Top 10 Fastest High-speed Trains in the World: A Speedy Guide
Have you ever dreamed of traveling across the world in a matter of hours? Or experience the thrill of speed and comfort at the same time? Or witnessing the marvels of engineering and technology in action? If so, you might want to hop on a high-speed train. High-speed trains are trains that can travel faster than 200 km/h on dedicated tracks. They are not only fast but also safe, reliable, and eco-friendly. In this article, we will explore the 10 fastest high-speed trains in the world and how they compare to each other.
High-Speed Train/Rail: What It Is and How It Changes Travel
High-speed train or high-speed rail (HSR) is a type of rail network that uses trains that run much faster than traditional trains, using a system of specialized rolling stock and dedicated tracks. The high-speed trains can travel at speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph), and some can reach up to 355 km/h (221 mph) or more. High-speed train/rail is the fastest and most efficient ground-based method of commercial transportation. It offers many benefits such as reduced travel time, increased capacity, improved safety, lower environmental impact, and enhanced regional development. More than 20 countries, mostly in Asia and Europe, have high-speed train/rail networks, covering thousands of kilometers of tracks and connecting millions of passengers.
Top 10 Fastest High-speed Trains in the World
1. Shanghai Maglev Train – China
– Max speed: 431 km/h.
China operates a line of high-speed maglev trains called Shanghai Maglev. This train has a top speed of 430 km/h, covering the 30 km distance between Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes.
Read more about China.
2. CRH380A – China
– Max speed: 380 km/h.
The CRH380A is a distributed dynamics high-speed electric train (EMU) developed and operated by CSR Corporation Limited in China. With a top speed of 380 km/h, it is currently the fastest-operating EMU in the world. By 2019, 577 CRH380A trains had been constructed and deployed on different highways in China.
Read more about China.
3. Italo AGV – Italy
– Max speed: 360 km/h.
This high-speed train operating in Italy was designed by Alstom and is currently operated by NTV. The ship has been in operation with revenue since April 2012. Holding the title of the fastest train in Italy, the AGV Italo can reach speeds of up to 360 km/h. The train consists of 8 carriages, of which 4 are powered by electric motors. AGV Italo uses Iberian gauge rail, which is wider than standard gauge rail.
Read more about Italy.
4. Siemens Velaro E/AVs 103 – Spain
– Max speed: 350 km/h.
Siemens Velaro operates on several high-speed rail lines, including TCDD in Turkey, AVE in Spain, ICE in Germany, and TGV in France. The train is manufactured by Siemens AG and was first introduced in 2004. Velaro can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h making it one of the fastest trains in operation today. High speed along with ensuring comfort and safety, Velaro is the popular choice of passengers when traveling on long journeys.
Read more about Spain.
5. AVE – Spain
– Max speed: 350 km/h.
This high-speed train is capable of reaching speeds of 350 km/h. Renfe, the state railway company, has been running the AVE high-speed train since its introduction in 1992. The AVE network covers more than 3,000 km of tracks and is the longest high-speed rail network in Europe. AVE connects major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla, and also provides international services to France and Portugal.
Read more about Spain.
6. ICE 3 – Germany
– Max speed: 330 km/h.
ICE 3 is a high-speed electric unit operated by Deutsche Bahn, introduced in 1999 and put into regular use in 2000. This train can reach a maximum speed of 330 km/h. The ICE 3 uses a galvanometer system and a third rail for its power supply. The train offers wireless internet, air conditioning, and seats that recline for a comfortable travel experience in Europe.
Read more about Germany.
7. Talgo 350 – Spain
– Max speed: 330 km/h.
The Talgo 350 high-speed train is capable of reaching speeds of up to 330 km/h. The train was introduced in 2005 and is currently operated by Spain’s national railway operator, Renfe. Several routes in Spain, such as the one between Madrid and Barcelona, have used the Talgo 350 high-speed train. In 2012, the Talgo 350 set a new world record for the longest non-stop high-speed rail journey by traveling 1,638 km in a single circuit between Madrid and Malaga.
Read more about Spain.
8. Shinkansen – Japan
– Max speed: 320 km/h.
Shinkansen is the name given to Japan’s bullet trains. This high-speed rail system is capable of reaching 320 km/h. 1964 was the year the first Shinkansen line opened. Since then, the network has grown to include 12 lines and 2,731 km of tracks. The Shinkansen is Japan’s longest train, traveling across the country and carrying more than 400 million people annually. Shinkansen trains are renowned for their reliability, punctuality, and safety.
Read more about Japan.
9. TGV – France
– Max speed: 320 km/h.
TGV is a high-speed train operating in France. This is the world’s fastest train with conventional steel rails and wheels, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h. TGV has been in operation since 1981 and carries over one billion passengers. The TGV network includes more than 2,000 km of tracks. In addition to speed, TGVs are known for their comfort, and reliability, and are one of the safest forms of transportation.
Read more about France.
10. Frecciarossa 1000 – Italy
– Max speed: 300 km/h (certified).
The Frecciarossa 1000 is a high-speed train that runs on the Italian High-Speed Rail network. It can go up to 400 km/h and is operated by Trenitalia. The Frecciarossa 1000 entered service in 2015 and is the successor to the older Frecciarossa trains. The new train can reach high speeds and is equipped with a more comfortable interior.
Read more about Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions about High-speed Trains in the World
- What are very fast trains called?
Very fast trains are called high-speed trains or bullet trains. High-speed trains are trains that can travel faster than 200 km/h (124 mph) on dedicated tracks. Besides that, bullet trains are a nickname for the Japanese Shinkansen trains, which were the first to achieve high speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph) in 1964. - Are speed trains safe?
Speed trains are safe, reliable, and comfortable. They have never had a fatal accident in their history of operation. They also have advanced safety features, such as automatic train control, anti-collision systems, fire detection and suppression systems, and emergency brakes. - Is high speed train faster than airplane?
High speed train is not faster than airplane in terms of maximum speed, but it can be faster than airplane in terms of total travel time for short to medium distances. This is because the high-speed train does not require check-in, security screening, boarding, or baggage claim procedures. It also has fewer delays and cancellations than the airplane. It also connects city centers directly, while airplane usually requires additional transportation from airports to city centers. - Is high speed train good?
High speed train is good for many reasons. It offers many benefits, such as reduced travel time, increased capacity, improved safety, lower environmental impact, and enhanced regional development. It also provides a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. Furthermore, it stimulates economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. - What are the disadvantages of high speed trains?
High speed trains have some disadvantages, such as high construction and maintenance costs, land acquisition and displacement issues, noise and vibration problems, and potential competition with other modes of transportation. They also require political and public support, technical and operational standards, and international cooperation.
The Race for Speed: The Fastest High-Speed Trains in the World
We have seen some of the fastest high-speed trains in the world that can take you from one place to another in record time. They are not only impressive feats of engineering but also symbols of innovation and progress. Whether you want to experience the thrill of speed, the convenience of travel, or the beauty of the scenery, high-speed trains can offer you a unique and unforgettable journey. Which one of these high-speed trains would you like to ride someday? Let us know in the comments below.
The Broad Life introduces to you great, inspirational books for your wanderlust. They aren’t just simple travel, each book recounts the author’s journey to discover and learn many awesome things from new civilizations and places.
> READ MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL BOOKS OF ALL TIME
‘PIN IT’ NOW TO SAVE YOUR INTERESTING INFO ABOUT THE FASTEST HIGH-SPEED TRAINS IN THE WORLD
Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
2 Comments
-
-
Khoi Nguyen
You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment!
-
IBRAHIM
Thank you for sharıng!