express train

IPA/ɪkˈspres ˌtreɪn/
IPA/ɪkˈspres ˌtreɪn/

express train — noun

1. A train that travels between major stations quickly by stopping only at selected

1.nounA2
Definition

A train that travels between major stations quickly by stopping only at selected stations along the way, so the journey takes less time than a regular service.

Example

Ritu caught the express train to Taipei, arriving in just under two hours.

collocation: caught + express train + to [destination]

The express train from Taichung stops only at the main station in each city.

preposition: from [city]

Common collocations
  • catch the express train
  • take the express train
  • travel by express train
  • express train service
  • express train ticket
  • express train fare
  • the express train to [city]
  • on the express train
Synonyms
  • high-speed train

    runs on dedicated fast tracks at much higher speeds — used for services like the Shinkansen or TGV

  • limited express

    a similar concept often used in Japan and some other countries, sometimes implying reserved seats or premium carriages

  • bullet train

    informal term for a very fast passenger train such as the Japanese Shinkansen

Antonyms
  • local train

    stops at every station along the route, making frequent stops

  • commuter train

    designed for short-distance travel between suburbs and a city centre, with many stops

Grammar Patterns

the express train / an express train

express train + to + destination

Usage Note

Commonly used with the definite article ('the express train') when referring to a specific service, or without an article for the general concept ('travel by express train').

Common Mistakes

I took the express train from Taipei to Kaohsiung on the THSR.
I took the high-speed rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
An 'express train' means a train with few stops; a very fast train on a dedicated high-speed line is called a 'high-speed train' or 'bullet train' in English.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

An 'express train' is any train that skips intermediate stations for faster travel — it does not necessarily run at very high speeds. A 'high-speed train' (e.g. the Shinkansen in Japan or the TGV in France) runs on dedicated tracks at speeds above 250 km/h. 'Bullet train' is the informal, media-friendly name for high-speed trains, especially in East Asia. 'Limited express' is a term used mainly in Japan and some other countries for a premium express service that may have fewer stops and reserved seating. For example: 'The express train to the airport makes four stops.' vs 'The high-speed train covers the same route in half the time.'

express train ↗high-speed trainbullet trainlimited express

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • catch the express train
  • take the express train
  • travel by express train
  • an express train to
  • the express train from

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'express' comes from Latin 'exprimere' (to press out), which evolved through Old French to mean 'sent with speed or urgency'. 'Train' comes from Old French 'trahiner' (to pull or drag). The compound 'express train' was first used in the mid-19th century when railway companies began offering faster services that skipped smaller stations.