadic at best. Tourist locomotives are still in regular use.

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A tram (called a streetcar or trolley in USA) is a rail vehicle that travels on tramway tracks on public urban streets; some include segments on segregated right-of-way.

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The Flying Scotsman made a historic journey to celebrate its 100 year anniversary. If you know anything about trains, you've probably heard of The Flying Scotsman. Often described as the world's most famous steam locomotive, it has starred in films, broken records and toured the world.

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'Train' comes from a French verb that meant to draw; drag. It originally referred to the part of a gown that trailed behind the wearer. The word train has been part of English since the 14th century—since its Middle English days.

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If the train is heading in the direction in which the locomotive end of the train is facing, this is considered 'pulling'. If the train is heading in the opposite direction, this is considered 'pushing' and the motorman or engine driver is located in the alternative cab.

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So yes, a second engine is often added for power. Sometimes longer trains will have multiple locomotives spaced at intervals throughout the train - several at the front, one or two in the middle, and a few more pushing from the rear. This helps reduce the strain on the couplings between the cars.

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