It's Just Trains

 

Ever since the invention of the steam locomotive in 1802, trains have been a driving societal force.

Invented in Britain at the height of the Industrial Revolution, steam trains gave the empire an unparalleled advantage in transporting goods and people. Soon it spread around the world as other nations scrambled to build their own railway networks to facilitate growth and commerce.

But just as nations rushed to build more railways, they also tried to build faster trains. Japan’s Tōkaidō Shinkansen or “bullet train” in 1964 was the first high-speed rail system, achieving a speed above 124 mph or 200 km/h.

How do other countries and trains compare?

Let’s dive into the fastest trains in the world using data from Travel and Leisure magazine.
Who Has The Fastest Trains in the World?

Japan started the high-speed train revolution in earnest, and it’s still at the top of the charts.

Though it’s fastest regular operating bullet trains (the N700A Shinkansen) can reach a top speed of 186 mph or 300 km/h, the country’s new development in magnetic levitation (maglev) is breaking speed records.

In fact, the top two fastest trains in the world are maglev, using two sets of magnets to elevate the train and propel it forward without friction to slow it down.

World's Fastest Trains                             Country                Speed Record

L0 Series Maglev                                        Japan                    374 mph (602 km/h)
CRRC Qingdao Sifang 2021 Maglev*        China                    373 mph (600 km/h)
TGV POS                                                    France                  357 mph (575 km/h)
CRH380A Hexie                                         China                    302 mph (486 km/h)
Shanghai Maglev                                        China                    268 mph (431 km/h)
HEMU-430X                                              South Korea         262 mph (422 km/h)
Fuxing Hao CR400AF                                China                    260 mph (418 km/h)
Frecciarossa 1000                                       Italy                      245 mph (394 km/h)


*No official name or designation has been given yet, so currently listed under the manufacturer’s name, CRRC Qingdao Sifang.

Japan’s L0 Series Maglev is still in production, but with a land speed record of 374 mph or 602 km/h it is the fastest train in the world.  TO READ MORE, CLICK HERE...