Top 10 Fastest Trains in the World 

Top 10 Fastest Trains in the World 

Of course, trains cannot fly over the sea like airplanes. But that doesn’t mean trains can’t run as fast as planes. Fortunately, some trains in this modern world are as fast as airplanes. Here are the fastest trains in the world.

10. THSR 700T, 186.4 mph (about 299.98 km/h) , Taiwan

THSR 700T is a series of high-speed combined trains from Taiwan. The service was launched on January 5, 2007 in Taipei and Kaohsiung. At a top speed of 186.4 mph, the THSR 700T can reduce travel time between these cities from 4 hours 30 minutes to just 90 minutes.

The 700T train has a total set of 12 cars. It features a multi-engine system and 9 out of 12 power the train. What it offers is speed and space.

The 700T train was built by a consortium of three major companies: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Nippon Sharyo and Hitachi. The 700T’s powerful motor delivers 0-186.4 miles of acceleration in just 15 minutes.

9. ETR 500 Frecciarossa Train, 186.4 mph (approx. 299.98 km/h) , Italy

The ETR 500 Frecciarossa is the fastest train service in Italy operated by the company Trenitalia. Frecciarossa trains have a maximum speed of 186.4 mph. The service operates on the route Milan – Rome – Naples, 72 times daily.

Today there are 28 non-stop Prica Rossa trains between Milan and Rome. With a top speed of 186.4 mph, the Frecciarossa will reach Rome from Milan in just 2 hours and 40 minutes.

8. SNCF TGV Duplex, 198.8 mph (approx. 319.93 km/h) , France

TGV Duplex is the fastest train service in France. This powerful train can reach a maximum speed of 198.8 mph. The SNCF railway company operates this high-speed train service. TGV Duplex went into service in December 2011.

It is a double-deck high-speed train connecting all major cities in France. It has 508 seats and is one of the most comfortable European trains.

The Alstom manufacturing company created the TGV duplex train. They used high-quality aluminum for the construction of the TGV duplex to reduce weight. The TGV Duplex boasts an eco-friendly design and a 90% recycling rate. In addition, the train’s rigid passenger cabin ensures safety in the event of a crash.

7. Alstom Euroduplex, 198.8 mph (approx. 319.93 km/h) , France

Euroduplex trains are the third series of TGV double trains. The Euroduplex train service is operated by the French railway company SNCF. The service connects the French, Swiss, German and Luxembourg railway networks. This multi-system, double-deck train can travel at a top speed of 198.8 mph.

Euroduplex trains entered service in December 2011. The train can carry 1020 passengers at a time. The Alstom railway company designs Euroduplex trains.

6. E5 Series Shinkansen Hayabusa, 198.8 mph (approx. 319.93 km/h) , Japan

The E5 series Shinkansen Hayabusa is the fastest high-speed train service in Japan today. This train service began on March 5, 2011 and is operated by the Eastern Railway Company. e5 series trains operate between Tokyo and Aomori. At a top speed of 198.8 mph, the E5 series Shinkansen will reach Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station (distance – 444.28 mile<approximately 715 km) in just 2 hours and 56 minutes.

5. Talgo 350, 217.4 mph (approx. 349.87 km/h) , Spain

Spain’s Talgo 350 high-speed train is operated by the national railway company. This high-speed train can achieve a top speed of 217.4 mph. The Talgo 350 operates between Madrid and Barcelona.

This train has 2 running cars and 12 passenger cars. It is also known as ‘Pato’ in Spain, named after the duck’s beak, like the nose of the car in front. This unique design of the Talgo 350 is optimized to handle pressure.

4. Siemens Velaro E / AVS 103, 217.4 mph (approx. 349.87 km/h) , Spain

The Velaro E is the Spanish version of the Velaro E high-speed train developed by the German engineering company Siemens. Velaro trains in Spain are designated AVS 103. Velaro E operates between Barcelona and Madrid.

The Velaro E drives at a maximum speed of 217.4 mph. Velaro E trains can take passengers from Barcelona to Madrid in just two and a half hours. During the trial period, the Velaro E achieved a top speed of 250.84 mph.

3. AGV Italo, 223.6 mph (approx. 359.84 km/h) , Italy

AVG Italo is one of the fastest trains in Europe. The maximum operating speed of this high-speed train is 223.6 mph. However, in initial tests, the AVG train had a record speed of 356.6 miles in 2007. French manufacturing company Alstom builds this combined train. In 2008, the Italian company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV) ordered AVG trains from Alstom for 2.5 billion euros.

2. Harmony CRH 380A, 236.12 mph (approx. 379.99 km/h) , China

China Railways Harmony CRH 380A is the world’s second fastest running train service. In commercial service, this electric, multi-unit train can achieve a maximum speed of 236.12 mph. But it sets a record speed of 258.58 miles during initial testing. In October 2010, China Railways put the CRH 380a train into regular service between the Shangai-Nanjing route.

The CRH 380A high-speed train is manufactured by CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock company. The CRH 380A has a lightweight aluminum alloy body and a fish head like the car in front. This special design of the train can reduce the aerodynamic pressure for running. The bogies of the CRH 380A are completely vibration-free.

1. Shanghai Maglev, 267.8 mph (about 430.98 km/h) , China

The Shanghai Maglev is the world’s fastest train with a maximum travel speed of 267.8 miles. This service is operated by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co. The Shanghai Maglev operates on Shanghai’s high-speed maglev line. Maglev is an abbreviation for magnetic levitation.

Unlike regular train tracks, the Shanghai Maglev has no wheels and the train and it float in the magnetic field that exists between the train and the track. This electromagnetic pull, provided by a powerful magnet, causes the train to fly over the track as there is no contact between the train and the track.

The Shanghai Maglev can reach a top speed from 0 mph to 267.8 mph in just 4 minutes. Shanghai’s 18.95-mile-long maglev line is the world’s only commercially available maglev train. Siemens and ThyssenKrupp companies created the Shanghai Maglev. Shanghai maglev’s public service began on January 1, 2004.

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