Here Are Some Of The World’s Fastest-Running Trains

Since Japan introduced its first high-speed rail on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line in 1964, the world has changed. The initial top speed of the Shinkansen was 210km/h. In the world, there are over 20 countries that have high-speed rail networks. Here are some of the fastest trains.

1. Shanghai Maglev – China

The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest train in commercial service. The train runs between the Pudong Airport in Shanghai and the Longyang metro station in the outskirts of the city.

The train can reach a speed of 431kmph. To travel one kilometer, it needs no more than nine seconds. And it can cover 30 kilometers in just seven minutes.

Maglev trains run on a magnetic field that is in between the track and the train. Powerful magnets allow the train to move forward. Since the train makes no contact with the tracks, it doesn’t make any noise or vibration. But, long-distance maglev trains aren’t viable since the tracks have to stay straight. Moreover, it is expensive to manufacture. In the world, there is only one other maglev system located at the Incheon Airport in South Korea. The train here runs at only 68kmph.

2. Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF – China

China is staying ahead with its high-speed rail network. The country has the fastest conventional long-distance train in the world called Fuxing Hao CR400. The train can transport more than 550 passengers from Shanghai to Beijing (and vice versa) in only five hours. There are two models AF and BF. They are a bit different from each other. The AF is known as the Dolphin Blue while the BF is called the Golden Phoenix.

The Electric Multiple Unit started operating in June 2017. With an operational speed of 400kmph, it is the world’s second-fastest train. Some striking features include completely vibration-free coaches, free WiFi, a VIP sightseeing section, a separation unit for food and drinks.

The bodies of these trains are made of low-weight aluminum. The heads resemble fish heads. The design is intended to reduce aerodynamic pressure. The bodies are vibration-free, for a more comfortable ride.

3. Shinkansen H5 and E5 – Japan

The legend, the first in the world, the only “bullet train.” Japan is where the modern high-speed railways' system is created. Tokyo is set as the center of the network. It stretches to Nagasaki in the South and Sapporo in the North.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Hitachi co-manufactured these trains. Meanwhile, the East Japan Railway Company is in charge of operating and maintaining them. The Shinkansen H5 series is for Tohoku services while the E5 is for Hokkaido services.

Both trains offer 3 different classes: Standard, Green, and Gran. The Gran class offers high-end luxury facilities. The E5 train goes from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori station. The trains have an operational speed of 360kmph.

4. AGV Italo – Italy

In Europe, the train is the fastest commercially running train. AGV is manufactured by a French company called Alstom.

Called “Ferrari of the tracks,” it is quite an admired ride. The train transports passengers between Rome and Naples. It finishes a 226-km-journey in less than 1 hour. It began operating in 2012. In 2007, during its trial, the train set a world record after achieving a speed of 574.8kmph.

At the moment, the maximum operational speed of the train is 360kmph. What is interesting about this train is that 98% of its components are recyclable, making it the most eco-friendly train in this list. There are 3 different classes: Club, Prima, and Smart. There are facilities for free WiFi, live TV, and adjustable leather seats.

5. Siemens Velaro E/AVS 103 – Spain

The train is the fastest train in Spain and the second-fastest one in Europe. It is manufactured by Siemens, a German company. In Spain, it is operated by Renfe, a state-owned company. It runs between Barcelona and Madrid.

The maximum operating speed of the train is 350km/h. It began its operation in 2007. It takes the Velaro E/AVS 103 less than 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete a 625-km-journey. It is also passengers’ preferred mode to travel between Barcelona and Paris. The journey takes only 6 hours.

Over the years, many changes have been made to the train. It has received an up-rate in terms of power for higher acceleration. The top speed means the train takes less time going from Barcelona to Madrid and vice versa.

The train has eight cars in total. All offer excellent running comfort with facilities including live radio, large screen televisions, coffee machines, and more.

6. Alstom Euroduplex – France

Euroduplex trains can travel between European countries including Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Luxembourg.

The operational speed of the train is 320 kmph, making it one of Europe’s fastest trains. The train started operating in December 2011 with a capacity of 1020 passengers.

7. Deutsche Bahn ICE – Germany

Along with Europduplex, ICE trains are considered one of the most important trains in Europe. It interconnects different European countries like Germany, Austria, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. They are the flagship trains of Deutsche Bahn, German state railway.

These trains have a maximum operating speed of 320km/h. There are 259 trains operating in Germany as well as neighboring countries.

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