Top 10: Fastest Train in the World 2023 - Experience the High-Speed
by Subhashree M
Updated Mar 29, 2023
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Fastest Train in the World 2023
Trains have been a mode of transportation for centuries, and with advancements in technology, they have become faster and more efficient. As of 2023, the fastest train in the world is the Shanghai Maglev, operating in China. This train utilizes magnetic levitation technology, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph). The Shanghai Maglev has been in operation since 2004 and remains a popular transportation option for travelers in Shanghai. Its record-breaking speed and innovative technology have made it a symbol of modern engineering and a testament to the possibilities of transportation in the future
Top 10 Fastest Trains in the World
S.No
Fastest Train
Speed
1
Shanghai Maglev-China
267 mph
2
Fuxing Hao CR400 AF/BF-China
249 mph
3
Harmony CRH 380A - China
236 mph
4
Shinkansen E5, H5 Series- Japan
224 mph
5
AGV Italo – Italy
223 mph
6
Talgo 350 – Spain
217 mph
7
Haramain Western Railway-Saudi Arabia
217 mph
8
Deutsche Bahn Ice-Germany
205 mph
9
Korail KTX- South Korea
205 mph
10
Eurostar E30- The United Kingdom
200 mph
1. Shanghai Maglev-China
The world’s fastest train is the Shanghai Maglev, which some people might not consider a genuine train, but it is. Maglev technology has been around for about thirty years, but it has not been successful in most places. The longest maglev tracks are in Shanghai, and they connect the Pudong Airport with Longyang Road Station. The trip is only 8 minutes long, and trains depart every fifteen minutes. For comparison, the Union Pacific 4014, also known as The Big Boy, which was the fastest train in the United States after the Second World War, would have taken more than twenty minutes to complete the journey. Maglev trains levitate over the tracks with the help of magnetic repulsion, eliminating the need for wheels. This allows them to reach high speeds that are comparable to those of airplanes. It is similar to a hovercraft but for trains. Because there is no contact with the tracks, there is no noise or vibration. However, long-distance maglev is not yet feasible because the tracks must be perfectly straight, and it is prohibitively expensive to construct. The only other operational maglev system in the world is at South Korea's Incheon Airport, and it runs at a speed of only 68 mph.
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2. Fuxing Hao CR400 AF/BF-China
The Fuxing Hao CR400 is currently the swiftest conventional long-distance train worldwide, capable of accommodating more than 550 commuters and covering the distance between Shanghai and Beijing in just five hours. The Fuxing Hao CR400's name translates to "revitalization," and it has two models, AF and BF, that differ slightly from each other and are called "Dolphin Blue" and "Golden Phoenix," respectively. The trains are usually in eight or sixteen-car sets. In 2016, the train made its debut and outpaced its Harmony 380 sibling by 13 mph to take the lead. According to reports and trial runs, the BF version can exceed speeds of 250 mph.
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3. Harmony CRH 380A - China
China takes the top three spots for the world's fastest trains, demonstrating its technological advancement in the past four decades. Japan, China's historical rival, lost its position as the fastest train operator to China ten years ago. The China South Locomotive & Rolling Stock Corporation Limited (CSR) designed the Harmony CRH 380A, which is the second-fastest wheeled train globally and started operation before the Beijing Olympics. The train is available in various configurations with eight to sixteen compartments and includes exceptional six-seat executive compartments equipped with a bar and a sightseeing lounge behind the driver. The seats, like airplanes, have LED screens, power outlets, and reading lamps. The fastest train routes run from Beijing to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Constructed from aluminum alloy, the train's long, barracuda nose makes it the envy of the rest of the world.
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4. Shinkansen E5, H5 Series- Japan
Japan is considered the birthplace of modern high-speed railway networks, and its "bullet train" is a legend, being the first and only choice for many purists. The network spans from Sapporo in the north to Nagasaki in the south, with Tokyo being its main hub. Currently, there are nine operational routes, and four more are expected to begin operations by 2023. Among several bullet train models, the H5 is the newest, which started service in 2016 and bears some resemblance to the Talgo 350. The train is known for its silent cars, thanks to excellent acoustic suppression, and all seats face forward. The Japan Rail Pass offers an economical option for travel on the H5. Each ten-car train includes eight Ordinary Class compartments that seat five abreast, a Green Class with four abreast seating, and a First Class with three abreast seating. Seats are available for both reserved and unreserved travel, but many lines experience exceptionally high demand, so interested travelers should consider booking in advance.
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5. AGV Italo – Italy
The plum red trains operated by Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori hold the title of Europe's fastest train, reaching speeds of up to 223 mph. Often referred to as the "Ferrari of the tracks," the consortium is headed by former Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. The train itself is built by Alstom AGV and is unique in that it is powered by axles throughout the rake, rather than having an engine at the front and rear, allowing for its impressive speed. Additionally, the train is lighter than similar designs by Talgo and Siemens, reportedly shedding up to 70 tons. The compartments are spacious, with a width of 9 feet, making it easy to maneuver luggage, and even the general compartments have luxurious leather seating. Initially running on the Naples to Milan route, the service has since expanded to include Turin and Venice.
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6. Talgo 350 – Spain
Patentes Talgo is the manufacturer of the Spanish Talgo 350, which operates between Madrid and Barcelona and is affectionately known as "Pato," meaning duck in Spanish, due to its distinctive duckbill-shaped nose cone. During its trial runs, the train achieved a speed of 228 miles per hour, although regular service from 2005 onwards is restricted to 215 mph. The design of the train prioritizes safety, alongside its high-speed capabilities. The coaches experience minimal rolling, and an innovative tilting mechanism ensures stability around corners. The train offers different classes, including Club (with 14-26 seats), First (with 26 seats), and Coach (with 36 seats), each equipped with reading lamps, reclining backs, and power points for laptop and cell phone recharging.
