Fastest Trains in the World

1. L0 Series Maglev - Japan (603 km/h)

The L0 Series Maglev holds the absolute world speed record for any train at 603 km/h (375 mph), achieved on April 21, 2015, on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line in Japan. This is not a wheeled train. It uses electromagnetic levitation technology to float above the guideway, eliminating friction entirely. The L0 Series uses superconducting magnets cooled to -269 degrees Celsius to achieve levitation and propulsion. Japan is building the Chuo Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Nagoya using this technology, where commercial service at 500 km/h is expected to begin by 2034.

2. TGV V150 - France (574.8 km/h)

The TGV V150 set the world record for conventional wheeled trains at 574.8 km/h (357 mph) on April 3, 2007, on the LGV Est line between Paris and Strasbourg. The specially modified TGV trainset used a conventional wheel-on-rail design but with significantly increased power, producing a combined 10,000 horsepower. The record run covered 100 km in 2 minutes and 39 seconds. Normal TGV service operates at 320 km/h, demonstrating the significant gap between test records and commercial speeds.

3. CRH380A - China (486.1 km/h)

The CRH380A achieved a test speed of 486.1 km/h (302 mph) on December 3, 2010, on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway during a trial run. Developed by CSR Qingdao Sifang, the CRH380A became the basis for China's next-generation high-speed trains. In regular commercial service, the CRH380A operates at 300-350 km/h on China's extensive high-speed rail network, which is the largest in the world at over 42,000 km of track.

4. Shanghai Maglev - China (431 km/h commercial)

The Shanghai Maglev is the world's fastest train in regular commercial service, operating at 431 km/h (268 mph) on the 30.5 km line connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city's edge. Using German Transrapid technology, the train levitates 10 mm above the track and covers the entire distance in approximately 7 minutes. While incredibly fast, the Shanghai Maglev is often criticized for its limited utility as it only serves one short route.

5. AVE S-103 (Siemens Velaro) - Spain (404 km/h)

The AVE S-103, based on the Siemens Velaro platform, set a Spanish speed record of 404 km/h (251 mph) on July 9, 2006, on the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed line. In commercial service, these trains operate at 300-310 km/h. Spain's AVE network connects major cities at high speed and has carried over 100 million passengers since its inauguration in 1992.

6. ICE 3 (Siemens Velaro) - Germany (368 km/h)

The German ICE 3, also based on the Siemens Velaro platform, achieved a test speed of 368 km/h (229 mph) in 2001. In regular service on the ICE network, these trains operate at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). The ICE 3 was the first German high-speed train to use distributed traction with motors under the floor rather than in a separate locomotive, enabling higher speeds and better acceleration.

7. CR400AF Fuxing - China (350 km/h commercial)

The CR400AF Fuxing is China's most advanced conventional high-speed train and represents the country's Rejuvenation class of rolling stock. It operates at 350 km/h (217 mph) in regular commercial service, making it the fastest conventional wheeled train in scheduled operation. The Fuxing trains are entirely designed and manufactured in China and feature advanced safety systems and improved energy efficiency.

8. Shinkansen E5 - Japan (320 km/h commercial)

The Shinkansen E5/H5 Series operates at 320 km/h (199 mph) on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines in Japan. These trains are known for their distinctive long nose design (15 meters), which reduces sonic boom noise when entering tunnels. The E5 offers first-class Gran Class seating and features active suspension for superior ride comfort at high speeds. Japan's Shinkansen network has maintained a perfect safety record since 1964.