Abstract: A composite push-pull bar for use in a rail vehicle includes end-side connecting elements for axial introduction of compressive and tractive forces; and a rod-shaped structural element disposed between the end-side connecting elements for take-up and transmission of compressive and tractive forces. The rod-shaped element comprises a longitudinally extending core, a prestressed composite winding, including a defined number of wrappings of one or several reinforcing fibers embedded in a cured matrix material, applied in a longitudinal direction of the core so as to leave opposite longitudinal sides of the core not covered by the winding, the winding extending over the connecting elements and two skins arranged on the opposite longitudinal sides of the core not covered by the winding to form a sandwich structure with the core and which remain rigid under compression in their longitudinal direction.