The current train criteria configuration prioritizes ensuring line throughput capacity without accounting for variations in passenger flow distribution, resulting in elevated train traction energy consumption. To establish a refined train energy-saving train criteria configuration method considering passenger flow characteristics, this study first analyzes the coupling relationship between “station dwell time-passenger flow” at stations and “passenger load-running time-traction energy consumption” in sections based on differences in high-peak and off-peak passenger distribution. Second, based on this coupling relationship, a train operation scale configuration model is constructed with the objective of minimizing train turnaround traction energy consumption. The method was validated through empirical research on a subway line. Results showed that, without altering the original rolling stock turnaround time, optimized train turnaround traction energy consumption decreased by 12.71% during off-peak periods and 6.69% during peak periods, confirming the method""s energy-saving potential. This research provides key parameters for developing energy-efficient timetables and is applicable to urban rail lines with pronounced differences in peak and off-peak passenger flow characteristics.