Red Arrows
Italy’s Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) trains can reach speeds of up to 360 kph (224 mph).
Heat and Speed
Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Mecca and Medina, traveling at speeds of 300 kph (186 mph) with trains adapted for desert conditions.
The Fast and the Floating
China is leading the global introduction of Maglev train services, which utilize magnetic levitation.
Fuxing Fast
China's CR400 "Fuxing" trains operate at a commercial speed of 350 kph (217 mph) but have reached 420 kph (260 mph) during tests.
Ice Worms
Germany’s Intercity-Express (ICE) trains, known as "White Worms," typically run at 300 kph (186 mph) but can reach 330 kph (205 mph) when necessary.
Train à Grande Vitesse
France’s high-speed network, the TGV, connects major cities at speeds of up to 320 kph (199 mph).
Speeding Bullets
Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet trains, revolutionized high-speed rail travel, with many trains reaching 300 kph (186 mph) and some hitting 320 kph (200 mph).
Casablanca Express
Morocco’s Al Boraq line, Africa’s first high-speed rail, operates between Tangiers and Casablanca at speeds of 320 kph (200 mph).
The Train in Spain
Spain’s AVE trains generally operate at a maximum of 310 kph (193 mph) but set a record at 404 kph (251 mph) in 2006.
Seoul Train
South Korea’s KTX trains can reach speeds of 330 kph (205 mph), significantly reducing travel time between major cities.
The Global Shift to High-Speed Rail
As climate change looms, many travelers are opting for high-speed rail over short-haul flights. The "flygskam" movement from Scandinavia encourages reducing air travel. High-speed rail is seen as a viable alternative for journeys up to 700 miles, offering speed and convenience that airlines struggle to match.
Since the 1980s, billions have been invested in high-speed rail across Europe and Asia, with Japan’s Shinkansen and France’s TGV leading the way. China now boasts the most extensive high-speed network, spanning 38,000 kilometers, with Europe also expanding its services.
Africa recently joined the ranks with Morocco’s Al Boraq line, and other countries, including India and the U.S., are exploring new rail options.
Top 10 Fastest Trains in 2023
Shanghai Maglev – 460 kph (286 mph, China)
The world’s fastest train, using magnetic levitation to connect Pudong Airport and Longyang Road.CR400 ‘Fuxing’ – 350 kph (217 mph, China)
China’s latest high-speed marvel, capable of carrying 1,200 passengers.ICE3 – 330 kph (205 mph, Germany)
Known for its sleek design, this train has drastically reduced travel times on the Cologne-Frankfurt route.TGV – 320 kph (198.5 mph, France)
Europe’s first high-speed train, with a long history of record-breaking speeds.JR East E5 – 320 kph (200 mph, Japan)
These bullet trains feature advanced technology and unique designs to minimize noise.Al Boraq – 320 kph (198.5 mph, Morocco)
Africa's first high-speed line, significantly cutting travel times.AVE S-103 – 310 kph (193 mph, Spain)
Spain’s flagship high-speed service, built on TGV technology.KTX – 305 kph (190 mph, South Korea)
The KTX trains have transformed travel times between cities.Frecciarossa ETR1000 – 300 kph (186 mph, Italy)
Known for speed and luxury, with ongoing competition from other European services.Haramain High-Speed Railway – 300 kph (186 mph, Saudi Arabia)
Connecting Mecca and Medina, adapted for harsh desert conditions.
High-speed rail is poised to reshape travel in the coming years, offering efficient, sustainable alternatives to flying.
