10 Fastest Train in the World
Train travel can be significantly more enjoyable than flying. Train travel is more cost-effective, but it also provides scenic views.
Moreover, with the introduction of high-speed rail, trains are only getting quicker.
So, what is the highest train speed? The L0 Series Japanese maglev train set an absolute railway speed record of 375 mph (602 km/h) in 2015.
In truth, roughly ten super-fast trains travel at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour.
Right now, traveling by train is more convenient than flying. There are numerous high-speed trains in use around the world.
Here are the top 10 fastest trains on the planet, and they are ranked according to their operating speed.
Let's see which one is the fastest train in the World.
1. Shanghai Maglev: 267 mph
Shanghai Maglev is the Fastest Train in the World, with a high speed of 430km/h and an average speed of 251km/h.
The world's quickest train isn't the newest, flashiest, or even the most expensive to the board, and it costs $8 per person to attend. In April 2004, the Maglev began commercial operations.
The trip takes just over 7 minutes, and it does not go to the city center.
It travels along the 30.5-kilometer Shanghai Maglev Railway, the world's first commercially functioning high-speed magnetic levitation line.
It runs from Metro Line 2's Longyang Road Station to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
2. Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF: 249 mph
China triumphs once more with the second-fastest train in the World. This train is currently in operation. Fuxing or the CR series EMU are other names for it.
The term "Fuxing Hao" means "rejuvenation," and the two trains have been given nicknames: the CR400AF stands for "Dolphin Blue."
The CR400BF stands for "Golden Phoenix." China Railway's abbreviation is "CR."
Both Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao Station take slightly under 5 hours to transport 556 passengers, and the usual parallel rail line between these two megacities takes over 10 hours to travel.
The "Rejuvenation" also outran China's next fastest train, the CRH380A "Harmony."
3. Shinkansen H5 and E5: 224 mph
This year marks the 54th anniversary of Japan's high-speed train system. The Hikari high-speed train began operation between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964.
It decreased the travel time between the two largest cities in Japan from over 7 hours to only 4 hours by rail.
This one is also the third Fastest Train in the World. The H5 and E5 series Shinkansen serve the Tohoku and Hokkaido services.
They are two of Japan's newest bullet trains and the fastest in standard commercial service.
4.?The Italo and Frecciarossa: 220 mph
NTV and Trenitalia, Italy's rival railway companies, boast a high-speed train tied for the fastest in Europe.
They can transport people in under 3 hours from Milan to Florence or Rome, with a new route to Perugia launching this year.
The Frecciarossa, or "red arrow," debuted at Expo 2015 in Milan. It is another Fastest Train in the World, notable for its speed and structure, and almost all of its components are eco-friendly.
5.?Renfe AVE: 217 mph
The Siemens Velaro E is Spain's fastest train and is utilized for long-distance services to major Spanish cities and beyond.
This modern train line connects several cities across Spain, from Madrid and Barcelona to Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, and Valencia.
A trip from Barcelona to Paris can now be completed in 6 hours by high-speed rail.
领英推荐
6. Haramain Western Railway: 217 mph
The Mecca-Medina high-speed link covers 281 miles between Saudi Arabia's holiest cities.
It has been in partial service since December 2017 and is expected to be fully operational in early summer 2018. The route takes 2.5 hours to complete, compared to 5 hours by car.
The five stops are Mecca, Medinah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
The rolling stock is a Talgo 350 designed specifically for RENFE and built-in collaboration with Bombardier.
The silver streak rushing through the hot desert sand is a sight to behold, and it has a characteristic snout that makes it appear like a dolphin.
However, speed isn't the only reason for Haramain's construction. It's projected to carry 3 million passengers every year, including many Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, which helps alleviate traffic congestion.
7.?Deutsche Bahn ICE: 205 mph
The Inter-City Express, or ICE, is a striking sight rushing across gorgeous German countryside, with its futuristic white and silver design and crisp red cheatline.
Particularly on the latest and most advanced route, connecting Berlin and Munich. Germany's fastest train, the Velaro, is a Siemens design, similar to Spain's Renfe AVE train.
It was designed to pass through the Channel Tunnel, a significant advantage for DeutscheBahn's long-term intentions to run these trains between Frankfurt and London.
8.?Korail KTX: 205 mph
South Korea's high-speed rail network isn't the most modern (the KTX opened in 2004), but it is the fastest.
The newest line connects Incheon International Airport in the west to the coastal town of Gangneung in the east, and it stops at Seoul along the way.
The KTX is the second commercial high-speed train in South Korea. Also, the first domestic high-speed train was conceived and developed in the country, with a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph).
It debuted just in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics. The KTX reduces the time it takes to go to Pyeongchang ski slopes from 6 hours to under 2 hours by rail.
9.?Eurostar e320 and TGV: 200 mph
The TGV and the Eurostar e320 trains are tied for 2nd place. However, in 2015, the latter was redesigned.
The e320 series is the first tip-to-tail makeover of a Eurostar train in the company's 22-year history. This was with a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph).
The speedier trains travel at 20 km/h faster than the previous e300 series.
It can shave another 15 minutes off the already quick Eurostar journeys of roughly 2 hours between Brussels, Paris, London, and Amsterdam.
It's amazing that anyone still travels between the cities when Eurostar brings passengers straight to the heart of each city, and Rail Europe rates start at $70 one-way.
10. Thalys: 186 mph
The Thalys runs numerous daily trains between Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Cologne. This one comes last on the list of Fastest Train in the World.
It is one of Europe's most important railway lines for pleasure and business visitors. Its ridership is virtually evenly split between the two.
The German route was expanded to Dortmund in December 2015. But, the Brussels-to-Paris route remains vital, accounting for more than half of the business.
The top speed is 300 km/h (186 mph) on a dedicated high-speed railway track—a 25 kV AC OHLE system powers it.
Air France could discontinue its service between Paris and Brussels due to the LGV link with Charles de Gaulle Airport. Air France, on the other hand, reserves seats on Thalys trains.
Bottom Line
This was a quick rundown of the Fastest Train in the World. Is there a future for these trains?
Over the last decade, the rise of EasyJet and other low-cost carriers has raised this subject. The initial investment is huge and time-taking.
Also, constructing straight elevated tracks is tough. However, train rides are both economical and more enjoyable.