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20.08.2025

The Fastest Trains in the World: Speed Records and Engineering Feats

From legendary steam speedsters to futuristic magnetic levitation marvels, the fastest trains in the world have always captured the imagination of railfans. Speed is more than just a number – it’s the story of human ingenuity, engineering breakthroughs, and the relentless pursuit of shaving seconds off the clock. Whether you’re fascinated by bullet trains, maglev technology, or historic steam locomotives, here’s a deep dive into the fastest trains ever built.

 

Fastest Bullet Trains by Country

1. L0 Series Maglev (Japan) – The Speed King

  • Top Speed: 603 km/h (374 mph) – World record holder for rail vehicles.

  • Technology: Magnetic levitation (maglev) eliminates wheel-to-rail contact, reducing friction to almost zero.

  • History: Developed by JR Central, the L0 Series set its record in April 2015 on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line. It’s expected to enter passenger service on the Chūō Shinkansen line in the late 2020s.

  • Enthusiast Note: If speed is your passion, nothing beats watching a maglev train silently blur past – no diesel rumble, no wheel clatter, just pure glide.

    L0 Series Maglev train Japan world speed record 603 km/h

 

2. CRRC Qingdao Sifang CR400AF/BF “Fuxing Hao” (China)

  • Top Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph) in service, tested at 420 km/h (260 mph).

  • Technology: Advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials for high-speed stability.

  • History: Introduced in 2017 as part of China’s massive high-speed rail expansion, connecting cities at unprecedented speeds.

  • Enthusiast Note: China’s network is the largest high-speed rail system in the world, and the Fuxing trains are the backbone of this modern rail empire.

CRRC Fuxing Hao fastest high-speed train China 350 km/h

3. Shinkansen E5 Series (Japan)

  • Top Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph) in service.

  • Technology: Long aerodynamic nose to reduce tunnel boom; active suspension for passenger comfort.

  • History: Debuted in 2011, the E5 serves the Tohoku Shinkansen line and is known for its punctuality and quiet operation.

  • Enthusiast Note: For railfans, Japan’s Shinkansen is more than transport – it’s a cultural icon of precision and efficiency.

E5 Shinkansen bullet train top speed 320 km/h

4. TGV POS (France) – The Speed Record Steamroller

  • Top Speed: 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph) – World record for wheeled trains.

  • Technology: Powered by high-capacity traction motors and optimized pantograph for overhead power collection.

  • History: Achieved its record in April 2007 during a specially prepared run on the LGV Est line.

  • Enthusiast Note: Seeing a TGV hurtle across the French countryside is like watching a steel arrow in flight.

TGV POS French train world record 574.8 km/h

5. Siemens Velaro E/AVS 103 (Spain)

  • Top Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph) in service, tested at 404 km/h (251 mph).

  • Technology: Distributed traction system for better acceleration and braking.

  • History: Serves Spain’s AVE high-speed network, connecting Madrid to Barcelona in just 2.5 hours.

  • Enthusiast Note: Spain’s high-speed expansion brought world-class rail travel to a country known for long distances between major cities.

Siemens Velaro E high-speed AVE train Spain

6. Shanghai Maglev (China)

  • Top Speed: 431 km/h (267 mph) in service.

  • Technology: German-developed maglev tech, using electromagnetic suspension.

  • History: Opened in 2004, linking Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city in under 8 minutes.

  • Enthusiast Note: Riding the Shanghai Maglev is like stepping into the future — acceleration feels like a jet taking off.

Shanghai Maglev train top speed 431 km/h

7. Frecciarossa 1000 (Italy)

  • Top Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph) in service, tested at 400 km/h (249 mph).

  • Technology: Eco-friendly design with 85% recyclable materials and low energy consumption.

  • History: Entered service in 2015, connecting major Italian cities with speed and style.

  • Enthusiast Note: Sleek Italian design meets high-speed performance — a trainspotter’s dream.

Frecciarossa 1000 Italian high-speed train 300 km/h

8. Euroduplex (France)

  • Top Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph) in service.

  • Technology: Double-decker configuration to maximize passenger capacity without losing speed.

  • History: Introduced in 2011 for routes like Paris–Barcelona, crossing international borders in record time.

  • Enthusiast Note: Sitting on the upper deck gives you panoramic views at nearly 200 mph.

TGV Euroduplex double-decker high-speed train

The Engineering Behind the Speed

High-speed rail success depends on:

  • Aerodynamics: Streamlined shapes to cut drag.

  • Lightweight materials: Aluminum alloys and composites reduce mass.

  • Track design: Dedicated lines with gentle curves and gradients.

  • Propulsion systems: From traditional electric motors to cutting-edge maglev technology.

FAQ

Q: What is the fastest train in the world in 2025?
A: The L0 Series Maglev in Japan holds the record at 603 km/h (374 mph) during testing.

Q: Which train holds the fastest steam locomotive record?
A: The Mallard from the UK set the record in 1938 at 203 km/h (126 mph).

Q: Are maglev trains faster than bullet trains?
A: Yes — maglev technology reduces friction, allowing for speeds over 600 km/h, compared to around 350 km/h for most bullet trains.

From Steam to Maglev: A Legacy of Speed

From the Mallard’s 203 km/h (126 mph) steam record in 1938 to today’s 600+ km/h maglevs, train speed records tell the story of engineering ambition. Each generation learns from the last, pushing limits without sacrificing safety.

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