These “lightning-fast” trains come from all around the world, including countries such as Japan, France, and China.
Shinkansen – Japan: Shinkansen is the name given to Japan’s high-speed trains. This high-speed rail system can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. The first Shinkansen line was inaugurated in 1964. Since then, the network has expanded to include 12 lines and 2,731 km of track. Shinkansen trains are the longest in Japan, traversing the entire country and transporting over 400 million passengers annually. They are renowned for their reliability, punctuality, and safety. (Photo: Fikri Rasyid).
Talgo 350 – Spain: The Talgo 350 high-speed train can achieve speeds of up to 350 km/h. Introduced in 2005, it is currently operated by the Spanish national railway operator, Renfe. Talgo 350 has been used on various routes in Spain, including the Madrid – Barcelona line. In 2012, it set a new world record for the longest non-stop high-speed rail journey, covering 1,638 km from Madrid to Malaga. (Photo: beyzahzah).
ICE 3 – Germany: The ICE 3 is a high-speed electric multiple unit operated by Deutsche Bahn, introduced in 1999 and put into regular service from 2000. This train can reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h. ICE 3 uses an overhead electric system and a third rail for power supply. The train features wireless internet, air conditioning, and reclining seats for a comfortable travel experience across Europe. (Photo: Jürgen/Pixabay).
AVE – Spain: This high-speed train can reach speeds of 350 km/h. AVE was introduced in 1992 and has been operated by the state railway company Renfe since then. The AVE network includes over 3,000 km of track and is the longest high-speed rail network in Europe. AVE connects major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, as well as offering international services to France and Portugal. (Photo: vlada11/Pixabay).
AGV Italo – Italy: This high-speed train operating in Italy is designed by Alstom and is currently operated by NTV. It has been in revenue service since April 2012. Holding the title of the fastest train in Italy, AGV Italo can reach speeds of up to 360 km/h. The train consists of 8 cars, 4 of which are powered by electric motors. AGV Italo runs on Iberian gauge tracks, which are wider than standard gauge. (Photo: VitaliiMelnyk/Pixabay).
Frecciarossa 1000 – Italy: The Frecciarossa 1000 operates on Italy’s High-Speed Rail Network. It is operated by Trenitalia and can reach speeds of up to 400 km/h. Introduced in 2015, this train is a successor to earlier Frecciarossa trains. The new model is designed for high speeds and features more comfortable interiors. (Photo: Anthony Davey/Pixabay).
Shanghai Maglev – China: China operates a super-fast magnetic levitation train known as the Shanghai Maglev. This train has a maximum speed of 430 km/h, completing the 30 km journey between Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport and Long Yang Road Station in just 8 minutes. (Photo: Götz Friedrich).
CRH380A – China: The CRH380A is a distributed electric multiple unit (EMU) developed and operated by CSR Corporation Limited in China. With a maximum speed of 380 km/h, it is currently the fastest EMU in operation worldwide. As of 2019, a total of 577 CRH380A trains had been manufactured and put into operation on various high-speed routes in China. (Photo: PublicDomainPictures).
TGV – France: TGV is the high-speed train operating in France. It is the fastest conventional steel train in the world, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h. TGV has been in operation since 1981, transporting over one billion passengers. The TGV network consists of over 2,000 km of track. Besides speed, TGV is also known for its comfort, reliability, and safety, making it one of the safest forms of transport. (Photo: Erich Westendarp).
Siemens Velaro E/AVs 103 – Spain: Siemens Velaro operates on several high-speed rail lines, including AVE in Spain, ICE in Germany, and TGV in France. The train is manufactured by Siemens AG and was first introduced in 2004. The Velaro can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, making it one of the fastest trains currently in operation. With high speed combined with comfort and safety, Velaro is a popular choice among passengers for long-distance journeys. (Photo: Alfonso Cerezo).
L0 Series Maglev – Japan: Maximum speed: 603 km/h (during testing). Japan’s L0 Series maglev train set a world record with a speed of 603 km/h during a test in 2015. Expected to enter commercial operation in 2027, the Chūō Shinkansen will connect Tokyo and Nagoya in just 40 minutes, significantly reducing current travel times. (Photo: Wikipedia).
Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF – China: Maximum speed: 350 km/h. Fuxing Hao, also known as “Rejuvenation,” is a new generation of high-speed trains in China. With a maximum speed of 350 km/h, Fuxing Hao connects Beijing and Shanghai in approximately 4 and a half hours. The train is equipped with advanced technology, ensuring safety and comfort for passengers. (Photo: X.com).
HEMU-430X – South Korea: Maximum speed: 421 km/h (during testing). The HEMU-430X (High-Speed Electric Multiple Unit 430 km/h eXperiment) is a prototype high-speed train in South Korea. Although it has not yet entered commercial service, HEMU-430X achieved a speed of 421 km/h during tests, promising new breakthroughs for South Korea’s high-speed rail industry. (Photo: Wikipedia)
