Consider tearing through beautiful scenery at speeds that would make an airplane blush. High-speed trains are revolutionary to the world, combining jaw-dropping speed with unmatched ecological benefits and comfort. From magnetic levitation constructions to slim bullet trains, these engineering wonders are changing the way we travel around the world. Prepared to get on board? Let’s explore the 10 fastest high-speed trains in the world.
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Why High-Speed Trains Are a Game-Changer
Prior to diving into the list, these trains seem to be grabbing the attention for a couple of remarkable reasons. For one, the punctuality and convenience placed at the forefront of train travel are unmatched; high-speed trains do not require passengers to wait in endless lines unique to air travel.
Furthermore, their facilities are usually placed within cities as opposed to hours away from them, which eliminates additional travel time. When compared to airplanes, trains are more environmentally friendly in regard to emissions. Ultimately, travelers are enamored by the plush seats, gourmet dining, and scenic vistas offered! So, should we make the countdown? Here it goes.
The Top 10 Fastest High-Speed Trains in the World
Here is the complete compilation of high-speed trains operating in the world sorted by their maximum operational speed. They have been assigned their prized speeds, nations, and special characteristics to maintain things lively. Here we go!
| Rank | Train Name | Country | Max Operational Speed | Record Speed | Cool Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai Maglev | 🇨🇳 China | 460 km/h (286 mph) | 501 km/h (311 mph) | Floats above tracks using magnets! 🧲 |
| 2 | CR Fuxing | 🇨🇳 China | 350 km/h (217 mph) | 420 km/h (261 mph) | Nicknamed “Golden Phoenix” for its sleek design! ✨ |
| 3 | CR Harmony (CRH380A) | 🇨🇳 China | 350 km/h (217 mph) | 486.1 km/h (302 mph) | Built entirely with Chinese tech! 💪 |
| 4 | ICE 3 | 🇩🇪 Germany | 320 km/h (199 mph) | 368 km/h (229 mph) | Couples with another train to double capacity! 🚂 |
| 5 | SNCF TGV | 🇫🇷 France | 320 km/h (199 mph) | 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph) | Holds the world speed record for wheeled trains! 🏆 |
| 6 | Shinkansen E5/H5 | 🇯🇵 Japan | 320 km/h (199 mph) | 400 km/h (249 mph) | Iconic “bullet train” with zero passenger fatalities! 😎 |
| 7 | Al Boraq | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 320 km/h (199 mph) | 357 km/h (222 mph) | Africa’s fastest train, cutting travel time in half! 🌍 |
| 8 | Renfe AVE 103 | 🇪🇸 Spain | 310 km/h (193 mph) | 404 km/h (251 mph) | Known as the “bird” for its speedy grace! 🦅 |
| 9 | KTX (EMU-320) | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 305 km/h (190 mph) | 421.4 km/h (262 mph) | Accelerates to 300 km/h in just 230 seconds! ⚡ |
| 10 | Frecciarossa 1000 | 🇮🇹 Italy | 300 km/h (186 mph) | 394 km/h (245 mph) | Nicknamed “Red Arrow” for its fiery look! 🔥 |
This table was generated with AI. Source – ChatGPT
1. Shanghai Maglev (China)
Speed: 460 km/h (286 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: This isn’t simply a train. it’s a floating marvel! Since the launch of the Korail’s Gyeongbu high-speed train, the Shanghai maglev basks in pride for being the fastest electric train, gliding over rails at a 286 mph speed. The maglev eases the traveling period between Longyang Road and Fudong International Airport to a short 8-minute ride covering 30 kilometers. This is no less than teleportation, with a dialed-back speed of 300 km/h since 2021.
Fun Fact: The Maglev track can only be traveled with proper identification as stated on the ticket; their service is for ‘universal transport’, allowing the military to just screenshot and check the identification status of passengers in the Shanghai region for fast verification.
2. CR Fuxing (China)
Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: This magnificent railway wonder goes by the name of “Golden Phoenix” because it flies between Beijing and Shanghai, covering the distance of 1,302 km in just over 4 hours. It’s China’s source of pride since it was built without any foreign tech and has lavishly luxurious interiors. Not to mention the record speed of 420 km/h this magnificent train can reach, making it a beast under the hood.
Fun Fact: Fuxing means “rejuvenation,” which symbolizes the railway revolution in China.
