World’s 10 Fastest Trains – You’ll Want to Ride Them All

When we talk about speed, airplanes usually come to mind. But modern bullet trains in countries like China, Japan, and France are now competing head-to-head with aircraft when it comes to ground transport.

While India’s fastest train, Vande Bharat Express, runs at a top speed of 180 km/h, countries like China have trains running at over 460 km/h. Let’s take a look at the top 10 fastest trains in the world — these trains are not only fast, they are futuristic!

1. CRH380A Hexie (China) – Fastest in the World

Top Speed: 486 km/h (302 mph)
Country: China
This high-speed train runs between major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Built for speed and comfort, it holds the record for the highest commercial train speed.

2. Shanghai Maglev (China) – Magnetic Marvel

Top Speed: 460 km/h (286 mph)
Country: China
This train runs on magnetic levitation technology. It connects Shanghai Pudong Airport to the city, covering 30 km in just 7 minutes!

3. L0 Series Maglev (Japan) – Test Track Beast

Top Speed: 603 km/h (on test)
Country: Japan
While not in full commercial use yet, Japan’s L0 Maglev holds the world record for train speed. It’s expected to enter service by 2027.

4. Siemens Velaro E/AVs 103 (Spain) – European Speedster

Top Speed: 404 km/h (251 mph)
Country: Spain
Running on Spain’s AVE line, this train is known for its top performance and cutting-edge German engineering.

5. Frecciarossa 1000 (Italy) – Italian Bullet Train

Top Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
Country: Italy
“Frecciarossa” means Red Arrow. This train connects cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples at lightning speed.

6. DB Intercity Express 3 (Germany) – German Precision

Top Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
Country: Germany
Also called ICE 3, this train is famous for speed and luxury. It’s widely used across Germany and neighboring countries.

7. TGV (France) – Icon of High-Speed Travel

Top Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Country: France
TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse. It holds the world record for fastest train on wheels – 574.8 km/h in a test run!

8. Hemu-430X (South Korea) – Korean Power

Top Speed: 421 km/h (261 mph)
Country: South Korea
Though not in full commercial service at this speed, this next-gen train showcases South Korea’s tech in high-speed rail.

9. Shinkansen E5 (Japan) – Japan’s Speed King

Top Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Country: Japan
Famous worldwide as the “Bullet Train”, Japan’s Shinkansen is known for punctuality, speed, and safety

10. Vande Bharat Express (India) – India’s Fastest

Top Speed: 180 km/h (111 mph)
Country: India
Proudly made in India, Vande Bharat connects key cities at the fastest pace in the country. Though slower than global counterparts, it’s a major step forward for Indian railways.

Final Thoughts

While India is still waiting for its first real bullet train, many countries have already transformed their rail systems. From maglev technology to aerodynamic designs, the world’s fastest trains are the future of ground transport.

Would you like to travel in a train that goes faster than a sports car? These high-speed trains are not just efficient—they’re thrilling

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Train speeds are based on official records and may vary in real-time operation.