The invention relates to a rail vehicle (1) having a machine frame (2) supported on on-track undercarriages (4), on both sides of which are arranged—in the longitudinal direction (3) of the rail vehicle—crane rails (8) for a mobile gantry crane (11). In this, for lifting or lowering of the gantry crane (11), a crane rail section (12) of the respective crane rail (8) is arranged to be vertically adjustable by a drive (18). In this manner, contrary to the prior art, a higher gantry crane (11) can be used without violating a given clearance profile during transfer travel.