An express train is a type of passenger train that makes few or no stops between its origin and destination stations, usually major destinations, providing faster service than local trains that stop at many or all of the stations along their route.

In 2026, the primary differences lie in speed, frequency of stops, and priority. A "normal" or passenger train typically stops at every station along a route, including minor village halts, making it slower but highly accessible for local commuters. In contrast, an Express train bypasses smaller stations to connect major urban hubs, significantly reducing travel time. For example, in the 2026 Indian rail network, Express trains average 36–60 km/h, while "Superfast" variants exceed 55 km/h and receive track priority over slower traffic. Express trains usually require a surcharge but offer enhanced amenities like air-conditioned coaches and reserved seating. Furthermore, 2026 infrastructure increasingly separates these services onto dedicated corridors—such as India’s new elevated high-speed lines—to allow Express and semi-high-speed trains to reach peaks of 160 km/h or more without being delayed by the frequent stop-and-start nature of local passenger rail services.