Headway

The time interval between successive trains on the same route or track, measured from the front of one train to the front of the next. Shorter headways indicate higher frequency service. Urban metro systems can achieve headways as low as 90 seconds, while mainline railways typically operate at 3-10 minute headways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Headway is a term used in the railway industry. Understanding this concept helps travelers navigate train services, schedules, and ticketing more effectively. See the full definition above for details.
Knowing what Headway means can help passengers plan their journeys, understand announcements, and make informed decisions about routes, fares, and service types when traveling by train.
Several railway terms are closely related to Headway. You can explore related concepts in the sidebar or browse the full TrainFYI glossary to deepen your understanding of rail terminology.