Producer: Priyanka DasEditor: Aparna Singh | April 03, 2025
Shanghai Maglev:
It is currently the world’s fastest commercial train, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph). It connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the outskirts of central Pudong in Shanghai, covering a distance of 30.5 kilometres in just 8 minutes.
CR450:
This high-speed train prototype is designed for a maximum operating speed of 400 km/h, with a test speed of 450 km/h (281 mph).
Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF:
The China Railway (CR) Fuxing, also known as the CR series EMU, is a series of high-speed trains. On an average day, the train operates at 350 km/h.
French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV):
Initially running on Europe’s first high-speed railway in France, the TGV was once the world’s fastest train. It operates in the regions of Paris, Eastern France, and Southern Germany, at a speed of 320 km per hour.
Shinkansen:
Japan was the first country to develop a dedicated high-speed railway network to connect distant Japanese regions with the capital, Tokyo. The bullet train, known for its punctuality and speed, has a top operating speed of 320 km/h.
Eurostar e320:
This high-speed railway train connects London with Avignon, Lille, Brussels, Marseille, Lyon, and Paris. It has a top speed of 320 km per hour.
Al Boraq:
The trains running on Africa’s first high-speed railway, Al Boraq in Morocco, stand at number seven on our list. The trains run at speeds as high as 320 km/h on the 323km dedicated high-speed track.
AVE 103:
The Renfe Class 103 is a high-speed train that runs in Spain. The state-run trains, also known as Series 103 or S103, are manufactured by Siemens as part of the Velaro family. It carries up to 404 passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.
Korail KTX Series:
Next on the list is South Korea’s national railway operator, Korail, which runs the country’s high-speed rail service. The train has a top operational speed of 305 km/h and is the first high-speed train designed and developed in South Korea.
Frecciarossa 1000:
This Italian train, with a maximum speed of 394 kilometres per hour, operates in cities such as Venice, Rome, Milan, and Florence. The Frecciarossa features advanced aerodynamics and comfortable interiors for a smooth, speedy ride.