No, the Japanese Bullet Train Isn’t the Fastest In the World

Japan introduced the first high-speed train to the world in 1964. It made land travel much faster than anyone could’ve imagined when the first passenger train debuted in 1825.  

Since then, many countries have invested in high-speed trains. These marvels of ground transportation leave all others in the dust, and the competition for the top spot is fast and furious.

These are the 20 fastest high-speed trains in the world.

20. Talgo 250

Country: Uzbekistan

Began operating: 2011

Maximum speed: 142.9 mph (230 km/h)

*Rank and speed are based on the Fastest Trains in the World visualization by FleetLogging.

Bottom Line: Talgo 250

Many people don't know that this Central Asian country has an effective high-speed train operated by Uzbekistan Railways. 

The train connects various parts of Uzbekistan together and also provides transportation between the country and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. 

The current fleet is set to be expanded to handle the enormous demand for fast land travel within the country.

19. Amtrak Acela Express

Country: United States

Began operating: 2000

Maximum speed: 150 mph (241 km/h)

Bottom Line: Amtrak Acela Express

You might be surprised that the U.S. made the cut, since America is better known for its car culture than trains. 

Yes, it's true that most trains in the U.S. are not that efficient, but the Amtrak Acela is the exception. The service runs between Boston and Washington, D.C., stopping in 16 other cities like New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

15. TCDD HT80000 (Tie)

Country: Turkey

Began operating: 2015

Maximum speed: 155.3 mph (250 km/h)

Bottom Line: TCDD HT80000

Add a ride on the Turkish State Railways (abbreviated as TCDD) to your bucket list. The TCDD HT80000 train runs between Ankara and Istanbul, and the scenic route is a favorite with travelers for its efficiency and comfort. 

There are other train routes that use the high-speed HT80000 train, but the one from Turkey’s capital to its most famous city is a traveler favorite. 

15. Pendolino Astoro (Tie)

Country: Switzerland

Began operating: 2013

Maximum speed: 155.3 mph (250 km/h)

Bottom Line: Pendolino Astoro

There's a reason this name sounds Italian, and it’s not because the trains come from the Italian part of Switzerland. It's because they actually are from Italy. 

Pendolino means "small pendulum" and was used as the name because the model is able to tilt when doing a curve. This design makes it possible for the trains to go faster in curves without being uncomfortable or dangerous for passengers. Astoro comes from the Italian word for "hawk," astore.

The Astoro trains are made specifically for Switzerland and have been upgraded to be comfortable for the modern traveler, with Wi-Fi, bicycle racks, a family zone and more.

15. Peregrine Falcon (Tie)

Country: Russia

Began operating: 2009

Maximum speed: 155.3 mph (250 km/h)

Bottom Line: Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon — or sapsan in Russian —  is another train named after a fast bird. This train has been operating between Russia’s largest cities since 2009. Now there also is a route between Saint Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod.

If you have romanticized ideas of traveling Russia by train to feel like Levin in "Anna Karenina" or another character of Russian literature, this is your chance. You’ll get to your destination much faster than the characters did, but the scenery will still be wonderful.

15. Vibrant Express (Tie)

Country: Hong Kong

Began operating: 2018

Maximum speed: 155.3 mph (250 km/h)

Bottom Line: Vibrant Express

The Vibrant Express links Hong Kong to mainland China and has connections in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. From there, travelers can catch another high-speed train to get to other parts of China, like Beijing. 

The trains use noise absorption material and technology to control the noise pollution inside the trains. If you love train travel but value quiet, you’ll be relieved to hear this is possible. 

8. THSR 700T (Tie)

Country: Taiwan

Began operating: 2007

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: THSR 700T

Taiwan isn't the biggest country, but it recognizes the importance of creating fast land connections within its borders. 

There is a line that runs along the country’s west coast, linking Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south of the island.  

The trains are derived from the Japanese Shinkansen, or bullet trains. It was the first time Japan’s famous trains were exported to another country.

8. AVE Class 100, 102, 103,112 (Tie)

Country: Spain

Began operating: 1992

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: AVE Class 100, 102, 103,112

AVE is short for Alta Velocidad Española, which means "Spanish High Speed." But it is also the Spanish word for "bird," which seems to be appropriate for high-speed trains. 

