A method optimizes operation of an electrically driven rail vehicle on a predefined route. In order to optimize the known method even further, the costs of the electrical energy which is fed into the route and/or the environmental loading are sensed during the generation of the electrical energy which is fed into the route. The method of locomotion of the rail vehicle on the route is set taking into account the level of the costs of the electrical energy and/or the environmental loading in the generation of the electrical energy for the route.