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7. Haramain Western Railway-Saudi Arabia
Inaugurated in 2018, the Haramain high-speed railway, which is also referred to as the Mecca-Medina high-speed corridor, spans 450 km (280 miles), reducing the travel time between the two most sacred sites of Islam to less than two hours. The fleet comprises 35 trains, each with a capacity of 400 passengers, enabling a theoretical annual transportation of 60 million passengers. The route encompasses five stations: Mecca, Medinah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and King Abdulaziz International Airport. The rolling stock, known as Talgo 350, was designed for RENFE and manufactured in partnership with Bombardier. With its unique snout resembling that of a dolphin, the silver streak zipping through the scorching desert sand is a remarkable spectacle.
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8. Deutsche Bahn Ice-Germany
Deutsche Bahn operates the InterCity Express, also known as ICE 4, which links major cities in Germany, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. It also connects to other locations outside of Germany, such as Austria, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The train boasts spacious and elegantly designed interiors, and its improved aerodynamics enable it to consume 30% less energy. Siemens and Bombardier collaborated to develop the ICE 4, which can accommodate over 450 seats and utilizes an innovative power car concept that includes 24 driven axles distributed among six of the twelve compartments. Deutsche Bahn has ordered an additional 30 trains from Siemens worth Euro 1 billion to operate on new lines connecting Dortmund and Munich, and some of these trains can eventually be used to travel to London through the Channel Tunnel, depending on the chassis design.
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9. Korail KTX- South Korea
Operated by Korail since 2009 and built by Hyundai, the KTX Sancheon is an upgraded version of the KTX-I and the first high-speed train designed and manufactured entirely in South Korea for the 2018 Incheon Winter Olympics. Its maximum speed of 205 mph is a common sight as the sleek blue and white express races across the countryside. With two classes, first and standard, it's a highly popular mode of transportation throughout the country. The Sancheon comprises either 8 or 16 cars, with rotating seats allowing passengers to face either direction for maximum legroom. It operates on five lines: Gyeongbu, Honam, Gyongjeon, Jeolla, and Gangneung, connecting Seoul to Busan, Mokpo, Gwangju, Gangneung, and Shinju.
10. Eurostar E30- The United Kingdom
Siemens introduced the British Rail Class 374 or Eurostar e320 in 2015, which boasts interiors created by the renowned Italian automotive stylist group, Pininfarina. Compared to its predecessor, the Eurostar e300, the e320 can accommodate 20 more passengers, providing comfortable seating for up to 900 individuals. The e320s run between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord and take only 2 hours and 16 minutes to travel the 305-mile distance, with a top speed of 200 mph when traversing the English Channel. In addition to the London to Paris route, there is also a service to Brussels. As a speedy and convenient alternative to air travel, the Eurostar e320 is a popular choice. It has a high frequency of operation, with trains running every hour from London to Paris every day of the week. Eurostar is renowned for its punctuality, with most trains arriving on time or no more than 15 minutes behind schedule. Furthermore, the train is highly eco-friendly, producing 90% fewer emissions per passenger than a London to Paris flight.
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Fastest Train in the World 2022
S.No
Fastest Train- 2022
1
Japan's L0 Series Maglev
2
CRRC Qingdao Sifang 2021 Maglev
3
JR Central MLX01 Maglev Train
4
TGV POS
5
CRH380A Hexie
6
Shanghai Maglev
7
HEMU-430X
8
Fuxing Hao CR 400AF
9
Siemens Velaro E
10
Frecciarossa 1000
Speed
375 mph
373 mph
361 mph
199 mph
302 mph
268 mph
267.2 mph
260 mph
250.8 mph
248.5 mph
Fastest Train in the World 2021
S.No
Fastest Train - 2021
Speed
1
L0 Series Maglev,Japan
375 mph
2
TGV POS,France
357.2 mph
3
Harmony CRH 380A,China
302.0 mph
4
Shanghai Maglev,China
268 mph
5
HEMU-430X,South Korea
267 mph
6
Fuxing Hao CR 400AF/BF, China
260 mph
7
Frecciarosa 1000,Italy
250 mph
8
Siemens Velaro, Spain
250 mph
9
AGV Italo,Italy
224 mph
10
Talgo 350,Spain
217 mph
Which is the Fastest Train in the World?
The Shanghai Maglev, short for "magnetic levitation," is a high-speed train that uses magnetic levitation technology to travel between Shanghai's Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station in the city center. It is also known as the Shanghai Transrapid and is operated by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd.The Shanghai Maglev has a maximum speed of 460 kph/286 mph making it one of the fastest trains in the world. The journey between the airport and Longyang Road Station takes just 7-8 minutes, compared to around 50 minutes by taxi or 1 hour by regular metro train.The train uses a unique form of propulsion called electromagnetic suspension (EMS), which allows it to float above the track and move at high speeds with minimal friction. The track itself is also specially designed with a series of magnetic coils that interact with the train's magnets to keep it suspended above the rail.The Shanghai Maglev has been in operation since 2004 and has transported millions of passengers between the airport and city center. While it is primarily used as a transportation option for travelers, it has also become a popular tourist attraction in its own right, with visitors from around the world coming to experience the thrill of riding on a maglev train.
Fastest Train in the World 2023-FAQ
The fastest train in the world was the Shanghai Maglev, which can reach a top speed of 431 km/h (267 mph) during its daily operation.
The Maglev train uses magnetic levitation technology to float above the tracks, reducing friction and allowing for higher speeds.
The timeline for building a high-speed train network can vary depending on the country, terrain, and funding availability. It can take several years to several decades to complete.