The AVE trains are operated by Renfe, Spain's national railway company, which has the longest high-speed system in Europe and the second-longest in the world.

AVE trains make it possible for residents and tourists to travel the beautiful country with ease at reasonable prices.

8. B Talgo 350 SRO (Tie)

Country: Saudi Arabia

Began operating: 2018

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: B Talgo 350 SRO

The Haramain high-speed railway line uses this type of train to connect the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It stops at Abdullah Economic City, one of the newest cities in the world.

It also connects to King Abdulaziz International Airport, making it very convenient for travelers and pilgrims wishing to visit the holy cities. 

8. Thalys TGV, ICE 3 Eurostar e32C (Tie)

Country: Netherlands

Began operating: 2000

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: Thalys TGV, ICE 3 Eurostar e32C

The HSL-Zuid is the high-speed railway in the Netherlands, and it uses different trains on different lines. The Thalys TGV and the ICE 3 Eurostar e32C reach speeds of 186.4 miles per hour. 

The railway connects cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and the Hague. The Dutch government has used the railway to promote cities outside of the capital by giving away free train rides to tourists.

There are also high-speed trains from Amsterdam to Paris and Brussels.

8. Frecciarossa 1000, AGV 575 (Tie)

Country: Italy

Began operating: 1989

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: Frecciarossa 1000, AGV 575

Trenitalia, the national railway system of Italy, ran on its own for years, and now it is joined by a private company NTV. 

The Frecciarossa 1000 is operated by Trenitalia while the AGV 575 is operated by NTV. Both services are high-speed trains that reach 186.4 miles per hour and make it possible to do some of Europe’s most astonishing train journeys.

You can see most major Italian cities, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples, by train.

8. MO ICE 3 (Tie)

Country: Germany

Began operating: 2000

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: MO ICE 3

This train is used by the Intercity Express (ICE) and serves Germany’s high-speed train system. Other trains also are used, but the MO ICE 3 is arguably the best, particularly given its speed.

Besides traveling through different German states, some lines also connect to Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark and France.

So if you’re traveling on a high-speed train from Germany to any of these countries, enjoy a ride on this train.

8. Thalys TGV, Eurostar e320 (Tie)

Country: Belgium

Began operating: 1997

Maximum speed: 186.4 mph (300 km/h) 

Bottom Line: Thalys TGV, Eurostar e320

Like the Netherlands, Belgium uses Thalys TGV as part of its high-speed rail system. It also uses Eurostar, though it's a different model. This has been done by design, to make it easier for trains to travel across borders without a problem. 

The system makes it possible for travelers to enjoy a Euro train trip by linking Belgium to France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The Eurostar e320 famously connects to London. 

7. KTX I/KTX-Sancheon

Country: South Korea

Began operating: 2004

Maximum speed: 189.5 mph (305 km/h)

Bottom Line: KTX I/KTX-Sancheon

The first line inaugurated by Korea’s KTX system has been immortalized in the movie "Train to Busan," one of the country’s most internationally recognized horror/action films.

To give you an idea of what difference this route made, consider that a normal train makes the journey from Seoul to Busan in six hours. The KTX takes just two hours. That’s three times faster.

New lines have been added since the inauguration, so you can now enjoy the incredibly precise and always on time South Korean system while you travel throughout the country.

3. Eurostar e320 (Tie)

Country: United Kingdom

Began operating: 2015

Maximum speed: 198.8 mph (320 km/h)

Bottom Line: Eurostar e320

The Eurostar e320 connects the United Kingdom to mainland Europe and is the new model of British high-speed trains. Named after its maximum speed in kilometers per hour, the e320 beats the previous model by 20 kilometers per hour. 

That makes a difference and actually shortens Eurostar journeys by an average of 15 minutes. It may not seem like a lot if you’re a tourist passing through, but if you constantly travel one of the routes this train serves — as many Europeans do — the time savings add up.

