Top 10 Fastest Trains in The World 2020.

In 2021, there are negligible trains are running due to pandemic.  What is the maximum speed for trains? In 2015, the Japanese maglev train L0 Series achieved an absolute railway speed record of 375 mph (602 km/h). In reality, there are about 10 super-fast trains with a speed greater than 200 mph. In this comparative review, we have collected such fastest trains in the world. You will find out what are the fastest trains in the world, what are their maximum speeds, in which countries they operate, who their manufacturer is and a lot of other interesting information.

In the post-war years when the baby boomers were kids, the word “train” used to evoke different images. These were images of colossal lumbering beasts such as the Flying Scotsman and Union Pacific Big Boy with six feet tall cast iron wheels and huge pistons heaving to and fro. From 1964 that all changed. The first “bullet train”, formally known as Shinkansen, ran in 1964 between Tokyo and Osaka. Ever since, the world has viewed railways differently.

Talgo 350, 217 mph, Spain –

Talgo 350, 217 mph, Spain

Patentes Talgo, a Spanish company, developed Talgo 350 (T350). This very high-speed train entered the service with the name RENFE AVE Class 102. Besides, it started its journey on the Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valladolid lines in Spain. The train is also known as Pato as its nose resembles the beak of a duck.

Spain commenced the trial runs of the entirely constructed prototype in 2002. Additionally, the designers designed the T350 train to be optimally aerodynamic to handle air pressure and air currents at high speeds. Its main feature is the high redundancy level in traction between rail and auxiliary systems. Moreover, it has a lightweight, airtight, and pressurized car body to comfortably pass through tunnels and crossings.

AGV Italo, 224 mph, Italy –

AGV Italo, 224 mph, Italy

The first train in the AGV Series, Italo AGV, entered into service in April 2012. Officials considered it to be the most modern train in Europe. Besides, this train operates with the highest speed of 186 mph on Italy’s different high-speed lines. However, the AGV can run up to 224 mph. AGV trains consist of a fewer number of bogies per train that reduce the maintenance costs.

We can find more space inside of this high-speed train because it uses permanent-magnet synchronous motors. Additionally, the passengers of AVG Italo trains can travel between Rome and Naples in just an hour. Moreover, the trail follows the European TSI interoperability standard, which offers safety, reliability and environmental protection, availability, health, and technical compatibility.

Siemens Velaro, 250 mph, Spain –

Siemens Velaro, 250 mph, Spain

The german-based company, siemens, developed thE world’s fastest high-speed conventional train. Additionally, the Krefeld-Uerdingen factory in Germany manufactured it. These trains’ five variants include Velaro E, Velaro RUS, Velaro e320, Velaro D, Velaro CRH3 and Velaro E are operational in China and Spain, respectively.

Moreover, the efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort and convenience is a major advantage. Velaro RUS, Velaro D, and Eurostar will become operational in Russia, Germany, and the UK and the future. We can find these trains are fully operable in snow and ice. Besides, the driver’s clear visibility in various snow conditions is one of the main features.

Frecciarosa 1000, 250 mph, Italy –

Frecciarosa 1000, 250 mph, Italy

Italy designed it with a top speed of 250 mph and a high commercial speed of 220 mph. But it is currently certified for 190 mph, is also known as ETR 400. Bombardier built the ‘Red Arrow’ train in partnership with AnsaldoBreda. Additionally, this advanced model train provides long-distance passenger service on high-speed lines. It features mainly interoperability, safety, and comfort.

The newest high-speed train started its first journey from Milan to Rome on April 25, 2015. It is also a silent train that creates less noise. Moreover, the Frecciarossa 1000 is the world’s first high-speed train to have obtained the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), as it can limit CO2. It also uses the ERTMS for controlling the train that eliminates human error.

Fuxing Hao CR 400AF/BF, 260 mph, China –

Fuxing Hao CR 400AF/BF, 260 mph, China

The CR400AF train mainly features a streamlined body for low drag and high speed. We can find both sides of its car body as silver-gray background with red lines. So these decorations make this train looking more elegant and powerful. The CR400BF train provides a protruding vitreous head with gentle sides. Additionally, we can find the gold ribbons outlining its pure white background body.