3. CR Harmony (CRH380A)
Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: Meets China’s phenomenal requirements, the Harmony train is a technological marvel; it even reached a record of 486.1 km/h during tests. It serves to connect the cities of Wuhan and Guangzhou with smooth rides and modern technologies, besides lavish enrichments added to the train, it is a symbol of the country’s cutting-edge rail infrastructure. It’s a symbol of China’s massive high-speed rail network, second to none in the whole wide world.
Fun Fact: Achievements in its design translate to achievements in air resistance, showcasing its unrivaled performance.
4. ICE 3 (Germany)
Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph).
Why It’s Awesome: Germany InterCity Express (ICE 3) is a versatile champ, connecting Frankfurt and Cologne in just 47 minutes. To catch up on the time lost, it can accelerate to 330 km/h and even couple with another train to boost capacity. Enjoy a beer and relax.
Fun Fact: One of its most unique features is the design: the minimalist aerodynamic ‘cissus’ body that stays in front of the cabin protects passengers from wind.
5. SNCF TGV (France)
Speed: 320 mph (199 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: France holds the world speed record for a wheeled train, the TGV. It’s their pride and joy, operating between Paris and the major cities of Europe. It’s just so deliciously sustainable, having its Paris double-deckers provide bursts of passengers. Oui, s’il vous plaît. TGV also holds the record of 574.8 km/h set in 2007.
Fun Fact: Did you know TGV translates to ‘ Train à Grande Vitesse’, which means very fast train?
6. Shinkansen E5/H5 (Japan)
Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: The famous E5/H5 series on the Tohoku and Hokkaido lines has active suspension, which can be termed a marvel of engineering and innovation. It smooths the ride as the commuter travels with no head movements as he/she is enjoying the scenery outside the window.
Further, the entire Shinkansen network without any reported shuttle losses is nothing short of miraculous, boasting more than 10 billion passengers carried since, with the advantages of safe travel and efficiency, severely than 10,000 Shinkansen trains have been opportunistically placed and utilized since the launch.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the bullet trains’ design was based on the Sanders’ nose principle?
7. Al Boraq (Morocco)
Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: Al Boraq is Africa’s fastest train, slicing through the travel time for Tangier to Kenitra, completing the 194 km ride in just 50 minutes. It proved to be a powerhouse during tests, hitting 357 km/h. It has transformed travel in Morocco, with plans to extend further, proving it’s both a peak of power and an infrastructure advance.
Fun Fact: Al Boraq is named after a mythical winged creature.
8. Renfe AVE 103 (Spain)
Speed: 310 km/h (193 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: Spain’s AVE (translated to ‘bird’ in Spanish) flies above the ground level between Madrid and Barcelona. Siemens constructed the AVE 103, which reached a phenomenal 404 km/h in tests, claiming a record for Spain. Everything from ticket pricing to the views along the route makes this avian marvel a dream for voyagers.
Fun Fact: It used to be the world record holder for an unmodified passenger train.
9. KTX (EMU-320) (South Korea)
Speed: 305 km/h (190 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: “Korea Train Express,” otherwise known as KTX, can take you from Seoul to Busan’s city limits in literally just over 2 hours. The new EMU-320 model accelerates to a civilly unmatched 300 km/h in a mind-bending 230 seconds. Korea made history by proving itself amongst the elite after one of its prototypes exceeded 421.4 km/h.
Fun Fact: At this speed, KTX is impermeable to the laws of civil engineering.
10. Frecciarossa 1000 (Italy)
Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)
Why It’s Awesome: Rome, Milan, and Naples are integrated by Italy’s Lombardian “Red Arrow” high-speed train, which is ridiculously stylish and speedy. It would hit 394 km/h in the test as it’s designed to reach 400 km/h. The executive cabins are plush, and the materials used are sustainable, which makes it a traveler’s delight.
Fun Fact: The streamlined design is both elegant and ‘arrow’ like, giving it an expression of speed.
What’s Next for High-Speed Trains?
It is moving at lightning speed! China’s T-Flight maglev hyperloop, tested at 623 km/h, is aiming for 1,000 km/h by 2035. Japan’s L0 Series Maglev, which holds the record of 603 km/h, will connect Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027, reducing the travel time to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the likes esteemed India alongside the US are also working towards high speed. Other regions also strive towards high speed.
Final Thoughts
The mobile Maglev from China and Japan’s famous Shinkansen are more than just trains; they are a majestic display of human creativity to the fullest. In addition to the endless possibilities of reaching our destinations, they are changing our perspectives of the world as well. Next time you go on a vacation, forgo the flight and choose these speedy machines instead. Thank us later, you will be addicted.
Which train excites you the most? Tell us in the comments section below! 👇