3. Al Boraq (Tie)

Country: Morocco

Began operating: 2018

Maximum speed: 198.8 mph (320 km/h)

Bottom Line: Al Boraq

The Al Boraq was the first high-speed train in Africa. This Moroccan system was unveiled in 2018. The railway connects Casablanca to Tangier, going all the way to the northern coast of the country. 

Train travel was already a popular way for residents and tourists to get around, so the train adds a faster, more convenient way to travel. 

Al Boraq is named after a mythical creature that transported Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem.

3. E5, E6, H5 Series Shinkansen (Tie)

Country: Japan

Began operating: 2011

Maximum speed: 198.8 mph (320 km/h)

Bottom Line: E5, E6, H5 Series Shinkansen

The first high-speed train in the world was the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkasen. They are no longer the fastest in the world, but they're still incredibly fast.  

The trains have come a long way from their start in 1964, with new models getting up to 198.8 miles per hour. They also continue Japan’s 56-year streak of avoiding a single major high-speed train accident.

3. TGV (Tie)

Country: France

Began operating: 1981

Maximum speed: 198.8 mph (320 km/h)

Bottom Line: TGV

France’s high-speed trains were first introduced in 1981 with a route from Paris to Lyon. 

The network has expanded to connect all major cities, including Marseilles, Bordeaux and Montpellier.

This is also one of the absolute most pleasant ways to explore the beautiful country.

2. Blue Dolphin/Golden Phoenix

Country: China

Began operating: 2016

Maximum speed: 217.5 mph (350 km/h)

Bottom Line: Blue Dolphin/Golden Phoenix

These two trains are more technically known as the C400 and the CR400BF, and they are the fastest in China’s high-speed railway system, which is the longest in the world. 

Although the trains rank second overall in speed, they are first in speed if you count trains in regular service.

1. Shanghai Transrapid

Country: China

Began operating: 2002

Maximum speed: 267.8 mph (431 km/h)

Bottom Line: Shanghai Transrapid

Don't be surprised if you’ve never heard of the world’s fastest train. This line is fairly limited, only running 19 miles between Longyang Road and Pudong International Airport.

But don’t let its limited availability fool you. This unique train is a magnetic levitation train or maglev. This means that it hovers over the train tracks using electromagnetic suspension. The method allows for minimizing friction, thus making it possible to travel at higher speeds. 

The Shanghai Transrapid is also a sort of experiment, with the Chinese government hoping to expand the system to its larger rail lines in the future.

Visualizing the Fastest Trains in the World

The Fastest Trains of the Future

The Shanghai Transrapid is the fastest train in the world today, but it may not be able to hold on to its crown for long. 

Fleetlogging also calculated the fastest future trains and transportation based on their projected speeds. Let's just say six out of nine would leave the Shanghai Transrapid in the dust.

9. Hydroflex

Country: United Kingdom

Will begin operating: 2023

Maximum speed: 140 mph (87 km/h)

Bottom Line: Hydroflex

The Hydroflex will not be the fastest train in the world, but it will be one of the most environmentally friendly. 

As a hydrogen-powered train, it is being developed specifically for the purpose of lowering the United Kingdom's carbon emissions. The country has pledged to reduce emissions by 60 to 80 percent by 2050. The Hydroflex is expected to play a large role in helping the country achieve this.

The project isn't building new trains (which is more resource-intensive). Instead, it is retrofitting existing Class 319 trains.

8. Skytran

Country: United States

Will begin operating: Unknown

Maximum speed: 150 mph (241 km/h)

Bottom Line: SkyTran

The SkyTran seeks to disrupt and revolutionize the public tranportation system. The proposal is for zero-emission vehicles that are individual and autonomous.

Built over streets, the vehicles would not need to stop at different stations or have riders get off and make connections. Instead, you'd get into your own self-driving pod and go straight to the station where you want to get off. 

To avoid congestion, vehicles that plan to stop go under to a separate tube while the rest of the vehicles continue happily on their way. SkyTran claims their system will be 1/100 the cost of building a subway.

The company has partnered with NASA and is currently building prototypes in California and Texas. What is supposed to happen when a hundred people want to get out at the same stop is yet to be addressed.

