Trains have gone through a complete transformation in the past few decades. Gone are the days of slow and smoke-filled railways.
Now, it's all about comfort and speed.
Let's take a look at some of the fastest trains in the world, according to Business Insider.
China
Train: CRH380A
Speed: 302 mph (486.021 kph)
Rank: 1
The speed of the world's fastest train is 302.8 mph and is powered by 25 kV AC overhead electrical system.
This China-based train is manufactured by CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company. It can carry up to 494 passengers and its route is from Shanghai to Nanjing and Shanghai to Hangzhou.
Germany
Train: The Transrapid TR-09
Speed: 279 mph (449.006 kph)
Rank: 2
This German train uses magnetic levitation system.
It can move at a speed of 279.5 mph and is powered by 50-100kW electric current.
...
Japan
Train: Shinkansen
Speed: 275 mph (442.569 kph)
Rank: 3
It is Japan-based train which can attain a maximum speed of 275.2 mph.
...
France
Train: TGV Reseau
Speed: 236 mph (379.805 kph)
Rank: 4
It has a top speed of 236.12 mph and is powered by 25 kV AC, 1500 V DC electrification system.
...
South Korea
Train: KTX 2
Speed: 219 mph (352.446 kph)
Rank: 5
The manufacturer of this train is Hyundai Rotem but is operated by KOrail since 2009.
...
Taiwan
Train: THSR 700T
Speed: 208 mph (334.743 kph)
Rank: 6
It is a Taiwan-based train and can move up to a speed as high as 208 mph.
Spanish
Train: AVE Talgo-350
Speed: 200 mph (321.868 kph)
Rank: 7
Touching a speed as high as 200 mph, this train connects Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valladolid.
Europe
Train: The Eurostar
Speed: 199 mph (320.259 kph)
Rank: 8
It is a UK-based train and carries about 900 passengers daily.
...
Italy
Train: The ETR 500
Speed: 190 mph (305.775 kph)
Rank: 9
ETR stands for Elettero Treno Rapido and it has been operating in Italy since 1993.
It is powered by 3 kV DC, 25 kV 50 Hz AC and ETR-500 takes just 60 minutes to cover the distance from centre of Bologna to Milan.
Belgium
Train: HSL-1
Speed: 186 mph (299.337 kph)
Rank: 10
The top speed attained by this one is around 186 mph and it is operating in Belgium since December 1997.
...
It takes less than 90 minutes to travel from Paris to Brussels. It is powered by 25 kV 50 Hz Ohle railway electrification systems.
© 2025 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances
