Abstract: The invention relates to an impact protection device for rail vehicles, comprising one or more energy absorbing elements (25) mounted on the main frame of the rail vehicle and having a box-like structure. The invention is characterized in that from the box end in the direction of the main frame (29) a reverse-drawn recess (20) and a buffer rod (21) are provided and the buffer rod can be displaced along the interior wall of the reverse-drawn recess (20). Elastically deformable energy absorbing elements (32) such as a friction spring (33) or a hydraulic capsule (34) are mounted in the hollow space formed by the buffer rod (21) and the reverse-drawn recess (20). The invention provides a greater active length for energy absorption in case of impact than a sequential box arrangement and a standard sleeve buffer.