7. High Speed 2

Country: United Kingdom

Will begin operating: 2026

Maximum speed: 224 mph (360 km/h)

Bottom Line: High Speed 2

The High Speed (HS) 2 takes after the successful HS1 train that connects London to the Channel Tube. This one will connect London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, making it faster and easier to travel around England. 

However, the train has not been without controversy. Many cite its high costs and environmental impact as unnecessary, given that the country already has an extensive train line.

With several years left for the completion of phase one, the project's success is not guaranteed.

6. Swissmetro

Country: Switzerland

Will begin operating: 2029-2031

Maximum speed: 310 mph (500 km/h)

Bottom Line: Swissmetro

Right now, you can get from one side of Switzerland to the other in about 30 minutes by train. This seems pretty good, but the Swiss are always looking for ways to be more efficient so they want to reduce that time to 12 minutes between major cities.

This is the promise of Swissmetro, a project that will soon begin to construct what it claims will be a fast and sustainable system. The new trains will pass through tunnels from which all air has been suctioned out, thus making it possible for them to travel faster.

With reduced commute time, the hope is that people will choose to hop on a train rather than drive, decongesting highways and thus lowering emissions. If the project succeeds, it will do all this without ruining the beautiful landscapes that the country is known for.

5. L0 Series — Chuo Shinkansen

Country: Japan

Will begin operating: 2027

Maximum speed: 375 mph (603 km/h)

Bottom Line: L0 Series — Chuo Shinkansen

Continuing its tradition of bullet trains, or shinkansen, Japan is working on beating its own records. 

The new generation of bullet trains will take passengers from Tokyo in 40 minutes, a whole hour faster than current trains. It will also connect Tokyo and Osaka in about one hour and 10 minutes, as opposed to the current two hours and 30 minutes. 

The trains will be automated but will be connected to remote operation systems in case issues arise.

4. CRRC Prototype

Country: China

Will begin operating: Unknown

Maximum speed: 372 mph (600 km/h)

Bottom Line: CRRC Prototype

Looking to shorten travel lines within its expansive borders, China is investing heavily in the construction of high-speed maglev trains. 

The CRRC prototype has done well in tests and is now rolling out for production. Once finished, the train is expected to shorten train travel time between Beijing and Shanghai by a whole two hours.

3. ET3

Country: United States

Will begin operating: Unknown

Maximum speed: 400 mph (650 km/h)

Bottom Line: ET3

Another company that is betting big on maglev technology is ET3. The American company dreams of a network of tubes that can carry frictionless and noiseless maglev trains around the world. 

They project the system to be cheaper and much faster, claiming it can take you from New York to Beijing in only two hours. Or from Denver to the Taj Mahal in three hours for only $50. 

Whether this is realistic or a mere pipe dream, only time will tell.

2. Transpod

Country: Canada

Will begin operating: Unknown

Maximum speed: 621 mph (1000 km/h)

Bottom Line: TransPod

Canada is also guessing that the future is in tubes and maglevs. In conjunction with France, it is building a system that would be carbon-free and that would have tubes traveling on a hyperloop.

The company claims that it's vision is "^{a world in which people, cities, and businesses are connected with affordable and sustainable ultra-high-speed transportation." It has already signed multiple agreements with the Canadian and French governments for testing sites.}

^{If everything goes according to plan, the first routes will open in Canada and then expand to other countries.}

1. Virgin Hyperloop One

Country: United States

Will begin operating: 2030

Maximum speed: 760 mph (1,223.1 km/h)

Bottom Line: Virgin Hyperloop One

Perhaps the most famous train of the future, the Virgin Hyperloop One is a constant darling of the news cycle. The system had its first passenger test run in 2020, and the results were promising.

Projected routes include Miami to Orlando, Mexico City to Guadalajara and Dallas to Houston. The idea is to provide the speeds of air travel without the high costs and environmental damage of planes. The company doesn't say this, but we are all looking forward to minimizing our interactions with TSA.

To visualize how fast the Hyperloop is projected to be, you have to compare it to the current fastest train in the world, the Shanghai Transrapid. Hyperloop One will travel at 760 miles per hour. The Shanghai Transrapid goes at 267 miles per hour.

That's almost 500 miles per hour — or almost three times — faster than any existing train.