When I was checking the trains from Munich to Regensburg there are several that say the type of train is ALX. Is there anything different to this train compared to the ICE or RE trains?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
They say "Tickets available on board train" but DB is also offering to sell you a ticket, so the local train operator obviously is working with them. Rail passes also can be used. I don't believe you'll notice any difference to the other trains. www.vogtlandbahn.de has info in German.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
ALX is just one example of privatized trains running as regional trains on German Rail tracks. There are others in Germany - Meridian on the Munich-Salzburg run, Agilis around Regensburg, MRB (Mittelrheinbahn) and VIA on the Rhein, to mention a few. They replace Bahn regional trains on the schedule. I don't think any run as long distance trains of the Bahn - ICE, IC, or EC.
If I remember correctly, ALX was originally called "Allgäu Express" (hence ALX) and was a Swiss-owned company running private regional trains on German Rail tracks between Munich and Lindau and on the German Rail schedule. They have since been absorbed into the Länderbahn system, of which Vogtlandbahn is also a subsidiary. The four direct daily trains each way between Munich and Prague are ALX trains.