In 2007, China officially introduced the Fuxing Hao CR 400AF/BF high-speed train into service on the Beijing Shanghai high-speed railway line. Besides, the train needs only 4 hours to run from Beijing south to Shanghai Hongqiao. People said The CR 400 AF as ‘Dolphin Blue’ and CR 400 BF as ‘golden phoenix.’

HEMU-430X, 267 mph, South Korea –

HEMU-430X, 267 mph, South Korea

HEMU-430X is standing for the High-Speed Electric Multiple Unit 430 km/h experimental. It is an experimental South Korean high-speed train designed for speeds up to 267 mph. But, it achieved 261.846 mph in a test run on March 31, 2013. Moreover, this high speed makes South Korea the world’s fourth country after France, Japan, and China to develop the fastest train running above 260.976 mph.

The newest feature of this train compared to older high-speed trains is mainly distributed traction. The trains’ commercial versions include the EMU-260 and EMU-320. South Korea will deliver these versions to Korail in 2020-2021. Additionally, they unveiled HEMU-430X on May 17, 2012. They also expect it to undergo around 100,000 km of testing up to 2015.

Shanghai Maglev, 268 mph, China –

Shanghai Maglev, 268 mph, China

It is a magnetic levitation train that helps people travel from Pudong International Airport right to the city’s heart. Besides, this train’s breakneck speed will impress us and have an exciting first experience in the city. In 2003, Guinness Records enrolled it to be the world’s fastest train in commercial use. Its energy consumption is only half that of buses and a quarter that of airplanes.

The trains don’t touch the railway line, which makes the sound quieter than other trains. This third oldest maglev line came after the British Birmingham Maglev line and German M-Bahn line. Additionally, this train doesn’t touch the railway line. Therefore, the sound makes it quieter than other trains. Like an airplane, it has very modern, clean, and comfortable inside.

Harmony CRH 380A, 302.0 mph, China –

Harmony CRH 380A, 302.0 mph, China

China designed the CRH380A to operate at a cruise speed of 217 mph and a maximum speed of 236 mph in commercial service. Its regular service takes place on the route between Shanghai and Nanjing. Additionally, this design reduces aerodynamic pressure.  Its vibration-free bodies make a more comfortable passenger experience. It has low-weight aluminum alloy bodies with fish-head fronts.
The CRH 380A trains can carry around 494 passengers at a time. We can find a VIP sightseeing spot near the driver’s cabin that allows travelers to view the running train. Moreover, China also incorporates these trains with advanced noise control technology like new sound-absorbing and insulating materials in its construction.

TGV POS, 357.2 mph, France –

TGV POS, 357.2 mph, France

Alstom built this TGV train for the French national rail company (SNCF) on France’s high-speed rail lines. Besides, the TGV POS links France with southern Germany and Switzerland. In Switzerland, it runs from Basel to Zurich and Vallorbe to the Lausanne line that coming from Paris. Additionally, the POS 4402 train set a new world speed record on April 3, 2007.

Its asynchronous motors help the individual motor’s isolation in a powered bogie in case of failure. Additionally, SNCF numbered it in the 4400 series. These are just faster and more efficient TGVs. Like TGV Duplex, the outside bodywork on the power-cars. Besides, France started the train’s service in 2006. Moreover, France commissioned the first TGV train on Paris to Geneva itinerary in 1981.

L0 Series Maglev, 375 mph, Japan –

L0 Series Maglev, 375 mph, Japan

We can easily distinguish it by its too long nose that is 49 ft in length. This feature helps the L0 Series Maglev to reduce drag, increase speed, and decrease energy consumption. Additionally, L0 Series Maglev holds the land speed record at 375 mph that it achieved on April 21, 2015.

Besides, this train broke a speed record of 361 mph that another Japanese maglev, the MLX01, set in December 2003. This one of the fastest trains will begin its commercial operation in Tokyo and Osaka. This train will also require only 40 minutes to run from Tokyo to Nagoya, covering 178 miles. Moreover, we expected the first section to Nagoya to be ready by 2027.