Shanghai Maglev To Frecciarossa 1000: Top 10 Fastest Trains In The World – News18

Last Updated:April 02, 2025, 15:13 IST

General Knowledge: From the futuristic Shanghai Maglev to Italy’s sleek Frecciarossa 1000, explore the world’s fastest trains pushing the limits of speed and innovation.

When choosing a mode of transportation, speed is one of the most crucial factors in a commuter’s mind after comfort. Yes, aeroplanes are the most preferred, but when we talk about overall comfort and experience that does not strain our pockets, nothing can beat trains. Trains have captured our imagination for centuries, evolving from steam-powered behemoths to sleek, futuristic machines.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 fastest trains in the world, racing towards the future on wheels:

Shanghai Maglev: It is currently the world’s fastest commercial train, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph). It connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the outskirts of central Pudong in Shanghai, covering a distance of 30.5 kilometres in just 8 minutes. This train is considered the oldest commercial maglev (magnetic levitation) train still operating on the tracks.

CR450: This high-speed train prototype is designed for a maximum operating speed of 400 km/h, with a test speed of 450 km/h (281 mph). Developed by China State Railway Group Co., the CR450 bullet train incorporates cutting-edge technologies in safe high-speed operation, vibration and noise control, comprehensive lightweight construction, and integrated intelligent design.

Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF: The China Railway (CR) Fuxing, also known as the CR series EMU, is a series of high-speed trains. Developed by China Railway Corporation, Fuxing trains connect the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai. On an average day, the train operates at 350 km/h. During test runs, the train once reached a peak speed of 420 kilometres per hour.

French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV): Initially running on Europe’s first high-speed railway in France, the TGV was once the world’s fastest train. It operates in the regions of Paris, Eastern France, and Southern Germany, at a speed of 320 km per hour. This network received a speed upgrade with the POS, designed for future intercity travel.

Shinkansen: Japan was the first country to develop a dedicated high-speed railway network to connect distant Japanese regions with the capital, Tokyo. In 1964, the network was launched as the 515km Tokyo–Nagoya–Osaka Tokaido Shinkansen line, but it currently spans almost 3,000km of track. The bullet train, known for its punctuality and speed, has a top operating speed of 320 km/h.

Eurostar e320: This high-speed railway train connects London with Avignon, Lille, Brussels, Marseille, Lyon, and Paris. It has a top speed of 320 km per hour. Entering service in 2015, the Eurostar e320 roof is equipped with eight pantographs for dealing with Europe’s different power systems and contact line types across the Eurostar network.

Al Boraq: The trains running on Africa’s first high-speed railway, Al Boraq in Morocco, stand at number seven on our list. It comprises two sections – a newly built high-speed line from Tangier to Kenitra and an upgraded existing line from Kenitra to Casablanca. The trains run at speeds as high as 320 km/h on the 323km dedicated high-speed track.

AVE 103: The Renfe Class 103 is a high-speed train that runs in Spain. The state-run trains, also known as Series 103 or S103, are manufactured by Siemens as part of the Velaro family. In 1992, the Spanish high-speed rail began operation when the first line was opened, connecting the cities of Madrid, Córdoba and Seville. Since then, the network has expanded, and 26 trainsets run on the 621km Barcelona–Madrid high-speed railway. It carries up to 404 passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.

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Korail KTX Series: Next on the list is South Korea’s national railway operator, Korail, which runs the country’s high-speed rail service. More commonly known as KTX, Korea Train Express began operation in 2004. The train has a top operational speed of 305 km/h and is the first high-speed train designed and developed in South Korea.

Frecciarossa 1000: This Italian train, with a maximum speed of 394 kilometres per hour, operates in cities such as Venice, Rome, Milan, and Florence. The Frecciarossa features advanced aerodynamics and comfortable interiors for a smooth, speedy ride.