The World's Top 7 Quickest Trains Right Now
For those looking to get around without the hassle of flying, there are many high speed trains that will whisk you to your destination in record time. From Japan's L0 Series maglev train that levitates at speeds up to 357 mph to China's Harmony CRH380A trains.
The fastest train in the world is named Al Boraq, which runs from Tangier to Casablanca and cuts travel time to just under an hour.
1. Shanghai Maglev
With a top speed of 430 kilometers per hour, the Shanghai Maglev (which also goes by the abbreviated name of SMT) is the world's fastest commercial train. The line runs from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city center and covers 30 kilometers in just seven minutes, a blistering pace that brings it close to the maximum flight speed of a Bombardier Global Express plane.
Maglev trains float on magnetic cushions, which eliminates friction between the train and track, and allows for much higher speeds than traditional high-speed rail lines. They're also considered environmentally friendly, emitting less pollution and needing to be serviced less frequently than conventional trains.
The streamlined trains look like a cross between space-age fighter jets and conventional trains, hoovering millimeters above single gray tracks imbedded with powerful magnets. They humming noiselessly as they move, and only make the faintest of sounds when pulling into station. To get a closer look at the magic technology, head to the Shanghai Transportation Science and Technology Museum at Longyang Road Station in Pudong. The museum is free and offers a great opportunity to learn more about maglev trains.
2. Hemu- 430 X
Known locally as the Shanghai Transrapid, this Maglev train is the fastest in China. With a top speed of 268 mph, it’s one of the most impressive trains you’ll ever ride. It operates out of the city of Shanghai, and runs from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to downtown Shanghai.
South Korea was the fourth country to develop a high-speed train, and this model—known as HEMU-430X—was designed to run at speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph). This is an upgrade from the current KTX train, which runs in Seoul and Busan, and connects every big city in the nation.
The HEMU-430X is powered by a combination of IGBT PWM converters and VVVF inverter-controlled asynchronous traction motors. It was also built to be quieter and about 5% lighter than the current KTX train.
The HEMU-430X was recently tested by increasing its speed to 421 km/h (275 mph) on a section of track that was originally designed for 350km/h. The test results showed that the train was able to maintain its original speed without compromising safety, and with only minor deviations in track geometry and elastic vertical displacement. It also surpassed the previous record of 531 km/h (340 mph) set by the Tohoku Shinkansen in 1996.
3. Fuxing Hao
Fuxing Hao is the fastest conventional high-speed train in regular service today, and it's also China's fastest non-maglev train. It travels between Shanghai and Beijing in less than four hours, a significant reduction from the 10 hours it takes to fly between these two megalopolises.
This series of electric multiple unit trains (EMUs) is operated by CRRC and designed by China Railway, with a maximum operating speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The trains are equipped with advanced detection systems that can respond to any failure onboard, including an emergency stop. They can also move to a safer location at low speed if stranded on a bridge or in a tunnel.
The Fuxing Hao's passenger cars feature seat information displays, electrical sockets, complimentary Wi-Fi, and first-class seats that can be converted into beds. They are among the most well-equipped bullet trains in the world, making it easier than ever to relax while traveling at record speeds.
There are currently 712 trains in the Fuxing Hao fleet, serving first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Guangzhou. In 2019, an extended version of the train was introduced with 17 carriages, capable of transporting 1280 passengers.
4. Frecciarossa 1000
Italy’s Trenitalia offers a number of high-speed trains but their flagship model is Frecciarossa 1000. These ETR (Electric Multiple Unit) trains are designed and built in Italy by AnsaldoBreda and Bombardier, and offer an interoperability solution that works on European high-speed railway networks.
These sleek trains can reach top speeds of up to 400km/h, making them one of the fastest trains in Europe. They run on Italy’s main high speed line from Turin to Milan via Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples to Salerno, as well as on routes to Venice and Verona.
The train features 16 powerful engines that are distributed throughout the coaches, which allows it to exploit the best adherence with the rails at high-speed travel. The train also uses a predictive diagnostic system that monitors the performance of each motor axis and continuously transmits useful information to on-board personnel, maintenance staff and control rooms.
Frecciarossa offers Business Class, Premium Class and Standard Class seats. The latter is what used to be second class and comes with either fabric or leather seats in a four seat row (with the aisle in the middle). All classes have reclining seats, on-board catering, access for people with reduced mobility and PC sockets on board.
5. Eurostar
The Eurostar is the fastest train that travels internationally between London and Paris. It is a high-speed passenger train jointly operated by SNCF, the national railways of France, and SNCB, the Belgian national railways. The service has been operating since 1994 and it zooms right into the heart of your destination city.
It is based on the French TGV, or Train à Grande Vitesse, and it has been modified to meet British safety regulations for trains entering the Channel Tunnel. The train is also designed to be split into two halves, with a power car on each end of the train so it can detach in case of emergency.
TPG recently hopped aboard for a trip on the Eurostar and we were impressed with the speed, comfort, and convenience of the service. Check out the video to see our experience traveling in both Business Premier and Standard Premier fare classes.
If you're interested in booking a ticket, head over to the official website for more information. Just be prepared to spend a bit of money—the price tag for business class is quite steep! However, for those willing to splurge, you'll get some cool perks like handy smartphone stands built into the back of your seat.
6. Avelia Liberty
Amtrak recently announced the purchase of 28 train sets from Alstom branded Avelia Liberty, to replace its original Acela Express trains on the 730 km Northeast Corridor line between Boston, New York City and Washington DC. The trains will allow Amtrak to offer more frequent service, increase capacity and reduce journey times. They will also improve operating costs and energy efficiency. They will be built at Alstom's Hornell and Rochester plants in the US, creating 400 jobs. They will also use a US-based fuel cell that reduces emissions and noise.
The trains will be able to reach 160 mph on the fastest stretches of track, a big improvement over Acela's current top speed in some parts of RI and MA. They'll also have an active tilt system to cope with curved tracks, something that isn't possible with the Acelas currently in use.
While they'll be more expensive than the current fleet, the higher purchase price will be offset by lower maintenance bills and less reliance on oil, says Amtrak. Plus, the trains come with a maintenance agreement, similar to the one Italo's Pendolino trains have in Britain and Italy. This will be key for preventing the trains from becoming a money pit like the Acelas have been.
7. Talgo AVRIL HSR
Talgo AVRIL HSR (Alta Velocidad Rueda Independiente Ligero — Light Independent Wheel High Speed) is a very high-speed train designed for speeds of up to 380 km/h. It started dynamic testing in February 2021, after which the homologation process began, and it is expected to begin operating on the Madrid-Galicia high-speed line by 2023.
The new trains have two power cars and 12 passenger cars that are each 200 meters long. These vehicles are designed to offer level boarding from the platform and a step-free interior that can accommodate passengers with reduced mobility or travelling with pushchairs, large luggage or bicycles.
Unlike some other HSRs that require expensive track upgrades to reach high-speed speeds, Talgo AVRIL HSR is compatible with most existing lines and can travel at 330 km/h on 1435 mm-gauge infrastructure. This feature has made it a popular choice for operators, and has helped the train to score contracts in recent years from European railways including Deutsche Bahn.
Talgo has a strong history of developing innovative railway systems, and its founder Alejandro Goicoechea is considered to be the father of high-speed trains in Spain. The company is based in Rivabellosa, northern Spain, and produces rolling stock for rail companies around the world.
