An apparatus for generating action recommendations for the driver of a rail vehicle includes a device that can be carried by the driver in order to provide a type of apparatus that can be retrofitted quickly and easily to an existing rail vehicle. The device has at least one data interface unit for receiving basic data, a memory unit for storing at least one program module, a processing unit provided for executing the program module in order to generate the action recommendations at least on the basis of the basic data, and an output unit for outputting the action recommendations. A rail vehicle having the apparatus is also provided.