As we speed into the future, the face of transportation is rapidly evolving. With a rich history that spread over several decades, high-speed trains are at the forefront of this revolution. From the pioneering Shinkansen bullet train in Japan to the French TGV, these engines of progress combine speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
A Track Record of Innovation
High-speed trains have reshaped the world of transport, offering an exciting alternative to aviation. They’ve sparked economic growth, reduced travel times, and presented a greener option for our planet. Now, they’re even becoming a competitive option in terms of pricing, with budget-high-speed rail options cropping up across Europe. Countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, China, and Japan lead the charge with extensive high-speed rail networks, where trains can reach pulse-pounding peaks of over 300km/h.
Emerging technologies such as magnetic levitation (Maglev) trains promise even faster speeds and smoother rides. Despite the hurdles faced by high-profile projects like the California high-speed rail, the HS2 project in the UK, and Australia’s complex high-speed rail history, expansion and improvement of high-speed rail appear inevitable.
The last decade has seen the bar raised even higher, so let’s explore the top 10 high speed trains in the world (currently in service) – by their operational speed.
1. Shanghai Maglev: 460km/h (China)
Topping the list of top 10 high speed trains in the world is the futuristic Shanghai Maglev, a magnetic levitation train that operates at an inspiring 460km/h. The Shanghai Maglev represents a new era of high-speed transportation, cutting the 19-mile ride from Shanghai to Pudong International Airport to just eight minutes. This innovative and awe-inspiring train holds the future of high-speed tale, running like a flash at staggering operational speed.
2. CR Harmony: 350 km/h (China)
The Harmony, or the China Railway Hexie, continues China’s domination of fast trains. It operates at 350 km/h, the same as the Fuxing model. However, the Harmony has set a record speed in tests of 486.1 km/h using the CRH380A model, securing a place higher up the list.
3. CR Fuxing: 350km/h (China)
China’s high-speed prowess continues with the Fuxing model – the first completely domestically produced model in the country. Operating at a stellar 350km/h, the Fuxing trains show the world China’s prowess in high-speed rail. The technology has already been exported to Indonesia.
4. DB ICE: 350km/h (Germany)
Germany’s Intercity-Express 3, or ICE 3, is manufactured by Siemens and Bombardier and is Germany’s pride in the world of high-speed trains. Though the national maximum speed is 320km/h, the ICE 3 often operates at 350km/h to make up for delays.
5. SNCF TGV: 320km/h (France)
Next on the list of top 10 high speed trains in the world is France’s Train à Grande Vitesse, or TGV. It brings a legacy of record-breaking speeds since it first started operations. While it operates at 320km/h daily, the TGV recorded a world record-setting 574.8km/h in 2007 using a modified model. Today, the TGV network connects France with several European countries, sprinkling high-speed magic across the continent.
6. JR Shinkansen: 320km/h (Japan)
The iconic Shinkansen, commonly known as the bullet train, brought high-speed rail services to Japan. While its trains operate at 320km/h, Shinktansen set a speed record of 443km/h in testing. Japan hopes to take the high-speed race even further with the anticipated Maglev Shinkansen – a train expected to operate at whopping speeds of 500km/h.
7. ONCF Al Boraq: 320km/h (Morocco)
With the ONCF Al Boraq, Morocco became Africa’s pioneer in high-speed rail making it one of the top 10 high speed trains in the world. The Al Boraq line, operating trains between Casablanca and Tangier, includes a newly built high-speed track and an upgraded existing line. The train, belonging to the Alstom Avelia Euroduplex family, can reach speeds up to 320km/h. The high-speed line has halved travel times from Casablanca to Rabat to just over two hours.
8. Renfe AVE 103: 310 km/h (Spain)
The Spanish Renfe Class 103, part of the Siemens Velaro family of trains, is synonymous with high-speed rail. Operating at maximum speeds of 310 km/h, these trains have helped connect major cities within Spain since 1992. An interesting feature of these trains is the glass screen separating passenger seating from the driver’s cab – letting passengers enjoy the same views as the conductor.
9. Korail KTX-Sancheon: 305km/h (Korea)
Korail, South Korea’s national railway operator, kicked off its high-speed rail services in 2004 with the Korail KTX-Sancheon. This indigenously designed and developed train operates at a maximum speed of 305km/h. The KTX-Sancheon, named after a local fish variety, frequently runs on the South Korean high-speed rail network with 71 train sets currently in operation.
10. Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000: 300km/h (Italy)
The last train on our list of top 10 high speed trains in the world is Italy’s Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000, also known as the ETR 1000, which was a joint project by Hitachi Rail Italy and Alstom. This high-speed train, whose name translates to “red arrow,” reaches operational speeds of 300km/h. However, during testing in 2015, the ETR1000 even managed to hit an impressive 389km/h. The state-of-the-art train is a direct response to Italo, a private operator in Italy, offering services reaching 400km/h.
Also read: top 10 train journeys in the world
